ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW COMPARING SINGLE-BUNDLE AND DOUBLE-BUNDLE TECHNIQUES

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze, through an integrative review, recent scientific evidence (2021-2026) comparing single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques. The methodology followed PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases, resulting in the selection of 25 clinical trials and systematic reviews. The results indicated that the DB technique  presents biomechanical superiority in rotational stability tests (pivot-shift) compared to SB. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in subjective functional scores (IKDC, Lysholm) or return-to-sport rates between groups in most studies. Long-term data suggest that the DB technique may be associated with a lower incidence of radiographic osteoarthritis. It is concluded that while DB offers biomechanical advantages and potential joint protection, the SB technique remains clinically effective and reproducible for most patients.