Comparison of knee extensor strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either quadriceps tendon or hamstring tendon autografts

Most Patients Report Acceptable Knee Function, Satisfaction, and Clinical Outcomes at a Minimum Ten Years After Quadriceps Free Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose

To describe the long-term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with quadriceps-free tendon autograft (QFT) in terms of subjective function, clinical outcomes, and knee satisfaction.

Methods

A retrospective chart review design with prospective descriptive survey was used to determine clinical and subjective outcomes for patients treated with a QFT-ACLR from 2000 to 2013. Patients with multiligament reconstructions were excluded. The primary outcomes were clinical outcomes (reinjury of indexed knee, ACL injury to contralateral knee after indexed surgery), subjective function (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Lysholm score), knee satisfaction (single assessment numeric evaluation), and global health and wellbeing (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10).

Results

In total, 34 patients were contacted (average: 18.2 years, range: 10-23 years) after surgery (response rate, 17.3%). The mean age at time of surgery was 32.3 ± 11.1 years, and 50.4 ± 11.6 years at follow-up. For clinical outcomes, 23.5% of patients reported a reinjury of their QFT reconstructed ACL. Contralateral ACL injuries were reported in 17.6% of patients. No differences in subjective function and knee satisfaction were identified between patients with and without concomitant procedure at the time of surgery. Nearly two-thirds of patients reported strong mental health and physical function on the PROMIS Global Health.

Conclusions

This study presents a minimum of 10-year follow-up on QFT-ACLR, revealing 74% of patients reporting no reinjury, 67% of patients reporting acceptable-exceptional subjective knee function, and 74% indicating better physical and mental health compared to the general population. No differences were observed in knee function or satisfaction scores among patients who underwent a concomitant cartilage procedure at the time of QFT-ALCR with patients without these concomitant injuries.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case-series.

High rates of donor site healing using quadriceps tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case series

Purpose

To investigate the healing of the quadriceps tendon donor site after partial thickness graft harvesting through ultrasound imaging at a short-term follow-up of 6-month following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to investigate the clinical outcomes.

Methods

Between March 2019 and August 2020, 61 knees were retrospectively included in this study. Intraoperatively, the length, width and thickness of the harvested QT graft were measured. At a 6-month follow-up, patients were assessed by one of five radiologists, following the same protocol to calculate the defect volume, and patients performed a self-evaluation of pain on the Visual Analogue Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS).

Results

Intraoperatively, the QT grafts had a volume of 4635.4 ± 912.5 mm3. Postoperatively, ultrasound was performed at 6.5 ± 0.7 months, and the defect volume was 323.3 ± 389.2 mm3, representing a healing rate of 93% ± 9% of the donor site. At a minimum 6-month follow-up, IKDC was 61.6 ± 16 and KOOS was 70.2 ± 16.6. Age was significantly associated with the healing rate (β: -0.005; p = 0.032).

Conclusion

At 6 months follow-up, the defect size of the QT donor site had healed by 93 ± 9% leaving a mean defect volume of 323.3 mm3 according to ultrasound measurements. This suggests that the QT has a high capacity for healing after graft harvesting, with 10 patients reaching full defect closure 6 months after surgery. The clinical relevance of these findings is that the quadriceps tendon donor site has high rates of healing, but surgeons should be aware of lower healing rates in older patients.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Peroneus longus tendon autograft versus allograft in revision ACLR: A retrospective comparison

PURPOSE

The use of peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autografts in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has increased recently, but there is a lack of research on its use in revision ACLR. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between revision ACLR using allografts and PLT autografts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine patients who underwent arthroscopic revision of ACLR with complete clinical follow-ups between 2012 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Allograft was used in 44 of these patients, and PLT autograft was used in 15 of them. Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, Lachman, and anterior drawer tests were performed after a mean follow-up of 60months (range: 19-116). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale was used to evaluate the donor ankle functions. Clinical outcomes and complications were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significantly improved functional outcomes compared to their preoperative assessments. However, both groups had similar clinical results at the final follow-up, including Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, knee range of motion, return to sports, time to return to daily activities, and rate of re-rupture. No major complications were seen in any of the patients. The AOFAS score was 99.13±2.64 in the PLT autograft group without loss of ankle muscle strength, deformity, instability, and permanent iatrogenic neurovascular injuries. The cumulative cost of the allograft group was significantly higher than the PLT autograft group.

