Hamstring tendon autograft better than bone patellar-tendon 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.     

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.     

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.     

自体胭绳肌腱和骨-髌腱-骨移植重建前交叉韧带的比较

目的前瞻性、随机对照研究应用自体胭绳肌腱、骨-髌腱-骨移植重建前交叉韧带的临床效果。方法选择2008年1月至2010年1月青岛市市立医院（东院区）骨科、莱阳市中心医院骨科确诊的前交叉韧带损伤患者137例为研究对象,随机分为A、B两组。A组采用自体骨-髌腱-骨移植,B组采用自体胭绳肌腱移植,随访两组患者的手术情况、手术前后膝关节活动度、膝关节稳定性、Lysholm评分、国际膝关节评分委员会评分及应用KNEELEX3测试膝关节屈曲30。和90。时胫骨端前移的距离,并进行统计学分析。结果共111例患者获得超过2年完整随访。两组患者术前情况未见明显差异（P〉0．05）。术后2年,两组患者的膝关节活动度、膝关节稳定性、Lysholm评分、国际膝关节评分委员会评分及应用KNEELEX3测试膝关节屈曲30°和90°时胫骨端前移的距离未见明显差异（P〉0．05）。B组患者的手术时间、术后并发症的发生情况显著低于于A组（P〈0．05）。结论应用自体胭绳肌腱移植重建前交叉韧带可以达到应用自体骨-髌腱-骨重建的临床疗效,但其髌前疼痛等并发症的发生率却显著低于自体骨-髌腱-骨,故此,从早期疗效来看,应用自体胴绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带比自体骨-髌腱-骨具有更大的优势。     

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft

BACKGROUND: Surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is indicated in the ACL-deficient knee with symptomatic instability and multiple ligaments injuries. Bone patellar tendon-bone and the hamstring tendon generally have been used. In the present study, we describe an alternative graft, the quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft, by using arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. METHODS: From March of 1996 through March of 1997, a quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft was used in 12 patients with ACL injuries. RESULTS: After 15 to 24 months of follow-up, the clinical outcome for those patients with this graft have been encouraging. Ten patients could return to the same or a higher level of preinjury sports activity. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee rating system, 10 of the 12 patients had normal or nearly normal ratings. Recovery of quadriceps muscle strength to 80% of the normal knee was achieved in 11 patients in 1 year. CONCLUSION: The advantages of the quadriceps tendon graft include the following: the graft is larger and stronger than the patellar tendon; morbidity of harvest technique and donor site is less than that of patellar tendon graft; there is little quadriceps inhibition after quadriceps harvest; there is quicker return to sports activities with aggressive rehabilitation. A quadriceps tendon-patellar autograft is a reasonable alternative to ACL reconstruction in patients who are not suitable for either a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft or a hamstring tendon autograft.     

Overlapping systematic reviews of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction comparing hamstring autograft with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft: why are they different?

BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews published on the same topic during a similar period of time (i.e., overlapping reviews) on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction complicate the choice between bone-patellar tendon-bone or hamstring tendon autograft. We aimed to evaluate reasons for differences among the overlapping systematic reviews and to assess the quality of reporting and internal validity. METHODS: We performed a search of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EMBASE to identify systematic reviews in which bone-patellar tendon-bone graft was compared with hamstring tendon autograft for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. We evaluated cross-citations among the overlapping reviews and the authors' rationale for repeating the review. The quality of reporting was assessed with the Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses (QUOROM) statement, and the internal validity was assessed with the Oxman and Guyatt index for methodological quality by at least two assessors. Assessor agreement was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients. We evaluated the sensitivity analysis that had been performed in the reviews. RESULTS: We identified eleven overlapping systematic reviews. Three reviews favored the patellar tendon graft for stability, and one favored the hamstring graft. Six reviews favored the hamstring graft to prevent anterior knee pain, and the rest were inconclusive. Only six reviews cited previously published systematic reviews on the same topic, and only two of these reviews cited all available systematic reviews that were available at that time. The quality of reporting ranged from 5 to 18 (median, 12; maximum score, 18). The internal validity ranged from 1 to 7 (median, 2; maximum score, 7). Reviewers reached almost perfect agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.83 and 0.94). Formal sensitivity analysis was utilized infrequently. The highest-quality review favored hamstring grafts to prevent anterior knee pain and showed weak evidence that bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts yielded better stability. CONCLUSIONS: When overlapping or discordant systematic reviews are encountered, each review must be appraised on the basis of its methodological quality before it can be used to guide clinical decision-making or policy making. The currently available best evidence, derived from a methodologically sound meta-analysis, suggests that hamstring tendon autografts are superior for preventing anterior knee pain, and there is limited evidence that bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts provide better stability.     

