Comparison Between the Results Achieved in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Two Kinds of Autologous Grafts: Patellar Tendon Versus Semitendinous and Gracilis

Abstract

Objective: this study aims to compare the arthrometric and isokinetic examination results from two types of autologous grafts: the central third of the patellar ligament and a graft formed by the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles, within the same rehabilitation protocol, six months after the surgery. Methods: the results from examinations carried out on 63 patients were analyzed. These patients were divided in two groups: one group of 30 patients who received a patellar tendon graft and another group of 33 patients who received a graft from the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles. Both the grafts were attached in the same way, with Endobutton™ for suspensory fixation to the femur and a bioabsorbable interference screw for fixation in the tibial tunnel. Results: arthrometry 30 did not present any statistical difference between the two study groups. On the other hand, the isokinetic evaluation showed that the patellar tendon group had a larger mean peak torque of flexion and greater extension deficit, while the semitendinosus/gracilis group had a better mean flexion/extension ratio and greater percentage of flexion deficit. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when measuring peak torque extension. Conclusion: therefore, when the patellar tendon was used, there was greater extensor deficit and, when the semitendinosus/gracilis tendons were used, there was greater flexor deficit.

Comparison of hamstring and patellar tendon grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective randomized study

“…2 Although several methods of ACL reconstruction exist, the two most common are bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) reconstruction using an autograft of the middle third of the patellar tendon and reconstruction using a hamstring tendon (HT) graft. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Although previous well-designed studies have compared the outcomes of these two techniques, even with a long follow-up period, any comparison is complicated by the use of different surgical techniques and graft stabilization procedures. [3][4][5][6][7][8] In our institution, the standard stabilization method for both BTB and HT grafts incorporates titanium interference screws.…”

Effects of the Graft Type Used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Isokinetic Muscle Strength and Quality of Life

“…Therefore, it may be rational to make patients undergoing ACL reconstruction fill SF-36 forms, to correlate their scores with that of other tests, and be able to confirm our results. Literature and meta-analysis studies 10,[20][21][22] have shown significant isokinetic strength losses in extensor (quadriceps) muscles in patellar groups, especially at an angular velocity of 180 degrees/s. However, this difference has not been consistently found in other meta-analysis studies.…”

Contralateral Patellar Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

“…This return to the old technique was only possible through advances in anatomy and biomechanics, along with arthroscopy using new tools and fixation techniques which provide earlier rehabilitation and better results. 18 …”

“…Improvements and innovations in ACL reconstruction techniques have produced satisfactory results for instability control and early return to sports. 3 , 18 …”