Single-bundle versus double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: assessment with vertical jump test

Limb asymmetries persist 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction according to the results of a jump test battery

Objectives

Test batteries used to assess a patient's return-to-sports (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are currently undergoing continual development, although no consensus exist on tests to be administered to athletes before allowing return to play. A simple standardized jump test battery was developed to objectively evaluate knee function following ACLR, thereby aiding in RTS decision-making.

Methods

Thirty-three patients who underwent ACLR were prospectively assessed pre-operatively, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Knee function was assessed using a device for optical detection using a test battery consisting of three jump tests: monopodalic countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump, and monopodalic side-hop. Limb symmetry index (LSI) was reported for all tests at all time points. LSI ≥90% was defined as RTS criteria.

Results

At 12-month evaluation, mean LSI significantly improved compared to 6-month follow up (p < 0.01), and also compared to baseline (p < 0.01), reporting a mean value of 92.6% for CMJ, 90.6 for drop jump and 96.9% for side hop test. Most patients fulfilled the RTS criteria 12 months after surgery (LSI ≥90%). The percentages of patients demonstrating LSI ≥90% at 6 months was 7/33 (21.2%) for CMJ, 12/33 (36.4%) for drop jump, and 11/33 (33.3%) for side-hop test. One year after surgery, percentages grew up to 66.6% (22/33), 63.6% (21/33), and 81.8% (27/33) respectively.

Conclusion

Six months after ACLR, knee functional performance was unsatisfactory in most patients, whereas a significantly higher percentage of patients met RTS criteria 1 year after surgery. The results of the jump test battery proposed in this study support the idea that timing for resumption of cutting and pivoting sports should be delayed later than 6 months, as still limb asymmetries persist at this time point.

One-stage anterior cruciate ligament revision surgery after primary failed double-bundle reconstruction: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision surgery after failed double-bundle (DB) reconstruction is a challenging procedure. This study aimed to systematically review the research on ACL revision surgery following failed DB reconstruction, providing an overview on indications, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes and potential pitfalls occurring while performing this therapeutic approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature published from exception to February 2023 was searched in the Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases. Studies in English reporting on patients who underwent ACL revision surgery after prior failed DB reconstruction were considered. Review articles and expert opinion or editorial pieces were excluded. Outcomes of interest included indications and pre-operative planning, surgical technique and associated procedures, type of revision surgery (either one- or two-stage), graft choice, clinical and functional outcomes, rate of complications, failure rate.

RESULTS

Overall, 4 studies met all the inclusion criteria for this review. All were published between 2007 and 2020. The search resulted in two retrospective comparative studies, one case series, and one case report. Average follow-up periods ranged from 24 to 45 months. From these studies, 66 patients (66 knees) were identified. One-stage revision surgery was performed in 64 on 66 patients (97%) with pathologic laxity following DB ACL reconstruction. Most frequently reported outcome was Lysholm score in five studies: average postoperative Lysholm score ranged from 90.5 to 91.0 while Tegner activity level ranged from 5.6 to 7.0. In 4 patients (6%) re-revision surgery was performed due to graft re-rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

One-stage ACL revision surgery following DB ACL reconstruction appears feasible providing satisfying outcomes and limited complications. The literature on this subject is limited and further comparative studies reporting long-term outcomes are needed, as high-level studies on this topic are still lacking.

Drop Jump Performance Improves One Year Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Sportsmen Irrespectively of Psychological Patient Reported Outcomes

Our study aims to prospectively report the functional outcomes of 31 sportsmen following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, up to 12 months after surgery, with regards to subjective tests and drop jump performance, and to investigate the correlations between these variables, to be used for determining the return to sports after ACL reconstruction. Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, and the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 months, and at 12 months after surgery. Drop vertical jump was recorded using an infrared optical acquisition system. Lysholm and ACL-RSI scores significantly improved at the 12-month follow-up compared to the baseline and 6-month evaluations (p < 0.001). Concerning Tegner activity level, no statistically significant differences were reported between pre- and post-operative status (p = 0.179). Drop jump limb symmetry index significantly improved at 12 months, with the mean value improving from 76.6% (SD: 32,4) pre-operatively to 90.2% (SD: 14.7; p < 0.001) at follow-up. Scarce positive correlation was reported between the ability to perform drop jumps and activity level in athletes one year after ACL reconstruction. In addition, subjective knee score and psychological readiness were not related to jumping performance.

