Original report: Transtibial and transportal techniques of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction provide similar functional outcome: A comparative study conducted at an armed forces hospital

Abstract

Background: The debate about the best arthroscopic technique for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery using semitendinosus (ST) quadruple graft is still unresolved. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery techniques (transtibial [TT] and anteromedial portal [AMP]) using ST quadruple graft in terms of functional outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 male patients with ACL tear were operated using the arthroscopic technique. The patients were divided into two groups (TT group and AMP group) and studied prospectively. The TT group (n = 24) included the patients in which femoral tunnel was prepared using the tibial tunnel. While the AMP group B (n = 26) included the patients in which femoral tunnel was prepared through the anteromedial arthroscopic portal. All these patients were assessed regularly and at follow-up of 1 year functionally using Lysholm Knee Score. Two groups were matched in terms of age, mode of injury, and side involved. Results: The average age of the patients in Group TT and AMP was 31.2 years (range: 22–43 years) and 30.6 years (range: 21–45 years), respectively. The mean Lysholm score improved significantly (P < 0.001) from 55.19 (range: 38–66) preoperatively to 82.65 (range 69–100) at the final follow-up in Group TT and 53.54 (range: 38–66) preoperatively to 82.04 (range: 59–100) at the final follow-up in group AMP. However, there was no significant difference in the mean Lysholm score while comparing the two groups at the final follow-up. Conclusion: ACL reconstruction surgery using ST quadruple graft with TT and transportal techniques provide similar functional outcome at 1-year follow-up.

Keywords

• Anterior cruciate ligament
• semitendinosus quadruple graft
• transportal
• transtibial technique