J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2011 Feb;46(1):60-67. 10.4055/jkoa.2011.46.1.60.

Clinical Evaluation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Remnant-preserving Technique: Method Using Single Four-strand Semitendinosus Tendon

• Kyung HS
• Oh CW
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 2106573
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2011.46.1.60

Abstract

PURPOSE
We evaluated the functional and clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with remnant-preserving technique using an autologous single four-strand semitendinosus tendon.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We evaluated 70 patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction using autologous single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. Group I (n=34) were cases in which more than half of the ACL remnant remained. Group II (n=36) included cases in which the ACL was nearly absent. The mean follow-up period was 18.7 months for group I cases, and 20.7 months in group II cases. We performed clinical evaluation using the following tests: Lachman test, pivot shift test, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and IKDC score; functional evaluation was performed using the single limb standing test and ability to return to pre-injury sports activity.
RESULTS
Lachman test, pivot-shift test, measurement of side-to-side difference using KT-2000 arthrometer and Tegner activity scores were much improved over preoperative evaluations, and there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. The objective IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) score and return to pre-injury sports activity showed no statistical difference between the 2 groups, but the subjective IKDC score (p=0.007) and Lysholm score (p=0.001) were better in group I than in group II. There was no difference in the single limb standing test and there was no difference between the 2 groups, but there was a tendency to have improved over the preoperative evaluation.
CONCLUSION
We obtained good results after ACL reconstruction using the autologous single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. ACL remnant preserving group had better Lysholm score and IKDC subjective score.

Keyword

anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; remnant preserving method; single four strand semitendinosus tendon

MeSH Terms

Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Extremities
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Knee
Sports
Tendons

Figure

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  Figure 1 This photograph shows semitendinosus tendon harvesting technique with periosteum attachment.

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  Figure 2 This drawing shows sufficient length for the ACL reconstruction: 2 cm for femoral side, 3 cm for intra-articular portion, and 2 cm for tibial side.

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