Chronic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency results in inferior quality hamstring autografts

Background

Availability of a good quality autograft of adequate length is the first step towards a successful knee ligament reconstruction. Being able to predict the quality and length of hamstring autograft can go a long way in making the surgeon’s pre-operative planning a lot easier. The purpose of this study was to find out if any correlation existed between the duration of ACL injury with history of repeated instability episodes and the quality and length of Hamstring graft that was harvested.

Methods

Forty consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using quadrupled Hamstring tendon graft were evaluated with regard to the duration of injury, number of instability episodes and graft characteristics like difficulty in harvesting the graft, quality and length of the graft.

Results

We found a statistically significant difference between the usable length of harvested Hamstring tendon in patients with acute and chronic injury (p = 0.004). There was a significantly high risk of the graft being shorter and of poor quality in patients with chronic injury (odds ratio = 5.7).

Conclusion

Chronicity of ACL injury with repeated strains can cause fibrosis at the musculotendinous junction and result in harvest of a poor quality and short hamstring autograft. A detailed history with regard to duration of injury and repeated instability episodes will help a surgeon plan better when anticipating a sub-optimal graft.

     

Quadrupled bone-semitendinosus ACL reconstruction: a prospective clinical investigation in 100 patients

Abstract The hypothesis of our study was that a quadrupled bonesemitendinosus tendon graft could combine the advantage of bone-tobone healing with the high cross-sectional area of a quadrupled hamstring graft in ACL reconstruction. ACL reconstruction with a semitendinosus tendon graft was performed on 100 patients with isolated ACL injury from January 1996 to December 1999: femoral fixation was obtained with Endobutton and tibial fixation with Fastlok. Patients were evaluated for standard knee scores and functional strength tests, postoperative pain rating, knee radiographs taken after surgery and at final follow-up, magnetic resonance images at 3 and 6 months, isokinetic flexion-extension and internal-external rotation tests at 3, 6, and 12 months. Computerized laxity analysis was performed at final evaluation. Average surgical time was 85 minutes, including 13 minutes for graft preparation; 90% of the patients were discharged within 24 h. Subjective knee rating was 80%; kneeling test was positive in 7% and Werner score was 44 (range, 30–48). Lachman test was negative in 90% at final evaluation (mean follow-up, 38 months). Sensory changes at the anterior part of the proximal tibia were present in 30% at 3 months and 10% had definite hyposthesia. MRI showed graft incorporation at 3 months. Computerized laxity analysis revealed 90% with less than 3-mm side-to-side differences. Isokinetic testing showed normal hamstring and quadriceps peak torques at 12 months. The functional strength tests were normal by 6 months. Average Noyes score was 87.9, Lysholm score 93, and Tegner activity rating 6.0 (pre-injury, 6.1). IKDC score showed 90 normal or nearly normal knees, 9 abnormal, and one severely abnormal knee. Quadrupled bone-semitendinosus is a viable graft for ACL reconstruction and should be considered, especially in patients with pre-existing extensor mechanism problems.     

Hamstring autograft utilization in reconstructing anterior cruciate ligament: Review of harvesting techniques,graft preparation,and different fixation methods

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common orthopedic injury. Various graft options are available for the reconstruction of ruptured ACL. Using the hamstring muscle as an autograft was first described in 1934, and it remains a commonly harvested graft for ACL reconstruction. Hamstring autografts can be harvested using the traditional anteromedial approach or the newer posteromedial technique. An isolated semitendinosus tendon can be used or combined with the gracilis tendon. There are numerous methods for graft fixation, such as intra-tunnel or extra-tunnel fixation. This comprehensive review discusses the different hamstring muscle harvesting techniques and graft preparation options and fixation methods. It provides a comprehensive overview for choosing the optimal surgical technique when treating patients.     

Editorial Commentary: You Have Some (Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous) Nerve!

Infrapatellar branches of the saphenous nerve are always present at the anteromedial aspect of proximal tibia. Iatrogenic injury to these branches is a known consequence of knee surgery, be it an arthroscopic portal, harvesting of a hamstring or bone–patellar tendon–bone anterior cruciate ligament graft, or opening wedge opening high tibial osteotomy. Their anatomic course can be variable. High-resolution ultrasound may provide an improved diagnostic tool for better identification.     

腘绳肌腱结嵌压固定法重建交叉韧带的临床应用与生物力学研究

目的探讨腘绳肌腱结嵌压固定法重建交叉韧带的可行性。方法对52例陈旧性前、后交叉韧带损伤患者在关节镜下行双股腘绳肌腱中间打结,嵌入瓶颈状股骨隧道内固定,胫骨端采用肌腱编织缝合在骨桥上打结固定,重建交叉韧带。其中前交叉韧带25例,前、后十字韧带同时重建15例,后交叉韧带12例。生物力学实验采用猪膝关节。股骨端固定分为肌腱结嵌入组(n=13)和骨髌腱骨(B PT B)介面螺钉固定组(B PT B介面钉组,n=11)。胫骨端固定分为肌腱编织缝合线在骨桥打结组(n=7)、肌腱编织缝合介面螺钉组(n=8)。进行最大拔出强度、最大位移和固定刚度等力学实验。结果术后随访49例,平均14 6个月,Lanchman试验阴性46例,阳性3例。术后Lysholm评分由术前56 7分提高到92 8分。按膝关节疗效评定标准,优46例,良3例。生物力学实验最大拔出强度肌腱结嵌入组高于B PT B介面钉组;固定刚度肌腱结嵌入组小于B PT B介面钉组;最大位移肌腱结嵌入组大于B PT B介面钉组。胫骨端固定抗拉强度和刚度骨桥打结组优于介面螺钉组。结论腘绳肌腱结嵌压固定重建交叉韧带生物力学抗拉强度能满足生理需求,方法可行;可克服位移因素,降低韧带松弛率,提高疗效。     

腘绳肌腱结合双固定技术重建前交叉韧带

目的探讨采用腘绳肌腱股骨端胫骨端双固定技术重建前交叉韧带(ACL)的可行性及近期疗效。方法对25例ACL损伤行关节镜下ACL重建术,采用笔者自行设计双监视法解剖等长重建技术建立股骨胫骨隧道。移植物股骨端用Endobutton钢板和Rigidfix固定,胫骨端用Bio-Intrafix和Stample门形加压钉固定。结果本组获随访12～18(13.76±1.61)个月,未发现滑膜炎、韧带断裂、活动度明显障碍等并发症。根据Lysholm膝关节功能评分,术前评分:20～48(31.32±8.71)分;术后1年评分:90～98(94.96±2.56)分(t=37.69,P<0.01)。结论在腘绳肌腱重建ACL中应用股骨端胫骨端双固定技术具有手术操作简便,固定牢固,效果可靠的优点,值得推广。     

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.     

Hamstring insertion site healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with symptomatic hardware or repeat rupture: a histologic study in 12 patients

