Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the early clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction using the augmented semitendinosus tendon combined with LARS synthetic material and the autologous hamstring tendons. METHODS: A total of 68 eligible patients with ACL rupture were reconstructed using either 4-strand autologous hamstring tendons, representing the control group, or the LARS synthetic material augmented grafts. The duration of postoperative swelling and recovery exercise was recorded. Lysholm and IKDC scores were used for evaluation of knee joint function. Lachman and pivot shift tests were conducted to evaluate stability. RESULTS: The scores of the three knee functions in cases of the augmentation group were significantly higher than those of the control group 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in Tegner score in the two groups 12 months after surgery (P > 0.05). In general, the augmentation group returned to exercise 12 weeks after surgery, while the control group required 30 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that synthetic material augmentation grafts allow earlier return to exercise and display more satisfactory results compared with the control group.