Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a patellar tendon
bone autograft (one bone block technique).
Method
We retrospectively evaluated a case series of patients who had received arthroscopic ACL reconstructions using patellar tendon
bone autograft. Fifty-four (54) ACL reconstructions were evaluated at a mean of 38 months (range 25–62 months). Clinical assessment
was made using a modified Lysholm score, documentation of International Κnee Documentation Committee (lΚDC), the anterior
knee pain questionnaire of Shelbourne and Trumper, and by ΚΤ-Rolimeter arthrometric analysis. Radiographic assessments were
also performed.
Results
Arthrometric analysis showed that 51 knees (94%) were graded Α or Β with a median laxity of 2 mm, postoperatively. The Lysholm
score improved postoperatively from 70 to 89. The patellar position in terms of congruence angle did not show any significant
change, and the final shortening of the patellar tendon using the Insall–Salvati ratio was 6.07%. Only three patients complained
of moderate pain on kneeling, one patient was unable to participate in strenuous works and one patient complained of harvest-site
tenderness.
Conclusion
It is concluded that the use of patellar tendon autograft with a single tibial-tubercule bone block and a strip of patellar
periosteum have the advantages of being available and comparable in terms of graft size and strength and shows satisfactory
results with reduced anterior knee pain.
Keywords Anterior cruciate ligament - ACL reconstruction - Patellar tendon bone autograft - Arthroscopy - Anterior knee pain