Proprioceptive Function, Postural Stability & Clinical Outcome After Stump Preserving Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is known to serve a number of functions in the knee joint. Besides providing mechanical stability, it also contributes to proprioceptive function. Numerous studies reported ACL is rich in mechanoreceptors contribute in proprioceptive function. ACL augmentation, or selective ACL bundle (AM, anteromedial or PL, posterolateral) reconstruction, a relatively new technique for partial torn ACL, preserves and augments the ACL remnant aiming at maintaining or facilitating proprioception, is now gaining its popularity. Preserving ACL stump is also reported to have merits in providing better mechanical protection and promoting revascularization to the newly reconstructed graft. In local setting, stump preserving ACL surgery is the usual practice in handling partial ACL tear. With the background of the surgery's potential benefits in restoration of knee function, a single-blinded, comparative study on the difference in proprioception, postural stability and clinical outcome between stump preserving ACL surgery and reconstruction is conducted.