Faik Turkmen

and 4 more

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.