Publication:

Short-term clinical and functional outcomes of all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery

Background The clinical efficacy and safety of all-inside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remain subjects of ongoing discussion. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with this technique in patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction.

Methods This prospective cohort study included fifty patients presenting with a first-time traumatic ACL tear who underwent all-inside ACL reconstruction. In all cases, a Semitendinosus autograft harvested from the ipsilateral limb was prepared and used for reconstruction. Patients were followed for one year after surgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Lysholm knee score, and instrumented laxity testing with KT-1000, along with clinical evaluation of the pivot-shift and Lachman tests.

Results There was a significant improvement in Lachman and pivot-shift test scores post-operatively (p<0.001). The IKDC score after surgery was 96.1±7.1 (range 70-100), respectively. Based on Lysholm scoring, there were excellent knee function in 88%, 6% good and 6% fair knees. The mean side-to-side difference in tibial translation was 1.1±1 mm. Physiotherapy sessions revealed a direct positive correlation with IKDC scores (r= 0.504, p<0.001). In none of the cases was graft failure seen. 2 patients had final follow-up grade I or more tibial-creaking at the pivot.

Conclusions The inlay allograft ACL reconstruction provides excellent clinical and objective stabilization results and low complications with good subjective scores.