The effect of ketorolac on anteroposterior knee laxity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

This study investigated the effect of ketorolac on anteroposterior laxity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total of 168 ACL reconstructions performed between July 2003 and November 2004 were reviewed. The 6-week KT-1000 manual maximum differences between the ACL-reconstructed knee and nonoperative knee were compared for patients who received ketorolac and those who did not. Mean manual maximum difference in anterior displacement was 0.6 mm in the ketorolac group and -0.6 mm in the non-ketorolac group (P=.03). When bone-patellar tendon grafts were analyzed as a separate group, mean manual maximum difference was 0.5 mm in the ketorolac group and -1.4 mm in the non-ketorolac group (P=.007). When hamstring grafts were analyzed separately, mean manual maximum difference was 0.7 mm in the ketorolac group and 0.4 mm in the non-ketorolac group (P=.59). The use of ketorolac during bone-patellar tendon autograft ACL reconstruction was associated with increased AP laxity at 6 weeks postoperatively. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.     

关节镜下前十字韧带重建术术中失误原因的分析与对策

目的 回顾性分析前十字韧带(anterior cnltiale ligament，AcL）重建术中的各种失误并提出解决办法．为临床治疗提供参考．方法 自1995年1月～2002年6月对194例陈旧性ACL损伤患者行关节镜下ACL重建术。固定方法包括88例Kurosaka挤压螺钉固定和106例Aesculap内扣式缝线钢板固定．其中86例使用自体中1/3骨-髌韧带-骨移植．19例应用异体髌韧带移植．89例为自体半腱肌腱与股薄肌腱移植。结果 36例发生术中失误．其中2例不可挽救。术中失误的原因可分为隧道问题，移植物问题、固定问题等。术中最常见的失误是导针位置和方向不佳．与移植物和固定方式选择无关。Aesculap内扣式缝线钢板法固定自体半腱肌腱与股薄肌腱修复ACL时最常遇到的问题是取下的移植物过短或分叉。结论 只有掌握各种ACL重建方法的操作要点并加以灵活运用才能减少和正确处理各种术中失误。     

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.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Which graft is best?

For the last 4 decades, since the initial use of the patellar tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there has been controversy regarding the ideal graft choice for this procedure. Beside bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts, several other graft choices have become popular, including hamstring tendon and a variety of allografts. Within the past 5 years, several randomized and nonrandomized studies have compared the graft choices in ACL reconstruction. However, the question still remains: Is there an ideal graft for ACL reconstruction? The purpose of this review is to assess the most recent data, identifying if there truly is an ideal graft choice.     

富血小板血浆与异体脱蛋白骨复合物颗粒促进前交叉韧带重建术后腱骨愈合的临床研究

目的观察富血小板血浆(PRP)与异体脱蛋白骨(DPB)复合物颗粒促进前交叉韧带(ACL)重建术后腱骨愈合的临床效果。方法将42例接受ACL重建术的患者随机分为实验组及对照组,对照组按常规方法行ACL重建术,实验组在两端骨隧道中填充入PRP+DPB复合物颗粒,术后6个月行CT检查,通过计算机图像分析软件测量出骨隧道扩大数值,并行Lysholm评分及IKDC评分。结果随访时间6～21个月,平均11.8个月。末次随访时,两组Lysholm评分及IKDC评分与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);但两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组间术后CT测量的骨隧道直径扩大的数值差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论与对照组相比,PRP+DPB复合物颗粒可促进ACL重建术后骨腱愈合,减少骨隧道扩大,临床效果满意。     

Small Size Autograft versus Large Size Allograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

