Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring autografts and bioabsorbable interference screw fixation: prospective, randomized, clinical study with 2-year results.

BACKGROUND: Conventional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques have focused on restoration of the anteromedial bundle only, which, however, may be insufficient in restoring the rotational stability of the knee.

HYPOTHESIS: Rotational stability of the knee is better when using a double-bundle technique instead of a single-bundle technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS: Seventy-seven patients were randomized into 3 different groups for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons: double-bundle with bioabsorbable screw fixation (n = 25), single-bundle with bioabsorbable screw fixation (n = 27), and single-bundle with metallic screw fixation (n = 25). The evaluation methods were clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometric measurement, and the International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm knee scores.

RESULTS: There were no differences between the study groups preoperatively. Seventy-three patients (95%) were available at a minimum 2-year follow-up (range, 24-35 mo). The rotational stability of the knee, as evaluated by the pivot-shift test, was the best in the patients in the double-bundle group. In addition, the patients in the single-bundle groups had more graft failures than those in the double-bundle group. Concerning the anterior stability of the knee as measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer, the group differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were found between the groups in knee scores.

CONCLUSION: Rotational stability of the knee is better when using the double-bundle technique instead of the single-bundle technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.