title: Comparison of short-term results of bone tunnel enlargement between EndoButton CL and cross-pin fixation systems after chronic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous quadrupled hamstring tendons.
abstract: We performed arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions of chronic ACL rupture with autologous hamstring tendon grafts in males (mean age 23.9 years). Thirty-two cross-pin fixations and 24 EndoButton CL fixations were performed on the femoral side. Distal fixations on the tibial side were maintained with interference screws plus a staple. Tunnel enlargement was evaluated using X-rays. Femoral and tibial tunnels were measured at three levels 5 mm apart, and average enlargement was calculated after correction for magnification. Tunnel enlargement 12 months after surgery was greater for the EndoButton CL system (femoral side 43.71%, tibial side 51.11%) than for the cross-pin system (femoral side 32.61%, tibial side 25.62%); the difference was significant only on the tibial side. Both proximal fixation techniques were judged clinically successful (follow-up 16 - 36 months). The far fixation point in the EndoButton CL group may be related to mechanical loosening.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. mesih@kuskucu.com
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kuskucu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001858:Bone Nails; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome