Prospective comparative study of early outcomes of fixed closed loop and adjustable loop femoral fixation techniques used for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Depending on the severity of your ACL injury, treatment may include rest and rehabilitation exercises to help you regain strength and stability or surgery to replace the torn ligament followed by rehabilitation. Methods of femoral fixation in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery are widely discussed in the literature. The cortical suspension technique is a popular option with a variety of adjustable loop and fixed closed loop devices available in the market. Aim: To evaluate short term outcome of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using fixed closed loop fixation (CLF) and adjustable loop fixation (ALF) techniques. Study Design: Hospital based Prospective randomized comparative interventional study. Materials and Methods: 60 cases were included in this study, in which 30 cases were treated arthroscopically by using CLF and remaining 30 cases were operated arthroscopically by using ALF. Clinical outcome was assessed using Lachman and pivot shift, and results were graded using the International Knee Documentation Committee. Functional outcome was evaluated by using Lysholm score up to 8 months. Result: Lachman grading (mm) pre-operative in CLF group was 2.84±0.35 mm and in ALF group was 2.72±0.31. Maximum patients were from IKDC 2+ grade. 70.00% in CLF group and 56.67% in ALF group. Lysholm score pre-operative in CLF group was 63.00±1.29 and in ALF group was 62.90±1.86. Lachman grading (mm) post-operative in CLF group was 0.31±0.02 mm and in ALF group was 0.35±0. 06mm.post-operative 16.67% patients belong IKDC 2+ grade in CLF group and in 10.00% patients in ALF group. Lysholm score post-operative in CLF group was 92.36±0.95 and in ALF group was 91.9 ± 0.91There were no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: We concluded that in femoral fixation of ACL graft both CLF and ALF techniques may provide secure fixation, equal reduction of graft laxity, and similar functional outcome in ACL deficient knee.