Purpose:Our goal was to characterize the type of biologic anchor of hamstring tendons to the femoral tunnel in cases of transfixion fixation for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The histologic bone-hamstring tendon anchorage is not yet clearly understood despite many experimental and some clinical studies. It constitutes the weak point of the ACL reconstruction. The type of fixation, either distant from the joint such as transfixion fixation or at the tunnel entrance such as aperture fixation will determine a specific tendon-bone healing process.Type of study:Histological study.Methods:We performed ACL reconstruction with 4 strands of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons fastened by a transfixion fixation. Femoral fixation was secured by transfixion (Transfix; Arthrex, Naples, CA) and tibia fixation by a biodegradable interference screw and 2 staples. Between 3 and 20 months after surgery, we performed 12 hamstring tendon biopsies (in 9 men and 3 women; mean age, 29 years). Biopsies were performed 2 cm from the femoral outlet in 10 patients undergoing hardware removal or by coring the femoral tunnel in 2 cases of repeat rupture. In 8 cases, the femoral device was removed for persistent lateral pain, in 2 cases for instability of the hardware, and in 2 cases a repeat rupture of the graft occurred. The samples were taken by coring a tunnel 5 mm in diameter, with a tubular harvester, along the femoral Transfix axis. Each fragment was stained with H&E, Solochrome cyanine, or Masson-trichrome, and microscopical examination was performed, including polarized light.Results:At 3 months (in 1 case), a fibrovascular interface was seen between the tendon and uncalcified osteoid with very few collagen fibers. At 5 and 6 months (in 2 cases), some Sharpey-like fibers and less immature woven bone was seen. Maturity of the secondary insertion was seen after at least 10 months in 5 cases. In 2 cases, no contact was seen at the biopsy site despite good clinical stability. The 2 remaining cases underwent repeat rupture at the midsubstance of the graft at 12 and 17 months after surgery. In the first case, the tendon-bone fixation was limited at the outlet of the femoral tunnel with no fixation inside the tunnel. In the second case, the fixation was continuous with Sharpey fibers along the tunnel.Conclusions:According to our histologic results in patients, the time to obtain a mature indirect anchorage at the top of the tunnel was 10 to 12 months, which is much longer than in reported animal models (6 to 24 weeks). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study reporting the histologic type of femoral ligament insertion 2 cm from the outlet of the tunnel with hamstring autograft for ACL reconstruction.     

Semitendinosus muscle fatty infiltration following tendon harvest in rabbits

The hamstring tendon autograft is one of the most commonly used graft choices in Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. There are conflicting results regarding postoperative hamstring strength deficits in patients who have had a hamstring graft. The semitendinosus tendon has been shown to regenerate after harvesting for ACL autograft, suggesting that the muscle has the potential to regain normal function. However, no studies have been performed to define the microstructural changes that occur in the semitendinosus muscle after tendon resection. In this study, we hypothesized that fatty infiltration of the semitendinosus muscle after tendon harvest in New Zealand White rabbits increases postoperatively and remains constant or increases during the first year of repair. The semitendinosus tendon was unilaterally detached and harvested from 15 rabbits. Five rabbits were sacrificed at 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month intervals, and the semitendinosus muscle‐tendon units were analyzed. The contralateral unoperated limb served as the control. The gross tendon and muscle dimensions and histologic percentage of fatty infiltration were measured. We found no significant difference in fatty infiltration at any time point between the control muscle and test specimens and that there was no progression of fatty infiltration over time. If these results hold true in humans, natural repair of the hamstring muscle following tendon harvest during ACL autograft reconstruction is not inhibited by fatty infiltration. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1234–1239, 2013     

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.     

膝关节镜下自体腘绳肌腱和同种异体肌腱移植重建前交叉韧带对比观察

目的：探讨关节镜下同种异体肌腱和自体腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带的疗效。方法：收集32例前交叉韧带损伤病例,单纯前交叉韧带（ACL）损伤29例,与后交叉韧带（PCL）同时损伤3例。分为2组,同种异体肌腱重建15例,男12例,女3例,年龄23～61岁;自体腘绳肌腱重建17例,男11例,女6例,年龄17～57岁。用可吸收或钛挤压螺钉固定,观察并记录治疗后的症状、体征变化和Lysholm评分以及术后6个月的功能康复情况。结果：全部病例均获得随访,时间6～8个月,所有病例无膝前区疼痛,临床症状消失,膝关节功能得到改善。同种异体肌腱重建前交叉韧带5例患者仍出现Lachman征阳性体征,其中1例产生严重的排斥反应,关节镜复查韧带完全吸收。2组患者治疗后Lysholm评分分别为平均（88.5±7.2）分和（93.2±8.5）分,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论：关节镜下两种方法重建前交叉韧带都有较好的疗效,同种异体肌腱重建交叉韧带早期有更多的症状,有明显的个体差异,重建交叉韧带尽可能选用自体腘绳肌腱。     

