REDUCTION IN HAMSTRING AUTOGRAFT DIAMETER AS A RESULT OF ACL RECONSTRUCTION PREPARATION USING LONGITUDINAL TENSION AND CIRCUMFERENTIAL COMPRESSION

Background: Previous studies have investigated the effect of tension and circumferential compression on the diameter of fresh-frozen anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allografts, but no study has described the effect on soft tissue ACL autografts harvested for implantation in the operating room for ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to elucidate how hamstring autograft diameter changes during preparation for ACL reconstruction with compression in addition to tensioning. We hypothesized that autograft diameter would decrease as the graft was prepared with both tension and circumferential compression. Operative complications related to graft compression were also investigated. Methods: 100 ACL reconstruction surgeries (Age M = 15.3 ± 2.2 years; 53% male) were identified among two orthopedic surgeons. Hamstring tendon grafts were prepared in a standardized procedure to produce a looped graft for all-inside ACL reconstruction. Autografts were tensioned to 15-20 lbs and then their tibial and femoral diameters were measured using cylindrical sizing blocks. The graft diameters were measured again after placement under a saline soaked gauze for 10 minutes with the sizing blocks in place. A Wilcoxon signed rank test with correction for continuity was performed to detect significant change in autograft diameters after compression. Results: Treatment of hamstring autografts with longitudinal tension and circumferential compression significantly decreased the median tibial and femoral graft diameters by 0.75 mm. The median tibial diameter decreased from 9.50 mm to 8.75 mm (p < 0.0001) and the median femoral diameter decreased from 9.50 mm to 8.50 mm (p < 0.0001). 72% of all autografts had the same tibial and femoral diameters at implant. No intraoperative complications were noted with implantation of compressed grafts in smaller diameter tunnels. Conclusions: Median diameters of ACL hamstring autografts harvested in the OR decreased by 0.75 mm after treatment with circumferential compression using cylindrical sizing blocks. This decreased the socket size by one to two 0.5 mm sizes with no adverse events noted intra-operatively due to the compression of the grafts or the smaller sockets. Clinical Relevance: Graft integration in a bone tunnel is dependent on optimal fit of the graft inside the tunnel. If the tunnel is too small, the graft will not fit and if it is too large, it may allow joint fluid into the tunnel leading to tunnel widening and incomplete integration. Pre-tensioning a graft has been noted for many years to be an important way to properly establish the length-tension relationship of a graft. Here, we show that circumferential compression of the graft prior to implantation significantly changes the size of the graft, and thus the size of the tunnels required for implantation. In addition to providing better graft tunnel match, using smaller tunnels requires less bone removal which is particularly advantageous for pediatric, revision, and double bundle ACL reconstruction techniques where space for tunnel drilling is limited.

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Bone Tunnel Enlargement after ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring Autograft Is Dependent on Original Bone Tunnel Diameter

The Surgery Journal ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1603950 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 03 (02) ◽

pp. e96-e100 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Steffen Sauer ◽

