R. Fremerey et al., Proprioception in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Endoscopic versus open two-tunnel technique - A prospective study, INT J SP M, 22(2), 2001, pp. 144-148
ACL-reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft is a standard procedure w
hich can be performed arthroscopically with a femoral half tunnel drilled f
rom the joint or using the two-tunnel technique with medial miniarthrotomy
and additional femoral approach. The arthroscopic procedure with single inc
ision was hypothesized to improve proprioception and to provide earlier reh
abilitation. Twenty-nine patients with chronic ACL-deficiency were included
in the prospective study. Fifteen patients were operated endoscopically, 1
4 patients using the two-tunnel technique. Proprioception, Lysholm and Tegn
er scores as well as stability (KT-1000) were assessed preoperatively, 3 an
d 6 months postoperatively as well as after 3.9 +/- 0.4 years. A significan
t deficit of proprioception was assessed in both groups preoperatively. Six
months postoperatively, both groups showed a restitution of proprioception
near full extension and full flexion of the knee. In the mid-range positio
n, the proprioception could not be restored. At the final examination after
3.9 years, the deficit documented in the mid-range position still persiste
d. There were no differences in proprioception, clinical results and stabil
ity between the arthroscopic and the open technique.