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     

Harvesting hamstring tendons for ACL reconstruction influences postoperative hamstring muscle performance

Introduction Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring tendons has recently received attention because of less donor site morbidity. It has been reported that harvesting hamstring tendons has little effect on postoperative hamstring muscle performance based on the peak torque value of the hamstring strength. However, recent studies have clarified some adverse effects of harvesting hamstring tendons. There is still argument about the influences of harvesting hamstring tendons on postoperative hamstring muscle performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative hamstring muscle performance measured by various parameters after harvesting hamstring tendons for ACL reconstruction.Patients and methods We evaluated the postoperative hamstring muscle performance after harvesting hamstring tendons in 58 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. We assessed peak torque value, total work, and peak torque angle in the isokinetic hamstring strength test and active knee flexion angle. We classified the patients into three groups according to the type of hamstring used for ACL reconstruction: 1) the autologous semitendinosus tendon (ST); 2) the autologous ST and the gracilis tendon, which were harvested from the ipsilateral knees; and 3) allogeneic fascia lata.Results This study clearly demonstrated that the peak torque value and total work in the patients in each group compared to preoperative normal knees were not statistically different; however, the more hamstring tendons were harvested, the more loss of active knee flexion angle was observed and the more the peak torque angle was shifted to a shallow angle, suggesting that the hamstring strength might be weaker at the deep flexion angle.Conclusion Physicians should recognize that the ACL reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendons is not appropriate for sportsmen or women who are required to flex their knees deeply or powerfully in their performance.     

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.     

Recurrent surgical site infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case report

BACKGROUND Surgical site infections following anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction are an uncommon but potentially devastating complication.In this study, we present an unusual case of recurrent infection of the knee after an ACL reconstruction, and discuss the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, including the issue of graft preservation versus removal.CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old gentleman underwent ACL reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft with suspensory Endobutton fixation to the distal femur and an interference screw fixation to the proximal tibia.Four years after ACL reconstruction, he developed an abscess over the proximal tibia and underwent incision and drainage.Remnant suture material was found at the base of the abscess and was removed.Five years later, he re-presented with a lateral distal thigh abscess that encroached the femoral tunnel.He underwent incision and drainage of the abscess which was later complicated by a chronic discharging sinus.Repeated magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fistulous communication between the lateral thigh wound extending toward the femoral tunnel with suggestion of osteomyelitis.Decision was made for a second surgery and the patient was counselled about the need for graft removal should there be intraarticular involvement.Knee arthroscopy revealed the graft to be intact with no evidence of intra-articular involvement.As such, the decision was made to retain the ACL graft.Re-debridement, excision of the sinus tract and removal of Endobutton was also performed in the same setting.Joint fluid cultures did not grow bacteria.However, tissue cultures from the femoral tunnel abscess grew Enterobacter cloacae complex, similar to what grew in tissue cultures from the tibial abscess five years earlier.In view of the recurrent and indolent nature of the infection, antibiotic therapy was escalated from Clindamycin to Ertapenem.He completed a six-week course of intravenous antibiotics and has been well for six months since surgery, with excellent knee function and no evidence of any further infection.CONCLUSION Prompt and accurate diagnosis of surgical site infection following ACL reconstruction, including the exclusion of intra-articular involvement, is important for timely and appropriate treatment.Arthroscopic debridement and removal of implant with graft preservation, together with a course of antibiotics,is a suitable treatment option for extra-articular knee infections following ACL reconstruction.     

