A new technique for hamstring tendon graft harvesting

Abstract

Introduction Harvesting of hamstring tendon is a very important step in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Although there are many advantages for using the hamstring tendon for cruciate ligaments reconstruction, there are many disadvantages of the traditional technique for hamstring tendon harvesting. Therefore, we have used a new technique to avoid all the disadvantages and allow for fast, easy, and perfect hamstring tendon graft harvesting. The aim of our new technique for hamstring tendon harvesting is to avoid all complications and difficulties related to graft harvesting and keeping sartorial fascia in a good and repairable condition. Patients and methods We carried out arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons autograft. We used a new technique for hamstring tendons harvesting. This work was done on 12 patients with an average age of 24 years (20–38) between March 2010 and December 2010. Results Subjective assessment was done according to International knee Documentation Committee rating system. This was defined as four grades as follows: normal (a), nearly normal (b), abnormal (c), and severely abnormal (d). Before ACL injury, 12 (100%) patients considered their knees to have been grade A. Twenty-four months after reconstruction, 11 patients rated their knees as normal or nearly normal. One patient rated his knee as abnormal at 2 years of follow-up. This patient had severe osteoarthritic changes. Conclusion It would be advisable to follow this technique of graft harvesting for all individuals undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons to avoid the problems encountered with the standard technique and also to achieve an excellent outcome.