Survival and Clinical Outcomes at 30 to 35 Years Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Cementless Femoral Stem Fully Coated With Hydroxyapatite.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to update and report clinical outcomes and survival of primary total hip arthroplasty using a cementless double-tapered titanium fully hydroxyapatite-coated stem at a follow-up > 30 years. METHODS: The outcomes of this series of 347 primary total hip arthroplasties were already published at a follow-up > 25 years, during which only 12 stems were revised. Since then, there were two additional stem revisions, bringing the total to 14 stem revisions (all of which also required cup revision). Patients still living with the original stem were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score and patient satisfaction (very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, and very dissatisfied). Revision incidence was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and Cumulative Incidence Function (CIF) at 35 years. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 33 years (range, 31 to 35 years), 32 patients (34 hips) were still living with the original stem. Their mean modified Harris Hip Score was 86 points (range, 46 to 100) and all patients (100%) were very satisfied or satisfied with surgery. The revision incidence at 35 years considering (a) stem revision for any reason was 9.5% using KM and 4.5% using CIF; (b) stem revision for aseptic loosening was 3.1% using KM and 2.1% using CIF; and (c) reoperation or revision of any component for any reason was 45.3% using KM and 26.3% using CIF. CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated excellent survival at 35 years for a cementless double-tapered titanium fully hydroxyapatite-coated stem. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective cohort study.

Fast-track procedures after primary total knee arthroplasty reduce hospital stay by unselected patients: a prospective national multi-centre study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of fast-track procedures (FTPs) on length of hospital stay after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a prospective, national, multicentric analysis. The innovative point was that no patient selection was used. The hypothesis was that FTPs reduce hospital stay after primary TKA for non-traumatic conditions compared with the national database. METHODS: An observational prospective study was conducted in ten centres throughout France. A total of 839 patients included in FTPs were followed up for three months. The average LOS, direct return home rate, unscheduled re-admission rate, and re-intervention rate were compared with those in the national database (93,329 TKAs). Knee society and Oxford score were collected. RESULTS: The mean LOS was 4.4 ± 3.3 days, while the national base LOS was 6.4 ± 3.1 days (p < 0.001). A total of 560 patients (66.7%) were able to return home, compared with 47,617 (49.6%) in the national database (p < 0.001). Thirty-five patients (4.2%) were re-admitted within 90 days of the intervention, compared with 10,399 (10.8%) in the national database (p < 0.001). Seventeen patients (2.0%) were re-operated upon within 90 days after the TKA, compared with 529 (0.5%) in the national database (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The FTPs used by unselected patients allowed a significant decrease in the mean LOS and in the rate of re-admission and a significant increase of the rate of direct home return after primary TKA compared with the national database. The significant increase in the re-operation rate warrants further investigation. However, FTP should become the standard of care after this intervention.

Bleeding and thromboembolism risk of standard antithrombotic prophylaxis after hip or knee replacement within an enhanced recovery program.

INTRODUCTION: Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) generally consists of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols may reduce the VTE risk after these procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of VTE and the risk of bleeding complications in a non-selected population of primary THA and TKA cases done within an ERAS protocol. HYPOTHESIS: The risk of postoperative VTE after primary THA and TKA is lower than the risk of bleeding complications within an ERAS protocol. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted on a national scale in France. All patients who underwent primary unilateral THA or TKA at one of 11 participating hospitals between October 2016 and October 2017 were enrolled and followed for 3 months. The occurrence of a VTE or major bleeding event was recorded. No patients were lost to follow-up at 3 months. RESULTS: Of the 1110 THA cases, there were 5 VTE (0.4%) and 19 bleeding events (1.7%). Of the 893 TKA cases, there were 9 VTE (1.0%) and 14 bleeding events (1.7%). There was no significant difference in the VTE incidence and bleeding event incidence after THA and TKA. The overall incidence of bleeding complications (1.7%) was significantly greater than the overall incidence of VTE complications (0.7%) (p=0.005). This was the case after THA (p=0.004) but not after TKA. DISCUSSION: The primary finding of this study is that bleeding complications are significantly more common than VTE complications after THA or TKA within an ERAS protocol. Based on these findings, the cost-benefit ratio of antithrombotic prophylaxis by LMWH or DOACs in this context should be reassessed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Prospective cohort study without control group.