CONCLUSIONS

The PLT autograft might be an alternative autograft option to allografts due to similar clinical outcomes, low donor site morbidity, and reduced cost in ACLR revisions, especially if the primary ACLR was performed using grafts harvested around the knee.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; retrospective comparative study.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Quadriceps Versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Numerous graft options are available when undertaking anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), although a lack of high-quality evidence exists comparing quadriceps (QT) and hamstring (HT) autografts.

PURPOSE

To investigate patient outcomes in patients undergoing HT versus QT ACLR.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

After recruitment and randomization, 112 patients (HT = 55; QT = 57) underwent ACLR. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively (6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months), with a range of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), graft laxity (KT-1000 arthrometer; primary outcome variable), active knee flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), peak isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, and a 6-hop performance battery. Limb symmetry indices (LSIs) were calculated for strength and hop measures. Secondary procedures, ACL retears, and contralateral ACL tears were reported.

RESULTS

All PROMs and knee ROM measures significantly improved (P < .0001), and no other group differences (P > .05) were observed-apart from the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) score, which was significantly better in the HT group at 3 (P = .008), 6 (P = .010), and 12 (P = .014) months. No significant changes were observed in side-to-side laxity from 6 to 24 months (P = .105), and no group differences were observed (P = .487) at 6 (HT mean, 1.2; QT mean, 1.3), 12 (HT mean, 1.1; QT mean, 1.3), and 24 (HT mean, 1.1; QT mean, 1.2) months. While the HT group demonstrated significantly greater (P < .05) quadriceps strength LSIs at 6 and 12 months, the QT group showed significantly greater (P < .05) hamstring strength LSIs at 6, 12, and 24 months. The HT group showed significantly greater (P < .05) LSIs for the single horizontal (6 months), lateral (6 and 12 months), and medial (6 months) hop tests for distance. Up until 24 months, 1 patient (QT at 22 months) had a retear, with 2 contralateral ACL tears (QT at 19 months; HT at 23 months). Secondary procedures included 5 in the HT group (manipulation under anesthesia, notch debridement, meniscal repair, and knee arthroscopy for scar tissue) and 6 in the QT group (notch debridement, meniscal repair, knee arthroscopy for scar tissue, tibial tubercle transfer, and osteochondral autologous transplantation).

CONCLUSION

Apart from the ACL-RSI, the 2 autograft groups compared well for PROMs, knee ROM, and laxity. However, greater hamstring strength LSIs were observed for the QT cohort, with greater quadriceps strength (and hop test) LSIs in the HT cohort. The longer-term review will continue to evaluate return to sports and later-stage reinjury between the 2 graft constructs.

REGISTRATION

ACTRN12618001520224p (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).

Contralateral hamstring autografts do not provide benefit compared to ipsilateral hamstring autografts in primary or revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of primary or revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) after contralateral hamstring autografts versus ipsilateral hamstring autograft harvest.

METHODS

Three databases (MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE) were searched from inception to April 27th, 2023 for studies investigating contralateral hamstring autografts in primary or revision ACLR. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R-AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, strength measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and rates of positive Lachman test, positive pivot-shift test and graft rupture were extracted. PROMs included Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores.

