[Endoscopic versus limited open technique for replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament. 4 years outcome of a prospective study]

Unfallchirurg. 1998 Jul;101(7):551-6. doi: 10.1007/s001130050308.
[Article in German]

Abstract

ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon graft has become a standard procedure. The graft can be inserted either using two tunnels and a lateral femoral incision or with a femoral half tunnel drilled from the joint, thus avoiding the lateral incision. Advantages of the single-incision technique in the early rehabilitation period have been claimed. 40 patients with ACL deficiency were included in a prospective randomized trial comparing single and two-incision technique with a follow-up period of 4 years. Preoperative data did not show any significant difference between the two groups. At follow-up no difference were observed with respect to complications or he progress of rehabilitation. Evaluation after 1 and 4 years according to the IKDC form revealed good to excellent results in 70% of all patients. The Tegner-score increased significantly, however most patients did not regain their former activity level. ACL-reconstruction reduced anterior translation of the knee significantly at 6 months follow-up. However, we observed a slight increase of anterior translation after 1 and 4 years in both groups; stability was comparable in both groups at all time periods. We conclude that an arthroscopic single-incision technique has no advantage compared to a mini-open two-incision technique for ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon graft in terms of subjective or objective parameters.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries*
  • Arthroscopes*
  • Endoscopes*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / surgery*
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tendon Transfer / instrumentation
  • Treatment Outcome