title: RANDOMIZED PROSPECTIVE STUDY COMPARING TRANSVERSE AND EXTRACORTICAL FIXATION IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study had the objective of prospectively comparing transverse fixation (Cross-Pin™) with extracortical fixation (EZLoc™) for the femur, in surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, from a clinical, biomechanical and functional point of view.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between April 2007 and November 2009, 50 patients with acute or chronic anterior cruciate ligament injuries underwent arthroscopic reconstruction using the homologous flexor tendons (gracilis and semitendinosus). Randomization of the femoral fixation method was done by means of a draw at the time of the procedure. Patients were excluded if they presented multiple ligament lesions, fractures, previous surgery, autoimmune disease and impairment of the contralateral knee. The Lysholm scale, SF36 quality-of-life questionnaire and KT1000™ arthrometer were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a mean follow-up of 18.1 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the Lysholm scale and KT1000™ measurements. However, the SF36 questionnaire showed a statistical difference such that transverse fixation was superior regarding pain and vitality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both techniques were shown to be efficient for transfemoral fixation, but with almost no statistically significant difference between them. We believe that new studies will be necessary for better understanding of these differences.
authors.affiliation: Resident Physician at IFOR Hospital, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: da Silva Guarilha
authors.affiliation: Resident Physician at IFOR Hospital, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo Roberto
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: de Andrade Fígaro Caldeira
authors.affiliation: Orthopedist in the Knee Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ozorio
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: de Almeida Lira Neto
authors.affiliation: Orthopedist in the Sports Traumatology Group, Discipline of Orthopedics, ABC School of Medicine (FMABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcelo Schmidt
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Navarro
authors.affiliation: PhD in Orthopedics and Traumatology from the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Milani
authors.affiliation: PhD. Affiliated Professor and Head of the Knee Group, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mario Carneiro
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Filho
keywords: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Arthroscopy; Prospective Studies