Bone Tunnel Impaction Reduced the Tibial Tunnel Enlargement

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the bone tunnel impaction technique performed by dilators could dwindle the tibial tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring tendon using both extracortical suspensory fixation devices at femoral and tibial site. Thirty-one consecutive patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with the hamstring autograft were enrolled in this research. Patients were randomly allotted to group A (bone tunnel impaction technique using dilators) or group B (regular extraction bone tunnel drilling). RESULTS The average follow-up was 16.2 months. The mean femoral tunnel widening was 1.05 mm and 1.02 mm respectively in group A and B. The mean tibial tunnel widening was 0.61 mm and 1.08 mm respectively in group A and B. There was no statistical difference for tunnel enlargement between the two groups at the femoral site (P = 0.62) but significant difference at the tibial site (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Bone tunnel impaction technique leaded to a reduction of tibial bone tunnel enlargement after ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon using both extracortical suspensory fixation devices at femoral and tibial site.