Martin Lind

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Preoperative Evaluation ◽

Bone Tunnel ◽

Tunnel Widening ◽

Tunnel Enlargement ◽

Hamstring Autograft ◽

Bone Tunnel Enlargement ◽

Tibial Bone ◽

Tunnel Diameter

Background Bone tunnel enlargement is a well-established phenomenon following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and is related to soft tissue grafts, suspension fixation devices, and absorbable implants. Severe tunnel enlargement can lead to reconstruction failure. The correlation between bone tunnel enlargement following ACL reconstruction and original bone tunnel diameter has not been elucidated. Purpose To determine whether bone tunnel enlargement after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft is dependent on original tunnel diameter established during primary ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 56 patients scheduled for ACL revision surgery who had undergone computed tomography (CT) scanning as part of their preoperative evaluation. All patients had undergone previous hamstring ACL reconstruction. Original femoral and tibial bone tunnel diameters were extracted from operative reports, and femoral and tibial bone tunnel enlargement was assessed on CT serial sections. The correlation between original tunnel diameter and bone tunnel enlargement was investigated using regression analysis. Results Mean tibial bone tunnel enlargement was significantly and inversely dependent on the original tibial bone tunnel diameter with a correlation coefficient of −0.55 per unit (7 mm = +1.93 mm, 8 mm = +1.43 mm, 9 mm = 0.83 mm, p = 0.007). Thus, every additional increase (mm) in diameter of the original tibial bone tunnel reduces the extend of tunnel widening by 0.55 mm. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that tibial bone tunnel enlargement following ACL reconstruction is dependent on original tibial bone tunnel diameter with smaller diameter tunnels developing more tunnel enlargement than larger tunnels. The contributing factors remain unclear and need to be further investigated.

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Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction for Asian Patients with Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone and Gracilis Tendon Grafts: A Matched-Control Comparison

The Journal of Knee Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1710376 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Takuya Tajima ◽

Nami Yamaguchi ◽

Yudai Morita ◽

Makoto Nagasawa ◽

Tomomi Ota ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Patellar Tendon ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Double Bundle ◽

Bone Tunnel ◽

Tunnel Enlargement ◽

Bone Tunnel Enlargement ◽

Asian Patients ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Double Bundle Acl Reconstruction

AbstractFor anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient patients, using a single bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft for the double-bundle concept is one of the suitable approaches for acquiring better stability and reducing bone tunnel enlargement compared with the use of hamstring grafts. At least 10-mm width of BPTB autograft is needed to achieve this concept; however, it is larger than one-third of the patellar tendon width for small or middle physique patients. This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of BPTB and gracilis (G) composite autografts for primary double-bundle ACL reconstruction in Asian athletes. Thirty-two Asian patients undergoing double-bundle ACL reconstruction with 7.0 to 7.5 mm of BPTB and 5.0 to 5.5 mm of G composite grafts were compared with 43 double-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring graft cases. The BPTB graft was used for the anteromedial bundle (AMB), with the G graft for the posterolateral bundle (PLB). Percentage of femoral bone tunnel enlargement compared with the original size was determined by computed digital radiographs on the first postoperative day and at 12 months in the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views. Standard clinical evaluations, including the limb symmetry index (LSI), were also performed. Less PLB tunnel enlargement was found in the BPTB + G group than in the hamstring group in the AP (101.9 ± 22.9 vs.113.7 ± 20.6%, p = 0.031) and lateral views (104.4 ± 18.1 vs. 120.6 ± 23.4%, p < 0.01).There was no significant difference between the groups in 12-month postoperative clinical outcomes (Lysholm's score, Tegner's activity level scale, and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation score).The side-to-side difference was significantly less in the BPTB + G group (0.2 ± 1.3 vs. 0.9 ± 1.1 mm, p = 0.026). Despite the small sizes of the BPTB and G grafts, there was no significant difference in the knee extensor LSI between the groups (92.9 ± 10.1 vs. 93.3 ± 12.2%, p = 0.707), whereas the knee flexor LSI was significantly higher in the BPTB + G group (97.7 ± 14.8 vs. 90.1 ± 13.3%, p = 0.033). Double-bundle ACL reconstruction with a small size BPTB and G composite graft procedure provided good clinical outcomes and significantly less femoral bone tunnel enlargement than the hamstring procedure 12 months after surgery. It is thus a useful surgical option for ACL-deficient Asian athletes. This study reflects level of evidence III.

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PEDIATRIC ACL RECONSTRUCTION: DOES THE FEMORAL PEEK IMPLANT CAUSE TUNNEL WIDENING?

