A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED COMPARISON OF OPEN VS ARTHROSCOPICALLY ASSISTED ACL RECONSTRUCTION

A prospective, randomized study comparing arthroscopic and open anteri or cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions was undertaken, Neither the patients nor the physical therapists were made aware of which techniq ue was used, The central one third of the patellar tendon with proxima l and distal bone plugs was utilized as the graft material to reconstr uct the ACL in all cases, Rehabilitation was identical for each group, The following variables were compared: postoperative pain score, oper ating time, estimated blood loss (EEL), quantity of analgesics used, c omplications, range of motion at 1, 3, and 6 months, a 6-month evaluat ion consisting of Lachman's, anterior drawer, and pivot shift tests, a mount of thigh atrophy, and Cybex II tests. Statistical significance w as achieved (P<.05) in only three parameters, The 1-month postoperativ e range of motion, the B-month postoperative thigh atrophy, and the Cy bex II test (knee extension at 60 degrees/sec) were statistically diff erent favoring the arthroscopic method.