Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional results of
simultaneous reconstruction of the ACL and PCL with bilateral hamstring autografts.
We hypothesized that this reconstruction technique results in less morbidity and has
similar results to the ones published in the previous literature.
Methods Eighteen patients with bicruciate lesions were selected and treated by arthroscopic
surgery with autologous hamstring tendons in a single-stage procedure. The thicker
semitendinosus tendon (ST) and the two gracilis tendons (G) were used for a 6-strand
PCL reconstruction. The thinner ST was used for a 3-strand ACL reconstruction. The
average patient age at surgery was 31 years, and the minimum follow-up was 2 years.
Function of the operated knee was evaluated according to the Lysholm scale. Anterior
knee laxity was examined with a KT-1000 arthrometer. Posterior laxity was evaluated
using stress radiographies.
Results Statistically significant improvements were found for all three measurements (p < 0.001). Knee function by the Lysholm score increased from 43.8 ± 4.1 to 89.9 ± 3.8
post-surgery. The average anterior knee laxity improved from 5.2 + -0.8 mm initially
to 2.4 + - 0.5 mm post-surgery. The posterior translation of the tibia relative to
the femur decreased from 10 ± 3.4 mm to 3 ± 1.6 mm post-surgery. No patient showed
loss of motion in extension or knee flexion.
Conclusion The simultaneous bicruciate reconstruction with bilateral hamstring autograft is
a valuable option to achieve good functional outcomes and ligamentous stability.
Keywords
anterior cruciate ligament - anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction - hamstring
tendon - joint instability - knee dislocation - posterior cruciate ligament - posterior
cruciate ligament reconstruction