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119s00189 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (3_suppl) ◽

pp. 2325967119S0018

Author(s):

Lydia Saad ◽

Guy Grimard ◽

Marie-Lyne Nault

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Femoral Tunnel ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Bone Tunnel ◽

Reference Points ◽

University Hospital ◽

Tunnel Widening ◽

Tunnel Enlargement

Background: Because of their strength, inertness and biocompatibility, polyetherketone (PEEK) implants have been increasingly used in orthopedics, especially trauma and spine surgeries. Their mechanical and chemical properties have been widely studied and compared to other materials since their accelerated development in the 1980s. Their use is relatively new in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLR), and there is little literature to document their effect on tunnel widening in these procedures. Bone tunnel enlargement following ACLR is a widely reported phenomenon that has been negatively correlated with clinical outcome scores. A recent prospective study reiterated its stronger association with suture discs compared with methods using interference screws, cross-pins and buttons. There is only one paper that specifically reports the results of a study on PEEK implants in relation with tunnel widening and it did not demonstrate significant association. PEEK polymer has not yet been studied in pediatric knees, in which tunnel widening has more than the usual residual laxity and re-tear implications, as it can also cause physeal damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a femoral PEEK implant in ACLR performed on skeletally immature patients and to determine if it is associated with tunnel widening. As a secondary objective, this study aimed to assess the risk of growth complications associated with the use of PEEK. Methods: All patients who underwent all-epiphyseal ACLR surgery in a pediatric university hospital between March 2015 and January 2017 were included in this retrospective study. The all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction procedures were done using a new instrumentation system that includes a titanium tibial anchor fixation and a femoral PEEK screw system. Femoral bone tunnel diameters were measured on postoperative lateral knee radiographs. The widest tunnel measurements were taken using the sclerotic tunnel margins as reference points and compared to the known sizes of the drill bits retrieved from operative protocols. Paired t tests were performed to assess bone tunnel widening. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Eighteen (19 knees) arthroscopic ACL reconstruction patients were included. Of the 18 all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction patients, 4 (22.2%) were female and 14 (77.8%) were male. The chronological and bone ages at time of surgery (mean ± SD) were respectively 13.5 ± 1.6 and 13.3 ± 1.0 years. At a mean follow-up of 17.1 months, average tunnel enlargement was 1.8± 1.4 (0.0-4.2) mm at the femur and was found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). There were no symptomatic growth abnormalities requiring intervention, but 2 unilateral early physeal closures at the distal femur (10.5%) were noted. These patients had notable femoral tunnel enlargement. One had a 3.0 mm of femoral tunnel widening and no observable growth disturbance. The other had an asymptomatic and non-progressive unilateral knee valgum of 5 degrees and 3.5 mm of femoral tunnel widening. Conclusions/significance: This study showed that the largest tunnel increase at a mean follow up of 17.1 months was 4.2 mm. It is not clear that this widening is clinically significant even though it is statistically significant. Also, association between femoral tunnel widening and physeal closure could not be formally established. Thus, further research on this potential risk factor is needed.

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Comparison of tunnel widening between interference screw and suture disc fixation after ACL reconstruction using CT scan

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20180510 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 266

Author(s):

Athar Ahemad ◽

Anand B. Anerao

Keyword(s):

Ct Scan ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Interference Screw ◽

Bone Tunnel ◽

Tunnel Widening ◽

Tunnel Enlargement ◽

Suspensory Fixation ◽

The Difference ◽

Student’S T

Background: It is important to study the cause of tunnel widening which occurs after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as it may affect tendon to bone healing. Amount of tunnel enlargement that happens after different fixation methods like interference screw or suture discs needs to be compared.The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that aperture fixation (interference screw) reduces tunnel enlargement compared to suspensory fixation (suture disc) due to reduced graft tunnel motion.Methods: 24 bone tunnel diameters in 12 patients were evaluated by CT scan postoperatively after ACL reconstruction to measure tunnel widening. Two groups were formed, one consisting of 14 tunnels fixed by interference screws (IFS) and other consisting of 10 tunnels fixed with suture disc (SD). The difference between the two groups was compared by unpaired student’s t test.Results: The mean tunnel widening in IFS group was 0.414mm while that in the SD group was 1.23mm. The difference between the means of the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusions: Tunnel widening phenomenon was significantly less with anatomic IFS fixation as compared to suture disc fixation probably due to reduced motion of graft within the walls of bony tunnel and consequently better graft healing.

