Use of quadriceps tendon versus hamstring tendon autograft for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparative analysis of clinical results.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate midterm clinical results of the use of two autogenous graft types.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Between June 2005 and November 2010, clinical data of 44 patients who were operated were retrospectively analyzed. Quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft was used for reconstruction surgery in 23 patients (QT-PB group), while quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft was used in 21 patients (HT group). The Tegner's activity scale, Lysholm scoring system, single-leg-hop test and KT-2000 arthrometric measurements were used for data collection.

RESULTS

The mean length of follow-up was 37.6 months. Although the mean Lysholm score increased in both groups, excellent results in HT group were two-fold higher compared to QT-PB group. The mean laxity for the operated knee joint was 5.65 mm (3.5 to 8.0 mm) in QT-PB group and 3.67 mm (3.0 to 5.5 mm) in HT group. Head-to-head analysis using KT-2000 arthrometer demonstrated that 12 patients (52.1%) in QT-PB group and two patients (9.6%) in HT group had more than 3 mm of anterior laxity difference.

CONCLUSION

Quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft is superior to central quadriceps tendon-patellar bone in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.