Comparison of arthroscopic one-incision and two-incision techniques for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 1999 Aug;9(4):233-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.1999.tb00239.x.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction performed using either the 'one-incision' technique or the rear-entry 'two-incision' technique. A series of 221 consecutive patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was reviewed retrospectively. In the study population, two subgroups were defined. Group A consisted of 118 patients who underwent reconstruction using the one-incision transtibial endoscopic technique and Group B consisted of 103 patients who underwent reconstruction using the two-incision technique. The groups were comparable in terms of age, sex and activity level. The follow-up was performed after 47 (40-68) months in Group A and 55 (40-68) months in Group B. The Lysholm score at the final follow-up was significantly lower in Group A (90, 38-100) than in Group B (94, 34-100) (P = 0.002). The median KT-1000 total side-to-side difference was 1.5 (-6 to 7.5) mm in Group A, and 2.0 (-3.5 to 9) mm in Group B (n.s.). No significant difference between the groups was found when the IKDC evaluation system was used. Four intra-operative complications were registered in Group A and none in Group B (P = 0.06). No significant difference was found in terms of anterior knee pain, the one-leg-hop quotient or the activity level at the final follow-up. In this study the two methods gave similar and satisfactory results. Serious intraoperative complications were, however, recorded in four cases when the one-incision technique was used.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries*
  • Arthroscopy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rupture
  • Treatment Outcome