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Evaluation of Tibial Tunnel Location with the Femoral Tunnel Created Behind the Resident's Ridge in Transtibial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The Journal of Knee Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1722568 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tsuneari Takahashi ◽

Tomohiro Saito ◽

Tatsuya Kubo ◽

Ko Hirata ◽

Hideaki Sawamura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Femoral Tunnel ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Tibial Tunnel ◽

Bone Tunnel ◽

Femoral Bone ◽

Anterior Cruciate ◽

Tunnel Positions ◽

Tunnel Angle ◽

Coronal View

AbstractFew studies have determined whether a femoral bone tunnel could be created behind the resident's ridge by using a transtibial (TT) technique-single bundle (SB)-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The aim of this study was to clarify (1) whether it is possible to create a femoral bone tunnel behind the resident's ridge by using the TT technique with SB ACL reconstruction, (2) to define the mean tibial and femoral tunnel angles during anatomic SB ACL reconstruction, and (3) to clarify the tibial tunnel inlet location when the femoral tunnel is created behind resident's ridge. Arthroscopic TT-SB ACL reconstruction was performed on 36 patients with ACL injuries. The point where 2.4-mm guide pin was inserted was confirmed, via anteromedial portal, to consider a location behind the resident's ridge. Then, an 8-mm diameter femoral tunnel with a 4.5-mm socket was created. Tunnel positions were evaluated by using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) 1 week postoperatively. Quadrant method and the resident's ridge on 3D-CT were evaluated to determine whether femoral tunnel position was anatomical. Radiological evaluations of tunnel positions yielded mean ( ± standard deviation) X- and Y-axis values for the tunnel centers: femoral tunnel, 25.2% ± 5.1% and 41.6% ± 10.2%; tibial tunnel, 49.2% ± 3.5%, and 31.5% ± 7.7%. The bone tunnels were anatomically positioned in all cases. The femoral tunnel angle relative to femoral axis was 29.4 ± 5.5 degrees in the coronal view and 43.5 ± 8.0 degrees in the sagittal view. The tibial tunnel angle relative to tibial axis was 25.5 ± 5.3 degrees in the coronal view and 52.3 ± 4.6 degrees in the sagittal view. The created tibial bone tunnel inlet had an average distance of 13.4 ± 2.7 mm from the medial tibial joint line and 9.7 ± 1.7 mm medial from the axis of the tibia. Femoral bone tunnel could be created behind the resident's ridge with TT-SB ACL reconstruction. The tibial bone tunnel inlet averaged 13.4 mm from the medial tibial joint line and 9.7 mm medial from the tibia axis.

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A CT based evaluation of femoral and tibial tunnel widening after double bundle ACL reconstruction

Journal of Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.jajs.2020.09.007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 206-210

Author(s):

Shekhar Tank ◽

Saurabh Dutt ◽

Rakesh Sehrawat ◽

Dhananjaya Sabat ◽

Vinod Kumar

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Tibial Tunnel ◽

Double Bundle ◽

Tunnel Widening ◽

Double Bundle Acl Reconstruction

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Anterolateral ligament of the knee: back to the future in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Orthopedic Reviews ◽

10.4081/or.2015.5773 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Davide Edoardo Bonasia ◽

Andrea D'Amelio ◽

Pietro Pellegrino ◽

Federica Rosso ◽

Roberto Rossi

Keyword(s):

