Simultaneous bilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction with use of hamstring tendon autografts: a case report

Among patients presenting with ACL deficient knees, the incidence of bilaterality is reported to be between 2% and 4%. (1) We have presented an unusual problem of a patient with chronic bilateral ACL-deficient knees and constitutionally very thin patellar tendons. Author decided to perform one-stage bilateral ACL reconstructions using hamstring tendon autografts so as not to weaken his quadriceps muscles by compromising his extensor mechanism. At 7 years follow-up, the patient’s opinion was that both ACL reconstructed knees had normal function and he was still on his preinjury level of activity. Two-stage bilateral ACL reconstruction is much more time consuming for the patient and expensive for health insurance, so in such cases, we recommend performing one-stage, bilateral ACL reconstructions using hamstring tendon autografts as a method that is effective and reproducible for a timely return of motion, strength, and function.