Results of an Anatomical Single Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction by the Anteromedial Method

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the results of patients undergoing single-bundle anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with the anteromedial portal technique and the effects of surgical timing on the results. Methods: A total of 47 patients (44 males, three females; mean age: 27 years) were included in this study. Lachman test, pivot shift test and KT-2000 arthrometry, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm activity scoring were used in the preoperative and final follow-up in order to clinically evaluate. Furthermore, 17 patients undergoing early surgery (within the first 6 months) and 30 patients undergoing late surgery were compared for the presence of additional pathologies and functional results. Results: The mean follow-up period was 25 months (range: 13-36 months). Lachman test, Pivot-shift test, KT-2000, Lysholm, and IKDC scores significantly improved during the final follow-up according to the preoperative values. Eighty-two percent (14/17) of patients in the early surgery group (ten medial, three lateral, and one bilateral) and 96% (29/30) of patients in the late surgery group (seventeen medial, five lateral, and seven bilateral) had meniscus tear, and the difference was statistically significant. Four patients requiring microfracture were present in the late surgery group. Functional outcome was better in patients in the early surgery group, although the difference was statistically not significant. Conclusion: Anatomical reconstruction of ACL with the anteromedial portal technique is an effective method to improve clinical and functional results. Additionally, early surgery will improve functional results because it will decrease the frequency of additional pathology.