Quadriceps Tendon-patellar Bone Autograft Research Articles

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Quadriceps Tendon–Patellar Bone Autograft

Multiple surgical techniques for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have been described and subsequently scrutinized. We describe a surgical technique using full-thickness quadriceps tendon–patellar bone autograft in single-bundle, all-inside posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction that offers the following advantages over traditional technique: This technique mitigates the risk of tunnel widening and convergence while preserving bone stock, eliminating the killer turn, allowing for suspensory cortical fixation to optimize stabilization, and using a bone plug that allows for faster graft incorporation.

Prediction of quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft diameter in adolescents with 2-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging and anthropometric measures.

This study evaluates the correlation between the bone end and soft tissue end of the quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft (QPA) size and pre-operative MRI measurements of the quadriceps tendon along sections to be included in the graft harvest in adolescents. We also assessed association between graft diameter and anthropometric measures (height, weight, and BMI), age, and sex. Patients (10-18years) who underwent QPA ACL reconstruction and had a pre-operative MRI were considered for inclusion. Age, height, and weight, tibial and femoral side graft diameter, and patellar bone block dimensions were collected. Using a pre-operative 2D sagittal plane MRI, we measured the quadriceps at 10-mm increments above the patella, up to 40mm. We assessed correlation between the bone-end graft diameter and the AP measure at 10mm above the patella, and correlation between the soft-tissue end graft diameter and the most proximal AP measure. A total of 103 patients were included. A significant correlation between the soft-tissue side graft diameter and most proximal AP measurement was observed (rs = 0.51; p < 0.001). However, measurements significantly underestimated the soft-tissue end graft diameter (9.6 ± 0.8 vs. 7.4 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the bone-end graft diameter and AP measurement 10mm above the patella. Anthropometric measures were not associated with graft size. Skeletal maturity was associated with smaller graft size (p = 0.08). Soft-tissue end graft diameter is associated with the AP measure of the quadriceps at 20-40mm above the superior pole of the patella.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Quadriceps Tendon–Patellar Bone Autograft and Dual Tibial Fixation

Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures are a relatively common injury in the athletic population, and surgical reconstruction is often indicated to restore knee stability. While hamstring tendon and patellar bone–tendon–bone autografts are a well-established graft choice in this population, there has been a growing body of literature supporting the benefits of quadriceps tendon autograft. Our technique illustrates a full-thickness quadriceps tendon–patellar bone autograft with dual tibial fixation using an interference screw and backup suspensory anchor fixation.

Long-term Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Tendon-Patellar Bone Autograft.

Background:To date, there have been few studies on the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using quadriceps tendon–patellar bone (QTPB) autograft.Purpose:To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of ACLR using QTPB autograft.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 139 patients who underwent primary ACLR with QTPB autografts and had at least 7 years of postoperative follow-up data. Instability, clinical scores, donor-site morbidity, radiographic progression of osteoarthritis, and any associated complications were assessed.Results:The proportion of knees classified as grade >1 on the anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot-shift tests decreased significantly postsurgically (from 47.4% to 5.0%, 48.9% to 4.3%, and 53.3% to 5.0%, respectively; P < .001 for all). The mean clinical scores at the final follow-up were 89.8, 81.0, and 4.4 for the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Tegner Activity Scale, respectively. The results of the Cybex II dynamometer isokinetic test showed decreases in flexion and extension strength at both 60° and 180° per second, which persisted until the final follow-up visit. About one-fifth (19.4%) of the patients had osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥1) before surgery, which increased to 33.8% at the final follow-up. The overall complication rate was 23.2%, and about one-third of the patients who experienced complications underwent revision surgery as a result of graft rupture and residual instability.Conclusion:In the current study, ACLR using QTPB autograft provided satisfactory long-term clinical results, with acceptable rates of complication and donor-site morbidity.

Femoral nerve catheters and limb strength asymmetry at 6 months after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in pediatric patients.

The postoperative implications of single-injection femoral nerve blockade and femoral nerve catheter placement for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are not well defined among pediatric patients. Femoral nerve blockade may be associated with deficits in quadriceps symmetry at 6months postoperative. We compared outcomes after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in pediatric patients who received either a single-injection femoral nerve block or femoral nerve catheter and a single-injection popliteal nerve block. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients 10-19years of age who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft by a single orthopedic surgeon at two of our locations. Of 88 patients analyzed, 31 received single-injection femoral nerve blockade (52% female, mean age=15.6±1.8years) and 57 received femoral nerve catheter (53% female, mean age=15.6±1.7years). Time from surgery to return-to-sport clearance and movement symmetry were compared between groups at approximately 6months postoperatively. The single-injection femoral nerve blockade group exhibited significantly greater single-leg squat symmetry than did the femoral nerve catheter group (95.5±6.7% vs 88.3±9.3%; P= 0.02; mean difference=7.2%, 95% CI=-1.1, 13.3) 6months postoperatively. There was no difference in time from surgery to return-to-sport clearance between groups (median=247 [interquartile range=218-295] days vs 268 [241-331] days; P= 0.22; mean difference=40days; 95% CI=-23, 102). Though time to return to sport did not differ, patients in the femoral nerve catheter group exhibited greater single-leg squat asymmetry than did those in the femoral nerve blockade group approximately 6months postoperatively. Persistent functional deficits may be important to consider when treating pediatric patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Outcomes of Quadriceps Tendon With Patellar Bone Block Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the adolescent population is increasing. The quadriceps tendon–patellar bone autograft (QPA) has been established as a reliable graft choice for ACL reconstruction in the adult population. Purpose: To investigate graft failure, ability to return to sport, patient-reported functional outcomes, joint laxity, and subsequent injury among adolescent patients >2 years after primary ACL reconstruction with the QPA. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent QPA ACL reconstruction performed by a single surgeon were identified from an existing database. Information available in the database included demographics, concomitant/subsequent injuries, surgical procedures, graft failure, return to sport, and Lachman examination collected by medical record review. Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) and Lysholm scores were collected by telephone or during a clinic visit >2 years postoperatively. Results: The final cohort included 81 of 104 consecutive adolescent patients aged 10 to 18 years (mean ± SD, 15.9 ± 1.7 years at the time of surgery) for whom follow-up information was collected at >2 years after surgery. The cumulative incidence of graft failure within the 36-month follow-up period was 1.2% (95% CI, 0.1%-11.4%). The rate of ipsilateral non-ACL injuries was similar (1.2%; 95% CI, 0.2%-7.6%). Contralateral ACL and non-ACL injuries requiring surgical intervention were documented in 9.8% (95% CI, 4.9%-19.5%). The median Pedi-IKDC score was 94 (interquartile range, 89-98). The median Lysholm score was 99.5 (interquartile range, 89.0-100.0). At 36 months after surgery, 87.9% (95% CI, 81.4%-94.9%) of individuals had returned to play. Conclusion: The quadriceps tendon–patellar autograft is a novel graft that demonstrates excellent stability and favorable patient-reported outcomes. Based on these results, the QPA is a reliable choice for primary ACL reconstruction in adolescent patients.

ACL Repair With Suture Ligament Augmentation Is Associated With a High Failure Rate Among Adolescent Patients

Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair technique avoids graft harvest and therefore the risk of donor site morbidity. However, early failure rates after ACL repair with suture ligament augmentation (SLA) remain high. Purpose: To compare surgical failure, functional outcomes, return to sport, and joint laxity between adolescents who underwent ACL repair with SLA and those who underwent ACL reconstruction with quadriceps tendon–patellar bone autograft (QPA). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Adolescent patients (7-18 years old) underwent ACL repair with SLA or ACL reconstruction with QPA. The authors collected data from those who had postoperative information pertaining to repaired ligament or graft failure, range of motion, complications, and return to sport at a minimum of 6 months after surgery. Participants were contacted after surgery to complete study questionnaires. Results: The cohort included 22 consecutive patients in the SLA group and 157 in the QPA group. The median duration of follow-up was 2.7 years (interquartile range, 2.0-3.6 years) in the QPA group and 3.2 years (2.2-3.4 years) in the SLA group. After adjustment for sex, age, body mass index, and time from injury to surgery, the hazard of graft failure in the SLA group was 10.66 times (95% CI, 3.41-32.92; P < .0001) that of the QPA group. The cumulative incidence of graft failure in the first 3 years after surgery was 48.8% (95% CI, 28.9%-73.1%) in the SLA group, as opposed to 4.7% (2.1%-10.3%) in the QPA group. There was no difference in return to sport between the groups. Among individuals who did not rerupture their ACL, International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm scores were comparable between the groups, as well as range of motion. Conclusion: The risk of failure was significantly increased in the SLA group relative to the QPA group. The high risk of failure for the SLA group in this short-term follow-up should be considered when selecting the treatment for adolescent patients with an ACL injury.

Long-term follow-up after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a press-fit quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft

BackgroundThe use of a quadriceps tendon-patellar bone (QTPB) autograft provides an alternative procedure in primary reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Using the press-fit technique for femoral fixation and knotting over a bone bridge as well as additional spongiosa filling for tibial fixation can completely eliminate the need for fixation implants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical, functional and radiological results of this operating method.MethodsSixty-nine patients (27 female-42 male) were included in this study. Fifty-seven patients (83%) received a comprehensive follow-up review after an average period of 7.5 years (range: 7–8.7). All other patients were surveyed by telephone. Six patients (9%) suffered a re-rupture of the ACL graft caused by a new related trauma and were therefore excluded from the statistical analysis.ResultsOf all patients, 98% were satisfied with the operation. Normal or almost normal results were recorded in the subjective IKDC scores form by 88% of the patients. The Lysholm score demonstrated very good and good results in 83% of the patients. Only 1 patient reported minor complaints in the donor area. Seven (12%) patients developed Cyclops syndrome with limited knee extension. This complication was treated arthroscopically within the first year postoperatively. Their results on follow-up were not worse than the results of the patients without Cyclops syndrome.Regarding the 57 patients who received a comprehensive evaluation, the stability test with the KT-1000 Arthrometer yielded a difference of less than 3 mm in the contralateral comparison for 89% of the operated knees. The pivot-shift test was normal in 79% and almost normal in 21%. In the Single-leg Triple Hop Test, patients achieved an average of 98% of the hopping distance attained with the contralateral leg. The radiological examination revealed a slight deterioration in the Kellgren-Lawrence Score in 2 patients.ConclusionThe ACL reconstruction using the QTPB autograft performed with the press-fit technique leads to good results in comparison with published results of established procedures for primary ACL surgery using other autografts. Further investigations should involve comparative studies with the objective of providing evidence-based, individually adapted therapy for ACL rupture.

Use of quadriceps tendon versus hamstring tendon autograft for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparative analysis of clinical results

This study aims to evaluate midterm clinical results of the use of two autogenous graft types. Between June 2005 and November 2010, clinical data of 44 patients who were operated were retrospectively analyzed. Quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft was used for reconstruction surgery in 23 patients (QT-PB group), while quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft was used in 21 patients (HT group). The Tegner's activity scale, Lysholm scoring system, single-leg-hop test and KT-2000 arthrometric measurements were used for data collection. The mean length of follow-up was 37.6 months. Although the mean Lysholm score increased in both groups, excellent results in HT group were two-fold higher compared to QT-PB group. The mean laxity for the operated knee joint was 5.65 mm (3.5 to 8.0 mm) in QT-PB group and 3.67 mm (3.0 to 5.5 mm) in HT group. Head-to-head analysis using KT-2000 arthrometer demonstrated that 12 patients (52.1%) in QT-PB group and two patients (9.6%) in HT group had more than 3 mm of anterior laxity difference. Quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft is superior to central quadriceps tendon-patellar bone in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Use of Autologous Quadriceps Tendon Graft

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is the most common knee ligament injury. Of the grafts that are used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, bone-patellar tendon-bone is still the most common because of its initial fixation stability and its ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus, which are superior to those of other graft sources. Hamstring tendon grafts recently have demonstrated functional results equivalent to those of bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts. While most recent studies have failed to demonstrate significant differences between the two types of grafts, many authors have reported on their strengths and weaknesses1-12. While there has been a trend toward better stability in association with bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts, postoperative complications, including anterior knee pain and patellofemoral problems, have been reported frequently13-20. Knee-extension deficits have been reported to occur more frequently in association with bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts as compared with hamstring tendon grafts1,7. Graft laxity and tunnel enlargement have been reported in association with hamstring tendon grafts, and some authors have found persistent muscular deficits in knee flexion and internal rotation strength after treatment with hamstring tendon grafts5,21. In 2004, we reported the early results for a series of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with use of a quadriceps tendon autograft22. The central quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft has been proposed as a reasonable source of anterior cruciate ligament graft by some authors as it offers adequate mechanical strength and easier rehabilitation, while some postoperative complications can be avoided23-28. The anatomy and mechanical properties of the quadriceps tendon were well described in a series of studies by Staubli et al.27,29-31. The cross-sectional area of the quadriceps tendon was almost twice that of the patellar …

Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament by Using a Quadriceps Tendon Autograft: A Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

We prospectively assessed 22 consecutively treated patients to determine the effectiveness and safety of arthroscopically assisted posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction by using a quadriceps tendon autograft. Twenty-two patients with isolated PCL injury who underwent PCL reconstruction with a quadriceps tendon autograft were enrolled in the prospective study. The average follow-up period was 66 months (range, 60-76). Follow-up included Lysholm knee scores, Tegner activity scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, thigh muscle assessment, and radiographic assessment. The mean preoperative Lysholm score for 22 knees was 67 (range, 50 to 75), and the mean postoperative Lysholm score was 89 (range, 75 to 98). Nineteen of 22 patients (86%) displayed good or excellent results in the final assessment. The mean preoperative Tegner score for 22 knees was 3 (range, 2 to 5), whereas the mean postoperative Tegner score was 6 (range, 3 to 9). There were statistically significant improvements in Lysholm score (P = .009), Tegner score (P = .039), postoperative KT-1000 arthrometer (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA) scores (P = .006), final IKDC rating (P = .035), and thigh atrophy and muscle strength (P < .05) when compared with preoperative data. Regarding IKDC final rating, 82% of the patients (18 of 22) were assessed as normal or nearly normal (grade A or B). After follow-up for more than 60 months, the analytical results showed patients achieved satisfactory function after PCL reconstruction by using a quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft. This study suggests that a quadriceps tendon autograft is sufficiently large and strong and can achieve good ligament function after reconstruction. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft: clinical outcome in 4–7 years

Surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is indicated in the ACL-deficient knee with symptomatic instability and multiple ligaments injuries. In the present study, we describe the clinical results of quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft for ACL reconstruction. From 1996 to 1998, the graft has been used in 38 patients. Thirty-four patients with complete final follow-up for 4-7 years were analyzed. The average follow-up time was 62 (48-84) months. Thirty-two patients (94%) achieved good or excellent results by Lysholm knee rating. Twenty-six patients (76%) could return to moderate or strenuous activity after reconstruction. Twenty-eight patients (82%) had ligament laxity of less than 2 mm. Finally; 31 patients (91%) were assessed as normal or nearly normal rating by IKDC guideline. Twenty-five patients (73%) had less than 10 mm difference in thigh girth between their reconstructed and normal limbs. Thirty-two (94%) and 31 (91%) patients could achieve recovery of the extensor and flexor muscle strength in the reconstructed knee to 80% or more of normal knee strength, respectively. A statistically significant difference exists in thigh girth difference, extensor strength ratio, and flexor strength ratio before and after reconstruction. Tunnel expansion with more than 1 mm was identified in 2 (6%) tibial tunnels. Our study revealed satisfactory clinical subjective and objective results at 4-7 years follow-up. Quadriceps tendon autograft has the advantage of being self-available, relatively easier arthroscopic technique, and having a suitable size, making it an acceptable graft choice for ACL reconstruction. There is little quadriceps muscle strength loss after quadriceps harvest. A quadriceps tendon-patellar autograft is an adequate graft choice to ACL reconstruction.

POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT REPLACEMENT WITH A TWO-STRAND QUADRICEPS TENDON-PATELLAR BONE AUTOGRAFT AND A TIBIAL INLAY TECHNIQUE

Background: Complete ruptures of the posterior cruciate ligament alter knee kinematics and may result in functional limitations with sports and daily activities. We prospectively evaluated the functional results and knee stability after posterior cruciate ligament replacement with use of a two-strand quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft and a tibial inlay technique. Methods: Nineteen patients were followed for a mean of thirty-five months postoperatively. All had a chronic knee injury, and eight had additional ligament reconstructions. The results were measured with stress radiography, arthrometric testing, and two validated knee-rating instruments. Results: Eighteen patients rated the knee condition as improved. Before surgery, eleven patients had pain with daily activities, but only one had such pain at the time of the latest follow-up. Significant improvements were noted for pain, swelling, giving-way, walking, climbing stairs, squatting, running, jumping, and twisting and turning (all p ≤ 0.05). Eleven patients returned to low-impact sports, and two patients were able to participate in strenuous sports without problems. At the time of the latest follow-up, stress radiography revealed that fourteen knees had ≤5 mm of increased posterior tibial translation between the reconstructed and the contralateral side, three knees had 6 to 10 mm, and two knees had >10 mm. No knee had an infection, permanent limitation of knee motion, or patellar fracture. Conclusions: Posterior cruciate ligament replacement produced reasonable subjective, functional, and objective results in this group of complex, chronic knee injuries. The tibial inlay approach was useful in nine revisions in which prior tibial tunnels had to be avoided. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Replacement with a Two-Strand Quadriceps Tendon-Patellar Bone Autograft and a Tibial Inlay Technique

Complete ruptures of the posterior cruciate ligament alter knee kinematics and may result in functional limitations with sports and daily activities. We prospectively evaluated the functional results and knee stability after posterior cruciate ligament replacement with use of a two-strand quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft and a tibial inlay technique. Nineteen patients were followed for a mean of thirty-five months postoperatively. All had a chronic knee injury, and eight had additional ligament reconstructions. The results were measured with stress radiography, arthrometric testing, and two validated knee-rating instruments. Eighteen patients rated the knee condition as improved. Before surgery, eleven patients had pain with daily activities, but only one had such pain at the time of the latest follow-up. Significant improvements were noted for pain, swelling, giving-way, walking, climbing stairs, squatting, running, jumping, and twisting and turning (all p < or = 0.05). Eleven patients returned to low-impact sports, and two patients were able to participate in strenuous sports without problems. At the time of the latest follow-up, stress radiography revealed that fourteen knees had < or =5 mm of increased posterior tibial translation between the reconstructed and the contralateral side, three knees had 6 to 10 mm, and two knees had >10 mm. No knee had an infection, permanent limitation of knee motion, or patellar fracture. Posterior cruciate ligament replacement produced reasonable subjective, functional, and objective results in this group of complex, chronic knee injuries. The tibial inlay approach was useful in nine revisions in which prior tibial tunnels had to be avoided.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Reconstruction, Part 2

Background Posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions fail for similar reasons as to why anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions fail. Revision surgery is an option after failure. Purpose To prospectively study the results of 15 posterior cruciate ligament revision surgeries using a 2-strand quadriceps tendonpatellar bone autograft. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods The authors observed 15 knees that received the revision procedure a mean of 44 months (range, 23-84 months) postoperatively. The results were determined by a comprehensive knee examination including stress radiography and several grading scales. A tibial inlay technique was used in 9 knees, and an arthroscopic tibial tunnel technique was done in 6 knees. Six knees required 1 or more concomitant ligament reconstructions. Results Significant improvements occurred in pain, function, and patient perception scores (P <. 05). However, only 53% returned to light sports without problems. Stress radiograph posterior tibial translation values improved from 11.7 ± 3.0 mm preoperatively to 5.1 ± 2.4 mm at follow-up (P <. 001). Two of the 15 revisions failed. Associated knee ligament reconstructive procedures restored anterior, medial, and posterolateral stability. There were no complications from the quadriceps tendon graft harvest site. Abnormal articular cartilage surfaces were found during the revision in 8 (53%) knees. Conclusions The quadriceps tendon 2-strand revision provided reasonable results in this group of complex-injured knees. The tibial inlay approach is advantageous to bypass prior tibial tunnels, and the all-inside arthroscopic technique is advantageous when major concurrent ligament reconstructions are required.

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft—minimal 4-year follow-up (SS-14)

Surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is indicated in the ACL-deficient knee with symptomatic instability and multiple ligaments injuries. In the present study, we describe the clinical results of quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft for ACL reconstruction. From 1996 to 1998, the graft has been used in 38 patients. Thirty-four patients with complete final follow-up for minimal 4 years were analyzed. The average follow-up time was 62 (48 to 84) months. Thirty-two (94%) patients achieved good or excellent results by Lysholm knee rating. Twenty-six (76%) patients could return to moderate or strenuous activity after reconstruction. Twenty-eight (82%) patients had ligament laxity of less than 2 mm. Finally, thirty-one (91%) patients were assessed as normal or nearly normal rating by IKDC guideline. Twenty-five (73%) patients had less than 10 mm difference in thigh girth between their reconstructed and normal limbs. Thirty-two (94%) and Thirty-one (91%) patients could achieve recovery of the extensor and flexor muscle strength in the reconstructed knee to 80% or more of normal knee strength respectively. A statistically significant difference exists in thigh girth difference, extensor strength ratio, and flexor strength ratio before and after reconstruction. Our study revealed satisfactory clinical subjective and objective results at minimal 4 years follow-up. Quadriceps tendon autograft has the advantage of being self-available, relatively easier arthroscopic technique, and having a suitable size, making it an acceptable graft choice for ACL reconstruction. There is little quadriceps muscle strength inhibition after quadriceps harvest. There is quicker return to sports with aggressive rehabilitation. A quadriceps tendon-patellar autograft is a reasonable adequate graft choice to ACL reconstruction.

Double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using inlay technique with quadriceps tendon-bone autograft

Surgical reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is indicated in a PCL-deficient knee with symptomatic instability and multiple ligament injuries. The results of the traditional tunnel method for PCL reconstruction remain uncertain. The tibial inlay method offers the benefit of preventing the acute-turn associated with transtibial reconstruction. Additionally, the double-bundled graft appears to restore normal knee laxity across the full range of flexion. This study presents an inlay technique for arthroscopic PCL reconstruction with double-bundled quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft. This technique offers a reasonable alternative for PCL reconstruction.

Arthroscopic Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Quadriceps Tendon Autograft

Background Various autografts or allografts have been used for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. Quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft is considered a good graft choice. Hypothesis Quadriceps tendon-patellar bone graft for PCL reconstruction can achieve a satisfactory clinical outcome after 3 years postoperatively. Study Design Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Methods From 1996, the graft has been used in 32 patients. Twenty-nine patients with a minimum of 3 years of follow-up were analyzed. Results Twenty-four (83%) patients achieved good or excellent results by Lysholm knee rating. Sixteen (55%) patients could return to moderate or strenuous activity. Twenty-five (86%) patients had ligament laxity of less than 5 mm. Twenty-four (83%) patients were rated as normal or nearly normal by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) guidelines. Twenty-four (83%) and 26 (90%) patients could achieve recovery of extensor and flexor muscle strength to 80% or more of normal knee, respectively. A statistically significant difference exists in thigh girth difference, extensor strength, and flexor strength before and after reconstruction. Conclusion Our study revealed satisfactory clinical subjective and objective results at a minimum 3 years follow-up. Quadriceps tendon autograft has the advantage of being self-available, a relatively easier arthroscopic technique, and having a suitable size, making it an acceptable graft choice for PCL reconstruction.

Tibial inlay technique with quadriceps tendon-bone autograft for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Surgical reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is indicated in a PCL-deficient knee with symptomatic instability and injury to other ligaments. However, the choice of graft tissues remains controversial. The tibial inlay method has the benefit of preventing the acute turn associated with transtibial reconstruction and permitting accurate anatomic placement of the graft. This study describes an arthroscopic-assisted inlay technique for PCL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft. This technique is a reasonable alternative for PCL reconstruction.

Double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps and semitendinosus tendon grafts

This study presents a novel arthroscopic technique for double-bundle reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. A quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft is used to reconstruct the major anterolateral bundle. An additional double-stranded semitendinosus tendon is used to reconstruct the posteromedial bundle. In 70° of flexion and full extension with anterior drawer force, the quadriceps tendon graft and semitendinosus tendon graft are fixed inside the anterior aspect of the single tibial tunnel, respectively. An anatomic reconstruction can be achieved by using these 2 autografts.