Relationships between Jumping Performance and Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport 6 Months Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Investigating the relationship between functional capacity and psychological readiness is of paramount importance when planning sport resumption following knee surgery. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess clinical and functional outcomes in athletes 6 months after primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to evaluate whether jumping ability is related to psychological readiness to return to sport following ACL surgery. Methods: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were prospectively enrolled and evaluated pre-operatively and 6 months after surgery. Assessment included Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, Tegner activity level, and the ACL−Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Jumping ability was instrumentally assessed by an infrared optical acquisition system using a test battery including mono- and bipodalic vertical jump and a side hop test. Patients were dichotomized by ACL-RSI into two groups: group A (ACL-RSI > 60), and group B (ACL-RSI < 60). Results: Overall, 29 males and two females from the original study group of 37 patients (84%) were available for clinical evaluation. Mean age at surgery was 34.2 years (SD 11.3). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.4 (SD 3.7). Mean overall Lysholm, IKDC, and ACL-RSI scores increased from pre-operatively (p < 0.001). No differences in Tegner score were reported (p = 0.161). Similarly, improvement in most variables regarding jumping ability were observed at follow-up (p < 0.05). According to ACL-RSI, 20 subjects were allocated in group A (ACL-RSI > 60), while 11 were allocated in group B (ACL-RSI < 60). A statistically significant difference in favor of patients in group A was recorded for the post-operative Lysholm and Tegner score, as well as Side Hop test LSI level (p < 0.05), while a trend for IKDC was observed without statistical significance (p = 0.065). Conclusions: Patients with higher values of ACL-RSI scores showed better functional and clinical outcomes as well as improved performance 6 months after ACL reconstruction

Single Bundle Versus Double Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is considered as one of the most common sport-related musculoskeletal injuries. Double bundle (DB) and single bundle (SB) surgical techniques has been widely adopted for ACL reconstruction. This systematic review aimed to provide updated evidence by comparing the short-term, mid-term, and long-term knee stability and functional outcomes of DB and SB reconstruction techniques.

Methods

We searched Medline, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. We have selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared DB and SB ACL reconstruction techniques for primary isolated ACL tear. We have assessed the following outcomes: pivot shift test, Lachman test, KT-1000/2000 knee ligament arthrometer, Lysholm knee function score, Tegner activity score, and graft failure. We have used the standardized mean difference (SMD) was to summarize the continuous outcomes while risk ratio (RR) was used to summarize the dichotomous outcomes.

Results

A total of 34 RCTs that enrolled 2,992 participants deemed eligible. Overall, DB showed significantly better outcomes in terms of pivot shift test (RR = 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.75), Lachman test (RR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.95), and KT 1000/2000 arthrometer (SMD = - 0.21, 95% CI - 0.34 to - 0.08). No discernible difference was found between DB and SB techniques in the overall Lysholm score (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI - 0.03 to 0.27), Tegner score (SMD = 0.03, 95% CI - 0.17 to 0.24), or graft failure rate (RR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.85).

Conclusions

Our review suggests that DB ACL reconstruction technique shows significantly better knee stability and functional outcomes than SB at short-term follow-up. However, both techniques exhibit similar outcomes at mid-term and long-term follow-up.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-022-00718-0.

Radiological maturation and clinical results of double-bundle and single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A 5-year prospective case-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to make a prospective comparison of the radiological and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing single-bundle and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHOD

This prospective, case-controlled study included 65 patients, separated into 2 groups as 33 patients undergoing single bundle (SB), and 32 patients undergoing double bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. The patients were evaluated clinically using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the Lysholm knee scores. Stability was evaluated with the KT-1000 Arthrometer Measurement, the Lachman and pivot shift tests. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) at 1 and 5 years postoperatively were evaluated by a musculoskeletal radiologist. All the operations were performed by a single surgeon and the clinical evaluations were made by an independent researcher.