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Double Bundle ◽

Anterolateral Ligament ◽

Rotational Instability ◽

Small Subset ◽

Acl Injuries ◽

Anterior Cruciate ◽

Double Bundle Acl Reconstruction

Although the importance of the anterolateral stabilizing structures of the knee in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries has been recognized since many years, most of orthopedic surgeons do not take into consideration the anterolateral structures when performing an ACL reconstruction. Anatomic single or double bundle ACL reconstruction will improve knee stability, but a small subset of patients may experience some residual anteroposterior and rotational instability. For this reason, some researchers have turned again towards the anterolateral aspect of the knee and specifically the anterolateral ligament. The goal of this review is to summarize the existing knowledge regarding the anterolateral ligament of the knee, including anatomy, histology, biomechanics and imaging. In addition, the most common anterolateral reconstruction/tenodesis techniques are described together with their respective clinical outcomes.

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The Effect of Remnant Preservation on Tibial Tunnel Enlargement in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Polyethylene Terephthalate Artificial Ligament in a Large Animal Model

The Journal of Knee Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1675599 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 32 (11) ◽

pp. 1094-1101

Author(s):

Jiangyu Cai ◽

Fang Wan ◽

Chengchong Ai ◽

Wenhe Jin ◽

Dandan Sheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Tibial Tunnel ◽

Bone Tunnel ◽

Control Group ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Tunnel Enlargement ◽

Artificial Ligament ◽

Remnant Preservation ◽

Anterior Cruciate

AbstractAn enlarged bone tunnel may affect the graft–bone integration and pose a problem for revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of remnant preservation on tibial tunnel enlargement in ACL reconstruction with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) artificial ligament. Twenty-four skeletally mature male beagles underwent ACL reconstruction with PET artificial ligament for both knees. One knee was reconstructed with remnant preservation using sleeve technique (remnant group), while the contralateral was reconstructed without remnant preservation (control group). The animals were sacrificed at 1 day, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery for further evaluation including macroscopic observation, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), histological assessment, and biomechanical testing. The remnant group had better synovial coverage than the control group at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. The micro-CT analysis showed the tibial tunnel area (TTA) of the remnant group was significantly smaller and the bone volume/total volume fraction (BV/TV) value was higher than those of the control group at 6 and 12 weeks. Moreover, TTA and BV/TV at each time point were divided into three groups according to the different grade of synovial coverage. Significant association was observed between the synovial coverage degree and the TTA and BV/TV values. The histological assessment revealed that the interface width between the graft and host bone in the remnant group was smaller than that in the control group in the tibial tunnels at 6 and 12 weeks. Moreover, the remnant group had better failure load and stiffness than the control group at 12 weeks. The remnant preservation using sleeve technique could effectively promote the synovial coverage of the graft, decrease the risk of tibial tunnel enlargement by sealing the bone tunnel entrance, and enhance the biological environment for graft–bone healing after ACL reconstruction using PET artificial ligament. This technique provides a potential solution for bone tunnel enlargement following artificial ligament surgery for the acute ACL rupture in the clinical practice.

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The effect of femoral bone tunnel configuration on tendon-bone healing in an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Bone and Joint Research ◽

10.1302/2046-3758.75.bjr-2017-0238.r2 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 327-335 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Y. Sato ◽

