Treatment in the ACL Partial Tear Using Radiofrequency Electrothermal Shrinkage

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and results of the treatment with the radiofrequency electrothermal shrinkage in the patients with symptomatic knee instability caused by anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) partial tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with pains or instability of the knee caused by ACL partial tears were treated with the radiofrequency electrothermal shrinkage and followed for an average 19 months (range, 15 to 24 months). Inclusive criteria for this study included 1+ or negative in pivot-shift test, a side-to-side arthrometric difference less than 5 mm and structural integrity of the ACL more than 75% by arthroscopic inspection. Preoperative physical examination, Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity score were compared with postoperative ones. RESULTS: Preoperative Lachman test was positive in all cases and preoperative pivot-shift test was in 7 cases. Preoperative Telos stress radiographs revealed a mean side-to-side difference of 3.6 mm (2~5 mm). A mean preoperative Lysholm and Tegner score were 68.4 (44~90) and 3.1 (1~4) respectively. The other 4 patients had 1+ instability in Lachman test and two of the 4 patients also had 1+ finding in pivot-shift test. A mean postoperative Lysholm and Tegner score were 89.1 (75~99) and 6.3 (4~7) respectively. And a mean postoperative Telos stress radiographs was 4.0 mm (2~7 mm). CONCLUSION: The treatment using radiofrequency shrinkage for symptomatic ACL partial tears is helpful to relieve the symptoms, especially pain and recover functional activity. And it is important to have narrow indication and strict POP care to achieve good results.