BackgroundA small autograft diameter negatively affects functional outcomes, knee stability, and the risk of rerupture after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, whereas the strength of allograft decreases over time. Therefore, it is not clear whether the use of smaller autografts or the use of larger allografts in ACL yields better results. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of smaller autografts and larger allografts for ACL reconstruction.MethodsFifty-one patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts (size ≤ 8 mm) and 21 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with allografts (size ≥ 10 mm) were included in our study. All patients underwent the same aggressive early postoperative rehabilitation program. There were no significant differences between the autograft and allograft groups regarding the preoperative patient age, sex, time from injury to surgery, and average follow-up time.ResultsThe mean diameter of the 4-stranded hamstring tendon grafts used as autografts was 7.48 ± 0.33 mm and the mean diameter of the allografts was 10.76 ± 0.67 mm. According to specific tests for the ACL (anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift) and clinical evaluation tests (Lysholm knee scoring scale and International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire), the final follow-up results were significantly better than the preoperative status in both autograft and allograft ACL reconstruction groups. Therefore, there were no significant differences between the autograft and allograft groups preoperatively and at the final follow-up.ConclusionsThe large size of the graft in ACL reconstruction has been reported to affect results positively. However, in our study, we could not find any significant differences between the smaller size autografts and larger size allografts in terms of inadequacy, rerupture, and final follow-up functional results. Although allografts were significantly larger than autografts, we did not have the positive effect of larger size grafts. Smaller size autografts were as effective as the larger size allografts.     

Editorial Commentary: Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using Soft Tissue Autograft Quadriceps Is Effective but Not Recommended for All Comers

The average revision rate is between 3.2% and 11.1%following primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions,¹ and an objective failure rate of 13.7% has been reported for revision ACLR.² Prior implants, positioning of tunnels, and muscle weakness from the prior reconstruction present challenges. Additionally, graft choice for the revision reconstruction is restricted, depending on the primary reconstruction. Revision ACL reconstruction with the all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon autograft is a viable option with 83.3% of the patients surpassing the minimally clinically significant difference for International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, which is similar to outcomes for revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using bone-patella-bone and hamstring tendon autografts. Furthermore, objective strength data suggest that it is possible to achieve equal limb symmetry index strength ratios even in the setting of prior bone-patella tendon-bone autograft. However, although I am cautiously optimistic regarding soft tissue quadriceps autograft in revision ACLR, I would be hesitant to recommend it for all comers. In my experience, young high school/collegiate female athletes with primary reconstruction using BPTB autograft may not be able to tolerate a secondary insult to the extensor mechanism via quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft harvest, where hematoma and arthrofibrosis could be concerns. Furthermore, increased posterior tibial slope may require evaluation and treatment, and the addition of a lateral extra-articular tenodesis may reduce residual rotatory laxity in ACL revision patients.     

Ligament-muscle reflex arc after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: electromyographic evaluation

The purpose of this study was to determine if a ligament-muscle reflex arc exists between the bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and the hamstring muscle group. We studied four patients, average age 34.2 years (range 32–36 years). The mean time between the ACL reconstruction and the study examination was 56.2 months (range 5–108 months). All patients underwent a second-look arthroscopy for meniscal injuries, cyclops lesions, or adhesions. Five patients with a normal ACL served as a control group before we performed an arthroscopic meniscectomy. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured using fine wire electrodes under two different testing conditions. No unequivocal EMG activity could be detected in the ACL-reconstructed knees when we pulled on the graft or in the controls. Three of four patients and all controls felt pain when we touched the graft or normal ACL or applied strain on it with the hook. In conclusion, the ACL autograft presents a noxious sensory innervation, the Lachman test maneuver stimulates a reflex arc with hamstrings activation, and an unequivocal ligament-muscle reflex arc from the graft to the hamstring muscle group could not be demonstrated.     

