comparative study between pateller tendon and four strand semitendinosus tendon grafts in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ABSTRACT

A prospective study was designed to compare the clinical results after isolated anterior cruciate ligament rupture. 52 patients were randomized to undergoe either Patellar Bone Tendon bone autograft [27 patients [51.9%]] or a four strand semitendinosus tendon graft reconstruction [25 patients [48.1%]] arthroscopically. The results were reviewed at 3,6,12,24 and 36 months. Pain on kneeling, and extension deficits were greater in patellar tendon group at 3 and 6 months but not there after [P<0.05]. In the semitendinosus group, active flexion deficits and anterior knee laxity were greater from 6 to 36 months [P<0.05]. Rates of return to pre injury activity levels and Cincinnati knee scores were not significantly different between the two groups [P<0.01]. Both grafts resulted in excellent functional results but with increased morbidity in the patellar tendon group in early post operative period compared to increased knee laxity in the semitendinosus tendon group detected at 6 up to 36 months after surgery