outcome of simultaneous arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft: a multicenter prospective study

Background: multiligamentous injuries of knee are a complex problem in orthopaedics. combined acl-pcl injuries are uncommon, usually associated with knee dislocations. extremity vascular status is essential because of possible arterio-venous compromise. these complex injuries require a systematic evaluation and treatment. single setting simultaneous arthroscopic acl and pcl reconstruction or a staged approach can be adopted to treat these cases. objectives: to evaluate functional outcome of simultaneous arthroscopic acl and pcl reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft in multiligamentous knee injuries. patients and methods: this prospective study was performed on 20 patients with combined acl-pcl injuries who underwent simultaneous arthroscopic acl-pcl reconstruction with hamstring tendon. evaluation of functional outcome was by ikdc and lysholm-tegner scores. results: in 20 patients, mean age 34 years, return to full-time work and to full sports was 8 weeks and 6.2 months respectively. all patients had full range of motion except 2 patients with < 5 degrees flexion loss; 90% had negative lachmann test; 95% had negative pivot shift and 10% patients had mild posterior drawer at 90 degrees (1+) at final follow up. mean ikdc score was 90 (range 81 - 94); mean tegner activity score was 7 and mean lysholm knee score was 89. 85% returned to preinjury activity level and a 90% satisfaction rate. conclusions: simultaneous arthroscopic acl and pcl reconstructions using hamstring tendon for combined acl and pcl injuries is a clinically effective, safe, time saving and cost-effective procedure with better patient compliance and reproducible for a timely return of motion, strength, and function with favorable outcome.