Functional outcome of ACL reconstruction using patellar bone tendon bone graft.

Purpose: To evaluate the mid-term functional outcome using Lysholm score of anterior cruciate ligamentreconstruction using bone patella-tendon bone graft.

Methods: The retrospective study of prospectively collected data was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from June 2010to June 2013, and comprised patients with complete anterior cruciate ligamenttear who were treated with diagnostic arthroscopy and open reconstruction using bone patella-tendon bone graft. All patients were operated under tourniquet control and knee immobiliser was applied. Straight leg raise procedure was started on 2nd postoperative day. One year after surgery, functional outcome was assessed using Lysholm score.

Results: All the 36(100%) patients in the study were males. Four (11%) patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded, while 32(89%) completed the study. Right knee was involved in 16(50%) patients while left knee was involved in 16(50%) patients. Overall, 31(97%) patients had history of contact sports injury. The average age of patients was 28.25±8.32 years. All patients were operated at an average of 17.5±10.3 weeks. The ligament tear was associated with medial meniscal tear in 16(50%) patients, while lateral meniscal tear was noted in 10(31.25%). The mean Lysholm score was 83.06±4.17at 1 year (fair to good outcome). The average range of motion 1 year after surgery was 127.5±11.25. Loss of extension <3o was noted in 20(62.5%) patients, while >3o was noted in 12(37.5%). The average loss of extension was 3.5±2.3 degrees. Two (6.25%) patients developed superficial infection which subsided with oral antibiotics. Anterior knee pain was reported by 8(25%) patients.

Conclusions: Patellar bone tendon bone graft was a reliable method for reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.