DOUBLE-BUNDLE ANATOMICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY WITH TWO-YEAR FOLLOW-UP.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the results from double-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, among patients at our clinic, by means of the 2000 protocol of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC).

Study Design: Case series; level of evidence IV.

Methods: Fifty-eight patients who underwent anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using an autologous flexor tendon graft by means of the double-bundle technique were evaluated in accordance with the IKDC 2000 protocol. The patients' ages ranged from 17 to 58 years, with a mean of 35.2 years. The follow-up ranged from 24 to 37 months (mean of 28.9 months).

Results: Postoperatively, 89.65% of the pivot-shift test findings were negative. In the final evaluation, 44 (75.86%) of the patients' knees were graded as normal, 13 (22.41%) as nearly normal and one (1.72 %) as abnormal.

Conclusion: The technique used was effective in promoting restoration of joint stability, without compromising mobility.