Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligment reconstruction, patellar tendon versus four strand hamstring graft

ABSTRACT

This study included 40 male patients in the patellar tendon group and 40 patients [39 male and one female] in the hamstring tendon group. The rehabilitation program was standard in both groups, with immediate knee motion and early weight bearing. Preoperatively, no significant difference between the two groups was noted with respect to age, level of activity, duration of injury, degree of laxity and symptoms of instability. Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm knee score and the international knee documentation committee [IKDC] scores. The average follow up period was 24.6 months for the patellar tendon and 21.2 months for the hamstring tendon group. The final evaluation showed no difference between both groups with satisfactory result in 90% of PT group and 87.5% in the STG group as evaluated by Lysholm. Also, the IKDC evaluation showed no significant difference with 80% of PT group and 90% of the STG group. No significant difference was noted between the two groups with respect to ligament stability, functional evaluation and return to sports activity. Although thigh atrophy and loss of terminal degree of extension was more among patients of the PT group, the difference was not significant