Functional Outcomes of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Tendon Autograft in a Predominantly Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Cohort: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common cause of knee instability. While arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is well established, most studies focus on acute or sports-related injuries. Data on functional outcomes following reconstruction in chronic ACL tears, particularly those due to road traffic accidents, are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes and knee stability following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using an autologous hamstring tendon graft in patients with chronic ACL injuries.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective study included 25 patients with clinically and radiologically confirmed ACL tears who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using a semitendinosus-gracilis tendon autograft. A standardized rehabilitation protocol was followed. Functional outcomes were assessed at 6 months using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and knee stability was evaluated using the Lachman test.

RESULTS

The mean age was 26.88 years with male predominance (24:1). Road traffic accidents were the most common mechanism of injury (60%). The mean duration from injury to surgery was 9.31 months. At final follow-up, 84% of patients had normal or nearly normal IKDC grades, with a mean IKDC score of 85.38. The Lachman test was negative in 84% of patients. All grafts were intact, and no graft failures occurred.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendon autografts provides good functional outcomes and knee stability in chronic ACL injuries at short-term follow-up.