Simultaneous arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament using hamstring and quadriceps tendon autografts

BACKGROUND: Most dislocated knees involved tears in the two cruciate ligaments were often accompanied by other collateral ligament complexes. Surgical repair or reconstruction seems to achieve results superior to conservative treatment. Various methods of reconstructing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) after knee dislocation have been described, but few reports discuss simultaneous ACL and PCL reconstructions in a single operation. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients (6 males and 5 females) with both ACL and PCL disruptions were enrolled in the prospective study and treated with arthroscopic combined reconstruction of ACL and PCL using hamstring and quadriceps tendon autografts in a single operation. The average period from injury to operation was 76 days (range, 30-150 days), and the mean age was 33 years (range, 19-48 years) for those who underwent the operation. Mean follow-up time was 55 months (range, 36-78 months). Follow-up examinations included Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, thigh muscle assessment, and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Ten of 11 (91%) patients showed good or excellent results. Statistically significant improvements were observed in Lysholm score (p = 0.008), Tegner score (p = 0.038), postoperative KT-1000 scores (p = 0.001), final IKDC rating (p = 0.032), and thigh atrophy and muscle strength (p < 0.05). Regarding IKDC final rating, 82% (9 of 11) of the patients were assessed as normal or nearly normal (grade A or B). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of both ACL and PCL using hamstring and quadriceps autografts can effectively and safely restore knee stability.