Editorial Commentary: How to Increase Hamstring Tendon Graft Size for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The concept of a five-strand hamstring tendon autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is not new. The concept of a five-strand hamstring tendon autograft was largely ignored until recent studies showed higher failure and revision rates for hamstring ACL reconstructions performed with graft diameters less than 8 mm. In the majority of patients in the United Arab Emirates, four-strand hamstring tendon autografts result in a graft diameter between 6.5-7.5 mm. As a result, since 2006, I have completely abandoned using four-strand hamstring tendon autografts in favor of five-and six-stranded hamstring tendon autografts for ACL reconstructions. The key to performing five-or six-strand hamstring tendon autografts lies in the ability to triple the semitendinosus tendon and in the case of six-strand hamstring tendon grafts, the gracilis tendon. Although, five-and six-strand hamstring tendon autografts can increase the diameter of hamstring tendon ACL grafts, the question of whether these grafts will reduce failure and revision rates remains unanswered.     

自体腘绳肌腱和同种异体半腱肌腱双束重建前十字韧带的比较研究

目的 对比自体腘绳肌腱和同种异体半腱肌腱双束重建前十字韧带的初期临床疗效.方法 2006年2月至8月,对单纯前十字韧带完全断裂患者分别采用自体腘绳肌腱(简称自体组,38例)和同种异体半腱肌腱(简称异体组,23例)行前十字韧带双束重建手术.客观指标包括:双侧膝关节前向松弛度差异、Lachman试验、轴移试验和双下肢周径差别;应用Tegner评分表、Lysholm评分表和IKDC评分表进行膝关节功能的主观评估.结果 自体组平均随访27个月,异体组平均随访26个月.末次随访时Lachman试验:自体组35例阴性,3例Ⅰ度阳性;异体组20例阴性,2例Ⅰ度阳性,1例Ⅲ度阳性.两组各有1例轴移试验阳性.双侧膝关节前向松弛度差异:自体组34例差异范围0～2 mm,4例3～5mm;异体组20例0～2mm,2例3～5 mm,1例>10 mm.双下肢周径差别:自体组(0.62±0.43)cm,异体组(0.57±0.42)cm.Tegner评分:自体组(6.21±0.84)分,异体组为(6.17±1.15)分.Lysholm评分:自体组(95.00±4.40)分.异体组(94.57±8.83)分.IKDC评分:自体组(90.26±2.92)分,异体组(89.48±7.27)分.结论 应用自体腘绳肌腱和同种异体半腱肌腱双束重建前十字韧带均能取得优良的初期临床结果.     

Prediction of hamstring tendon autograft diameter and length for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to determine whether common physical measurements in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with autologous hamstring tendon could be used to predict autograft length and diameter. One hundred nineteen consecutive patients undergoing hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction had these preoperative measurements taken: age, height, weight, bilateral leg length, and bilateral thigh girth 5 and 10 cm proximal to the superior pole of the patella. Correlations between these measurements and graft length and diameter were evaluated. There was a strong correlation between leg length and hamstring autograft length (r = .73, P<.001). Weight (r = .51, P<.001) and leg length (r = .42, P<.001) had only moderate correlations with graft diameter. All other correlations were weak. Regression analysis demonstrated that leg length can be used to predict hamstring autograft tendon length to within 20 mm and that weight can be used to predict graft diameter to within 1.2 mm using regression equations. In conclusion, several simple measurements correlate with doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autograft length and diameter. This new information may prove useful to surgeons who want hamstring autografts of a certain diameter or of a long length.     

Arthroscopy-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon or hamstring autografts

Isolated ACL reconstructions were performed in 138 patients between 1994 and 1998. Patellar bone-patellar tendon-bone, and hamstring tendon autografts were used in 88 patients, and allografts were used in 50 patients. Eighty-eight knees of 88 patients with autograft reconstructions (17 female, 71 male) were included in this study and evaluation of the patients with allograft reconstruction reported separately. The mean age at the time of the operation was 32 years. All ACL reconstructions were performed arthroscopically. Twenty-seven bone-patellar tendon-bone, and 61 hamstring tendon autografts were used. The mean follow-up was 29 months. In the postoperative course the Lachman test was negative in 62 patients, 1+ in 22 patients, and 2+ in 4 patients. In 17 patients, anterior drawer sign were 1+ in comparison to the contralateral side. Pivot shift test was moderately positive only in 5 cases in the bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring tendon autograft groups postoperatively. There were 3 patients with subjective "giving way" symptoms. Second look arthroscopy revealed rupture of the neo-ligament. Arthroscopic washout and debridement were performed, and no revision ligamentoplasties were performed. Two of these patients improved with accelerated proprioceptive physical therapy, and one had to decrease his previous level of activity. There were no cases of arthrofibrosis, infection, or extension lag. Clinical results of patellar bone-tendon-bone and hamstring groups did not show any significant clinical difference. Avoiding the disturbance of the extensor mechanism of the knee is probably the most significant advantage of the hamstring autograft.     

Editorial Commentary: With Appropriate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Selection,All-Inside Reconstruction Results in Excellent Outcomes: Stay “Inside” and Be Cognizant of Hamstring Graft Diameter Expectations in Shorter Patients

All-inside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a minimally invasive and anatomic technique with predictably excellent results. The array of graft choices that exists for skilled arthroscopists include semitendinosis autograft with or without gracilis, quadriceps tendon autograft, and patellar tendon autograft and allograft. The advantages of all-inside ACL reconstruction include independent femoral socket creation and less pain compared with a full tibial tunnel in the early postoperative period. This is a technique that should not trump appropriate graft selection. It is expected that autografts will fare better in younger patients who participate in activities at greater risk for ACL injuries. Selection of a semitendinosis autograft results in predictably excellent results when graft diameters are 8 mm or greater. Quadrupling the semitendinosis and adding the gracilis when needed can provide sufficient graft diameter in many patients. However, caution should be taken when harvesting hamstring grafts from shorter patients. Semitendinosis tendons in such patients are sometimes not long enough to quadruple and can result in a diameters less than 8 mm even when the gracilis is added. With appropriate graft selection, staying “inside” for ACL reconstruction is expected to result in great objective and subjective outcomes for our patients.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Allograft versus autograft

Purpose: This study was performed to compare the minimal 2-year outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) allografts versus autografts, both augmented with an iliotibial band tenodesis. Type of Study: Retrospective review. Methods: Forty-six of 52 BPTB ACL reconstructions using allografts and 33 of 37 BPTB ACL reconstructions using autografts were followed up at a mean of 2.75 and 3.36 years, respectively. All patients had an iliotibial band tenodesis. Evaluations included the Lysholm II scale, a questionnaire, physical examination findings, and KT-1000 arthrometry. Results: No statistically significant differences were seen between groups in Lysholm II scores or in any subjective category. Most patients (91% allograft; 97% autograft) had good to excellent Lysholm II scores. Sixty-five percent of allograft patients and 73% of autograft patients returned to their preinjury activity level. More allograft patients complained of retropatellar pain (16% v 9% for autograft patients). Fifty-three percent of allograft patients versus 23% of autograft patients had a flexion deficit of 5° or more when compared with the normal contralateral side. When comparing KT-1000 side-to-side differences, we found no significant differences between groups. Ninety-one percent of both groups had maximum side-to-side differences less than 5 mm. Three allograft patients (6.5%) had traumatic ruptures at 12, 19, and 43 months postoperatively versus none in the autograft group. All three allograft patients who sustained postoperative traumatic ruptures had received fresh frozen, nonirradiated allografts. Conclusions: Results of ACL reconstruction using allografts or autografts augmented with an iliotibial band tenodesis were comparable. The BPTB autograft should remain the gold standard, although the BPTB allograft in ACL reconstruction is a reasonable alternative.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 19, No 5 (May-June), 2003: pp 453–462     

Editorial Commentary: When Is Too Small,Too Small? Allograft Augmentation of Autologous Hamstring Grafts During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Soft tissue allograft augmentation of small hamstring autografts, so-called hybrid grafts, has been proposed as an option during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). However, notable concerns exist with both small autograft use and allograft use during ACL-R, particularly in young, active patients. We currently choose to augment hamstring autografts with diameters <8.0 mm, adding only enough allograft to create a hybrid graft with an overall diameter no larger than 8.5 mm. Based on the available evidence, surgeons continue to seek the tipping point where the benefit of additional allograft tissue exceeds the consequence of its use.     

同种异体胫前肌腱与自体腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带的病例对照研究

目的：对比异体胫前肌腱与自体胭绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带的临床疗效。方法：2005年9月至2007年5月,重建前交叉韧带100例,其中50例采用经深低温冷冻及v射线照射处理后的畀体胫前肌腱重建,50例采用自体胭绳肌腱重建。固定方式均为股骨端横杆悬挂固定（Rigidfix）和胫骨端中心固定（Intrafix）。术后通过对比两组症状体征、Lysholm评分来对比疗效。结果：两组均顺利完成手术,无感染及韧带再断裂发生。所有患者术后获随访,时间12-33个月（平均25．6个月）。异体组50例术膝轴移试验均阴性,前抽屉试验及Lachman试验为阴性或I度阳性;术后1年以上Lrrsholm总评分平均（89．3±6．3）分。自体组50例术膝体征检查结果与异体组类似,术后1年Lysholm总评分平均（90．5±4．5）分,两组对比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：同种异体胫前肌腱与自体胭绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带疗效相当,医生及患者可根据实际情况选择移植物。     

Investigating the magnetic resonance imaging cross-section area that best correlates with intraoperative hamstring autograft size

Objective:This study aimed to find out the level of the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons that would provide the closest information about the size of the quadruple-stranded hamstring autograft using magnetic resonance images before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Methods:Ninety-six patients (44 males, 52 females) who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadruple hamstring tendon autografts between January 2015 and March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The cross-sectional areas of the gracilis and the semitendinosus tendons at 6 different levels (pes anserinus insertion site, tibial tuberosity, fibular head, tibial plateau, and the proximal insertion sites of the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament were measured on the magnetic resonance images. In addition, the harvested hamstring tendons were measured together (quadrupled) using a standardized graft-sizing block.Results:There was no significant difference between genders in terms of the tendon sizes measured in all levels using magnetic resonance images. There was a strong correlation between the graft size and the measurements made at the tibial plateau level (P < .0001, r = 0.590).Conclusion:Intraoperative quadruple hamstring tendon sizes were most correlated with the magnetic resonance image measurements at the tibial plateau level. To use a hamstring autograft with a diameter of at least 8 mm for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the total area of the 2 tendons should be at least 18.11 mm² in the magnetic resonance image measurements made at the tibial plateau level.Level of Evidence:Level IV, Diagnostic Study     

Relationship between anthropometric measurements and hamstring autograft diameter in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The role of anthropometric measurements in the prediction of hamstring autograft size remains unclear. In this internal review board - approved study, we evaluated medical records for patients receiving anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring autograft at our institution between 2006 and 2008. One hundred and thirty-two patients received hamstring autografts. Correlation coefficients and step-wise multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine the relationships between sex, age, height, body mass index (BMI), and hamstring graft diameter. Women had significantly smaller grafts than men (P < .00001). Twenty-four patients had grafts less than 7 mm in diameter and 18 of those patients were female. Age and BMI did not correlate with graft diameter in women. Height correlated to graft diameter in women (P = .002, R(2) = 0.14). Women shorter than 65 in had significantly smaller graft diameters (mean [SD], 6.94 [0.45] mm), than those women 65 in and taller (mean [SD], 7.20 0.49] mm; (P = .03). Age and height did not correlate with graft size in men. BMI greater than 25 kg/m(2) correlated with larger graft diameter, but BMI less than 18 kg/m(2) did not predict graft sizes less than 7 mm. Therefore, alternative graft options should be considered in women less than 65 in tall.     

Evaluation of bone incorporation of patellar tendon autografts and allografts for ACL reconstruction using CT

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a relatively common orthopedic procedure, with patellar tendon frequently a graft source. However, controversy exists regarding the decision to use autograft or allograft patellar tendon tissue. This experimental study used computed tomography (CT) to compare the percentage of bone graft incorporation following ACL reconstruction using autografts and allografts. Fifty consecutive patients undergoing ACL reconstruction were included in the study. The tibial bone plug was imaged with CT 1 week, 2 months, and 5 months postoperatively. Four images from each completed scan were analyzed for percentage of incorporation of the bone graft. The results of autograft and allograft incorporation for each of the time intervals were compared. No statistically significant difference was found in the amount of bone incorporation at the tibial bone plug 1 week, 2 months, and 5 months. Clinical concerns regarding slower or less complete healing of allograft bone tissue compared to autograft are not supported with regard to the grafts studied.     