RESULTS

Evaluation was made of a total of 53 patients (SB: 28, DB: 25). No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups regarding the postoperative IKDC and Lysholm scores. The pivot shift tests were negative in the DB group and positive in two patients of the SB group. The Lachman test was negative in all the patients. No significant difference was determined between the groups. No statistically significant difference was determined between the two groups in respect of the arthrometer measurements. In the SB group, revision surgery was performed in two patients due to graft failure. No graft failure findings were determined in the DB group, and no statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of graft failure. On the MRIs taken at 1 year postoperatively, the ACL was seen to be hyperintense in 16 patients in the DB group and 6 patients in the SB group (p = 0.004). On the 5-year MRIs, ACL hypointensity could not be seen in three patients of the SB group and two of the DB group, with no difference determined between the groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the 5-year follow-up period, no difference was determined between patients undergoing SB ACL reconstruction and those undergoing DB ACL reconstruction regarding clinical scores, knee stability, and MRI findings, but graft maturation occurs later the patients undergoing DB reconstruction.

Restoring rotational stability following anterior cruciate ligament surgery: single-bundle reconstruction combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis versus double-bundle reconstruction

Aim: To compare the outcomes of patients who underwent single-bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) with the outcomes of those who underwent double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Methods: 16 patients who underwent ACL hamstring SB reconstruction combined with LET (Coker-Arnold modification of the MacIntosh procedure) were retrospectively compared with 20 patients who underwent hamstring DB reconstruction at an average follow-up of 6.2 years. Assessment included Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores, objective examination and instrumented laxity test. Results: No complications were reported. Mean Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly increased from preoperatively (p < 0.05). No differences were reported between the two groups with regard to point scales, anterior tibial translation and pivot-shift test (p = not significant). Conclusions: Both DB ACL reconstruction and combined LET and autologous hamstring SB ACL reconstruction are effective at providing satisfying functional outcomes and restoring rotational stability.

Double bundle ACL reconstruction leads to better restoration of knee laxity and subjective outcomes than single bundle ACL reconstruction

PURPOSE

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare arthroscopic single bundle (SB) and double bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in the light of all available randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A meta-analysis of this well-researched topic was performed and subgroup analyses of the medial portal (MP) technique and the transtibial technique (TT) were added as a new idea. The hypothesis was that the DB technique is superior to the SB technique also in subgroup analyses of the MP and TT techniques.

METHODS

Instructions of the PRISMA checklist were followed. Systematic literature search from electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane library and Scopus was performed to find RCTs that compared the SB and DB techniques. Nine outcomes were used to compare these two techniques. Each study was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and three subgroup analyses (minimum 2-years' follow-up, TT technique and MP technique) were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies were included in this meta-analysis. When analysing all the included studies, the DB technique was superior to the SB technique in KT-1000/2000 evaluation (p < 0.01), IKDC subjective evaluation (p < 0.05), Lysholm scores (p = 0.02), pivot shift (p < 0.01) and IKDC objective evaluation (p = 0.02). Similar results were also found in the subgroup analyses of minimum 2-years' follow-up and the TT technique. However, there were no differences between the two techniques in a subgroup analysis of the MP technique.

