Double-bundle Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring-bone Graft: a Long-term Follow Up

Abstract Purpose We modified the hamstring tendon graft into the hamstring-bone composite graft in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Here, we evaluated the technique's effectiveness by investigating the clinical results in restoring the stability and function of the knee joint. Methods We reviewed 42 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with the hamstring-bone graft for ACL injuries from January 2013 to April 2015, with an average follow-up of 66.6 months. The objective evaluations (KT-1000, Lachman test and pivot-shift test) and the subjective evaluations (International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Lysholm scores, and Tegner scores) were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Results Forty-one of 42 patients were negative in the Lachman test and forty of 42 patients were negative in the pivot-shift test after the operation at the final follow-up time. The IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores improved significantly from 56.24±9.28 to 85.33±3.37, from 62.00±11.09 to 90.43±3.71，and from 2.3±0.87 to 6.5±0.67 at the final follow-up. Conclusion Double-bundle anatomic ACLR with a hamstring-bone composite graft can restore the anteroposterior and rotational stability for ACL injuries. The modified technique can provide excellent clinical outcomes with a long-term follow-up.