Donor-site morbidity and anterior knee problems after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autografts

The authors review the current knowledge on donor site–related problems after using different types of autografts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and make recommendations on minimizing late donor-site problems. Postoperative donor-site morbidity and anterior knee pain following ACL surgery may result in substantial impairment for patients. The selection of graft, surgical technique, and rehabilitation program can affect the severity of pain that patients experience. The loss or disturbance of anterior sensitivity caused by intraoperative injury to the infrapatellar nerve(s) in conjunction with patellar tendon harvest is correlated with donor-site discomfort and an inability to kneel and knee-walk. The patellar tendon at the donor site has significant clinical, radiographic, and histologic abnormalities 2 years after harvest of its central third. Donor-site discomfort correlates poorly with radiographic and histologic findings after the use of patellar tendon autografts. The use of hamstring tendon autografts appears to cause less postoperative donor-site morbidity and anterior knee problems than the use of patellar tendon autografts. There also appears to be a regrowth of the hamstring tendons within 2 years of the harvesting procedure. There is little known about the effect on the donor site of harvesting fascia lata and quadriceps tendon autografts. Efforts should be made to spare the infrapatellar nerve(s) during ACL reconstruction using patellar tendon autografts. Reharvesting the patellar tendon cannot be recommended due to significant clinical, radiographic, and histologic abnormalities 2 years after harvesting its central third. It is important to regain full range of motion and strength after the use of any type of autograft to avoid future anterior knee problems. If randomized controlled trials show that the long-term laxity measurements following ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts are equal to those of patellar tendon autografts, we recommend the use of hamstring tendon autografts because there are fewer donor-site problems.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 9 (November-December), 2001: pp 971–980     

自体Hamstring腱重建前交叉韧带术后关节镜下再视观察

目的关节镜再视观察游离Hamstring腱重建前交叉韧带后在体内重塑与转归过程.方法关节镜下再视手术,观察关节镜下自体同侧游离Hamstring腱重建前交叉韧带33例.重建术至再视手术时间为2～36个月,平均11.9月.依据重建术至再视术的时间,替代腱按时段分组:1月～,4月～,7月～,10月～,13月～,18月～和25月～组.再视术重点观察评估了移植的Hamstring腱形状、色泽、张力、覆盖的滑漠组织和血管状况.结果再视关节镜下重建前交叉韧带的Hamstring腱随植入时间延长,其形态逐步向正常前交叉韧带重塑与转归;7月～组和此后各组的替代腱在关节镜视下表现为.一种几乎无滑膜和血管的灰白色粗壮的圆柱体,类似于正常的前交叉韧带组织,达到了在体内成熟的程度.结论自体游离多股Hamstring腱重建前交叉韧带术后具有良好早期存活,快速再血管化和重塑过程,其术后的重塑与成熟过程与自体髌腱的过程相似,但其在体内重塑与转归进程相对较快.     

Hamstring tendon autograft better than bone patellartendon bone autograft in ACL reconstruction A cumulative meta-analysis and clinically relevant sensitivity analysis applied to a previously published analysis

Background?Current debate on treatment options for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction complicate the choice between hamstring and bone patellartendon bone autografts. We hypothesized a priori that cumulative meta-analysis (a form of sensitivity analysis) might show that the evidence for reduction of morbidity by hamstring grafts could have been reached at an earlier time. Furthermore, we hypothesized a priori that modern state-of-the-art hamstring graft fixation technique would give similar results regarding stability as bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts.

Methods?We performed a cumulative meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis based on femoral graft fixation techniques to compare hamstring autograft and bonepatellar tendon-bone autografts in ACL reconstruction derived from a previously published meta-analysis.

Results?Cumulatively, that hamstring autograft reduces anterior knee pain had already reached statistical significance in 2001 (relative risk 0.49 (95%CI: 0.32–0.76; p = 0.001, I2 = 0%)). The modern endobutton hamstring graft fixation technique (2 studies) yielded similar stability in the Lachman test as bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts, with a relative risk of 1.1 (95%CI: 0.82–1.5; p = 0.6, I2 = 0%). Exclusion of the endobutton group explains the increased laxity in the hamstring graft group.

