Comparison of hamstring tendon autograft and tibialis anterior allograft in arthroscopic transtibial single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes between hamstring tendon autograft and tibialis anterior allograft in arthroscopic transtibial single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients undergoing isolated single-bundle PCL reconstruction were enrolled in this study, and their data were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into group A [4-strand hamstring tendon autograft (4SHG), n = 18] and group B [2-strand tibialis anterior allograft (2STAG), n = 19] and followed up for 2 years at least. Several parameters including the International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity rating and knee laxity arthrometer were evaluated, and physical examination was performed preoperatively and postoperatively, and postoperative complications were also observed in all patients. Meanwhile, the postoperative posterior instability was compared between the affected knee and the contra-lateral knee.

RESULTS

Compared with preoperative knee laxity and function, both groups had significant improvement postoperatively (P < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in knee laxity and function between both groups (n.s.). Compared with contra-lateral knee, the posterior stability was worse in the affected knee (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes were similar between 4SHG or 2STAG in PCL reconstruction. Compared with contra-lateral knees, the affected knees have slight residual knee laxity in both groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective comparative study, Level III.