To evaluate the bone tunnel enlargement after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), We compared the results between a group that had a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft (group 1) that included the nubbin and one that had a hamstring double looped autograft (group 2).

We evaluated 120 knees over a one year follow-up period. In group 1, the tibial tunnel was completely filled with nubbin. The clinical results were evaluated using the IKDC knee rating system and a KT-2000 arthrometer. Changes in the bone tunnel width on ordinary radiographs were measured periodically.

Clinically, there was no significant difference between the two groups. In group 2, more tunnel enlargement occured (p<0.05). ACLR that included the nubbin in the BPTB autograft showed better results in the tunnel enlargement than the others.

ACLR using the nubbin at the BPTB autograft is one of the solutions available for prevention of bone tunnel enlargement after ACLR.