ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between by long fibular muscle tendon and by hamstring tendon under arthroscopy after ACL rupture. MethodsBetween February 2010 and December 2012, 56 cases of ACL rupture underwent ACL reconstruction under arthroscopy. The long fibular muscle tendon was used in 26 cases (group A) and the hamstring tendon was used in 30 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, disease duration, and preoperative Lachman test, Lysholm score, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between 2 groups (P>0.05). The treatment after operation was identical in 2 groups. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained after operation in 2 groups. There was no major neurovascular injury and knee synovitis. There was no significant difference in operation time, hospitalization time, and postoperative 24-hour drainage volume between 2 groups (P>0.05). The patients were followed up 25-32 months (mean, 28 months) in group A, and 27-37 months (mean, 31 months) in group B. There was no related complication at donor site in 2 groups. MRI examination showed good ACL reconstruction. The Lysholm score and the IKDC score of group A at 6 months after operation were significantly better than those of group B (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between 2 groups at 2 years after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Lachman score between 2 groups at 6 months and 2 years after operation (P>0.05). ConclusionThe long fibular muscle tendon for arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL has much simpler operation, earlier knee function recovery, and better subjective satisfaction than the hamstring tendon.