Absence of instabilities and intra-prosthetic dislocations at 7 to 11 years following THA using a fourth-generation cementless dual mobility acetabular cup.

PURPOSE: Dual-mobility (DM) cups are increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) but there lacks literature on their long-term results. We aimed to investigate outcomes of a fourth-generation cementless DM acetabular cup at 7-11 years. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 240 consecutive hips that received cementless THA using the same dual mobility cup (Novae Sunfit TH) and femoral stem (Corail). Patients were recalled at ≥7 years to collect Oxford hip scores (OHS), Harris hip scores (HHS), and inspect for radiolucent lines and granulomas. Multi-variable analyses were performed to determine whether HHS or OHS were associated with pre- or intra-operative variables. RESULTS: At 8.4 ± 0.8 years (range, 7-11), 6 hips were revised (2.5%), 54 deceased (22.5%), and 14 could not be reached (5.8%). Four revisions (2 cup+stem, 2 liners only) were due to sepsis (1.7%), one (cup and stem) for trauma (0.4%), and one (stem) due to aseptic loosening (0.4%). For the remaining 166 hips, HHS was 83.6 ± 13.2 and OHS was 20.3 ± 6.7. Multi-variable analysis confirmed that HHS (ß = - 0.38; p = 0.039) and OHS (ß = 0.36; p < 0.001) worsened with age, and that OHS was worse for Charnley C patients (ß = 3.17; p = 0.009). Neither granulomas nor radiolucenies were observed around any cups, but radiolucenies were seen around 25 stems (20.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This fourth-generation DM cup demonstrated satisfactory outcomes at 7-11 years, with no instabilities or cup revisions due to aseptic loosening. Better OHS was observed for younger patients and those presenting higher Charnley grade. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case study.

Midterm Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of a Contemporary Monoblock Dual-Mobility Cup in Uncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of contemporary monoblock dual-mobility (DM) cups to prevent dislocations in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is well reported, but there is little published data on their mid- to long-term outcomes. The authors aimed at reporting the 10-year survival of a contemporary DM cup as well as its clinical and radiographic outcomes. METHODS: From a retrospective consecutive multicentric series of 516 patients (541 hips) that received uncemented THA between June 2007 and June 2010, 6 patients (6 hips) had cup and stem revisions, 5 patients (5 hips) had isolated stem revision, and 2 patients (2 hips) had isolated insert revision. A total of 103 patients (111 hips) died with their original implants, and 41 patients (42 hips) were lost to follow-up. This left 358 patients (375 hips) for clinical assessment at a median follow-up of 8.7 years (range, 6.8-10.5 years), including 279 patients (290 hips) with postoperative radiographs. Implant survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariable analyses were performed to determine whether clinical outcomes are associated with patient or surgical factors. RESULTS: The 10-year survival considering revision for aseptic loosening as end point was 100% for the cup and 99.2% for the stem. No dislocations were observed, and radiographic assessment revealed 1 acetabular granuloma (0.3%), but no radiolucencies nor fractures. The Harris hip score improved from 49.6 ± 15.5 to 85.2 ± 14.5, and the postoperative Oxford hip score was 19.2 ± 7.6. Multivariable analyses revealed that improvement in Harris hip score increased with cup diameter (beta, 1.28; P = .039). CONCLUSION: Our data confirmed satisfactory midterm outcomes of uncemented THA using a contemporary DM cup, with no dislocations nor cup revisions due to aseptic loosening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Uncemented total hip arthroplasty in octogenarian and nonagenarian patients.

