Results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Autogenous Four-Strand Hamstring Tendon

Hwang, Byung Yun; Yun, Jin Ho; Lee, Ju Hong

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study presented the clinical outcomes at a minimum one year following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autogenous four-strand hamstring tendon and measured the strength of the knee flexor and extensor after tendon harvest.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty seven patients who had a symptomatic ACL insufficiency underwent ACL reconstruction using four-strand hamstring autograft from Dec. 2003 to Jun. 2004. The patients were evaluated according to clinical findings (Lachman test, pivot shift test), standard knee scales (Lysholm, IKDC), and KT-1000 manual-maximal side-to-side difference. Functional test including one-leg hop test for distance and vertical jump test was performed and the strength of the knee flexor and extensor was measured using Cybex isokinetic test at last follow-up.
RESULTS
At the time of follow-up, the average Lysholm score improved from 63.0 preoperatively to 95.0 and overall IKDC evaluation showed 14 patients was graded as A, 13 as B. There were 18 patients (66.6%) in negative Lachman test and also 25 patients (92.6%) in negative pivot shift test. The average KT-1000 manual-maximal side-to-side difference was 2.1+/-1.2 mm. One-leg hop distance and one-leg vertical jump test showed 12.3% and 22.3% decrement than uninvolved side. On isokinetic cybex test, peak extensor torque was 80.0% and 82.7% and peak flexor torque was 91.2% and 89.4% at the angular velocity of 60 degrees and 180 degrees/sec compared to the contralateral leg.
CONCLUSION
ACL reconstruction using autogenous four-strands hamstring tendon seems to be a viable option for restoring stability with good clinical result and less donor site morbidity.