A Short Term Follow-up of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using Hamstring Tendon Grafts fixed with Ligament Plate(R)

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes at a minimum of 1 year following the ACL reconstruction with use of Liga- ment Plate(R) which was invented for secure fixation of hamstring tendon graft into femoral tunnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients who could followed up for minimum 12 months were treated with the ACL reconstruction fixed with Ligament Plate(R) using a four-stranded autologous hamstring tendon graft. For femoral fixation, we used Ligament Plate(R), and for tibial fixation, we used suture-post strengthened with cortical screw. Average follow up period was 18.6 months. Prior to surgery and at the follow-up examination, we evaluated the clinical results with Lachmann test, pivot shift test, Lysholm score and the difference of mid-thigh circumference, and KT 2000 arth- rometer was perfomed. For radiographic evaluation, we analyzed knee radiographs including anterior drawer radiographs and evaluated the degree of tunnel enlargement. RESULTS: Lysholm score improved from 61.6 points to 93.8 points. Lachman test revealed negative findings for sixty- three cases, and ten cases with grade 1 laxity and another three cases with grade 2 at last follow-up. Pivot shift test showed negative findings except six cases with grade 1 laxity at last follow-up. The results of KT 2000 arthrometer improved from 5.4mm difference compared with normal limb to 2.1mm respectively. The difference of mid-thigh circumference compared with normal limb showed 1.7cm. Radiographic analysis of anterior drawer view revealed 6.5 mm difference compared with normal limb preoperatively and 1.1 mm difference at last follow-up. Femoral and tibial tunnel enlarged to 2.7mm and 1.8 mm compared with immediate postoperative radiographs. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon grafts fixed with Ligament Plate(R) could provide sufficient strength of early fixation, and then could show good clinical results. However, long term follow-up was necessary.