Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft: experience of the first 100 cases.

PURPOSE: To review the results of patients who underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) via a single incision technique using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.
METHODS: Patients with ACL-deficient knees who were symptomatic and wanted to maintain an active lifestyle or continue sporting activities were included. ACL reconstruction using the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft was performed on 100 patients. One-year follow-up was completed in 78 patients who were then reviewed. The mean age of patients reviewed was 26.8 years (range, 21-39 years), of whom 35 (44.9%) were aged between 26 and 30 years. There were 73 men and 5 women (ratio, 14.6:1). Injuries on the right side outnumbered those on the left (44 versus 34). Sports injuries accounted for 66.7% (n = 52) of patients, motor vehicle accidents and household injuries accounted for 30.8% (n = 24) and 2.6% (n = 2), respectively.
RESULTS: Excellent and good-to-excellent results were achieved in 7 (9%) and 61 (78.2%) of patients. Residual anterior knee pain (n = 18) was the most common complication, followed by difficulty in regaining full range of motion (n = 10) and divergence of femoral screw (n = 9).
CONCLUSION: This procedure provides consistent and reproducible results in carefully selected patients and allows them an early return to sporting activities with minimal residual morbidity.