ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic reinforced reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with autologous hamstring tendon combined with anchor suture band. MethodsBetween February 2016 and March 2018, 60 patients who were to be treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and met the selection criteria were selected in the study. Among them, 30 cases were reconstructed with autologous hamstring tendon combined with anchor suture band (trial group), and 30 cases were reconstructed with simple autologous hamstring tendon (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, cause of injury, injury side, and preoperative Lysholm score, Tegner score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups (P>0.05). After reconstruction, the patients in the trial group were allowed to start knee flexion and extension activities early without wearing an adjustable brace, while the patients in the control group were required to wear an adjustable brace for 12 weeks. The knee joint function (Lysholm score, Tegner score, IKDC score) and stability (Lachman test and pivot shift test) were compared between the two groups after operation.ResultsThere was no significant difference in graft diameter between the two groups (t=1.061, P=0.115). Compared with the control group, the operation time of the trial group was significantly different (t=4.924, P=0.000). All incisions healed primarily. In the control group, the intramuscular venous thrombosis occurred in 2 cases after operation. Both groups were followed up 18 months. The Lysholm score, Tegner score, and IKDC score of the two groups at each time point after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05); the above scores in the trial group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 3, 6, and 9 months after operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two groups at 18 months after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Lachman test results between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in pivot shift test results at 6 months after operation between the two groups (P<0.05); but there was no significant difference at other time points (P>0.05). ConclusionThe effectiveness of ACL reinforcedreconstruction with autologous hamstring tendon combined with anchor suture band is satisfactory. Compared with using autologous hamstring tendon alone, it has better initial strength and joint stability, and is more conducive to early postoperative functional exercise and functional recovery of knee joint.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of modified patellar tendon reconstruction using hamstring autograft in the treatment of chronic patellar tendon rupture and defects.MethodsThe clinical data of 11 patients with chronic patellar tendon rupture and defects admitted between January 2015 and August 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patient were treated with inverted U-shaped reconstruction technique using hamstring autografts, in which 2 bone tunnels were created at the level of 1/2 and lower 3/4 of the patella, and 1 bone tunnel was created beneath the tibial tuberosity. There were 8 males and 3 females with an average age of 30.1 years (range, 10-61 years). The average interval from the primary injury to the operation was 9.5 months (range, 2-36 months). According to Yousef classification, there were 7 cases of type A2, 3 cases of type B2, and 1 case of type C2. The length of the patella tendon defect was measured when the patella was reducted intraoperatively with an average of 4.5 cm (range, 2.7-7.1 cm). Subjective function scores [including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Tegner activity level, and Lysholm score] were evaluated before operation and at last follow-up. The loss of knee extension, Caton index, and thigh circumference difference at 15 cm above the patella between bilateral limbs were also measured.ResultsAll patients were followed up 24-66 months (mean, 34.2 months). All incisions were primary healing, and there were no complications such as wound infection, venous thrombosis of the lower extremities, stiffness of the knee joint, graft failure, neurovascular injury, etc. No second revision surgery was performed during the follow-up. At last follow-up, the subjective function scores (IKDC subjective score, Tegner activity level, Lysholm score), loss of knee extension, thigh circumference difference, and Caton index were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). Two patients still had patella alta, with Caton indexes of 1.29 and 1.32, respectively.ConclusionIn the treatment of chronic patellar tendon ruptures and defects, the modified patellar tendon reconstruction using hamstring autograft can significantly improve the postoperative knee function, restore the normal range of knee extension, enhance the extensor and correct the patella alta.