Which graft is better for ACL reconstruction?

patellar tendon graft
The patellar tendon graft (PTG) has always been the gold standard for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Yet, most orthopedic surgeons prefer hamstring grafts for younger athletes and cadaver grafts for older patients.

What two types of tendon grafts are most often used in ACL surgery?

The 2 main groups used for grafts in ACL reconstruction are allografts and autografts. The theoretical advantages of an allograft are elimination of donor site morbidity, decreased pain, shorter operating and rehabilitation times, and better cosmesis. Three autograft options are commonly used.

What are the 3 different graft options for an ACL repair?

In general, there are three main graft options: a patellar tendon autograft, a hamstring autograft, and an allograft. An autograft comes from the patient’s own body, whereas an allograft comes from a cadaver donor. An allograft can come from patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, achilles and other ankle tendons.

What happens to hamstring after ACL surgery?

Many patients often wonder about the outcome of a hamstring tendon, if it is used as a graft to replace the ACL. Many studies have shown that the hamstring tendon will regenerate within a year after ACL reconstruction after using the hamstring tendon as an autograft.

How strong is hamstring graft for ACL?

Since it has four tendon strands, the graft is very strong, up to two or three times the native ACL. Hamstring grafts have been associated with better extension, lower incidence of post-surgical arthritis and better extension strength.

What is allograft?

Listen to pronunciation. (A-loh-graft) The transplant of an organ, tissue, or cells from one individual to another individual of the same species who is not an identical twin.

What is a hamstring graft ACL?

The graft used in ACL reconstruction is taken from the hamstring tendon (semitendinosus) along the inside part of the thigh and knee. Surgeons also commonly include a tendon just next to the semitendinousus, called the gracilis.

What is hamstring graft?

Hamstring tendon grafts allow the surgeon to use an autograft harvested through a relatively small skin incision, resulting in minimal donor site morbidity and reduced extensor mechanism dysfunction when compared to patellar tendon autografts.

Is hamstring graft stronger than ACL?

Benefits. Since it has four tendon strands, the graft is very strong, up to two or three times the native ACL. Hamstring grafts have been associated with better extension, lower incidence of post-surgical arthritis and better extension strength.

When is ACL hamstring graft weakest?

The graft is at its weakest between 6-12 weeks after your operation. Extra care should be taken during this period when carrying out activities. You should avoid twisting or kneeling for the first 4-6 months after your operation.

Is hamstring or patella better?

Bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft could be recommended as a superior graft to hamstring autograft for ACL reconstruction in patients with generalized joint laxity: 2- and 5-year follow-up study. (Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, 2018).

What type of graft is used for ACL reconstruction?

The graft used in ACL reconstruction is taken from the hamstring tendon (semitendinosus) along the inside part of the thigh and knee. Surgeons also commonly include a tendon just next to the semitendinousus, called the gracilis.

Can a hamstring graft be used to replace a torn ACL?

One is to take a piece of the hamstring tendon from behind the knee and use it in place of the torn ligament. When arranged into three or four strips, the hamstring graft has nearly the same strength as other available grafts used to reconstruct the ACL.

What is the difference between BTB autografts and hamstring autografted ACLS?

In terms of functional outcomes and graft failure, there is no significant difference between the two grafts. A study published in this month’s AJSM compared the long term (17 year) outcomes between ACL reconstructions with BTB autograft and hamstring autograft. This was a follow-up study from the same group’s 5 year and 11 year follow up papers.

How common is ACL tear reconstruction?

Fortunately you are not alone as more than 250,000 people will tear their ACL in the United States and over 80\% of people will have that tear reconstructed. When the injury does occur, the person has some serious decisions to make including which graft to choose for the reconstruction.