Transtibial aperfix system in reconstruction of ACL injuries: Radiological and clinical two year follow-up results

Objectives: The aim of this this study was to assess the clinical outcomes and fixation durability of the AperFix (Cayenne Madical, Scottsdale, Arizona) system and to determine the effect of patient’s age in arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Methods: Patients with symphtomatic anterior cruciat ligament rupture underwent arthroscopic reconstruction. Patients were evaluated in terms of range of motion values; Lysholm, Cincinati and Tegner activity scales; laxity testing and complications. Tunnel widening was assessed by AP and lateral radiographs. Early postoperative and last follow-up radiographs were compared. Results: Fifty-one patients were evaluated at a 29 months (range: 25-34 months) follow-up. Mean age at the surgery was 26.5 ± 7.2 years. Lysholm, Cincinati and Tegner activity scales were significantly higher from preop scores. (Lysholm scores: preop: 51.4 ± 17.2 postop: 88.6 ± 7.7 (p<0.001); Tegner activity scores: preop 3.3 ± 1.38 postop: 5,3 ± 1,6 (p<0,001); Cincinati scores: preop: 44.3±17 postop:81,3 ± 13.9 (p<0.001)). There was no significant difference for knee score, range of motion deficits and femoral tunnel enlargement of the patients with below and above 30 years. Conclusion: According to our results with <30 years and above >30 years patient comparison we think that patient’s age is less important than activity level for the surgical treatment decision. The AperFix system performed satisfactory clinical and radiological results with low complication rate. But long-term clinical and radiological results are needed to decide the ideal ACL reconcstruction method.