Comparison of transtibial and anteromedial portal techniques used in anterior cruciate ligament repair using autogenous hamstring tendon graft

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transtibial (TT) and anteromedial portal (AMP) techniques used in anterior cruciate ligament repair on knee joint function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Material and Methods: Sixty patients who were surgically treated in our clinic for anterior cruciate ligament tear were included in the study. Thirty patients underwent TT technique and 30 patients underwent AMP. Functional evaluations were performed according to Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scoring preop and postop. The angle between the femoral tunnel and the distal joint face was measured in postoperative Anteroposterior and Lateral knee graphs and its effect on the knee joint functional outcome was examined. Results: Eighty percent of the patients included in the study were male (n=47) and 20% were female (n=13). The gender distribution according to the groups was homogeneous (p=0.476). The mean age of the subjects was 32.75±8.81 (16-53) years. The postoperative Lysholm score was significantly higher in the AMP group than in the TT group (p<0.001). The postoperative Tegner score was significantly higher in the AMP group than in the TT group (p<0.001). Mean femoral tunnel obliquity was 59.3° in the TT group and 41.4° in the AMP group. Conclusion: It is thought that oblique femoral tunnel placement is more beneficial for the rotational stability of anterior cruciate ligament. In our study, we think that AMP technique is more beneficial than femoral obliquity in terms of functional outcome.