A Short Term Follow-up of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using Hamstring Tendon Grafts fixed with Ligament Plate(R)

Sim, Jae Ang; Lee, Beom Koo; Kwak, Ji Hoon; Lee, Kyung Chan

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes at a minimum of 1 year following the ACL reconstruction with use of Liga- ment Plate(R) which was invented for secure fixation of hamstring tendon graft into femoral tunnel.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seventy-six patients who could followed up for minimum 12 months were treated with the ACL reconstruction fixed with Ligament Plate(R) using a four-stranded autologous hamstring tendon graft. For femoral fixation, we used Ligament Plate(R), and for tibial fixation, we used suture-post strengthened with cortical screw. Average follow up period was 18.6 months. Prior to surgery and at the follow-up examination, we evaluated the clinical results with Lachmann test, pivot shift test, Lysholm score and the difference of mid-thigh circumference, and KT 2000 arth- rometer was perfomed. For radiographic evaluation, we analyzed knee radiographs including anterior drawer radiographs and evaluated the degree of tunnel enlargement.
RESULTS
Lysholm score improved from 61.6 points to 93.8 points. Lachman test revealed negative findings for sixty- three cases, and ten cases with grade 1 laxity and another three cases with grade 2 at last follow-up. Pivot shift test showed negative findings except six cases with grade 1 laxity at last follow-up. The results of KT 2000 arthrometer improved from 5.4mm difference compared with normal limb to 2.1mm respectively. The difference of mid-thigh circumference compared with normal limb showed 1.7cm. Radiographic analysis of anterior drawer view revealed 6.5 mm difference compared with normal limb preoperatively and 1.1 mm difference at last follow-up. Femoral and tibial tunnel enlarged to 2.7mm and 1.8 mm compared with immediate postoperative radiographs.
CONCLUSION
ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon grafts fixed with Ligament Plate(R) could provide sufficient strength of early fixation, and then could show good clinical results. However, long term follow-up was necessary.