[Arthroscopically-assisted combined anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

BACKGROUND

The best treatment of a combined rupture of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments is still unclear.

METHODS

Nine patients with unilateral traumatic ruptures of both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments were treated by arthroscopically-assisted simultaneous reconstruction. The operation was done using hamstring tendon and patellar tendon autografts, an average of 235 days (range 52-567) after the initial trauma. Patients were followed up for an average of 37 months (range 24-58) after surgery. For this retrospective cohort study, we used the Lysholm knee score, the Tegner activity score, and the SF-36 questionnaire as a means of assessment.

RESULTS

The evaluation at follow-up showed an average score of 74 points on the Lysholm scale. Using the IKDC evaluation, four patients could be placed in group B and five patients in group C. A significant increase, from 1.9 points before trauma to 5.0 points at follow-up, was observed on the Tegner activity score. Comparing the operated with the healthy knees, with respect to stability and isokinetic muscle strength, we noted significantly better scores in the healthy knees. Using the SF-36 questionnaire, patients showed a reduced level of physical well-being.

CONCLUSION

The treated patients were able to carry out their activities of everyday life. However, none of them returned to their preinjury activity level.