Evaluation of FunctionalResults of the Anhroscopicanv Assisted Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate ligament using Bone-Patellar Tendon- Bone Autograft.

Abstract

The knee is the largest and one of the strongest joints in the body. It is used in all forms of vigorous activity and it is relatively unprotected. This lends it to being one of the most injured joints in the body. In addition to being traumatized, there are several other forms of pathology that can manifest symptoms of pain, swelling and instability. The importance of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) m the

maintenance of stability of the knee is well known.

A rupture of the ACL compromises the stability of the knee in individuals who are active resulting in chronic instability, recurrent episodes of giving way and associated intra-articular injuries. Autografts remain the most commonly used substitute. Of these autografts, the central one third patellar tendon has been the most frequently used and it was considered the "gold standard" to which other reconstructions are compared, this is because of its higher initial graft fixation strength and more secure bone to bone fixation. Also, biomechanical studies showed that the patellar tendon is the single strongest substitute to replace the ACL. Arthroscopically assisted techniques for ACL reconstructions were developed as an alternative to the open procedure where they should provide significant benefits over open arthrotomy because of reduced surgical trauma with the minimum incision in knee capsule and synovial membrane, better visualization and more accurate placement of tunnels. Drilling of the femoral tunnel in a physiologically isometric position directly through the tibial tunnel helps to gain decreased postoperative pain and consequent improvement in early rehabilitation as benefits. The aim of our study was to assess the reconstruction of the ACL with the use of this forementioned technique and an autogenous graft composed of the central one third of the patellar tendon.