Comparison Of Mid-Long Term Clinical Outcome Of ACL Reconstruction Using The LARS Artificial And The Autonomous ST/G Tendon

ObjectiveTo compare the mid-long term clinical outcome of ACL reconstruction using the autogenous ST/G tendons and the LARS artificial ligaments.Methods:From May 2007 to March 2011,39 cases of ACL reconstruction were studied. There are male 30 cases, female9 cases, with an average age of 29.28±11.03 years old (LARS group 30.19±10.14, ST/G group 28.65±11.80). The patients’ PE and imaging results indicated that the rupture of ACL.According to the indication of LARS ligament reconstruction and patients’ will, LARS artificial ligaments or autogenous ST/G tendons were chosen as grafts for ACL reconstruction, including 16 LARS artificial ligaments and 23 autogenous ST/G tendons. Each patient was evaluated with Lysholm score, Tegner score and IKDC score preoperatively, and postoperatively at 6,12,36,60 months or more, respectively.Result:In LARS group:16 patients were followed up for 6 months and 12 month, 14cases for 36 months,14 cases for 60 months or more, a mean follow up of 83.63±18.12 months; In ST/G group:23 cases for 6 months,22 cases for 12 months,22 for 36 months and 20 cases for 60 or more, a mean follow up of 86.17±18.36 months;Three knee functions scoring system favored LARS group at 6 months and 12 months post-operation. Howere, The subsequent results showed no significant difference between LARS group and ST/G group after 36 months postoperatively. There is no difference in the scores between different phases after the 6 months post-operation in LARS group.One patient in LARS group complained knee instability, and two patients felt pain in ST/G group and none of patients suffered complication such as infection, sever synovitis or re-rupture in both two groups.Conclusion:LARS ligament can be a suitable and safe option for ACL reconstruction, especially for those who need fast functional recovery and with fresh rupture of ACL. Because it is less invasive and can allow the early function rehabilitation.Howere LARS ligament may cause some complications such as loose even rupture of graft,so we should carefully select cases using LARS ligament.