Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a skeletally immature adolescent athlete

Arthroscopy. 2009 Mar;25(3):321-4. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2008.11.008.

Abstract

We present a technique for double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a 14-year-old female athlete. The patient presented with anterolateral knee rotatory instability following a traumatic injury suffered while practicing judo. The clinical examination revealed positive Lachman and pivot shift tests with no accompanying meniscal pathology. Roentgenograms revealed open physes, and magnetic resonance imaging scans confirmed an isolated midsubstance ACL tear without cartilaginous injury. The decision was made to anatomically reconstruct the ACL because the athlete wished to continue competitive judo. Autologous hamstring tendons were harvested for double-bundle ACL repair. Following arthroscopic retrograde femoral and antegrade tibial tunnel placement, the ligaments were secured using interference screws within the femoral and tibial epiphysis. Postoperative Lachman and pivot shift tests were negative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / diagnostic imaging
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries*
  • Female
  • Femur / surgery
  • Femur / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Instability / rehabilitation
  • Joint Instability / surgery*
  • Knee Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Injuries / surgery*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Radiography
  • Sports
  • Tibia / surgery
  • Tibia / transplantation
  • Transplantation, Autologous