ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of single-bundle and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by two methods. MethodsQualified for the selective standard, 120 patients with ACL injury between May 2010 and April 2013 were divided into 4 groups: double-bundle reconstruction was performed by the conventional procedure in 30 cases (group A); anatomic double-bundle reconstruction was performed in the original ACL residual footprints in 30 cases (group B); single-bundle reconstruction was performed by the conventional procedure in 30 cases (group C); and anatomic single-bundle reconstruction was performed in the original ACL residual footprints in 30 cases (group D). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, pathogenesis, injury side, Lysholm scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) ratings, Lachman test, anterior drawer test, and pivot shift test among groups (P>0.05). The impingement between the ACL implants and intercondylar notch was evaluated with postoperative immediate MRI scan and the three-dimensional digital model. Lachman test, anterior drawer test, and pivot shift test results, Lysholm scores, and IKDC ratings were used to compare the effectiveness among groups after operation. ResultsThree-dimensional digital model after operation showed impingement in 11 cases (36.7%) of group A, 1 case (3.3%) of group B, 9 cases (30.0%) of group C, and no impingement in group D. The impingement rates of groups A and C were significantly higher than that of groups B and D (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups A and C, and between groups B and D (P>0.05). All incisions healed by first intention, and no early complication was found. The patients were followed up 24-30 months (mean, 26 months). Lysholm scores, Lachman test, anterior drawer test, and pivot shift test results at 24 months after operation were significantly better than preoperative ones in 4 groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was shown among groups (P>0.05). The IKDC ratings of groups B and D were significantly better than that of groups A and C (P<0.05); but there was no significant difference between groups A and C, and between groups B and D (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with the conventional procedure, the individual anatomic single- and double-bundle reconstruction in the original ACL residual footprints has decreased impingement rate and increased IKDC rating.