title: Surgical management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in Belgium anno 2013.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anatomic ACL surgery, including double bundle ACL reconstruction, has been investigated widely. The purpose of this study was to gain insight in the currently used surgical management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries amongst Belgian orthopaedic surgeons.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey consisting of epidemiological questions, ACL surgery related questions and questions concerning rehabilitation was submitted to all members of the Belgian Knee Society.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Anatomic single bundle ACL repair with transportal femoral tunnel drilling, using an autologous hamstring graft fixed with a cortical suspension system proximal and an interference screw distal is currently the most common technique. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia with a one-night stay in the hospital. Postoperatively a hinge brace is mostly used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although much research concerning double bundle ACL surgery is performed, only few surgeons perform this technique. Most surgeons perform an anatomic single bundle repair. This is in accordance with the current knowledge regarding cost effective care. Performing this procedure in day care with the aid of loco-regional anesthesia and avoidance of a hinged brace can help to reduce the cost for the healthcare system without compromising the outcome.
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Van der Bracht
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goubau
authors.forename: Bart
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stuyts
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schepens
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Verdonk
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Victor
mesh_terms: D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D059549:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / Q000379:methods*; D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires