Transphyseal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using hamstring autograft in skeletally immature adolescents

J Korean Med Sci. 2005 Dec;20(6):1034-8. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2005.20.6.1034.

Abstract

Eleven skeletally immature adolescents underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a transphyseal tibial and femoral tunnel. An autologous quadrupled hamstring tendon was used in all cases and the average follow-up was 77.7 months. Clinical results were evaluated using Lysholm knee scores and a return to pre-injury sports activities. Radiological results were evaluated using side-to-side differences of instrumented laxities and growth disturbances compared with the uninjured side on final follow-up orthoroentgenograms. The mean Lysholm score was 97.8 (range 94-100) and mean side-to-side laxity difference was 2.4 mm (range 1-4). Ten of 11 patients returned to pre-injury sports activity. No patient had a leg length discrepancy of over 1 cm or a significant abnormal angular deformity of the knee joint. Therefore, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the transphyseal tunnel and hamstring autograft in skeletally immature adolescents is believed to be a reliable treatment method, which is not associated with significant leg length discrepancy or abnormal angular deformity of the knee joint.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / diagnostic imaging
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries*
  • Bone Development
  • Growth Plate / diagnostic imaging
  • Growth Plate / surgery
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Injuries / surgery
  • Male
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
  • Radiography
  • Salter-Harris Fractures
  • Tendons / transplantation
  • Transplantation, Autologous