CONCLUSION

Generally, DB ACL reconstruction leads to better restoration of knee laxity and subjective outcomes than SB ACL reconstruction. The subgroup analysis of the MP technique revealed that surgeons can achieve equally as good results with both techniques when femoral tunnels are drilled through the medial portal.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Subjective assessment reported by patients shows differences between single-bundle and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine the functional recovery, active reincorporation, and anteroposterior and rotational stability of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using arthroscopy techniques with simple-bundle (SB) or double-bundle (DB). The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase (Elsevier platform), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley platform), Web of Science, and CINAHL. Level I and II studies involving anterior cruciate ligament arthroscopy were included in the search. Records were screened by title and abstract and assessed the risk of bias of selected studies. Meta-analyses using RevMan 5.3 software were conducted on the following outcomes: knee functionality, objective measurements of knee stability, rotational knee stability and knee anterior stability, sports reincorporation, and subjective assessments. Twenty-four studies of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis (1707 patients) for Lysholm score, Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner score, KT-1000/2000, Lachman test, Objective IKDC score, and Pivot-Shift test. A return to pre-injury level showed a significant decrease in the Lysholm score (mean difference, - 0.99; 95% CI - 1.71 to - 0.40; P = 0.007) and Tegner score (mean difference, - 0.07; 95% CI, - 0.13 to - 0.01; P = 0.02) at DB reconstruction, similar to the knee functionality outcome of the subjective IKDC score (mean difference - 1.42; 95% CI - 2.46 to - 0.38; P = 0.007). There is no clear or significant difference in clinical stability and knee function or in sports incorporation with the true difference occurring in the subjective assessment.

The association of extra-articular tenodesis restores rotational stability more effectively compared to contralateral hamstring tendon autografts ACL reconstruction alone in patients undergoing ACL revision surgery

BACKGROUND

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest about lateral extra-articular procedures performed in association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, as they can reduce the positivity to pivot shift test by acting on rotational instability. The purpose of the present study is to compare the postoperative functional outcomes of ACL revision surgery using contralateral hamstring tendon autografts with or without extra-articular tenodesis.

HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis is that combined extra-articular tenodesis gives better rotational stability following revision ACL surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients who underwent ACL revision surgery were retrospectively reviewed at an average follow-up of 4.5 years; 12 underwent contralateral hamstring tendon autografts reconstruction (group A) while in 12 extra-articular tenodesis was associated (group B). Assessment included Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, Tegner activity level and objective evaluation (range of motion, Lachman test, pivot-shift test and KT-1000 instrumented laxity testing).

RESULTS

Follow-up examination showed that there were no statistically significant differences in Lysholm, IKDC and Tegner scores between the groups (p=n.s.). Similarly, no differences concerning anterior tibial translation as measured with KT-1000 arthrometer were reported between the groups (p=n.s.); the percentage of positivity to pivot shift test was significantly higher in patients in group A (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of extra-articular tenodesis restores rotational stability more effectively compared to contralateral hamstring tendon autografts ACL revision surgery alone.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Intraarticular lengths of double-bundle grafts can change during knee flexion: Intraoperative measurements in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions

BACKGROUND

The lengths of the anteromedial bundle (AMB) and posterolateral bundle (PLB) change during knee motion in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the actual intraarticular graft length would be affected by the bone tunnel position and tunnel creation angle during ACL reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the intraarticular length change of the AMB and PLB in patients who underwent anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that the PLB would show a more dynamic length change pattern than the AMB during knee flexion at ACL reconstruction.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients (16 men and 16 women) who had isolated ACL injuries with intact menisci were investigated. Anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstructions were performed using semitendinosus tendon autografts at a mean age of 30.6 years. The graft and tunnel lengths were measured intraoperatively. Intraarticular graft lengths and length changes were calculated at 0° and 90° of knee flexion during ACL reconstruction. Intraoperative data were collected prospectively, and analyses were performed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The intraarticular length of the AMB at 0° of knee flexion was 28.1±5.5mm. At 90° of knee flexion, the AMB intraarticular length decreased to 25.6±4.8mm. The intraarticular length of the PLB decreased to 17.7±4.6mm at 90° of knee flexion compared to 22.0±4.2mm at 0° of knee flexion. Changes in the intraarticular graft length during knee flexion were detected more in the PLB (4.1mm) than in the AMB (2.0mm, p=0.01).

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated that the intraarticular length change of the PLB during knee motion was larger than that of the AMB in anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstructions with semitendinosus tendon autografts and suspensory femoral fixation devices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective cohort study.

Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) clinical practice guidelines on the management of anterior cruciate ligament injury - Secondary publication

BACKGROUND

This clinical guideline presents recommendations for the management of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, endorsed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Japanese Orthopaedic Society of Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine (JOSKAS).

METHODS

The JOA ACL guideline committee revised the previous guideline based on "Medical Information Network Distribution Service Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014", which proposed a desirable method for preparing clinical guidelines in Japan. Furthermore, the importance of "the balance of benefit and harm" was also emphasized. This guideline consists of 21 clinical questions (CQ) and 23 background questions (BQ). For each CQ, outcomes from the literature were collected and evaluated systematically according to the adopted study design.

RESULTS

We evaluated the objectives and results of each study in order to make a decision on the level of evidence so as to integrate the results with our recommendations for each CQ. For BQ, the guideline committee proposed recommendations based on the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline is intended to be used by physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and athletic trainers managing ACL injuries. We hope that this guideline is useful for appropriate decision-making and improved management of ACL injuries.

Which criteria are used to clear patients to return to sport after primary ACL reconstruction? A scoping review

Objective

To describe the criteria used to clear athletes to return to sport (RTS) following primary ACL reconstruction.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus electronic databases were searched using keywords related to ACL and RTS.

Eligibility criteria

Prospective or retrospective studies reporting at least one RTS criterion for athletes who had primary ACL reconstruction with an autograft.

Results

In total, 209 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. RTS criteria were categorised into six domains: time, strength, hop testing, clinical examination, patient-report and performance-based criteria. From the 209 included studies, time was used in 178 studies (85%), and in 88 studies (42%) was the sole RTS criterion. Strength tests were reported in 86 studies (41%). Sixteen different hop tests were used in 31 studies (15%). Clinical examination was used in 54 studies (26%), patient report in 26 studies (12%) and performance-based criteria in 41 studies (20%).

Summary

Time and impairment-based measures dominated RTS criteria, despite sport being a complex physical and biopsychosocial activity with demands across all aspects of function. Time was included as a criterion in 85% of studies, and over 80% of studies allowed RTS before 9 months. Whether RTS tests are valid—do they predict successful RTS?—is largely unknown.

Athletic Performance at the National Basketball Association Combine After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are significant injuries in elite-level basketball players. In-game statistical performance after ACL reconstruction has been demonstrated; however, few studies have reviewed functional performance in National Basketball Association (NBA)–caliber athletes after ACL reconstruction.

Purpose:

To compare NBA Combine performance of athletes after ACL reconstruction with an age-, size-, and position-matched control group of players with no previous reported knee injury requiring surgery. We hypothesized that there is no difference between the 2 groups in functional performance.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 1092 NBA-caliber players who participated in the NBA Combine between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed. Twenty-one athletes were identified as having primary ACL reconstruction prior to participation in the combine. This study group was compared with an age-, size-, and position-matched control group in objective functional performance testing, including the shuttle run test, lane agility test, three-quarter court sprint, vertical jump (no step), and maximum vertical jump (running start).

Results:

With regard to quickness and agility, both ACL-reconstructed athletes and controls scored an average of 11.5 seconds in the lane agility test and 3.1 seconds in the shuttle run test (P = .745 and .346, respectively). Speed and acceleration was measured by the three-quarter court sprint, in which both the study group and the control group averaged 3.3 seconds (P = .516). In the maximum vertical jump, which demonstrates an athlete’s jumping ability with a running start, the ACL reconstruction group had an average height of 33.6 inches while the controls averaged 33.9 inches (P = .548). In the standing vertical jump, the ACL reconstruction group averaged 28.2 inches while the control group averaged 29.2 inches (P = .067).

Conclusion:

In athletes who are able to return to sport and compete at a high level such as the NBA Combine, there is no significant difference in any combine performance test between players who have had primary ACL reconstruction compared with an age-, size-, and position-matched control group.

Clinical Relevance:

Athletes with previous ACL reconstruction who are able to return to high-level professional basketball have equivalent performance measures with regard to speed, quickness, and jumping ability as those athletes who have not undergone knee surgery.

