The all-inside technique for ACL reconstruction uses the semitendinous muscle tendon as a graft, and postoperative pain is slightly reduced. Through the full tibial tunnel technique, better anatomical graft placement is obtained with promising results, yet there are only few scientific articles comparing the two techniques. The main objective is evaluation of results after ACL reconstruction by comparing the clinical results of the two surgical techniques. A prospective study was conducted that included 63 eligible patients according to pre-established criteria. The technique used was randomly indicated to each patient. Demographics and clinical examination results were collected and subsequently stored. The assessment tools used were the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with a 6-month follow-up period. The statistical analysis was performed for preoperative follow-up scores, at 3 and 6 months. All patients were operated by the same surgical team under spinal anesthesia with nerve block and tourniquet applied.In regards to IKDC and KOOS scores, the difference between the two interventions was not statistically significant (p = .579 and p = .710). Postoperative pain was slightly reduced in patients in the all-inside\ group but without any statistical significance compared to full-tibial tunnel technique(p = .259). There were no graft ruptures or late postoperative complications. Regarding IKDC, KOOS and VAS evaluating tools, there is no statistically significant difference between the two evaluated methods for ACL reconstruction, all-inside and full tibial tunnel at 3 months and 6 months after surgery.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a commonly performed procedure and considered to be the gold standard in restoring knee function and stability in ACL-deficient knees. The TransLateral all-inside technique implies the use of only two portals – anterolateral and anteromedial, without the use of an accessory portal. The work is done using the lateral portal, while the medial portal serves as a viewing site. Only a few studies have been published regarding the assessment of the functional and clinical outcomes of this novel technique. Aim of the study: To determine the clinical effectiveness of the TransLateral procedure used for ACL reconstruction and its ability to re-establish joint functionality and stability in ACL-deficient knees. Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic no. 2 in Tîrgu Mureș. Thirty-two patients matched our inclusion criteria and were operated using the TransLateral technique for ACL reconstruction. Outcome assessment was performed using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Lysholm score and the Tegner Activity Scale. The questionnaires include items referring to pain, physical functioning, sports activities, and quality of life. Operative time and ACL graft size were also documented. Results: All patients underwent single-bundle ACL restoration using a quadrupled semitendinosus tendon. Out of 32 patients, 21 had associated meniscus lesions and 8 collateral ligament injuries. Mean graft diameter was 8.7 mm and mean length 63.2 mm. Significantly improved KOOS values were found at 12 months post-surgery regarding the mean baseline score: 59.3 ± 5.3 vs. 95.3 ± 4.9, p <0.0001. The Lysholm score improved from a mean of 56.3 ± 4.9 to 93.9 ± 5.6, p <0.0001 at the end-point. The Tegner activity scale ranged from 3.8 ± 1.9 to 5.9 ± 2.4, p <0.0001 at the final follow-up. Conclusions: The TransLateral technique proved its clinical effectiveness and its ability to restore knee stability after ACL reconstruction surgery.