Arthroscopic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts: does the graft size correlate to the height and weight of the patient

Introduction: Recently, many studies have shown that double-bundle ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstructions have restored better natural ACL-fitting kinematics.

Objective: Assessing the correlation between the Hamstring autografts to the height and weight of the patient in the study and evaluating the outcomes of the arthroscopic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery using Hamstring tendon autografts.

Material and Methods: Between August 2011 and July 2013, 38 ACL-deficient patients underwent double-bundle ACL reconstruction with 4 strand gracilis and 4 strand semitendinosus tendon autograft at Viet-Duc hospital. Clinical assessment at least 2 years postoperative have been documented.

Results: Our results showed that length of 4 strand semitendinosus and 4 strand gracilis tendon grafts were significantly correlated with patient height (r=0.623 and r=0.414; p<0.001). Diameter of 4 strand semitendinosus and 4 strand gracilis tendon graft were significantly correlated with patient weight (r=0.399; p=0.013 and r=0.461; p=0.004). The clinical result: Lachman test: 70.3% of patients showed negative of Lachman test. Positive Lachman test results as + were detected in 10 patients (27%), 1 patient was evaluated as ++. Pivot shift test: Positive pivot shift tests were detected in 4 patients that were evaluated as +, and none was evaluated as ++. One leg hop test: The average one leg hop was 92.1 ± 6.8% compared to uninjured. The mean Lysholme score was 92.0 ± 5.90 pts. The mean tibial anterior translation on stress radiograph was 2.42 ± 1.53 mm, respectively.

Conclusion: The length and diameter of ST (Semitendinosus Tendon) and GT (Gracilis Tendon) Agrafts for double-bundle ACL reconstruction were significantly correlated with weight, height. The double-bundle ACL reconstruction is effective in the treatment of the ACL deficient knee.