Effects of Remnant Tissue Preservation on Tunnel Enlargement After Anatomic Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Hamstring Tendon:

Background:The effects of remnant tissue preservation on tunnel enlargement after anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have not yet been established.Hypothesis:The preservation of ACL remnant tissue may significantly reduce the degree and incidence of tunnel enlargement after anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction, while the remnant-preserving procedure may not significantly increase the incidence of tunnel coalition after surgery.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A total of 79 patients underwent anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction. Based on the Crain classification of ACL remnant tissue, 40 patients underwent the remnant-preserving procedure (group P), and the remaining 39 patients underwent the remnant-resecting procedure (group R). There were no differences between the 2 groups concerning all background factors, including preoperative knee instability and intraoperative tunnel positions. All patients were examined using computed tomograph...