The comparison of functional results of anterior cruciate ligament injuries treated with semitendinosus tendon and central one-third of patellar tendon autografts

The results of ACL reconstructions with autologus grafts taken from semitendinosus tendon and patellar ligament are presented. There were 78 patients in four groups. Patient age ranged from 15 to 47 years. The period of observation varied from 1 to 10 years, average 3.5. The first group consisted of 28 people treated with single semitendinosus tendon graft. In the second group there were 12 patients with acute ACL injuries treated by reinsertion of torn ligament attachment augmented by semitendinosus tendon. The third group of 18 persons had an ACL reconstruction with central one-third of patellar ligament fastened with thread loops on bone screws or staples. The last group of 20 patients had ACL reconstruction with central one-third of patellar ligament autograft. All patients were prospectively evaluated according to the Hospital for Special Surgery and the Lysholm and Gillquist scales. The statistical analysis clearly reveals the best results in the fourth group of patients, who had graft fixation with interference screws. Received: 4 April 2001/Accepted: 23 April 2001