Abstract
Aim. The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of ACL hamstring reconstruction using a novel fixation device.
Patients-Methods. We reviewed a total of 132 patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, operated between 1998 and 2002, with a mean follow up time of 51 ± 9 months. A uniform arthroscopically assisted surgical technique with an instrument guided impingement free tibial tunnel placement and “over the top” femoral routing was employed. An autologous four strand semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft in combination with a polyester graft suspension tape and cortical fixation device was used. An accelerated rehabilitation was instructed. All patients were examined in a dedicated Research Clinic on a 6 month basis. IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scoring were employed to validate the end results. Arthrometric evaluation was performed with the KT 2000 device.
Results. The over all analysis showed a mean side to side difference of 2.9 mm ± 1.8 and the International Knee Documentation Committee score rating was 91.6 % normal or nearly normal (121 patients). Complications included one graft rupture, one deep infection and 5 case of loosening.
Conclusion. These findings suggest that the described method of anterior cruciate ligament replacement produces good early functional results and restores knee stability.
The abstracts were prepared by Eleni Koutsoukou. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (HAOST), 20, A. Fleming str, 15123 Marousi, Athens, Greece.
