Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament with preservation of the remnants

[Objective]To evaluate the technique and outcome of arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with preservation of the remnents.[Method]From June 2005 to May 2006, 28 knees with ACL tear in 28 patients were verified with arthroscopy in this department.Of them,8 knee were combined with lateral meniscus tear and 6 combined with medial meniscus tear. All the damaged ACLs were reconstructed with single bundle of autogenous quadrupled hamstring tendons under arthroscopy without remove of the remnants of ACL. Bioabsorbable interference screw was used for direct anatomic fixation of the reconstructed ligament.[Result]No severe complication occurred in early stage after operation in the 28 patients.All of them were followed up for 12 to 24 months with an average of 18 months. Lysholm score was remarkablely improved from 46～80 (mean 60.75±9.54) preoperatively to 85～100 (mean 95.89±6.24) at the latest follow up (P0.0001). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in IKDC score from abnormal (grade C) in19 knees and severely abnormal (grade D) in 9 knees reoperatively to normal (grade A) in 21 knees, nearly normal (grade B) in 7 knees at the follow up (P=0.0000).All of the 28 patients returned to the same preinjury sports level.[Conclusion]Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with preservation of the remnents has advantages of minimal intraarticular interference,and potential facility to revasculization and reinnervation of the reconstracted ligament.