Outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using detached and non-detached autografts: comparative analysis

Background. Despite the widespread use of autograft techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there remains a need to improve surgical methods aimed at enhancing graft osseointegration, reducing inflammatory responses, and preventing bone tunnel widening. Particular attention has been drawn to techniques that preserve the tibial insertion and ACL remnant. A systematic comparison of these approaches based on objective functional and morphological parameters is necessary. The aim of the study — to conduct a comparative analysis of short-term and early outcomes of different anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques. Methods. The study included 112 patients stratified into four groups based on the type of ACL reconstruction performed: D — detached graft; N — non-detached graft; D+S — detached graft with remnant preservation; N+S — non-detached graft with remnant preservation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 6 and 12 months using the Lysholm score, IKDC, and KOOS, as well as MRI-based Signal-to-Noise Quotient (SNQ) and CT-based bone tunnel widening. Statistical analysis included one-way and multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA), as well as Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results. The comparative analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the groups across all evaluated parameters (p 0.05), according to the ANOVA test. The best functional outcomes (Lysholm, KOOS, IKDC) and morphological indicators (SNQ ratio, bone tunnel widening) were observed in the N+S group. MANOVA and PCA confirmed spatial separation of groups, with a distinct cluster formed by N+S patients, indicating the superiority of this technique. All intergroup differences were statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusion. The results suggest that the use of non-detached autografts in combination with preservation of anterior cruciate ligament remnant offers substantial potential for improving surgical outcomes in knee joint instability. However, large-scale randomized trials with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.