Comparative Analysis of Results of Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction between Free Hamstring Graft and Preserved Insertion Hamstring Graft: A Short Term Follow Up Study

Introduction An ideal graft should be of proper biomechanical strength, sufficient size, reliable fixation, rapid biological healing, no biologically adverse reaction, no donor site morbidity and excellent long term outcome. Tibial insertion preserving hamstring graft can prevent potential problems of free graft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction such as pull out before graft-tunnel healing or rupture before ligamentization of the graft. Material and methods We analysed 80 patients of ACL injury in a prospective trial where 40 patients were operated with free hamstring graft and 40 patients were operated with preserved insertion hamstring graft. The duration of study was 3 years from October 2015 to November 2015 with a minimum follow up of 2 years. The patients were divided in two groups of 40 persons each with the first group operated with free hamstring graft and the second group with preserved insertion hamstring graft. Preoperative clinical and radiological findings were documented along with post op clinical and radiological findings. Functional outcome was assessed with Lysolm`s score, Tegner`s activity score and Hop test at 1 year and 2 year intervals. Results Results were compared between the two groups. In group 1 pre operative Lysolm score was 45.8±10.3 which rose to 93.7±4.8 at 1st year followup and 94.0±5.0 at 2nd year followup.35 out of 40 patients were able to return to their previous activity level with mean duration of return being 10.1±2.7 months. In group 2 pre operative Lysolm score was 42.7±11.7 which rose to 94.7±3.8 at 1st yr followup and 95.2±3.9 at 2nd years follow up (Table 4).37 out of 40 patients were able to return to their previous activity level with mean duration of return being 8.7±2.2 months. Conclusion The preserved insertion hamstring graft group had better clinical, functional and radiological results as compared to free hamstring graft group over