关节镜下不同移植物重建前交叉韧带68例

目的总结关节镜下不同移植物重建前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)的疗效。方法回顾性分析1999年5月～2005年5月收治的68例ACL损伤患者治疗方法。其中应用自体中1/3骨-髌韧带-骨移植物和界面螺钉固定26例(A组),男16例,女10例;年龄16～45岁,平均26.4岁;左膝14例,右膝12例;损伤至手术时间1周～15个月,平均3.1个月;术前Lysholm评分65.3±4.8分,IKDC主观评分43.5±5.2分。应用4股半腱肌腱内扣式钮扣钢板悬吊固定38例(B组),男24例,女14例;年龄13～48岁,平均24.6岁;左膝27例,右膝11例;损伤至手术时间1周～16个月,平均4.3个月;术前Lysholm评分68.4±5.6分,IKDC主观评分41.4±6.2分。异体中1/3髌韧带界面螺钉固定4例(C组),男3例,女1例;年龄55～65岁;左膝3例,右膝1例;损伤至手术时间2周～28个月,平均7.3个月;术前Lysholm评分60.3±6.7分,IKDC主观评分40.5±3.8分。结果患者获随访12～36个月,其中A组平均随访17.5个月,B组18.5个月,C组16.5个月。均未发现关节内感染、下肢深静脉血栓形成和血管、神经损伤等并发症。A组23例术后膝关节恢复至损伤前运动水平,未发生髌骨骨折;Lysholm评分95.1±4.3分,优18例,良5例,一般3例,优良率88.5%;IKDC评分93.7±3.8分,膝关节功能正常19例(73.1%),一般5例(19.2%),较差2例(7.7%)。B组33例术后膝关节恢复至损伤前运动水平;Lysholm评分93.0±5.9分,优28例,良5例,一般5例,优良率86.8%。IKDC评分95.7±4.7分,膝关节功能正常30例(78.9%),一般5例(13.2%),较差3例(7.9%)。C组4例术后膝关节均基本恢复至损伤前运动水平;Lysholm评分92.4±4.3分,优3例,良1例;IKDC评分94.8±3.6分,膝关节功能正常3例,一般1例,均未见明显关节积液。3组患者手术前后Lysholm评分及IKDC评分差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01),术后评分优于术前;组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论骨-髌腱-骨和股薄肌-半腱肌腱,是修复ACL的良好移植物。青少年骨骺未闭患者,半腱肌腱移植是较好的方式;老年患者为减少取移植物的并发症,深低温保存的同种异体髌韧带移植也是一个可以选择的途径。     

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.     

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     

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The bone-patellar tendon-bone has been widely used and considered a good graft source. The quadriceps tendon was introduced as a substitute graft source for bone-patellar tendon-bone. We compared the clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions using central quadriceps tendon-patellar bone and bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts. We selected 72 patients who underwent unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone between 1994 and 2001 and matched for age and gender with 72 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadriceps tendon-patellar bone. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years. We assessed anterior laxity, knee function using the Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores, and quadriceps strength, the means of which were similar in the two groups. More patients (28 or 39%) in the bone-patellar tendon-bone group reported anterior knee pain than in the quadriceps tendon-patellar bone group (six patients or 8.3%). Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the central quadriceps tendon-patellar bone graft showed clinical outcomes comparable to those of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the patellar tendon graft, with anterior knee pain being less frequent in the former. Our data suggest the quadriceps tendon can be a good alternative graft choice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Therapeutic study.     

Comparison of clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using two different procedures

During the last two decades the "golden standard" in reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament knee was the middle third of patellar tendon, but now are more used hamstrings tendon autograft. The aim of this work was to compare our results of the artroscopic reconstruction ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) of the knee using two different technics. We were controling 60 patients within the period of two years after operation. Group A was composed of 39 patients which had reconstructed ACL done with bone-patella tendon- bone autografts, in the group B were 21 patients and at them as autographts have been used hamstring tendon. Difference between healthe and the ill knee by the Lachman's test after operation, in the group A was 2,4 mm, but in the group B was 2,2mm (p> 0,05 ). Postoperative middle value of the Lysholm and Gillquist score in the group A was 97,74, in the group B it was 96,67 (p>0,05). IKDC score results are following: Group A- mark A 32 patients (84,6%); mark B 5 (12,8%); mark C 1 (2,6%) and in the group B: mark A 17 patients (81%); mark B 3 (14,28%): mark C 1 (4,72%) (p> 0,05). Postoperative value for the Tegner and Lyscholm score activity in the A group was 8,23, in B group it was 8,81. The reconstruction of ACL with bone- patella tendon-bone grafts gave better results then the reconstruction with the hamstring tendon only according to Tegner score values. In other parameters between those two groups there was no statisticaly significant difference.     

Patellarsehnenruptur 10 Jahre nach vorderem Kreuzbandersatz durch Patellarsehnen-Knochen-Transplantat

Autologous transplantation of the central third of the patella tendon with a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) graft is one of the most commonly used techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Frequently chosen alternative sources include semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autografts. The differences of opinion regarding graft sources mainly result from comparison of outcome and complications. Although higher donor site morbidity and postoperative extensor mechanism complications are postulated for bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts, patellar tendon ruptures following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are rarely reported in the literature. These predominantly occur during the early postoperative period. We present the case of a patellar tendon rupture in a healthy 36-year-old man, who suffered a skiing accident 10 years after uneventful ACL reconstruction with a BTB graft.