Vol. 11, Issue 3 (2025)

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common among physically active individuals, often resulting in knee instability, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life. Quadriceps tendon autograft has emerged as a reliable option for ACL reconstruction, offering favorable biomechanical strength and low donor-site morbidity.
Aim of the study: To evaluate the functional outcomes, clinical stability, and postoperative complications following ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft in patients with isolated ACL tears.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from September 2022 to September 2024 at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, BSMMU, Dhaka. Eighteen patients (17 males, 1 female; mean age 29.5 ± 6.2 years) with isolated ACL tears underwent ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft. Purposive non-randomized sampling was employed. Clinical knee stability was assessed using the Anterior Drawer and Lachman tests. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Lysholm and IKDC scores preoperatively and at final follow-up. Knee range of motion (ROM) was recorded postoperatively. Postoperative complications were documented. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Result: Postoperatively, clinical stability improved significantly: negative Anterior Drawer tests in 88.9% and negative Lachman tests in 83.3% of patients (p < 0.001). Functional scores increased markedly, with mean Lysholm and IKDC scores improving to 90.1 ± 3.7 and 89.2 ± 4.3, respectively (both p < 0.001). Knee ROM was preserved postoperatively (132.5° ± 5.8°), indicating maintained mobility. Complications were minimal, including anterior knee pain (16.7%), superficial infection (5.6%), and knee stiffness (5.6%). At final follow-up, 77.8% of patients achieved excellent Lysholm scores, 16.7% good, and 5.6% fair.
Conclusion: Quadriceps tendon autograft ACL reconstruction provides excellent clinical stability and significant functional improvement while preserving knee range of motion. Complications are minimal, making this technique a safe and effective option for young, active individuals.