Technique "without bone tunnels" (Micheli-Kocher) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in growing patients. Surgical details and our experience with 19 cases.

Abstract

Background: Given the boom in sports in school age, its intensity and the increase in sports in females, we are experiencing a boom in sports injuries characteristic of "adults" in growing patients, the anterior cruciate ligament being an injury with possible serious consequences.

Methods: To show the surgical technique "without bone tunnels" by Micheli-Kocher in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in growing patients based on our results in 20 patients.

Results: Since 2017 we have performed the technique "without bone tunnels" by Micheli-Kocher in 30 patients, 20 of whom have been followed up for more than 2 years. In our study, we have observed a return to previous sports activity in more than 90% of the patients, with only one patient undergoing reoperation due to a new rupture of the plasty. The results on the IKDC scales show an improvement in mean score from 42 points preoperatively to 84 postoperatively and on the Lysholm scale from 48 preoperatively to 94 postoperatively.

Conclusions: The technique "without bone tunnels" by Micheli-Kocher is a technique indicated in patients under 12 years of age and Tanner stage 2 or less. It is a technique of moderate complexity with excellent results in recovery from previous sports activity and knee stability.