title: Comparison of rear-entry (two-incision) and endoscopic techniques for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.
abstract: In this series of patients having reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the rear-entry (two-incision) technique with fixation from lateral incision into cortical bone was compared with the endoscopic technique with fixation from inside to more cancellous bone. The rear-entry technique was used in 44 cases of ACL deficiency (8 chronic and 36 acute), and the endoscopic technique was used in 42 cases (19 chronic and 23 acute). Both groups had similar demographics. Objective and subjective criteria were evaluated at an average of 22 months postoperatively. Follow-up KT-1000 arthrometer findings, range of motion, and results of the Lachman and pivot shift tests were compared. There were no significant differences between the two groups at 22 months' follow-up. Subjective assessment of intensity of pain, swelling, and giving way was done by visual analog scales (0 to 10 rating). None of these parameters showed any statistically significant differences between the two techniques. This study shows that both of these techniques for reconstruction of the ACL render satisfactory objective and subjective results.
authors.affiliation: Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Jackson 39202, USA.
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Richardson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome