ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We evaluated the functional and clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with remnant-preserving technique using an autologous single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 70 patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction using autologous single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. Group I (n=34) were cases in which more than half of the ACL remnant remained. Group II (n=36) included cases in which the ACL was nearly absent. The mean follow-up period was 18.7 months for group I cases, and 20.7 months in group II cases. We performed clinical evaluation using the following tests: Lachman test, pivot shift test, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and IKDC score; functional evaluation was performed using the single limb standing test and ability to return to pre-injury sports activity. RESULTS: Lachman test, pivot-shift test, measurement of side-to-side difference using KT-2000 arthrometer and Tegner activity scores were much improved over preoperative evaluations, and there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. The objective IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) score and return to pre-injury sports activity showed no statistical difference between the 2 groups, but the subjective IKDC score (p=0.007) and Lysholm score (p=0.001) were better in group I than in group II. There was no difference in the single limb standing test and there was no difference between the 2 groups, but there was a tendency to have improved over the preoperative evaluation. CONCLUSION: We obtained good results after ACL reconstruction using the autologous single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. ACL remnant preserving group had better Lysholm score and IKDC subjective score.