OBJECTIVETo introduce the application of bipolar radiofrequency energy in the treatment of elongated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction during arthroscopy.

METHODSFrom January 2002 to June 2003, 12 cases whose anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were elongated accepted the therapy of bipolar radiofrequency energy during arthroscopy. The 12 patients included 11 men and 1 woman with an average age of 30 years ranging from 18 to 45 years old. The ACL grafts were composed of 5 patellar tendons and 7 semitendinosus tendons. The elongated reconstruction were treated by bipolar radiofrequency energy with an output of 284W. This was continued until the elongated reconstruction were tight. After the operation, the patients received unlimited orthosis and were conducted to do functional exercise of the knees. All the patients were followed up. The Lysholm-Tegner score and clinical examination of the knees were recorded and analyzed statistically with paired t text.

RESULTSThe elongated ACL reconstruction became shrinkage and tighten after treated by bipolar radiofrequency energy. The palpation by hook and Lachman test showed negative results. The follow-up time was 5-13 months, averaged 8 months. The postoperative mean Lysholm-Tegner score of the knee was 88.5, which was significantly higher than that of preoperative score of 45.5 (P < 0.01). All the patients had no postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONBy application of bipolar radiofrequency energy, the elongated ACL reconstruction can be shrunk and tightened to make the knees stabilize. The shrinkage procedure is simple, convenient and effective.