Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring autografts and bioabsorbable interference screw fixation: prospective, randomized, clinical study with 2-year results.

BACKGROUND

Conventional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques have focused on restoration of the anteromedial bundle only, which, however, may be insufficient in restoring the rotational stability of the knee.

HYPOTHESIS

Rotational stability of the knee is better when using a double-bundle technique instead of a single-bundle technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Seventy-seven patients were randomized into 3 different groups for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons: double-bundle with bioabsorbable screw fixation (n = 25), single-bundle with bioabsorbable screw fixation (n = 27), and single-bundle with metallic screw fixation (n = 25). The evaluation methods were clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometric measurement, and the International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm knee scores.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the study groups preoperatively. Seventy-three patients (95%) were available at a minimum 2-year follow-up (range, 24-35 mo). The rotational stability of the knee, as evaluated by the pivot-shift test, was the best in the patients in the double-bundle group. In addition, the patients in the single-bundle groups had more graft failures than those in the double-bundle group. Concerning the anterior stability of the knee as measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer, the group differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were found between the groups in knee scores.

CONCLUSION

Rotational stability of the knee is better when using the double-bundle technique instead of the single-bundle technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.