Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a double bundle hamstring autograft configuration in patients under 30 years

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has a high incidence of re-tear in younger patients. Despite comparable functional outcomes, the incidence of re-tear using single and double bundle ACLR methods has not been well reported. AIM: To hypothesize that double bundle hamstring ACLR has a lower graft rupture rate compared with single bundle hamstring ACLR grafts in young patients. METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients < 30 years of age at the time of primary double bundle ACLR were eligible for study participation. 91 (81.3%) could be contacted, with a mean age of 20.4 years (range 13-29) and mean post-operative follow-up time of 59 mo (range 25-107). Telephone questionnaires evaluated the incidence (and timing) of subsequent re-tear and contralateral ACL tear, further surgeries, incidence and time to return to sport, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Of the 91 patients, there were 6 (6.6%, 95%CI: 1.4-11.7) ACL graft re-ruptures, with a mean time to re-rupture of 28 mo (range 12-84). Fourteen patients (15.4%) experienced a contralateral ACL rupture and 14 patients (15.4%) required further surgery to their ipsilateral knee. fifty patients (54.9%) returned to pre-injury level of sport. Of those < 20 years (n = 45), 4 patients (8.9%, 95%CI: 0.4-17.3) experienced a re-rupture, with mean time to re-injury 15 mo (range 12-24). Comparative analysis with existing literature and revealed a non-significant Chi-squared statistic of 2.348 (P = 0.125). CONCLUSION: A trend existed toward lower graft rupture rates in young patients undergoing double bundle ACLR utilizing a hamstring autograft, compared with rates reported after single bundle ACLR.