Generation of 5-Strand Hamstring Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction—A Technical Note

Abstract

Hamstring tendons are a very commonly used autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Given that larger hamstring graft diameter has been shown to positively affect outcomes after ACL reconstruction, several techniques have been developed to optimize this variable. In this technical note, we describe the operative technique for generation of a 5-strand hamstring autograft via tripling of the semitendinosus tendon and doubling of the gracilis tendon, which can serve to maximize graft diameter, especially in patient populations with undersized hamstring tendons at baseline.