Comparative Study of Functional Outcomes Between Peroneus Longus and Hamstring Tendon Autografts in Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

Comparative Study of Functional Outcomes Between Peroneus Longus and Hamstring Tendon Autografts in Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This is a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients (≥18 years) with an isolated ACL injury will be randomly assigned to receive an ACL reconstruction using either a Peroneus Longus Tendon (PLT) autograft or a Hamstring Tendon (HST) autograft. The primary objective is to compare early functional outcomes between the two groups at 6 weeks and 3 months post-surgery, using the Lysholm Knee Score. The study aims to demonstrate the non-inferiority of the PLT graft. All surgeries will be performed arthroscopically at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, followed by a standardized rehabilitation protocol.

This study compares two autograft sources for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. While the hamstring tendon (HST) is a widely used standard, it is associated with donor-site complications such as anterior knee pain and weakness. The peroneus longus tendon (PLT) has emerged as a potential alternative, offering similar biomechanical strength with the possibility of reduced donor-site morbidity. However, robust comparative data, particularly focusing on early functional recovery, remain limited, creating a need for high-quality evidence to guide surgical decision-making.

To this end, the trial is designed as a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study. Sixty patients will be randomly assigned to receive ACL reconstruction using either a PLT or HST autograft, with functional outcomes assessed via the Lysholm Knee Score at six weeks and three months postoperatively. The methodology includes rigorous allocation concealment, blinding of the outcome assessor, and an intention-to-treat statistical analysis to robustly test the non-inferiority of the PLT graft.

The trial has received ethical approval, and all participants will provide informed consent. The findings aim to contribute meaningful evidence to clinical practice and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences, with the goal of informing safer and more effective surgical choices for patients with ACL injuries.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 18 years or older.
• Isolated, primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury confirmed by clinical assessment and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Provides written informed consent for the surgical procedure and study participation, including follow-up assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiligament knee injuries (e.g., concomitant PCL, MCL, or LCL injuries).
• Previous surgery or history of fracture in the involved lower limb.
• Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in the affected knee.
• Presence of any neuromuscular disease.