Comparison of tunnel expansion and isometric muscle strength after ACL reconstruction with single- or dual-bundle hamstring allograft: a prospective, randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare tunnel expansion and isokinetic muscle strength after single- and dual-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

METHODS: This study included 34 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction in our clinic between November 2007 and March 2008. Eighteen patients (average age: 27.3 years; range: 19 to 35 years) underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction and sixteen patients (average age: 30.1 years; range: 20 to 40 years) underwent dual-bundle ACL reconstruction. Method selection was determined by draw. Isokinetic hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength was tested preoperatively using Biodex 3. Three-dimensional computed tomography of the knee joint was taken in the 2nd and 3rd postoperative month. The three-dimensional computed tomography and isokinetic muscle strength tests were repeated at the 6th month follow-up. Each tunnel was divided into six equal parts, and the tunnel width in the sagittal and coronal planes was measured and the same points in the axial plane were measured in the tunnel area.

RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the single- and dual-bundle reconstructions in isokinetic muscle strength values. No statistically significant difference was detected between the tunnel expansions in 2nd, 3rd and 6th month tomographies following single- and dual-bundle ACL reconstruction.

CONCLUSION: Single- and dual-bundle ACL reconstructions seem to provide similar results in terms of early tunnel enlargement and isokinetic muscle strength.