Clinical Comparison of Transfix and Tightrope Fixations in Patients with
Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Abstract
Backgraound: Transfix and Tightrope are widely used devices for femoral
graft fixation in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
reconstruction. The purpose of the study is to reveal differences
between Transfix and Tightrope fixation technique by evaluating clinical
results of cases. Materials and Methods: 87 patients who underwent
arthroscopic ACL reconstruction for ACL rupture between January 2013 and
June 2017 by the same senior surgeon and in whom the fixation methods
evaluated in this study had been employed were retrospectively reviewed.
Transfix was used in 45 (52%) patients and ACL Tightrope was used in 42
(48%) patients. In the first group (Transfix) mean age was 26,3± 5.8
(18-45) second group (Tightrope) mean age was 26,7± 6.1 (17-46).
Patients in both groups were retrospectively screened for anamnesis and
physical examination records in the hospital registry system. In
addition, IKDC(International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm
scores were calculated in the preoperative and postoperative follow-up
period, and all findings were evaluated over a mean period of 42.5 ± 7.4
(24-54) months. Results: Clinical evaluation and stability tests
indicated that statistically no significant difference found between two
groups. For the first group preoperative Lysholm scores was 47,3 and
postoperatively 93 and second group scores were respectivly 47,6 and 94
(P<0.05). IKDC scoring system for first group preoperatively
there were 13 poor, 26 good and 6 fair knees ; postoperatively 2 fair,
27 good and 16 excellent .In the second group preoperatively 11 poor, 25
fair and 6 good knees and postoperatively 2 fair, 26 good and 14
excellent knees evaluated. Conclucions: In ACL reconstruction for
fixation femoral graft, Transfix and Tightrope are frequently used
implants. Therefore, both femoral fixation implants can be safely used
in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction based on the experience and
preference of the surgeon, provided that they are properly applied.