Comparing outcomes of reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament rupture with fixed loop and adjustable loop

Recently, the surgical methods are used in patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture and have been associated with successful results. There are different results in the term of using of the surgical methods for anterior cruciate ligament that often is associated with some complications such as infection, static laxity, remaining the pain, need to recurrence surgery, and limitation in the range of motion. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the fixed loop and the adjustable loop.

This cross-sectional study was done on 60 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction referred to Kashani Hospital of Isfahan, Iran, from March 2017 to February 2019. Also, this study was approved in the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. 30 patients were assigned to a fixed loop and 30 patients under the adjustable loop method. Postoperative outcomes were compared with the fixed loop group and the adjustable loop group.

The frequency of static laxity below 8 mm in the fixed loop group was 83.3% and the frequency of static laxity below 8 mm in the adjustable loop was 76.7%. There was no significant difference between the fixed loop group and the adjustable loop group based on static laxity. Also, no infection was seen in the fixed loop group and the adjustable loop group. There was no significant difference between the fixed loop group and the adjustable loop group in terms of range of motion and knee score before and after surgery. After surgery, 96.7% of the fixed loop group and 86.7% of the adjustable loop group returned to normal activity. There was no significant difference between the fixed loop group and the adjustable loop group in terms of return to normal activity and satisfaction.

Using the fixed loop is effective, useful, and with low-complication for the patients with anterior cruciate ligament and also using the adjustable loop grafts is effective, useful, and with low-complication for the patients with the anterior cruciate ligament rupture.