Comparison of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and single-bundle reconstruction with remnant pull-out suture

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability and functional outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by tensioning of the ACL remnant using pull-out sutures compared with ACL double-bundle reconstruction.

Methods

Forty-four patients were included in single-bundle reconstruction with remnant tensioning group (Group 1), and 56 patients were included in the double-bundle reconstruction group (Group 2). The remnant tissue was tensioned to the direction of posterolateral bundle, which unrelated to the type of remnant bundle. Objective knee stability was evaluated by anterior stress radiography, KT-1000 and lateral pivot shift tests. The Tegner activity scale, International Knee Documentation Committee and OrthopädischeArbeitsgruppeKnie scoring systems were used for clinical evaluation.

Results

No statistically significant intergroup differences were observed in mechanical stability and clinical results (n.s). However, surgical time of remnant tensioning group is shorter than double-bundle reconstruction group (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Remnant tensioning suture with single-bundle reconstruction could be used with positive results as good as double-bundle technique if a good ACL remnant was found bridging the femur and tibia, rather than debride or damage to the remnant tissue during operation.

Level of evidence

Retrospective, comparative cohort study, Level IV.