Hamstring grafts more effective in ACL knee reconstruction

Patients receiving anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee reconstructions with a hamstring tendon graft rather than a knee tendon graft were less likely to suffer from pain and mobility issues 15 years after surgery, said researchers who presented a study at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s Specialty Day in San Diego, California (19 February).

“While we have seen excellent results in terms of knee symptoms and function with both graft types, comparing the two definitely showed differences,” said Leo Pinczewski, MD, lead researcher and surgeon with the North Sydney Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center in Wollstonecraft, Australia. “Patients with a hamstring graft reported less knee pain and discomfort and demonstrated a higher activity level.” 

Surgeons performing ACL graft surgery aim to eliminate instability and quickly return patients to pre-injury function levels. Since ACL ruptures are relatively common, especially in young athletes, surgical procedures are routinely performed.

This study adds to Pinczewski’s most recent work exploring the overall success rate of ACL knee reconstruction in athletes after 15 years. “We know that these surgeries work, but this information helps us determine which approaches can be most effective. Getting athletes back on the field is certainly important, but long term success rates are crucial as well,” said Pinczewski.

The study followed 180 knee reconstruction patients, with 90 (48 men and 42 women between the ages of 15–42 years) receiving a patellar tendon (PT) graft and the other 90 (47 men and 43 women between the ages of 13–52 years) receiving a hamstring tendon (HT) graft. After 15 years, 80 per cent of the PT group and 73 per cent of the HT group were assessed based on their symptoms of pain, swelling and knee mobility. 

The HT group demonstrated significantly higher activity levels, with 77 per cent performing at least strenuous activities, compared to 62 per cent being able to perform strenuous activity in the PT group. In evaluating pain when kneeling, 42 per cent of the PT group patients reported moderate or greater pain, while 26 per cent of the HT group reported pain. The PT group also showed worse outcomes in tests for motion loss and osteoarthritis.

(Source: American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine: AOSSM Specialty Day, San Diego)