PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF ARTHROSCOPIC ANTERIORCRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION WITH PERONEUS LONGUS AUTOGRAFT

Background The present study was designed to analyze the postoperative functional outcome of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with peroneus longus autograft fixed in femoral tunnel using endobutton and in the tibial tunnel using interference screws.

Methods 39 patients of complete ACL tear underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using peroneus longus tendon autograft. It was ensured that graft had a length of at least 7 cm and thickness of at least 8 mm. If either of these requirements were not met, then the graft was supplemented by Hamstring semitendinosus tendon. For functional assessment, international knee documentation committee (IKDC) knee score was taken and clinical tests for antero-posterior stability were done. In addition, the foot and ankle disability index (FADI) scores were used to evaluate the ankle donor site.

Results The average graft diameter was 8.74 mm and average graft length was 9.12 cm. There was significant improvement in post op IKDC score when compared with pre op score. There was no antero-posterior instability seen in any of the patients during follow up. No patients required an additional graft augmentation. There was no complaint about weakness of the ankle joint after surgery.

Conclusions Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with peroneus longus tendon autograft is an excellent treatment option for ACL deficient knees. It gives excellent functional outcome without any detrimental effect on ankle function with minimal complications.