Comparison of functional outcomes of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with and without use of dedicated zig for femoral and tibial tunnel preparation

Abstract

Aim: To compare the functional outcomes of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with and without use of dedicated zig for femoral and tibial tunnel preparation.Materials and Methods: Forty patients with ACL deficient knees fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and after careful alternate randomization, twenty each underwent ACL reconstruction surgery with and without using dedicated zig for tibial and femoral tunnel preparation respectively. Post operatively patients were followed up regularly with clinical evaluation based on IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) and modified Lysholm’s score and knee stability tests viz. anterior drawer, lachman’s and pivot shift tests. Final evaluation was done at 6 months and results were compared between the two techniques.Results: Forty patients ranging from 18 to 42 years, with mean age of 26.4 years in zig group and 24.6 years in freehand group with complete ACL tear included in study. All cases in both groups were males and sports injury being the most common mode of injury in both groups. Post operatively none of patient shows frank laxity in both groups. Average IKDC and modified Lysholm’s score at 6 month were 74.6/92.2 and 73.67/93.9 respectively. No major complication was noted and functional results were comparable between two groups.Conclusions: Functional results with both techniques are good and comparable and choice depends on surgeon’s skills and preference.