Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
+44-20-4587-4809
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
+44-20-4587-4809
Matjaz Sajovic1, Saska Demsar2 and Romana Sajovic
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Rheumatology & Orthopedics
Purpose: The ideal treatment for patients presenting with bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency remains controversial. The purpose was to evaluate cost and mid-term functional results after one stage bilateral ACL reconstruction using either hamstring or patella tendon autograft. Methods: We compared the mid-term outcome (mean, 86.1 months) of 7 patients (14 knees) who had one stage bilateral ACL reconstruction with that of a matched group of patients who had unilateral reconstruction (21 patients). Results: The median length of hospital stay was 4 nights (range, 3 to 5) for the bilateral group and 2 nights (range, 1 to 4) for the control group. The duration of rehabilitation process in patients from control group with unilateral ACL was one week shorter (9 versus 8 weeks). In the bilateral group, the mean Lysholm score was 95 (range, 85-100) and in the control group, the mean score was 93 (range, 81-100). The mean time to return to full-time work and to full sports was 9.2 weeks and 6.8 months for the one stage group and 8.4 weeks and 6.4 months for the unilateral group. 6 patients (85.7%) in the bilateral group and 17 patients (80.9%) in the control group were still performing at their pre-injury level of activity. National Health Institution saves 2.925 EUR when we performed one stage bilateral reconstruction instead of two stage ACL reconstruction. Conclusions: Mid-term clinical results suggested that one stage bilateral ACL reconstruction using either hamstring or patella tendon autograft is clinically effective. For patients presenting bilateral ACL deficient knees, one stage bilateral ACL reconstruction is reproducible, cost effective, and does not compromise mid-term functional results.
Matjaz Sajovic, MD, PhD, is a senior orthopedic surgeon and deputy head of Orthopedic and Sports trauma surgery department at General teaching hospital Celje, Slovenia. In his youth he was a representative of former Yugoslavia in gymnastics and later in athletic decathlon. He received his MD at Medical University of Ljubljana in 1985 and completed his PhD at Medical University of Maribor in 2010. In past 20 years he operatively focused on sports injuries and sports rehabilitation after operative procedures. He collaborates with Slovenian Ski Team, Slovenian Judo Team and Slovenian Handball Team. He has participated in numerous conferences and has published many scientific articles