Outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using femoral intrafix for a single tunnel double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Single-tunnel double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with anatomical placement of hamstring tendon graft can closely restore the anterior knee instability when compared with single bundle reconstruction. Aim: Evaluation of the clinical and functional outcomes of ACLR using femoral intra-fix and tibial interference screw. Methods: This is a prospective study held on 40 patients who underwent autologous hamstring graft ACLR using femoral intra-fix and tibial interference screw. After a median follow up of one year the clinical (Lysholm score), functional outcome (International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC) and Joint laxity (assessed with KT-1000 arthrometer-MEDmetric, San Diego, CA) were evaluated. Results: As regard IKDC 36 patients (90%) had normal or nearly normal knees postoperatively in comparison to 100% had abnormal and severely abnormal knees pre-operatively (P value < 0.001). The mean Lysholm score was higher in the postoperative follow up than preoperative (91.40±7.3 Vs 53.35± 13.55) with statistically significant (P value < 0.001). The mean anterior translation of tibia improved from 7.55 mm preoperatively to 2.1 mm after one year of ACLR. Conclusion: ACLR using femoral intra-fix and tibial interference screw provide secure graft fixation and allow early rehabilitation. The clinical and functional outcome of this fixation technique is rewarding.