PURPOSE: While uncemented THA has proven benefits over cemented THA, the use of uncemented components in the elderly remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare functional outcomes and complication rates of uncemented THA in patients aged > 80 to patients aged < 80, and determine factors that independently influence functional outcomes. METHODS: The authors evaluated 411 consecutive uncemented THAs at a follow-up of 3.1 ± 0.9 years (range 1.8-5.2), using the Oxford hip score (OHS), EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) score, and noting any complications. The series was divided into two age groups: elderly group (> 80, n = 142) and control group (< 80, n = 269). Uni- and multi-variable regressions were performed to test associations between outcomes and patient age, BMI, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, canal bone ratio (CBR) and canal flare index (CFI). RESULTS: The elderly group had femora with higher CBR (p < 0.001) and lower CFI (p = 0.002). The clinical scores were significantly worse for the elderly group, with a higher OHS (p = 0.039) and a lower EQ-5D score (p = 0.009), but there were no significant differences in overall complications rates (p = 0.500). Periprosthetic fractures were observed in three elderly patients (2.1%), compared to none of the younger patients (p = 0.041). Multi-variable regressions revealed that OHS was not correlated with any of the variables, while EQ-5D score was significantly associated with BMI (p = 0.015), ASA score (p = 0.024) and CBR (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes of uncemented THA do not depend on patient age per se, but on more specific preoperative characteristics such as ASA score, BMI and bone quality/morphology.

Can Patients Practice Strenuous Sports After Uncemented Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Patients are often concerned about returning to sports after total hip arthroplasty (THA). PURPOSE: To (1) evaluate sports participation and motivation rates in a large cohort of patients who underwent uncemented THA with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings and (2) determine whether patients' participation was associated with their motivation for each sport, preoperative demographics, or patient-reported outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We surveyed 1310 patients (aged <75 years) who underwent uncemented ceramic-on-ceramic THA and collected levels of motivation and participation for 22 different sports as well as patient-reported outcome measure scores. A total of 1042 patients (1206 hips) returned questionnaires; the mean age at index surgery was 60.6 ± 8.8 years. RESULTS: At least 51% of patients participated regularly or frequently in at least 1 light sport, 73% in at least 1 moderate sport, and 20% in at least 1 strenuous sport. Sports participation was strongly correlated with motivation (r = 0.97, P < .001) but not with level of discomfort (r = 0.22, P = .292). Participation in strenuous sports was significantly associated with age, body mass index, and sex. There were significant differences among patients who practiced various categories of sports as determined using the Oxford Hip Score (P = .008), but not with regard to the Forgotten Joint Score (P = .054). CONCLUSION: Only 20% of patients practiced strenuous sports regularly or frequently after THA, regardless of pain or discomfort. Participation in sports after THA is strongly correlated with motivation but not with level of discomfort. Longer term studies with a greater focus on complications and survival are necessary to determine whether high-impact sports compromise patient safety or implant longevity.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes at 25-30 Years of a Hip Stem Fully Coated With Hydroxylapatite.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the survival of total hip arthroplasty implants with bioactive coatings beyond the first 20 years. The authors aimed to report survival of a tapered hip stem fully coated with hydroxylapatite (HA) at follow-up of 25-30 years. METHODS: Of the original series of 320 patients (347 hips), 12 patients (12 hips) had stem and cup revisions, 54 patients (55 hips) had cup revisions, 17 patients (17 hips) had liner exchange. A total of 207 patients (225 hips) died with stems in place and 21 patients (24 hips) could not be reached. This left a cohort of 80 patients (86 hips) with their original stem for assessment. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and cumulative incidence function (CIF). RESULTS: Considering stem revision as endpoint, the revision risk calculated using the KM method was 6.3%, whereas using the CIF it was 3.7%. Considering any reoperation as endpoint, the revision risk calculated using the KM method was 41.2%, whereas using the CIF it was 25.9%. The Harris Hip Score for 77 patients (18 hips) was 81.6 ± 15.2. Standard x-rays were available for 52 hips (49 patients), and 10 (19.2%) showed radiolucencies <2 mm thick. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to report outcomes of an HA-coated stem beyond 25 years. The survival of stem compares favorably with long-term survival of the Charnley cemented stem, and with shorter-term registry studies. The stem achieved its intended purpose of total osteointegration in the long-term, although the proximolateral region remains susceptible to radiolucencies.

