A retrospective study of the midterm outcome of two-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadrupled semitendinosus tendon in comparison with one-bundle reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to retrospectively compare the outcome of the first series of a 2-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction technique using quadrupled semitendinosus tendon with that of a 1-bundle reconstruction technique from 1992 through 1996.

TYPE OF STUDY: Case-control study.

METHODS: The 1-bundle group consisted of 56 patients with a follow-up period of 24 months or more (average, 46.5 months). The 2-bundle group consisted of 79 patients with a follow-up period of 24 months or more (average, 40.8 months). Manual knee laxity tests, anterior stability with KT-1000 (manual maximum), and knee extension and flexion strength by Cybex were evaluated using an average and standard deviation, and data were categorized according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) classification. The Lysholm scale and the subjective recovery scale were also evaluated.

RESULTS: A statistically greater number of patients in the 1-bundle group were positive (+ or ++) based on the Lachman test (34% in the 1-bundle group and 13% in the 2-bundle group). The average KT-1000 anterior laxity of 2.7 +/- 2.3 mm in the 1-bundle group was statistically greater than the 1.9 +/- 1.9 mm in the 2-bundle group, with a statistical power between 70% and 80%. The total Lysholm knee scale score was 93 points in both groups, and the subjective recovery score was equivalent, 82% in the 1-bundle group and 86% in the 2-bundle group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical difference based on the IKDC, Lysholm, and subjective analysis. However, there was a statistical difference in the Lachman test, anterior drawer test, and KT-1000 measurements.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.