Tibial rotation is not restored after ACL reconstruction with a hamstring graft

Abstract

Recent research suggests ACL reconstruction does not restore tibial rotation to normal levels during high demand activities when a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft is used. We asked if an alternative graft, the semitendinosus-gracilis (ST/G) tendon graft, could restore tibial rotation during a high demand activity. Owing to its anatomic similarity with the normal ACL we hypothesized the ST/G graft could restore excessive tibial rotation to normal healthy levels along with a successful reinstatement of the clinical stability of the knee. We assessed tibial rotation in vivo, using gait analysis. We compared the knees of ACL reconstructed patients with an ST/G graft to their intact contralateral and healthy controls during a pivoting task that followed a stair descent. We also evaluated knee stability after ACL reconstruction with standard clinical tests. ACL reconstruction with the ST/G graft and with current techniques did not restore tibial rotation to previous physiological levels during an activity with increased rotational loading at the knee, although abnormal anteroposterior (AP) tibial translation was restored.