Arthroscopic Reconstruction of ACL by Quadruple Semitendinosus Tendon Graft

In this study a quadrupled semitendinosus (ST) graft alone sparing the gracilis tendon was used for reconstruction of the torn anterior cruciate ligament in 36 patients with ACL injury. Femoral fixation was obtained with rigid fix (two transverse bioabsorbable pins) and tibial fixation with U loop (of Professor Ahmed Abd El-Aziz) prof, of ortho. Cairo University. At an average follow-up time of 19 months (range, 14-27 months), patients were evaluated using standard knee Lysholm score preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative. Results: At final evaluation, subjective knee rating was 90 points according to this score. Lachman test was negative in 33 patients (91.6%). 80 percent of patients returned to the same pre-injury sports level. Conclusion: The quadrupled semitendinosus graft is a robust graft for ACL reconstruction; provides a clinically stable construct, allows recovery of normal limb strength, gives high patient satisfaction with early return to active sports, and involve lower donor-site morbidity.