Comparison of functional outcome of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using an autologous four- strand single semitendinosus tendon versus semitendinosus and gracilis tendon graft

Abstract

Objectives: There is no consensus about the optimal graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The present study was aimed to compare the clinical and functional results of reconstruction of ACL by using an autologous four strand semitendinosus tendon versus semitendinosus and gracilis graft. Design: Prospective Randomized control trial. Study Done At: Orthopaedics Department BPS Govt. Medical College for women, Khanpur, Sonipat. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 58 patients were included. Mean age of the patients in the ST group was 27.34 ± 6.28 years and that in the STG group was 26.34 ± 5.19 years. Road traffic accident was the most common mode of injury and most common symptom at presentation was knee pain. It was found that among all patients included in the study, 48.3% had 4 to 8 months since the time of injury. Mean time since injury was 6.59 ± 2.7 months in the ST group and 6.42 ± 2.2 months in the STG group. Results: LKSS and IKDC values were significantly higher in the ST group as compared to STG group at 2 and 8 weeks post-operatively. Later on, at all follow up points, the mean LKSS and IKDC were similar in the two study groups. Anterior drawer and Lachman test showed no statistical difference between the two study groups. Since ACL reconstruction using quadrupled ST is more technically demanding than doubled STG and with there being no difference in outcomes, no compulsory advice should be made on the former technique. Summary: Since ACL reconstruction using quadrupled ST is more technically demanding than doubled STG and with there being no difference in outcomes, no compulsory advice should be made on the former technique.