Comparison of clinical efficacy between all-inside technique and traditional technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under knee arthroscopy

To compare the clinical efficacy of all-inside reconstruction and traditional reconstruction in treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries under knee arthroscopy. A total of 100 patients with ACL injuries admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 2024 to December 2024 were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into the all-inside reconstruction group (n = 50) and the traditional reconstruction group (n = 50) using the Random Number Table Method. Graft size, Tegner, IKDC, Lysholm scores, and VAS scores of both groups prior to surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were compared, and the return-to-sport conditions at 1 year postoperatively were evaluated. The measurement data were analyzed by the independent samples t-test, and the categorical data were analyzed by the chi-square test, with P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The baseline data of the two groups were balanced (all P > 0.05). The graft length in the all-inside group was significantly shorter than that in the other (6.60 ± 0.42 cm vs. 8.10 ± 0.45 cm, P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in diameter (P = 0.339). At each time point postoperatively, the Tegner, IKDC, and Lysholm scores of both groups were significantly improved, with no clinically significant difference between (the difference in Lysholm score at 12 months after surgery was 2.24 points, P = 0.032, but lower than MCID). The VAS score of the all-inside group at 12 months postoperatively was significantly lower (0.24 ± 0.12 vs. 0.87 ± 0.11, P < 0.001). In addition, at 1 year postoperative, the return-to-sport rate of this group was 64.0% (32/50), significantly higher than that of the other (42.0%, 21/50) (P < 0.05). All-inside ACL reconstruction can significantly shorten the required graft length, relieve long-term pain, and increase the return-to-sport rate while ensuring the effect of knee joint function recover. It is thus proved to be a safe and effective surgical method.