Interpretation?Cumulative meta-analysis strengthens the evidence for reduced morbidity using hamstring tendon autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Sensitivity analysis focusing on state-of-the-art hamstring graft fixation techniques further weakens the evidence that bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts provide better stability.     

Graft selection in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The ideal graft for use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction should have structural and biomechanical properties similar to those of the native ligament, permit secure fixation and rapid biologic incorporation, and limit donor site morbidity. Many options have been clinically successful, but the ideal graft remains controversial. Graft choice depends on surgeon experience and preference, tissue availability, patient activity level, comorbidities, prior surgery, and patient preference. Patellar tendon autograft, the most widely used graft source, appears to be associated with an increased incidence of anterior knee pain compared with hamstring autograft. Use of hamstring autograft is increasing. Quadriceps tendon autograft is less popular but has shown excellent clinical results with low morbidity. Improved sterilization techniques have led to increased safety and availability of allograft, although allografts have a slower rate of incorporation than do most types of autograft. No graft has clearly been shown to provide a faster return to play. However, in general, patellar tendon autografts are preferable for high-performance athletes, and hamstring autografts and allografts have some relative advantages for lower-demand individuals. No current indications exist for synthetic ligaments.     

Editorial Commentary: Goldilocks and the Three Grafts: Managing Tendon Harvest and Graft Length Problems in Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Autograft hamstring tendon harvest in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can occasionally result in a graft length that is inadequate for creation of a robust ACL graft. Patients at risk for an abnormally short hamstring may also be high risk for ACL reinjury. Graft augmentation with allograft may be a suboptimal solution to this problem. Therefore, a reliable means for preoperative estimation of hamstring tendon length by magnetic resonance imaging measurement could avoid this pitfall. However, even with a reliable correlation between magnetic resonance imaging measurement and actual harvested tendon length, establishing a simple, clinically relevant threshold below which hamstring grafts should be avoided remains elusive. By contrast, all-soft-tissue quadriceps autograft avoids the potential length problems inherent to both bone tendon bone (graft–tunnel mismatch) and hamstring tendon grafts, but intermediate- and long-term outcome studies are still needed to validate all-soft-tissue quadriceps autograft in ACL reconstruction.     

Editorial Commentary: Reduce the Failure Risk: A Challenge to Reduce the Risk of Using Hybrid Graft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Hybrid grafting (augmentation of small hamstring autografts with allograft tissue) is preferred by many surgeons for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Although a recent, well-conducted, systematic review reported no significant differences in failure risk between hybrid graft and autograft ACL reconstruction, a trend toward a greater failure risk using the hybrid graft existed in many of the included studies. Three potential causes of hybrid graft ACL reconstruction failure that are absent in autograft ACL reconstruction are different levels of graft revascularization and ligamentization, differences in the tendon-bone healing capacity between the allograft and autograft portions in the bone tunnel, and processing of the graft. Research advances in these areas will further reduce the failure risk of hybrid graft ACL reconstruction.     

Clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction with free quadriceps tendon autograft versus hamstring tendons autograft. A retrospective study with a minimal follow-up two years

ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes of anatomic single bundle ACL reconstruction using either a free quadriceps tendon autograft or a quadrupled hamstring autograft with a minimum follow-up of 24 months.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using either a free quadriceps tendon autograft or hamstring tendon autograft from January 2013 to December 2014 were included. ACL reconstruction was done in all patients due to isolated ACL tears. Patients with associated cartilage lesions > Outerbridge III, meniscal lesions in need of meniscectomy or repair as well as patients with prior knee surgery on the affected or contralateral knee were excluded. The primary outcome evaluation was the side-to-side difference in instrumented Lachman testing. Secondary outcome evaluation consisted in the Lysholm, modified Cincinnati and SF-36 scores. Side-to-side difference in range of motion and thigh diameter was also documented.ResultsAfter applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 82 patients were identified and 72 (87.8%) presented to the hospital for follow-up. There were 39 patients with quadriceps graft (30.64 ± 8.71, range: 18–53 years) and 33 patients with hamstrings (28.60 ± 6.74, range: 18–46 years). No statistically significant difference between groups was detected with regard to KT-1000 measurements (p = 0.326). No significant difference was found between the mean postoperative Lysholm (p = 0.299), the modified Cincinnati (p = 0.665) and the general SF-36 scores between groups (p = 0.588). Less side-to-side thigh diameter difference was noted in the quadriceps graft group (p = 0.026).ConclusionIn conclusion, similar clinical results, in terms of stability and subjective measures, can be obtained after ACL reconstruction both with a free quadriceps and a 4-strand hamstring tendons autograft.Level of evidenceLevel III, Therapeutic Study.     

Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Graft Options: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Autograft Versus Allograft

PurposeTo compare varus knee stability and clinical outcomes between patients who underwent fibular collateral ligament reconstruction (FCLR) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) reconstruction with autografts versus allografts when undergoing concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).MethodsAll patients who underwent primary ACLR and concomitant FCLR from 2010 to 2017 performed by a single surgeon (R.F.L.) were retrospectively identified. Clinical characteristics and graft choices for FCLR were collected. Patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up for clinical outcome scores and 6-month stress radiographs were included. Patients with any other ligamentous procedure or revision ACLR were excluded.ResultsWe identified 69 primary ACLR with concomitant FCLR patients who met the inclusion criteria. Fifty patients underwent FCLR with semitendinosus autografts, and 19 with allografts. There were no significant side-to-side differences (SSDs) in lateral compartment gapping on varus stress x-rays between the 2 cohorts (allograft, 0.49 mm; autograft, 0.15 mm, P = .22), and no FCLR failures. There were no significant differences between autograft and allograft groups at minimum 2-year outcomes for 12-Item Short Form mental or physical composite score (SF12 MCS, P = .134; SF12 PCS, P = .642), WOMAC total (P = .158), pain (P = .116), stiffness (P = .061), or activity (P = .252); International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) (P = .337), Tegner (P = .601), Lysholm (P = .622), or patient satisfaction (P = .218). There were no significant differences in clinical knee stability between groups at an average follow-up of 3.6 years (P = 1.0).ConclusionThere were no differences in varus stress laxity 6 months postoperatively or clinical outcome scores at ≥2 years postoperatively between patients having FCL reconstructions with either autograft or allograft. This study demonstrates that both hamstring autografts and allografts for FCL reconstructions offer reliable and similar radiographic and clinical results at short-term follow-up.Level of EvidenceIII, retrospective comparative trial.     

Revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon allograft and autograft: 2- and 5-year results

Introduction

The most common failure reasons of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft are incorrect positioning of the drill channels and insufficient fixation. In many cases, one-stage revision with patellar tendon graft and the appropriate corrections are possible. For previous use of the ipsilateral patellar tendon third, an allograft seems favorable for reconstruction. So far, no study compared the results of revision surgery of autologous versus allogenous patellar tendon grafts for revision surgery of the ACL in a 5-year follow-up.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical outcome and stability results 2?years (19.2?±?5.8?months) and 5?years (68.8?±?6.8?months) after revision of ACL reconstruction using middle-third patellar tendon allografts and autografts. The allografts were cleansed by mechanical means only. There were 15 patients in the allograft group and 14 in the autograft group. Patients with isolated re-rupture of the ACL graft were included in the study. Clinical results were evaluated by International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 forms (IKDC), Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and visual analog scale. Stability was evaluated by means of KT-1000 arthrometer, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test. Location of drill holes was evaluated radiologically. Gonarthritis was graded according to Kellgren and Lawrence on the basis of radiographs.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in anterior translation, manual examination for stability, IKDC 2000 findings, Tegner activity score, or Lysholm score. Extension deficits were more frequent in the autograft group at the first follow-up (P?=?0.010). Lateral gonarthritis and femoral tunnel widening were more common in the allograft group at the second follow-up (P?=?0.049 and P?=?0.023, respectively). Pain on walking downhill was significantly more frequent in the allograft group at the second follow-up (P?=?0.027).

Conclusions

The functional results with allografts that had not undergone irradiation or chemical sterilization were comparable to those with autografts in ACL revision surgery. Allografts represent a good alternative to autogenous patellar tendons in revision surgery.