A comparison of functional outcome between bioabsorbable interference screw and endobutton fixation on femur in arthroscopic anterior cruciate Ligament reconstruction

Introduction: Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament [ACL] reconstruction is very commonly done procedure in recent times {1}. The graft fixation methods vary from aperture fixation [Interference screws] to suspensory fixation methods [Endobutton]. This is a Prospective non randomised clinical study of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction comparing the functional results between aperture fixation and suspensory fixation. Material and methods: Two groups of 10 patients who underwent autogenous hamstring ACL reconstruction with a minimum of 1 year follow up evaluation were included in the study. The aperture fixation group underwent bioabsorbable interference screw fixation at both femoral and tibial tunnels. The suspensory fixation group underwent endobutton fixation on the femoral side and biointerference screw on tibial side. Both group patients were examined prior to surgery and at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. They were compared for functional outcome with Tegner Lysholm knee score. Observation and results: There was significant improvement in functional outcome in both the groups for base and at 3 months, also for 3 months and 6 months but for 6 months to 1 year Group 2 is almost significant. Conclusion: In our prospective study of comparison of functional outcomes between aperture fixation and suspensory fixation on femur in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction which were evaluated by using Tegner Lysholm knee score over a period of 1 year, suspensory fixation was found to be better. However, further long term studies involving large series of cases would throw more light on this information.