Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Graft with and without Suture Augmentation: A Randomized Trial
Abstract
Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a vital knee joint stabilizer with rising injury rates.
Anatomic ACL reconstruction aims to restore the ACL to its original dimensions, collagen orientation,
and insertion sites, but complete restoration may not be possible. Suture augmentation (SA) involves the
use of autologous hamstring tendons with a braided ultra-highmolecular weight polyester or polyethylene
suture or suture tape to act as a secondary stabilizer until complete integration. This study aimed to
compare the outcomes of ACL reconstruction using hamstring grafts with and without suture
augmentation.
Methods: This trial was conducted at a tertiary-level health care center, with 50 patients divided
randomly into two groups: 25 patients for standard ACL reconstruction (Group A) and 25 patients for ACL reconstruction with suture augmentation (Group B). Participants provided informed consent. We collected baseline clinical characteristics range of motion (ROM), pain (numeric pain rating scale, NPRS), and functional outcomes (Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC scores).
Results: The mean age was 25.5 years, with 96% male and 4% female participants. We found a statistically significant improvement in both groups in ROM, NPRS scores, and functional outcomes at 1 and 6 months. There was no significant difference in both groups regarding the IKDC score. Lysholm’s score showed a remarkable improvement in both groups.
Conclusion: The study concluded that suture augmentation could be an effective technique for ACL
reconstruction, with comparable outcomes to standard ACL reconstruction.
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| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 10 No 1 (2024) | |
| Section | Research Articles | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.18502/jost.v10i1.14966 | |
| Keywords | ||
| Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Knee Joint Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Sutures Clinical Trial | ||
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