Patellar tendon autograft reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with and without lateral plasty in advanced-stage chronic laxity. A clinical, prospective, randomized, single-blind study using passive dynamic X-rays.

PURPOSE: A prospective randomized study was performed to assess the influence of extra-articular ilio-tibial band tenodesis on the results of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients with advanced-stage chronic anterior laxity of the knee. METHODS: Preoperatively, the two constituent groups of our series of 120 patients: group 1 (Kenneth Jones) and group 2 (Kenneth Jones+extra-articular ilio-tibial band tenodesis) were strictly comparable with regard to demographic data, activity level, interval between the injury and the operation, and even objective laxity. Through radiological measurements made by passive dynamic X-rays, we studied the evolution of the objective laxity on the two compartments (medial and lateral) of the knee before the surgery and in review. RESULTS: At 2 years follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the subjective result, sports, and the overall international knee documentation committee score, however, In terms of objective laxity; Gain laxity obtained after surgery on the lateral compartment, was statistically higher in cases of extra-articular associated plasty (+29%), by cons in cases of intra-articular reconstruction alone, the laxity of the lateral compartment was poorly controlled and has continued to evolve despite the plasty of the ACL. CONCLUSION: The indication of an associated extra-articular plasty remains very discussed but we plead for an objective criterion with knowing the importance of preoperative objective laxity especially that of the lateral compartment to decide if it necessary, or not, being associated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic prospective randomized trial.

Osteolysis of the tibial plateau after meniscal repair with hybrid suture anchor.

UNLABELLED: Preservation of the meniscus and consideration for repair is important when treating meniscal tears. Many techniques for repair have been described. At present, all-inside, suture anchor-based meniscal repair systems are widely used. Arthroscopic all-inside hybrid meniscal suturing has been shown to have a low complication rate as the suture anchors remain outside the capsule leaving only the suture material inside the joint. Complications such as chondrolysis or arthrolysis have not been reported with these devices until now. The purpose of our study is to highlight the risks of osteochondral damage if these devices persist intra-articularly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Metasul vs Cerasul bearings: a prospective, randomized study at 9 years.

The aims of our study were to compare metal-on-metal (Metasul) and ceramic-on-ceramic (Cerasul) bearings and to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of these 2 different hard-on-hard bearings. We conducted a prospective, randomized study on a series of 250 cementless primary total hip arthroplasties. The prostheses were similar in all aspects except for the bearing surfaces: 50% of Metasul bearing and 50% of Cerasul bearing. All the patients were evaluated both clinically and radiographically. No patient was lost to follow-up. Clinical outcomes in both groups were similar. Considering aseptic loosening as the end point for failure, the 9-year survival rate was 100% for Cerasul and 98.4% for Metasul. Neither bearing outperformed the other both radiographically and clinically. The overall 9-year survival rate was 99.2% and 97.6% in the Cerasul and Metasul groups, respectively.

Fractures of a sandwich ceramic liner at ten year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to understand the causes of sandwich liner fractures implanted at our institution by evaluating the long-term results of this device. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 143 patients (151 hips) consecutively operated upon in our department by the same senior surgeon between 1999 and 2001 and with a mean follow-up period of 9.9 years (range 8.5-11.5). The components used were Cerasul® sandwich ceramic liners within a cementless cup. Patient assessment was based on demographic factors (age, gender, body mass index), the clinical scores according to Devane (activity), the potential complications and a radiographic analysis from an anteroposterior pelvic radiograph (cup inclination). Revision cases and their cause were classified (implant fracture, loosening, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture). RESULTS: Five cases of liner fracture (3.7%) were observed at a mean seven year (4.5-8.5) follow-up. The risk factor for implant failure was found to be patient activity: the mean preoperative Devane score was 3.5 in the fracture group vs 2.6 in the control group (p = 0.008). Mean cup inclination was 52°. The survivorship analysis at ten years was 85% with revision as the endpoint. Prosthetic complications accounted for 8.6% of all 151 hips (fractures included): one case of aseptic loosening (0.7%), two cases of sepsis (1.4%), four cases of isolated dislocation (2.8%) and one case of recurrent dislocation (0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Alumina sandwich liners remain a subject of concern since the increasing clinical follow-up period may predispose them to fatigue failure. This system has been abandoned in our department since 2005.

