Editorial Commentary: Reduce the Failure Risk: A Challenge to Reduce the Risk of Using Hybrid Graft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Hybrid grafting (augmentation of small hamstring autografts with allograft tissue) is preferred by many surgeons for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Although a recent, well-conducted, systematic review reported no significant differences in failure risk between hybrid graft and autograft ACL reconstruction, a trend toward a greater failure risk using the hybrid graft existed in many of the included studies. Three potential causes of hybrid graft ACL reconstruction failure that are absent in autograft ACL reconstruction are different levels of graft revascularization and ligamentization, differences in the tendon-bone healing capacity between the allograft and autograft portions in the bone tunnel, and processing of the graft. Research advances in these areas will further reduce the failure risk of hybrid graft ACL reconstruction.