A prospective and retrospective study to evaluate the functional outcome of single hamstring tendon ACL reconstruction with internal bracing versus double hamstring tendon ACL reconstruction without internal bracing

Abstract

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament tears range from 0.24 to 0.34 injuries per 1000 people. Internal brace is a high-strength suture tape which act as a "safety belt," and secondary stabilizer sharing the load of the graft and helps to reduce the re-tear rate, improve graft integrity and enhance knee function potentially improving overall surgical outcomes. Considering the advantage of using internal brace, this study was taken up. Methods: 60 patients who underwent surgery at Manipal hospital, Bangalore from November 2022-November 2024 were considered for the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups,30 in internal bracing with single hamstring tendon reconstruction group and remaining 30 in without internal bracing with double hamstring tendon reconstruction group. Both groups were assessed with Lysholm knee score and IKDC score pre-operatively and post-operatively at regular intervals. Results: Both scores showed statistically significant improvement (P