Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon allograft (SS-13)

Abstract

As the frequency of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction increases, so does the demand for suitable allograft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of ACL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon allograft. ACL reconstruction with quadriceps tendon allograft has not been previously reported. Twenty-seven patients were evaluated that underwent ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon allograft. One surgeon performed all of the ACL reconstructions. The bone plug was placed on the femoral side. The femoral fixation consisted of bioabsorbable interference screw fixation. Bioabsorbable interference screw fixation was also used on the tibial side. Tibial-sided graft fixation was augmented with the use of screw and washer post fixation. An accelerated rehabilitation protocol was utilized for all patients. The average follow-up was 32 months (range 22–50 months). Results were measured with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grade, Lysholm score, Tegner scale, single leg hop test and KT-1000. The average patient age was 34 years at the time of surgery. The mean preoperative Lysholm and Tegner scores were 44.4 and 2.9 respectively. These improved to a mean of 91.9 and 5.5 postoperatively. The IKDC grade was normal or nearly normal in all patients. The postoperative single leg hop score averaged 95.0% of the uninjured leg. The KT-1000 evaluations demonstrated a mean side-to-side difference of 1.1 mm (range 0–4 mm). No patient had undergone or had revision surgery planned at the latest follow-up. We conclude that quadriceps tendon allograft is a suitable graft source for ACL reconstruction. As the frequency of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction increases, so does the demand for suitable allograft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of ACL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon allograft. ACL reconstruction with quadriceps tendon allograft has not been previously reported. Twenty-seven patients were evaluated that underwent ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon allograft. One surgeon performed all of the ACL reconstructions. The bone plug was placed on the femoral side. The femoral fixation consisted of bioabsorbable interference screw fixation. Bioabsorbable interference screw fixation was also used on the tibial side. Tibial-sided graft fixation was augmented with the use of screw and washer post fixation. An accelerated rehabilitation protocol was utilized for all patients. The average follow-up was 32 months (range 22–50 months). Results were measured with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grade, Lysholm score, Tegner scale, single leg hop test and KT-1000. The average patient age was 34 years at the time of surgery. The mean preoperative Lysholm and Tegner scores were 44.4 and 2.9 respectively. These improved to a mean of 91.9 and 5.5 postoperatively. The IKDC grade was normal or nearly normal in all patients. The postoperative single leg hop score averaged 95.0% of the uninjured leg. The KT-1000 evaluations demonstrated a mean side-to-side difference of 1.1 mm (range 0–4 mm). No patient had undergone or had revision surgery planned at the latest follow-up. We conclude that quadriceps tendon allograft is a suitable graft source for ACL reconstruction.