Growth disturbances without growth arrest after ACL reconstruction in children.

Growth arrest is a major concern after ACL reconstruction in children. It usually occurs in patients near to closure of the growth plates. Growth disturbances without growth arrest are also possible and more vicious; the authors analyse the mechanism of two patients with growth disturbance due to overgrowth following ACL reconstruction. One was a symmetrical overgrowth process with 15 mm limb length discrepancy treated with percutaneous epiphysiodesis. Full correction at the time of skeletal maturity was achieved. The second patient developed an asymmetrical overgrowth with progressive tibial valgus deformity. This mechanism was similar to a posttraumatic tibial valgus deformity. After nonoperative treatment, a spontaneous correction of the deformity was noticed. Both children were young (7 and 10 years old) at the time of ACL reconstruction with an autologous iliotibial band graft. The clinical relevance of overgrowth disturbance is usually limited when compared to growth arrest but could require a second surgical procedure as reported in this study. Parents must be informed that even in experienced hands, and despite the use of a physeal sparing technique, this specific risk of growth disturbance is still present.

In vitro analysis of patellar kinematics: validation of an opto-electronic cinematic analysis protocol.

Opto-electronic cinematic analysis has already proven useful in the investigation of patients with a knee replacement; however, neither patellar tracking nor the various positional parameters relevant to instability such as patellar tilt and/or patellar shift have ever been specifically evaluated using this type of system. The aim of this research was to validate the relevance of this type of cinematic analysis in order to use it in the evaluation of the main factors underlying patellar instability. Six fresh-frozen anatomical specimens were studied. The data were acquired using the Motion Analysis system. Statistical analysis reveals a good reproducibility of measurements. Our protocol based on an opto-electronic acquisition system has an accuracy of 0.23 mm for shift and of 0.4 degrees for rotation, which is calculated by integrating the various experimental parameters and instrumental features specific to the Motion Analysis system. The results are consistent with published results which further attests to the validity and the efficacy of the protocol and encourages us that this protocol is suitable for the in vitro study of patellar kinematics.

Repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a retrospective review of management and outcome of 10 patients with an average 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, no previous published study has focused on management and outcome of repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of functional result and meniscus and articular cartilage status. HYPOTHESIS: Repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction improves knee stability, but with inferior results for functional outcome compared with primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Meniscal tears and subsequent articular cartilage degeneration are more prevalent with successive revisions due to recurrent laxity. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2003 and November 2006, a consecutive series of 10 patients with an average age at 30 years (range, 17-48) were operated on for a repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (2 revisions after a primary reconstruction) with arthroscopic procedures. A clinical and a radiographic evaluation were performed to assess anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failures, outcome of revisions, and causes of failures. Meniscal tears and articular cartilage lesions were analyzed. RESULTS: The average follow-up of the second revision was 38 months (range, 12-61). At latest follow-up, final International Knee Documentation Committee assessment was excellent or good in 7 cases. Postoperatively, only 2 patients recovered to the same sports activity level they had before their first anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Four had a lower level, and 4 discontinued sports activity. The postoperative average side-to-side KT-1000 arthrometer maximum manual difference was 1.3 +/- 1.9 mm. Nine patients had meniscal tears and 7 had articular cartilage lesions. Meniscal tears, meniscectomies, and articular cartilage degeneration increased after the second revision (P = .016, P = .0098, and P = .0197, respectively). Severe articular cartilage degeneration (International Cartilage Repair Society grade III and IV lesions) was found in patients with bad functional outcome (final International Knee Documentation Committee assessment C or D) (P = .0472). Incidence of articular cartilage degeneration was found to be more prevalent in cases of meniscal tears and partial meniscectomy at the same tibiofemoral compartment (P = .0157). Index anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and first revision failures were caused by recurrent trauma (60% and 70%, respectively) or a surgical technical error with tunnel malpositioning (40% and 10%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Outcome of repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was excellent or good in 70% of the cases, although decreased after the second revision, in relation to the occurrence of meniscal tears and articular cartilage lesions. Meniscal and articular cartilage lesions were more frequent and more severe with recurrent laxity. The cause of failures was mainly recurrent trauma, followed by surgical technical errors.

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in children: early reconstruction with open physes or delayed reconstruction to skeletal maturity?

The purpose of this study was to compare two different strategies of management for ACL rupture in skeletally immature patient. In group 1, patients were treated in a children hospital by ACL reconstruction with open physis. In group 2, patients were treated in an adult hospital by delayed reconstruction at skeletal maturity assessed radiologically. Fifty-six consecutive patients were included in this retrospective study. Mean time from injury to surgery in group 1 and 2 was, respectively, 13.5 and 30 months. Patients from group 2 exhibited a higher rate of medial meniscal tears (41%) compare to group 1 (16%) and higher rate of meniscectomy. Both groups had the same rate of lateral meniscal tears. A temporary tibial valgus deformity was reported which was subsequently spontaneously resolved. No definitive growth disturbance was noticed. At 27 months mean follow-up, a best subjective IKDC score was found in group 1. Objective IKDC and radiological results were similar in both groups. Early ACL reconstruction is therefore a recommended option.

Sagittal laxity after posterior cruciate ligament-retaining mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty.

Posterior cruciate ligament stretching after posterior cruciate ligament-retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to an increase in sagittal laxity, knee dysfunction, or accelerated damage to the tibial bearing surface. We conducted a prospective study on 74 consecutive mobile-bearing CR TKA to determine if knee laxity changed with time or if knees with large initial laxity experienced greater increases in laxity. Patients were studied with radiographic posterior and anterior drawer examinations at 3 and 23 months. Model-based shape-matching techniques were used to measure TKA kinematics. We found a 1-mm increase in posterior drawer. Knees with large postoperative drawers did not exhibit increased laxity at last follow-up. The use of a mobile-bearing CR TKA did not significantly modify the midterm knee sagittal laxity.

Comparative study of knee anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with or without fluoroscopic assistance: a prospective study of 73 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Correct placement of both tibial and femoral tunnels is one of the main factors for a favorable clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We used an original system of computer assisted surgery (CAS). The system, based on fluoroscopic guidance combined with special graphical software of image analyzing, showed to the surgeon, before drilling, the recommended placement of tibial and femoral tunnel centers. We compared the first anatomical and clinical results of this procedure to the usual one single incision technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study on 73 patients; 37 patients were operated on with CAS and 36 without CAS, by the same senior surgeon. The mean age was 27 years for both groups. Every patient was reviewed at an average of 2.2 years (range 1-4.5) by an independent observer, using IKDC scoring system, KT-1000, and passive stress radiographs. RESULTS: Time between ACL rupture and reconstruction averaged 30 months for both groups. CAS needed 9.3 min extra surgery time. Clinical evaluation was graded from A to C as per the IKDC scoring system: 67.6% A, 29.7% B, 2.7% C with CAS; and 60% A, 37.1% B, 2.9% C without CAS. IKDC subjective knee evaluation score averaged 89.7 with CAS and 89.5 without CAS. Pre operative KT-1000 maxi manual differential laxity averaged 7. At revision time, all the patients after CAS had a differential laxity less than 2 and 97.7% without CAS. Stress X-rays differential laxity averaged 2.4 mm with CAS and 3 mm without CAS. The area of dispersion of the tunnels' center was smaller on the femoral side using the CAS method. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups using IKDC score, KT-1000 and passive stress radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: The CAS method provided a more accurate and reproducible tunnels placement without clinical significant effect.