Arthroscopic Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Achilles Tendon Allograft / 中国运动医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To describe an alternative procedure of arthroscopic double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)reconstruction using deep-frozen fresh allogenic achilles tendon and evaluate the follow-up outcome in early stage. Methods The ruptured PCL was reconstructed under arthroscopy using deep frozen fresh allogenic achilles tendon preparing in Y-shaped allografts, one bundle was used for anterolateral bundle, the other for posteromedial bundle. Absorbable screw was used to fix the soft tendon graft and metal screw was used to fix the bone graft. Results From March 2003 to August 2004, the procedure of arthroscopic double-bundle PCL reconstruction using allogenic achilles tendon was applied in 10 cases. The average follow-up period was 13.2 months(6～24 months, among them 6 cases were more than 12 months ). 2 cases with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury were also reconstructed with hamstring tendons (semitendinosus and gracilis). 3 cases with rupture of postolateral horn of knee joint were anatomically reconstructed with hamstring tendons. Clinical results were carefully compared using the Lysholm score system before and after the operation, the average score was 50.3 preoperatively, and 91.2 postoperatively. The objective examination showed that the tibia post-migrating sign, posterior drawer test and Lachman test were positive in all the 10 cases preoperatively; whereas the posterior drawer test and Lachman test were negative postoperatively; the tibia post-migrating sign were weak positive in 3 cases with longer clinical histories(more than 1 year); the flexion range of the knee were slightly restricted (5?～20?) in the 2 cases with simultaneous ACL injury. Conclusions Allogenic achilles tendon is an ideal material for arthroscopic double-bundle PCL reconstruction. Arthroscopic double-bundle reconstructed PCL is in accordance with the anatomy and physiology of natural PCL. The injury and complications caused by the autograft can be alleviated. The allograft can be prepared in advance and the soft end of the implant can pass through the bone tunnel easily, and thus the operaton time under arthroscopy can be saved and the trauma caused by arthroscopy is abated. Arthroscopic double-bundle PCL reconstruction is sample, safe and effective.