Residual graft tension after graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Manual vs tensioning boot techniques

BackgroundGraft fixation at quantitative tension using a manual tensioner was advocated in ACL reconstruction, while the measured tension that is based on the surgeon's hand with the tensioner decreases after graft fixation. Therefore, our purpose is to elucidate how effectively the pre-determined graft tension maintained after final fixation of the graft to the tibia using a tensioning boot system fixed to the calf with a bandage, while monitoring the graft tension based on tibia.MethodsEight cadaveric legs (mean age: 83; 3 males and 5 females) underwent an anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring tendon grafts. Two tension-adjustable force gauges were installed on the lateral femoral cortex beside the femoral tunnel. Then #5 strong suture wires through the loop end of grafts were tied to the force gauges using Endo-Buttons. After manual maximum load was repeatedly applied to each graft for 3 min, the grafts were fixed to the tibia with 10 N or 20 N at 20 degree of flexion with the following tensioning techniques using double spike plate system: (1) Manually tensioning technique (MT); (2) Tensioning boot technique with flexion-extension motion (TB-FE); and (3) Tensioning boot technique with repetitive pull (TB-RP). The residual tension at 20 was measured 3 min after grafts fixation, and also after 10 and 50 times of repeated flexion-extension motion. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis among the three techniques.ResultsThere were significant differences among three techniques fixing grafts with 10/20 N of initial tension in the residual tension 3 min after graft fixation and after 10 and 50 times of repeated flexion-extension motion. Among them, the residual tension in TB-RP was the greatest in most conditions.ConclusionTB-RP is the most secure procedure to maintain the graft tension closer to the intended initial tension in ACL reconstruction.     

双监视法解剖等长重建结合Rigidfix和Intrafix固定技术重建前交叉韧带

目的探讨双监视法解剖等长重建结合Rigidfix和Intrafix固定技术在腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带（ACL）中应用的可行性及近期疗效。方法对17例ACL损伤行关节镜下ACL重建术。采用双监视法解剖等长重建技术建立股骨胫骨隧道。股骨端用Rigidfix固定,胫骨端用Intrafix固定。结果17例均获随访,时间1218（14.18±2.19）个月。根据Lysholm膝关节功能评分,术前评分：25-66（46.76±14.79）分;术后1年评分：85-97（92.71±3.22）分（P〈0.01）。结论双监视法解剖等长重建结合Rigidfix和Intrafix固定技术应用在腘绳肌腱重建ACL中,具有定位准确、手术操作简便、固定牢固、疗效确切等优点。     

Prospective clinical comparisons of semitendinosus versus semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autografts for anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background

The data available from the previously reported clinical studies remains insufficient concerning the hamstring graft preparation in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that there are no significant differences between the semitendinosus tendon alone and the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon graft fashioning techniques concerning knee stability and clinical outcome after anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Methods

A prospective study was performed on 120 patients who underwent anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction according to the graft fashioning technique. The authors developed the protocol to use hamstring tendon autografts. When the harvested doubled semitendinosus tendon is thicker than 6 mm, each half of the semitendinosus tendon is doubled and used for the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundle grafts (Group I). On the other hand, when the harvested semitendinosus tendon is under 6 mm in thickness, the gracilis tendon is harvested additionally. The distal half of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons are doubled and used for the AM bundle graft, and the remaining proximal half of the semitendinosus tendon is doubled and used for the PL bundle grafts (Group II). Sixty-one patients were included in Group I, and 59 patients in Group II. The two groups were compared concerning knee stability and clinical outcome 2 years after surgery.

Results

The postoperative side-to-side anterior laxity averaged 1.3 mm in both groups, showing no statistical difference. There were also no significant differences between the two groups concerning the peak isokinetic torque of the quadriceps and the hamstrings, the Lysholm knee score, and the International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences between the two graft fashioning techniques after anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction concerning knee stability and postoperative outcome. The present study provided orthopedic surgeons with important information on double-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendons.

Level of evidence

Level II; prospective comparative study.     

Skin dimpling as a complication of hamstring harvesting following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Surgical intervention to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with autogenous hamstring tendons has become popular. However, hamstring graft harvesting complications can occur. This article presents a case of skin dimpling over the pes anserinus during active hamstring contraction in a 32-year-old man following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.