Clinical outcomes in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using peroneus longus tendon autograft versus hamstring tendon autograft

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft and hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. A quasi-experimental study design was utilized. This study was done at the Orthopedic Department of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, General Hospital, Islamabad, from July 2021 to July 2023. Patients were split into two groups, and they received either PLT or HT autograft. Pain, range of motion (ROM), muscle power, and return to jogging were assessed using the visual analog scale, goniometer scale, and anterior cruciate ligament-return to sports after injury scale at six weeks, three months, and six months post-surgery. A total of 61 patients, out of which 26 patients received an HT (quadrupled gracilis and semitendinosus) graft and 35 received a PLT autograft. The patient’s mean age was 26.51 ± 6.78 years. The HT group had more pain at six weeks and three months, while the PLT group had lesser pain (P < 0.05). Both groups had mild pain after six months (P = 0.337). At six and three months, there was a significant difference in ROM (P = 0.05), but no significant change in the Medical Research Council power of muscles was identified. Thirty-four patients from the PLT group could jog without discomfort before six months. Overall, every patient was satisfied with the treatment that they received. Patients who had ACLR with a PLT autograft had significantly better clinical and functional outcomes compared to those who received an HT autograft.