Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament With Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System and Hamstring Tendon Autograft :A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background Both Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System(LARS) and hamstring tendon autograft can serve as grafts for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction but few studies compared their differences.This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic reconstruction of PCL with LARS and hamstring tendon autograft. Methods 36 patients who had received PCL reconstruction under arthroscopy were retrospectively analyzed. 15 patients received reconstruction using LARS (LARS group) and 21 using hamstring tendon autograft (HT group). The pre- and post-operative subjective scores and knee stability were evaluated. Results 36 patients were followed up for a period of 2 to 10.5 years (4.11±2.0 years on average). The last follow-up showed that functional scores and knee stability were all significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05). Six months after operation, Lysholm scores and IKDC subjective scores were higher in LARS group than in HT group (P<0.05). Nonetheless, the last follow-up showed no statistically significant differences in the functional scores and the posterior drawer test between the two groups (P>0.05). In LARS group and HT group, 12 and 9 patients, respectively had KT1000 values less than 3 mm, with the difference being statistically significant (P<0.05). In HT group, the diameter of the four-strand hamstring tendon was positively correlated with height (P<0.05),which was 7.37±0.52mm in males and 6.50±0.77 mm in females, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Both LARS and hamstring tendon could achieve good clinical efficacy for PCL reconstruction ，but patients in LARS group had faster functional recovery and better knee stability. LARS is especially suitable for those who hope to resume activities as early as possible.