Background
In recent years, there is an increasing interest in double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to improve the anatomical, biomechanical, and clinical outcome of the procedure.
Objectives
The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of arthroscopic DB ACL reconstruction using the four-tunnel technique with autograft hamstring tendons for athletic patients.
Patients and methods
Fifteen athletic male patients suffering from ACL injury with a mean age at the time of operation of 24.3 years (average 18-34 years) were operated upon using four-tunnel technique, and fixation was carried out by two femoral end buttons and two tibial interference screws.
Results
After a mean follow-up period of 26 months (range 12-42 months), according to the International Knee Documentation Committee score, 14 patients (93.3%) became normal and near normal, whereas one patient (6.7%) was abnormal. The Lysholm score changed from 56 points preoperative (range 30-72) to 93 points (range 45-100) at the end of follow-up. Thirteen patients (86.6%) had normal Lachman and anterior drawer tests results. Twelve patients had negative pivot shift test. Nine patients (60%) had near normal thigh girth in comparison with the healthy side. All 15 patients reached 100% range of motion in comparison with the other healthy side at the end of follow-up.
Conclusion
ACL reconstruction with the DB technique is good for stability of the knee. Long-term studies should be performed and the number of patients should be increased.