Arthroscopic double bundle, double branched tunnel anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is clinically better than single bundle reconstruction but it is more difficult, more complicated and less economic. This study presents a modified technique of double bundle reconstruction and assesses its clinical results. The reconstruction was done using the hamstring tendon autografts passed through branched tibial and femoral tunnels and fixed by only two interference screws (Arthrex); one at the femoral tunnel and one at the tibial tunnel. The study was carried out on forty nine patients in the period between March 2013 and April 2015 but completed on forty-four patients. The mean follow up period was 32.2 months (24.2 months: 48.3 months). The clinical assessment was done using side to side anterior laxity, pivot shift test, International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm scores. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software computer program version 17. It showed significant improvement of knee anterior laxity, pivot shift test, International Knee Documentation Committee score and Lysholm scores. The study concluded that gives statistically significant clinical results are obtained after arthroscopic double bundle, double branched tunnel anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and the technique could be considered a valid option of reconstruction.