R. Akagi ◽

Y. Akatsu ◽

Y. Matsuura ◽

S. Takahashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Bone Healing ◽

Ligament Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Bone Tunnel ◽

Femoral Bone ◽

Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ◽

Anterior Cruciate

Objectives To compare the effect of femoral bone tunnel configuration on tendon-bone healing in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction animal model. Methods Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the plantaris tendon as graft material was performed on both knees of 24 rabbits (48 knees) to mimic ACL reconstruction by two different suspensory fixation devices for graft fixation. For the adjustable fixation device model (Socket group; group S), a 5 mm deep socket was created in the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) of the right knee. For the fixed-loop model (Tunnel group; group T), a femoral tunnel penetrating the LFC was created in the left knee. Animals were sacrificed at four and eight weeks after surgery for histological evaluation and biomechanical testing. Results Histologically, both groups showed a mixture of direct and indirect healing patterns at four weeks, whereas only indirect healing patterns were observed in both groups at eight weeks. No significant histological differences were seen between the two groups at four and eight weeks in the roof zone (four weeks, S: mean 4.8 sd 1.7, T: mean 4.5 sd 0.5, p = 0.14; eight weeks, S: mean 5.8 sd 0.8, T: mean 4.8 sd 1.8, p = 0.88, Mann-Whitney U test) or side zone (four weeks, S: mean 5.0 sd 1.2, T: mean 4.8 sd 0.4, p = 0.43; eight weeks, S: mean 5.3 sd 0.8,T: mean 5.5 sd 0.8, p = 0.61, Mann-Whitney U test) . Similarly, no significant difference was seen in the maximum failure load between group S and group T at four (15.6 sd 9.0N and 13.1 sd 5.6N) or eight weeks (12.6 sd 3.6N and 17.1 sd 6.4N, respectively). Conclusion Regardless of bone tunnel configuration, tendon-bone healing after ACL reconstruction primarily occurred through indirect healing. No significant histological or mechanical differences were observed between adjustable and fixed-loop femoral cortical suspension methods. Cite this article: Y. Sato, R. Akagi, Y. Akatsu, Y. Matsuura, S. Takahashi, S. Yamaguchi, T. Enomoto, R. Nakagawa, H. Hoshi, T. Sasaki, S. Kimura, Y. Ogawa, A. Sadamasu, S. Ohtori, T. Sasho. The effect of femoral bone tunnel configuration on tendon-bone healing in an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An animal study. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:327–335. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.75.BJR-2017-0238.R2.

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Hamstring Autograft in ACL Reconstruction: A 13-Year Predictive Analysis of Anthropometric Factors and Surgeon Trends Relating to Graft Size

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118779788 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 232596711877978 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Prem N. Ramkumar ◽

Michael D. Hadley ◽

Morgan H. Jones ◽

Lutul D. Farrow

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Graft Failure ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Small Diameter ◽

Large Cohort ◽

Predictive Equation ◽

Hamstring Autograft ◽

Graft Size ◽

Patient Demographics ◽

The Mean

Background: Small-diameter autograft hamstring grafts have been linked to graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The frequency of hamstring autografts that actually meet ideal size criteria remains unknown. Purpose: To examine a large cohort of patients to (1) evaluate sizing variability among a large cohort of surgeons and (2) identify patient factors most predictive of hamstring autograft size. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 1681 ACL reconstructions with hamstring autograft were analyzed as completed by 11 surgeons over a 13-year period. Patient demographics (age, height, weight, body mass index, sex) and intraoperative details (including graft diameter and strands) were extracted. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to correlate patient demographics with graft size and to develop a predictive model for hamstring graft size. Results: The mean height and weight of patients included in this study were 172.7 cm and 80.1 kg, respectively; 59% of patients were male. The mean diameters of hamstring autografts were 8.4 mm and 8.2 mm for the tibial and femoral ends of the graft, respectively. A total of 55.1% of grafts were ≤8 mm. Mixed-effects linear modeling revealed that height, weight, sex, and use of ≥5 strands correlated with graft size ( P < .001), while age did not. The predictive multivariate model based on the statistically relevant factors demonstrated a moderate correlation ( r = 0.39, R2 = 0.150), illustrated a predictive equation, and proved height to be the greatest determinant of graft size. Conclusion: Marked variability in graft size distribution was found among surgeons, and more than half of all grafts did not reach the ideal size for hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction. A predictive equation including anthropometric factors may be able to provide the expected graft size. The risk of early graft failure may be mitigated with preoperative consideration of anthropometric factors—most importantly, height—in preparation for possible augmentation, additional strands, or alternative graft sources.

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