The Relationship between the Evaluation of the Graft-bone Interface and the Clinical Results after Double Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between an evaluation of the graft-bone interface using magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography and the clinical results after double bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2005 to October 2007, 15 cases that underwent double bundle ACL reconstruction and that were evaluated by MR arthrography were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 20 months. The graft-bone interface was assessed by the leakage of contrast medium seen on MR arthrography. Four groups were classified according to the degree of contrast media leakage no contrast media leakage, the focal type, the crescent type and the circumferential type. A functional evaluation was made using the Lysholm score, the international knee documentation committee (IKDC) score, the difference in the midthigh circumference and the Hop test. The stability was evaluated using a Lachmann test, a pivot shift test, a KT-2000 arthrometer and an anterior drawer stress radiograph using Telos(R) with the knee in 30degrees flexion. RESULTS: Ten cases showed no leakage of contrast media, five cases showed focal leakage and there was no case of crescent and circumferential leakage. The clinical results of the no leakage and focal leakage groups were compared. The functional evaluation such as the Lysholm score, the IKDC score, the difference in the midthigh circumference and the Hop test showed no significant difference between the two groups. The stability evaluation, such as the Lachmann test, the pivot shift test, the KT-2000 arthrometer and anterior drawer stress radiograph, also showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: On MR arthrography after double bundle ACL reconstruction, adequate osteointegration and satisfactory clinical results could be obtained in the no leakage and focal leakage groups.