A systematic review of single- versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction using the anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction scoring checklist

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review was to apply the anatomic ACL reconstruction scoring checklist (AARSC) and to evaluate the degree to which clinical studies comparing single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstructions are anatomic.

METHODS

A systematic electronic search was performed using the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 1995 to January 2014 comparing SB and DB ACL reconstructions with clinical outcome measurements were included. The items from the AARSC were recorded for both the SB and DB groups in each study.

RESULTS

Eight-thousand nine-hundred and ninety-four studies were analysed, 77 were included. Randomized clinical trials (29; 38%) and prospective comparative studies (29; 38%) were the most frequent study type. Most studies were published in 2011 (19; 25%). The most commonly reported items for both SB and DB groups were as follows: graft type (152; 99%), femoral and tibial fixation method (149; 97% respectively), knee flexion angle during graft tensioning (124; 8%) and placement of the tibial tunnel at the ACL insertion site (101; 66%). The highest level of documentation used for ACL tunnel position for both groups was often one dimensional, e.g. drawing, operative notes or o'clock reference. The DB reconstruction was in general more thoroughly reported. The means for the AARSC were 6.9 ± 2.8 for the SB group and 8.3 ± 2.8 for the DB group. Both means were below a proposed required minimum score of 10 for anatomic ACL reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

There was substantial underreporting of surgical data for both the SB and DB groups in clinical studies. This underreporting creates difficulties when analysing, comparing and pooling results of scientific studies on this subject.

Single-Bundle Versus Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative 2-Year Follow-up

PURPOSE

To compare anatomic single-bundle (SB) versus double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to determine possible differences in clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized study, 64 patients were divided into 2 equal groups. Anatomic SB and DB ACL reconstructions were performed using hamstring tendons. A follow-up examination 2 years after surgery comprised International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 assessment, Laxitester (ORTEMA Sport Protection, Markgröningen, Germany) measurement of anteroposterior translation regarding rotational stability, and radiographic evaluation. Statistical analysis and power calculation were performed (P < .05).

RESULTS

We examined 62 patients at a mean of 26 months (range, 23.3 to 32.7 months) after surgery. IKDC subjective and objective scores showed no significant differences when both groups were compared. The Laxitester measurements showed no significant differences regarding anteroposterior translation in the neutral position, internal rotation, and external rotation. However, there was a significant improvement in rotational laxity in external rotation in the DB group (P = .02). No differences were seen between the groups regarding osteoarthritic changes and tunnel widening.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no differences in IKDC subjective and objective scores between patients who underwent anatomic SB ACL reconstruction and those who underwent anatomic DB ACL reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial.

High Variability in Outcome Reporting Patterns in High-Impact ACL Literature

BACKGROUND

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction is one of the most commonly performed and studied procedures in modern sports medicine. A multitude of objective and subjective patient outcome measures exists; however, nonstandardized reporting patterns of these metrics may create challenges in objectively analyzing pooled results from different studies. The goal of this study was to document the variability in outcome reporting patterns in high-impact orthopaedic studies of ACL reconstruction.

METHODS

All clinical studies pertaining to ACL reconstruction in four high-impact-factor orthopaedic journals over a five-year period were reviewed. Biomechanical, basic science, and imaging studies were excluded, as were studies with fewer than fifty patients, yielding 119 studies for review. Incorporation of various objective and subjective outcomes was noted for each study.

RESULTS

Substantial variability in reporting of both objective and subjective measures was noted in the study cohort. Although a majority of studies reported instrumented laxity findings, there was substantial variability in the type and method of laxity reporting. Most other objective outcomes, including range of motion, strength, and complications, were reported in <50% of all studies. Return to pre-injury level of activity was infrequently reported (24% of studies), as were patient satisfaction and pain assessment following surgery (8% and 13%, respectively). Of the patient-reported outcomes, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and Tegner scores were most often reported (71%, 63%, and 42%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial variability in outcome reporting patterns exists among high-impact studies of ACL reconstruction. Such variability may create challenges in interpreting results and pooling them across different studies.