Comparing 2-year outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either patella-tendon or semitendinosus-tendon autografts: a non-randomised prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions using either a patella-tendon autograft or a semitendinosus-tendon autograft.


METHODS
Based on surgeon experience and preference, 68 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using either a quadruple-strand semitendinosus autograft (n = 34) or a central one-third bone-patella tendon-bone autograft (n = 34). Each patient was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, and 24 months using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee score, Biodex muscle strength and endurance testing, and the KT1000 instrumented arthrometer test of knee laxity to anterior translation. All assessments at the 2-year follow-up were performed by the same physician and physiotherapist.


RESULTS
While ACL reconstruction improved knee stability and IKDC knee scores significantly, there was no statistically significant difference between semitendinosus- and patella-tendon autograft reconstructions in terms of long-term knee score or laxity to anterior translation. Semitendinosus graft reconstruction was associated with less donor-site morbidity and hamstring weakness. Meniscectomy was associated with poorer long-term knee scores.


CONCLUSIONS
ACL reconstruction is associated with a significantly better IKDC knee score and laxity measurement at 2-year follow-up. However, we were unable to demonstrate a significantly better long-term outcome in knee score or laxity to anterior translation with either a patella-tendon autograft or a semitendinosus-tendon autograft.
Tow
B P B
BP
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Chang
P C C
PC
Mitra
A K
AK
Tay
B K
BK
Wong
M C
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010329:Patella / Q000637:transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome