Clinical outcomes of anatomic, all-inside, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction

Abstract

Background: This paper reports the outcomes of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using a TransLateral single bundle, all-inside hamstring technique at a minimum of two year follow-up.

Methods: The semitendinosus alone is harvested, quadrupled and attached in series to two adjustable suspensory fixation devices. Femoral and tibial sockets are produced using a retrograde drill. The graft is deployed, fixed and tensioned on both tibia and femur. Patients were evaluated preoperatively using the KOOS, Lysholm and Tegner scores and at six, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Objective assessment of knee laxity was performed using the KT-1000 along with goniometric measurement of range or motion.

Results: One hundred and eight patients, mean age 30.9 years (range 15 to 61) were included. Mean follow-up 49.8 months (range 30–66). The mean increase in KOOS at two years was 30.3 points; Lysholm, 33.1 points; Tegner Activity scale, 2.0 levels. These were all statistically significant (p < 0.001). Range of motion in the reconstructed knee approximated the uninjured knee by 12 months and was restored by two years. KT-1000 showed significant reduction in side-side difference to no more than 2.4 mm at all postoperative time points (p < 0.001). Re-rupture rate in this series was 6.5%, all following episodes of significant additional postoperative trauma to the knee.

Conclusions: TransLateral all-inside ACL reconstruction demonstrates good medium term subjective and objective outcomes with a low complication and failure rate.