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.     

Histological findings of tendon-bone healing following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring grafts

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was the histological examination of tendon-bone healing of hamstring grafts after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: During five arthroscopies done 6-14 months after ACL reconstructions, biopsies of the wall of the former drilled femoral canal were obtained. Four patients were primarily operated on using a suspending device (Endobutton, Acufex Microsurgical, Mansfield, MA, USA, and Transfix, Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) for femoral fixation, one patient was reconstructed with a biodegradable interference screw directly inserted between the tendon and the wall of the canal. Biopsies were obtained using a tube harvester during re-arthroscopy. Three grafts were stable, two grafts were unstable, and revision of the ACL was performed. RESULTS: Histologically, in the four cases of reconstruction with a button or a rectangular pin, biopsies resembled granulation tissue without insertion of fibers between the tendon tissue and the bony wall. A wide area of woven bone was noted adjacent to the pre-existing lamellar bone. In contrast, the tendon-bone junction in the knee reconstructed with a biodegradable interference screw resembled a zone of metaplastic fibrous cartilage between the tendon graft and the lamellar bone. Collagen fibers connecting the tendon-bone interface occurred under polarized light microscopy. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the use of hamstring grafts for ACL reconstruction can lead to different histological pattern of tendon-bone healing. Micromotion of the hamstring graft inside the drilled canal can be play a role in tendon-bone healing.     

Graft selection in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Selecting the appropriate graft for ACL reconstruction depends on numerous factors including surgeon philosophy and experience, tissue availability (affected by anatomical anomalies or prior injury or surgery), and patient activity level and desires. Although the patella tendon autograft has the widest experience in the literature, and is probably the most commonly used graft source, this must be tempered with the higher reported incidences of potential morbidity and pitfalls associated with its use. The hamstring tendons are gaining increasing popularity, mostly due to reduced harvest morbidity and improved soft tissue fixation techniques, and many recent studies in the literature report equal results to BTB ACL reconstruction with respect to functional outcome and patient satisfaction. On the other hand, many of these studies report higher degrees of instrument (KT-100) tested laxity for hamstring reconstruction, and some have reported lower returns to preinjury levels of activity. One question that remains to be addressed is how closely objectively measured laxity tests correlate with subjectively assessed outcomes and ability to return to high levels of competitive sports. Allograft use, which decreased in popularity during the 1990s, appears to be undergoing a resurgence, with better sterilization processes and new graft sources (tibialis tendons), leading to increased availability and improved fixation techniques. The benefits of decreased surgical morbidity and easier rehabilitation must be weighed against the potential for greater failure of biologic incorporation, infection, and possibly slower return to activities. In our practice, for high-demand individuals (those playing cutting, pivoting, or jumping sports and skiing) BTB tends to be the graft of choice. For lower demand or older individuals, hamstring reconstructions will be performed. Allograft tissue will be used in older individuals (generally over 45 years old), those with signs of arthritis (and compelling evidence of instability), or those individuals who understand the pros and cons of allograft use fully and do not want their own tissue used.     

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an update

With the rising number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions performed, revision ACL reconstruction is increasingly common nowadays. A broad variety of primary and revision ACL reconstruction techniques have been described in the literature. Recurrent instability after primary ACL surgery is often due to non-anatomical ACL graft reconstruction and altered biomechanics. Anatomical reconstruction must be the primary goal of this challenging revision procedure. Recently, revision ACL reconstruction has been described using double bundle hamstring graft. Successful revision ACL reconstruction requires an exact understanding of the causes of failure and technical or diagnostic errors. The purpose of this article is to review the causes of failure, preoperative evaluation, graft selection and types of fixation, tunnel placement, various types of surgical techniques and clinical outcome of revision ACL reconstruction.     

Premature hamstring graft amputation during harvesting in ACL reconstruction

IntroductionThere are some possible complications during or after hamstring graft harvesting such as premature graft amputation, medial collateral ligament injury and infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve injury. Premature graft amputation can occur by inadequate removal of the accessory branches of the hamstring tendons, poor surgical technique and/or too sharp tendon stripper. In this study, we report a case of premature hamstring graft amputation due to degeneration caused by osteochondroma at the posteromedial aspect of the proximal tibia.Case presentationWe reported the case of a 28-year-old Thai male who had an ACL injury was scheduled for ACL reconstruction. In this case, we had planned to use a hamstring graft for double-bundle ACL reconstruction. During the gracilis tendon harvesting, the graft was prematurely amputated by a tendon stripper at the level of the osteochondroma. The premature graft amputation was sent for pathology, which showed degenerated tissue.ConclusionIn cases of osteochondroma at the posteromedial aspect of the proximal tibia, it is a chance of premature hamstring graft amputation. We suggest removing the osteochondroma before harvesting the tendon grafts to avoid the risk of premature graft transection.     

