Pain Following Single-bundle Versus Double-bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been known to result in better functional outcomes, joint stability, and lower revision rates compared to single-bundle (SB) ACLR. However, given the increased invasiveness and damage to the surrounding tissue area, it is proposed that it may be associated with increased pain. AIM: This review aims to gather all studies and literature that reported pain as an outcome when comparing SB versus DB ACLR. METHODS: Literature searching was conducted across seven search engines for studies reporting pain as an outcome and comparing SB versus DB ACLR. RESULTS: Eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Overall, the studies show variable findings regarding pain in DB compared to SB ACLR, with the only statistically significant results from two studies indicating that DB ACLR is associated with more pain than SB ACLR. CONCLUSION: Based on the limited evidence available, no conclusions can be made regarding the pain experienced between people receiving either procedure. This constitutes a need for additional studies with increased follow-up time periods, larger sample size, and better study design. Edited by: Eli Djulejic Citation: Pontoh LAP, Ismail HD, Fiolin J, Yausep OE. Pain Following Single-bundle versus Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021 May 14; 9(F):153-162. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.5995