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Double-bundle ACL reconstruction: Better outcome in rotational laxity than single-bundle
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March 2013
Double-bundle ACL reconstruction: Better outcome in rotational laxity than single-bundle
Study Type:Meta analysis
OE Level Evidence:1
Journal Level of Evidence:N/A
Single-bundle or double-bundle for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A meta-analysis
Knee. 2013 Jan 7. pii: S0968-0160(12)00236-0. doi: 10.1016/j.knee.2012.12.004Did you know you're eligible to earn 0.5 CME credits for reading this report? Click Here
Synopsis
19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1686 patients were identified to examine the clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with double- and single-bundle techniques. Results revealed that the double-bundle technique led to better outcomes in rotational laxity (measured by the pivot-shift test, KT and IKDC grading). However, no significant difference was observed between the two techniques in terms of functional recovery.
Publication Funding Details
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Funding:
Not Reported
Conflicts:
None disclosed
Were the search methods used to find evidence (original research) on the primary question or questions stated?
Was the search for evidence reasonably comprehensive?
Were the criteria used for deciding which studies to include in the overview reported?
Was the bias in the selection of studies avoided?
Were the criteria used for assessing the validity of the included studies reported?
Was the validity of all of the studies referred to in the text assessed with use of appropriate criteria (either in selecting the studies for inclusion or in analyzing the studies that were cited)?
Were the methods used to combine the findings of the relevant studies (to reach a conclusion) reported?
Were the findings of the relevant studies combined appropriately relative to the primary question that the overview addresses?
Were the conclusions made by the author or authors supported by the data and or analysis reported in the overview?
How would you rate the scientific quality of this evidence?
Yes = 1
Uncertain = 0.5
Not Relevant = 0
No = 0
The Reporting Criteria Assessment evaluates the transparency with which authors report the methodological and trial characteristics of the trial within the publication. The assessment is divided into five categories which are presented below.
3/4
Introduction
4/4
Accessing Data
3/4
Analysing Data
3/4
Results
3/4
Discussion
Detsky AS, Naylor CD, O'Rourke K, McGeer AJ, L'Abbé KA. J Clin Epidemiol. 1992;45:255-65
The Fragility Index is a tool that aids in the interpretation of significant findings, providing a measure of strength for a result. The Fragility Index represents the number of consecutive events that need to be added to a dichotomous outcome to make the finding no longer significant. A small number represents a weaker finding and a large number represents a stronger finding.
Why was this study needed now?
While the single-bundle technique has been considered the gold standard for ACL reconstruction, a failure rate of 11-30% with persistent instability of the knee has been reported. The double-bundle technique was proposed to overcome these limitations, where the treatment was able to more closely restore normal kinematics to the knee. However, previous clinical results comparing these two techniques were riddled with controversial results. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcome of single- and double-bundle reconstruction of the ACL.
What was the principal research question?
Did a double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique lead to better clinical and functional outcomes than the single-bundle technique?
Study Characteristics
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Data Source:
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases were searched to find all relevant RCTs (with no language or other limitations).
Index Terms:
("anterior cruciate ligament" OR "intra-articular knee ligament" OR "ACL") AND ("injury" OR "rupture" OR "torn" OR "destruction" OR "trauma") AND ("single bundle" OR "double bundle" OR "anatomic bundle" OR two bundles") AND ("reconstructions" OR "instability" OR "laxity" OR "arthrometer" OR "ligament integrity" OR "rotation" OR "rotary motion" OR "function").
Study Selection:
The titles and abstracts of studies identified by the search strategy were screened independently by two reviewers (Li and Ning). These reviewers also independently applied the inclusion criteria to the studies retrieved by the literature search. Disagreement was resolved through discussion; if uncertainty remained, a further reviewer and expert was consulted to decide.
Data Extraction:
Two reviewers independently extracted the data through the use of a standardized form regarding the selection criteria. Disagreements were resolved through consensus, and a third reviewer was consulted if disagreements persisted.
Data Synthesis:
A fixed-effect model was used to perform the meta-analysis if no significant heterogeneity was present. In order to analyze the heterogeneity between studies, a chi-square test was performed and the I-square statistic was estimated. A random effects model was selected to account for heterogeneity in the design and patient selection among the studies.
What were the important findings?
- According to 10 studies, a significant difference in Pivot shift grading between single and double-bundle techniques was observed (OR, 0.27, 95% CI 0.20, 0.36; P = 0.000, I-squared = 67.3%).
- 2 trials indicated significant differences in KT grading between the two reconstruction techniques (OR, 0.44, 95% CI 0.21, 0.95; P = 0.035, I-squared = 0.00%).
- 6 studies reported a significant difference in IKDC grading between the two methods (OR, 0.59, 95% CI 0.40, 0.87; P = 0.008, I-squared = 0.00%).
- No significant differences were observed in complications, IKDC scores, Lysholm Knee scores, and Tegner activity scores between the two treatments.
- While no significant difference was observed in KT arthrometer between the groups (from 9 studies), none of the co-variables (year P = 0.439, study type P = 0.764) could explain heterogeneity by meta-regression, and the heterogeneity may be due to different follow-up.
What should I remember most?
This study demonstrated that double-bundle ACL reconstruction led to better outcomes in rotational laxity (assessed through the pivot-shift test, KT and IKDC grading) compared to the single-bundle technique. However, no significant difference was observed in functional outcome measures such as IKDC scores, KT arthrometer, Lysholm knee, or Tegner activity scores.
How will this affect the care of my patients?
The double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique seems to be superior to the single-bundle method in terms of objective measures. However, the reliability of these findings is uncertain as the methodological quality of the included RCTs was difficult to assess (due to lack of randomization and concealment). Furthermore, it is unclear how more 'anatomic' single bundle reconstruction techniques fare against the double-bundle techniques. As clinical results seem equivalent based on available data, further results could be aimed at determining if the suggested improvement in mechanical stability affords improved clinical benefits in some population groups (i.e. high performance athletes).
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