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.     

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.     

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     

Changes in muscle torque following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison between hamstrings and patella tendon graft procedures on 45 patients

We designed a prospective study to examine the influence of graft type (hamstring or patella tendon) on thigh muscle torque recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. 60 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, using a hamstring or patella tendon graft, were studied and 45 were followed up to 1 year. Concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring torque were recorded, using an isokinetic dynamometer preoperatively, 6 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. We found an improvement in all muscle functions in both the operated and unoperated legs during the recovery period. Graft type had no effect on recovery. During the first 6 months, torque was restored to preoperative levels and continued to improve in all muscles and actions between 6 months and 1 year.     

Changes in muscle torque following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A comparison between hamstrings and patella tendon graft procedures on 45 patients

We designed a prospective study to examine the influence of graft type (hamstring or patella tendon) on thigh muscle torque recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. 60 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, using a hamstring or patella tendon graft, were studied and 45 were followed up to 1 year. Concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring torque were recorded, using an isokinetic dynamometer preoperatively, 6 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. We found an improvement in all muscle functions in both the operated and unoperated legs during the recovery period. Graft type had no effect on recovery. During the first 6 months, torque was restored to preoperative levels and continued to improve in all muscles and actions between 6 months and 1 year.     

关节镜下横穿钉固定重建膝关节前交叉韧带的临床疗效分析

[目的]观察关节镜下股骨侧应用横穿钉(Transfix)固定,胫骨侧界面螺钉(Interference)结合门型钉固定自体腘绳肌腱或同种异体肌腱重建膝关节前交叉韧带的临床疗效。[方法]膝关节前交叉韧带重建患者117例,所有患者均应用股骨侧横穿钉(Transfix)固定,胫骨侧界面螺钉(Interference)结合门型钉固定行前交叉韧带单束重建,其中使用自体腘绳肌腱患者81例,使用同种异体肌腱患者36例,观察此固定方法的可靠性及近期疗效,使用Lysholm评分及IKDC 2000评价手术前后膝关节功能。[结果]103例患者获得随访,随访时间12～26个月(平均18个月),关节活动度正常。平均Lysholm评分由术前的(57.60±5.74)分提高到术后的(94.55±2.38)分(P0.05)。IKDC 2000评分96例正常,6例(5.8%)接近正常,1例(1%)异常。自体腘绳肌腱组和同种异体肌腱组患者的物理检查及功能评分无明显差异。[结论]股骨侧横穿钉固定,胫骨侧界面螺钉结合门型钉固定重建膝关节前交叉韧带的手术方式近期疗效肯定,移植物固定可靠,手术操作安全。应用自体及同种异体肌腱进行重建都具有良好的临床效果,可根据患者的病情及主观要求进行选择。     

Magnetic resonance imaging at different time periods following hamstring harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the hamstring graft harvest site after harvesting the hamstring tendons to reconstruct a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Type of Study: Case series. Methods: We performed MRI on 21 patients who had previously undergone hamstring harvest and ACL reconstruction. Twenty of the patients (7 female and 13 male; mean age, 37 years; range, 16 to 84 years), all volunteers, were selected from a series of 45 ACL reconstructions performed by the senior author during a 20-month period. Another patient, a 32-year-old man, underwent ACL reconstruction elsewhere 32 months before. Both the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were harvested in all cases. All MRIs were obtained on a 1.5-T magnet and were prospectively evaluated by 2 experienced musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded to the time interval between graft harvest and MRI. Results: Two weeks after graft harvest, MRI showed ill-defined intermediate signal on T1-weighted images and increased signal on T2-weighted images, consistent with fluid in the harvest site, with no discernable tendon. At 6 weeks, structures were seen at the level of the superior pole of the patella that had morphology and signal characteristics similar to native tendon. By 3 months, structures with normal morphology and signal characteristics were seen to the level of the joint line, and by 12 months, to the level of 1 to 3 cm above that of the tibial attachment. At 32 months, the tendons appeared on MRI to normalize to a level of 1 to 2 cm above their tibial attachment. Conclusion: Following hamstring tendon harvest, MRI demonstrates an apparent regeneration of tendons beginning proximally and extending distally over time.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 1 (January), 2001: pp 2–8     

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.     

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.     

