Comparison of single-bundle versus double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction after a minimum of 3-year follow-up: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Both single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) procedures have been widely used in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture; however, the optimal repair strategy remains considerably controversial. In this meta-analysis of published studies, we compared the results of these two techniques. After systematic review of electronic databases and websites, a total of 8 RCTs reporting data on 941 subjects were included. The objective and subjective functional recovery outcomes were meta-analyzed. The methodological quality was evaluated using the CBRG scale. The overall pooled data showed superiority in rotational stability, the degree of osteoarthritis (OA) changes, and subjective function score postoperatively in patients managed with DB compared with the SB procedure (pivot shift test, P = 0.02; degree of OA, P = 0.02; Lysholm score, P = 0.04; and Tegner scale, P = 0.002, respectively). However, subgroup analysis suggested no difference between the treatment procedures at long-term follow-up. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the DB technique could result in better rotational stability and higher subjective function score and was effective in preventing OA compared to SB in the mid-term treatment of the injured ACL. Further studies with better design involving larger sample sizes and longer-term follow-up are required.