[Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament with press-fit technique].
OBJECTIVE
Problems related to the use of interference screws for fixation of bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) replacement have led to increasing interest in press-fit techniques. Most of the described techniques use press-fit fixation on either the femoral or tibial side. Therefore an arthroscopic technique was developed which achieves bone-patellar tendon-bone graft fixation by press-fit on both sides without the need for supplemental fixation material.


METHODS
The first consecutive 40 patients were examined clinically with a KT-1000 arthrometer and radiologically after a mean of 28.7 months (range 20-40 months) postoperatively.


RESULTS
The mean difference in side-to-side laxity was 1.3 mm (SD 2.2 mm) and the results according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were as follows: 7 A, 28 B, 5 C, 0 D.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented press-fit technique avoids all complications related to the use of interference screws. It achieves primary stable fixation of the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft thereby allowing early functional rehabilitation. However, fixation strength depends on bone quality and the arthroscopic procedure is demanding. The results showed reliable stabilization of the operated knees.
Halder
A M
AM
Klinik für Endoprothetik, Waldhausstr., 16766, Sommerfeld, Germany. orthopaede@yahoo.de
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015915:Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D053441:Suture Anchors; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult