The “Candy-Stripe” Graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common surgical procedure; however, graft failure with recurrent instability occurs in a significant percentage of patients. One known predictor of suboptimal outcomes is the diameter of the ACL graft, with grafts less than 8 mm in diameter associated with poorer outcomes. Factors such as graft harvest technique, preparation, and biological remodeling can also affect success. In this regard, a technique for biological ACL reconstruction is presented with a graft preparation protocol called “candy-stripe.” This technique involves preserving muscle remnants on the graft and the tibial ACL stump, resulting in a better graft volume, regenerative potential, and knee function. The article presents the step-by-step surgical technique, which differs from the standard technique in some steps. Hamstring tendons are harvested, and the graft is sized and prepared, with up to 1 mm of muscle tissue left attached to the tendon. This technique has the potential to improve the outcomes of ACL reconstruction surgeries.