Preserving Remnant Tissue in Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction Using Achilles Tendon Allograft

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical usefulness of remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using Achilles tendon graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2004 and June 2007, 26 patients who were followed up for at least 12 months after ACL reconstruction with Achilles tendon were included in this study. They were divided into two groups according to whether the remnant was preserved. The post-reconstruction state was evaluated using pivot-shift test, Telos anterior stress test, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scale, Lysolm score and single limb standing test. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in mechanical stability and mean values of IKDC scale and Lysholm test between the two groups were present. In single limb standing test, the remnant-preserving group showed 1.1+/-0.8 cm and the remnant sacrificing group showed 1.8+/-1.2 cm (p=0.04). However, there were no significant differences between the injured knee and the intact knee in the group which the remnant was preserved. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction using allo Achilles graft showed satisfactory results in terms of stability and function. Preserving the tibial remnant seems to be helpful to restore knee joint proprioception.