Analysis of Function and Evaluation of Knee Stability after Arthroscopic Reconstruction of ACL with BPTB Autograft

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze the anterior stability and functional results after the arthroscopic ACL reconstruc-tion with bone patellar tendon bone autograft in the ACL deficient knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1993 to May 1998, 24 patients were treated by arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with BPTB autograft and followed more than 1 year(range, 12~82 months, average 30.5 months). Objective stability was estimated under the loading of 15 lb and 20 lb using KT 2000 arthrometer. Functional evaluation system of OAK knee score and Lysholm knee score was used. RESULTS: Average anterior displacement under the loading of 15 lb was 5.4+/-2.4 mmin the reconstructed knee, 4.2+/-1.8 mmin the normal side and under the loading of 20 lb, 8.3+/-3.1 mmin the reconstructed knee, 6.0+/-2.5 mmin the normal side. The percentage of anterior displacement within 3 mmdifference compared with normal side revealed 75% under the loading of 20 lb(89 N) and 87.5% under the loading of 15 lb(68 N). Functional results according to OAK system showed an average 83.8 score, and excellent in 9 cases, good in 9. Lysholm score revealed an average score of 80 and excellent in 5, good in 8. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with BPTB autograft results in good stability and functional results. Effective quadriceps muscle strengthening exercise and rehabilitation is necessary to prevent limitation of range of motion, quadriceps muscle atrophy and anterior knee pain post-operatively.