The outcome at 15 years of endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft for 'isolated' anterior cruciate ligament rupture

The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of 'isolated' anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures treated with anatomical endoscopic reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft at a mean of 15 years (14.25 to 16.9). A total of 100 consecutive men and 100?consecutive women with 'isolated' ACL rupture underwent four-strand hamstring tendon reconstruction with anteromedial portal femoral tunnel drilling and interference screw fixation by a single surgeon. Details were recorded pre-operatively and at one, two, seven and 15 years post-operatively. Outcomes included clinical examination, subjective and objective scoring systems, and radiological assessment. At 15 years only eight of 118?patients (7%) had moderate or severe osteo-arthritic changes (International Knee Documentation Committee Grades C and D), and 79 of 152 patients (52%) still performed very strenuous activities. Overall graft survival at 15 years was 83% (1.1% failure per year). Patients aged < 18 years at the time of surgery and patients with > 2?mm of laxity at one year had a threefold increase in the risk of suffering a rupture of the graft (p = 0.002 and p?=?0.001, respectively). There was no increase in laxity of the graft over time. ACL reconstructive surgery in patients with an 'isolated' rupture using this technique shows good results 15 years post-operatively with respect to ligamentous stability, objective and subjective outcomes, and does not appear to cause osteoarthritis.     

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.     

Patellar tendon defect during the first year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Appearance on serial magnetic resonance imaging

The purpose of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate various parameters of the patellar tendon during the first year after harvest for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Twelve consecutive patients were serially imaged on a 1.5 Tesla GE magnet (GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI) with a dedicated knee coil at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after undergoing ACL reconstruction using a central one-third patellar tendon autograft. The tendon defect was not closed primarily, but the paratenon was approximated. The following measurements were performed: tendon width, defect width, cross-sectional area of the tendon, and tendon length. In addition, the patellar bone harvest site was evaluated for healing. The width of the tendon defect decreased by 62% over 12 months (P < .05). Only two patients showed complete closure of the defect. Tendon width was noted to decrease by 6.5% (P=.017). The ratio of defect width to overall tendon width (designated R) decreased by 58% (P < .05). Tendon length was noted to decrease during this by 8% (P=.037). The tendon cross-sectional area was noted to increase by 9% at 1 year, but this was not found to be statistically significant (P=.39). One year after ACL reconstruction using a central one-third patellar tendon, the tendon defect has begun to reconstitute itself but there is still a significant gap. This persistent defect must be taken into consideration when planning revision ACL surgery using reharvest of the central one third of the patellar tendon. The entire tendon also exhibits a reduction in width and length, while cross-sectional area increases slightly. Complete healing of the graft defect can not be assumed at 12 months post-ACL reconstruction. (Arthroscopy 1998 Nov-Dec;14(8):804-9.)     

Septic arthritis of the knee following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: results of a survey of sports medicine fellowship directors

To determine the incidence of joint sepsis following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and the prevailing attitudes toward its treatment, we surveyed the directors of Sports Medicine Fellowship programs about their practices in treating and preventing this complication. Of the 74 surgeons surveyed, 61 (82%) responded. These 61 surgeons performed an average of 98 ACL reconstructions yearly; 31 (51 %) routinely used a drain after ACL surgery, 18 (30%) had treated an ACL infection within the past 2 years, and 26 (43%) had treated an infection within the past 5 years. There was no significant difference in the number of infections and the surgeons' case load, graft choice, or method of reconstruction. Fifty-two surgeons (85%) selected culture- specific intravenous (IV) antibiotics and surgical irrigation of the joint with graft retention as initial treatment for the infected patellar tendon autograft, and 39 (64%) chose this regimen to treat the infected allograft. For the resistant infection unresponsive to initial treatment, IV antibiotics with surgical irrigation and graft retention were also selected as the most common treatment combination for 25 (39%) of the 61 respondents. After graft removal, the earliest a revision procedure would be considered was 6 to 9 months. The results of this survey confirm the widely held belief that septic arthritis of the knee is a relatively rare complication following ACL reconstruction. Once an infection is encountered, culture-specific IV antibiotics and surgical joint irrigation with graft retention are recommended as initial treatment. Graft excision and hardware removal is considered only for those infections resistant to initial treatment and for the infected allograft.Arthroscopy 1998 Oct;14(7):717-25     

Implant-free ACL reconstruction: a review

Implant-free anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the fixation of ACL grafts without the need for artificial implants. Our aim was to study the evolution of this technique, review the biomechanical evidence and summarise the results. Implant-free graft fixation for bone patella tendon ACL reconstruction was first described in 1987. This concept of implant-free graft fixation was adapted for hamstring and quadriceps tendons as alternative graft sources. Various biomechanical studies have reported that by adhering to certain technical details, this technique provides comparable fixation strength as conventional ACL fixation. The outcome studies of implant-free ACL reconstruction also report clinical results similar to ACL reconstruction with conventional implants.