Anatomic Guidelines for Harvesting a Quadriceps Free Tendon Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review the anatomy of the quadriceps tendon and provide guidelines for harvesting the quadriceps tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Eleven cadaveric knees were dissected, and the quadriceps tendon was analyzed. Multiple measurements of length, depth, and width were taken in a standardized manner for each cadaver and recorded. The quadriceps tendon superficial morphology showed 2 distinct peaks, with the maximum length correlating with the lateral peak. The mean tendon peak length was 88.3 ± 8.4 mm (range, 78.3 to 99.7 mm). The mean width of the quadriceps tendon at its insertion onto the patella was 43.3 ± 5.8 mm (range, 34.3 to 54.1 mm). The quadriceps tendon was noted to be asymmetric, with the maximum tendon length located at 61.6% ± 4.1% of the width from the medial border of the quadriceps tendon insertion. This point was also the maximum tendon depth at insertion. Quadriceps free tendon graft harvesting should begin by locating the apex (maximum length) of the quadriceps tendon (61% of the distance from the patella's medial edge). The surgeon should then harvest a 10-mm-wide graft centered about 2 mm medial to this point, using the depth of a No. 10 scalpel blade (7 mm) as a guide to thickness to harvest an optimal quadriceps free tendon graft for ACL reconstruction. This anatomic study identifies the site of harvest of a quadriceps free tendon autograft (without a patellar bone block) to maximize the length and bulk of the graft for its use in ACL reconstruction.