Clinical outcomes of single-bundle versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction in adolescent elite athletes: A retrospective comparative study

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the single bundle (SB) and double bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in terms of graft survival, complications, and patient reported functional outcomes in adolescent athletes.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 89 elite adolescent athletes who underwent either SB or DB ACL reconstruction were included. All patients were then divided into two groups: group 1 including 51 patients with SB ACL reconstruction (31 male, 20 female; mean age = 15.4 ± 1.03 years) and group 2 including 38 patients with DB ACL (30 male, 8 female; mean age = 15.7 ± 1.3 years). Clinical data were obtained, comprising skeletal maturity, sports type, ACL reconstruction technique, Lachman scores, KT-1000™ arthrometer measurement, additional meniscal procedures as well as International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Cincinnati score, and graft size.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 53.1 ± 8.6 months in group 1 and 46.4± 9.1 months in group 2 (P = 0.61). The type of ACL reconstruction technique (SB or DB), gender, skeletal maturity, sports type, additional meniscal procedures and Lachman scores were not associated with the re-rupture of the ACL (P > 0.05). Moreover, ACL reconstruction technique did not effect the rate of re-rupture of an ACL. There were 21 re-ruptures (23.5%) and 11 (12.3%) contralateral ACL ruptures in total. Among 21 reruptures, 12 of them were in the DB group while nine of them in the SB group (P > 0.05). The groups did not differ with respect to age, the injured side, the time from injury to surgery, the postoperative follow-up time, or the preoperative physical examination results KT-1000 device (SSD), Cincinnati score, IKDC objective and subjective score,Lachman test and pivot-shift test).

Conclusion: There are no differences in the re-rupture of an ACL, patient reported outcomes, and complications in adolescent elite players, when either an SB or DB technique is performed.

Level of Evidence: Level III, Therapeuthic Study

Cite this article as: Toker B, Erden T, Dikmen G, et al. Clinical outcomes of single-bundle versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction in adolescent elite athletes: A retrospective comparative study. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2022; 56(1):21–26.