Results of all-inside arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts at Duc Giang General Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autologous gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts at Duc Giang General Hospital. Subjects and Methods: This study included 33 patients aged 18–60 years with ACL rupture who underwent all-inside ACL reconstruction using autologous gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts at Duc Giang General Hospital from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Results: The mean operative time was 55.22 ± 6.82 minutes. The mean graft diameter was 8.77 ± 0.50 mm, and the mean graft length was 60.33 ± 1.88 mm. Rotational knee stability was well restored, with 93.3% of patients showing a negative pivot-shift test and 6.7% showing grade 1 positivity at 12 months postoperatively. At 12 months, no patients had limitations in knee extension or flexion. Postoperative knee function improved significantly: the mean Lysholm score at ≥12 months was 92.41 ± 3.65 in 30 patients, with 40% achieving good outcomes and 60% achieving excellent outcomes. The improvement in Lysholm scores before and after surgery was statistically significant. Conclusion: All-inside arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using autologous gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts is a minimally invasive technique that preserves bone stock, reduces postoperative pain, and shortens recovery time. Clinical and functional outcomes were rated good to excellent in over 90% of patients, comparable with those reported in national and international studies.