RESULTS

Nine studies comprising 371 patients were included in this review. In primary ACLR, there were no significant differences between contralateral and ipsilateral groups in isokinetic hamstring torque in the non-ACLR limb or isokinetic quadriceps torque in both limbs when tested at 60, 90, 120 or 180 degrees/second. Isokinetic hamstring torque in the non-ACLR limb was significantly weaker in the contralateral group at six months for primary ACLR; however, these deficits did not persist. There were no significant differences in postoperative median Tegner scores and Lysholm scores between contralateral and ipsilateral groups in primary ACLR. There were no significant differences in postoperative median Tegner, mean Lysholm and IKDC scores between groups in revision ACLR. There were no significant differences in positive Lachman, positive pivot-shift and rupture rates in primary ACLR between groups. Rates of positive Lachman and pivot-shift were slightly higher in the contralateral than ipsilateral group for revision ACLR.

CONCLUSION

Contralateral hamstring autografts results in comparable muscle strength to ipsilateral hamstring autografts, with the exception of weaker hamstring strengths in the early postoperative period. Patient-reported outcome measures were similar between the two groups across both primary and revision ACLR, with rates of instability and failure being similar between groups for primary ACLR. Contralateral hamstring grafts do not provide additional benefit when compared to ipsilateral options for either primary or revision ACLR, and should be used only in select circumstances including insufficient ipsilateral hamstring grafts or situations where quadriceps or patella autografts are not optimal.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Mini-Invasive Harvesting of Quadriceps Tendon Graft With Patellar Bone Block for ACL Reconstruction Using a Dedicated Harvester

Background

The selection of the type of graft used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remains a matter of debate. In the past, the quadriceps tendon (QT) was associated with considerable morbidity and less favorable outcomes than other grafts. Improvements in harvesting methods have decreased morbidity of the surgical procedure and led to an increase in the use of QT in recent years.

Indications

The QT graft with patellar bone block is a viable option for all patients with closed physis undergoing ACL reconstruction. It is especially suitable for young and active patients who practice activities that require kneeling or athletes in which hamstrings preservation is advisable.

Technique Description

A vertical mini-invasive longitudinal incision starts 1 cm proximal to the middle of the patellar pole. After dissection, the bone block is marked and detached with an oscillating saw. A drill hole is performed in the bone block to serve for the passage of a traction suture. The bone block is lifted with the help of the traction suture, and the graft is trimmed to the desired diameter. The layer between tendon and capsule is separated by blunt dissection to spare the capsule of the suprapatellar pouch. Harvesting is achieved using a dedicated QT harvester. Usually, a graft length of 8 cm is harvested. The defect in the QT is closed using a suture passer at the proximal end. Finally, the graft is prepared and calibrated according to the planned technique for ACL reconstruction.

Results

There was no major intraoperative complication in the senior author's series (more than 50 patients) using the dedicated QT harvester. On rare occasions (<10% of the cases), the device opened the suprapatellar joint capsule, creating the additional need for capsular repair during defect closure. On two occasions, the graft was shorter than expected, which may have been caused by insufficient dissection or improper use of the harvester.

Discussion/Conclusion

ACL reconstruction with minimally invasive QT graft harvesting methods has shown very good clinical outcomes with few complications. It can be recommended for primary and revision ACL reconstruction.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Posterior tibial slope (PTS) ≥ 10 degrees is a risk factor for further anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; BMI is not

PURPOSE

This case-control study aimed to assess the influence of BMI and PTS on subsequent ACL injury affecting either ACL graft or the native ACL of the contralateral knee after primary ACL reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was performed using a cohort of patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between 2010 and 2020 using the same surgical procedure: Hamstring tendon autograft. The study group (group I) included all the patients (n = 94) during this period who sustained a subsequent ACL injury. The control group (group II) consisted of 94 patients randomly selected (matched Group I in terms of sex, age, and ACL graft) who did not sustain any further ACL injury. PTS was measured by two blinded surgeons on lateral knee view radiographs of the operated knee after primary ACL. BMI in kg/m2 was measured during the preoperative anesthesia consultation. Exclusion criteria were: non-true or rotated lateral knee radiographs of the operated knee post-ACLR, associated knee ligament injury requiring surgical management, iterative knee surgeries, open growth plate, and related fracture.

RESULTS

The mean posterior tibial slope in group I was 7.5° ± 2.9, and 7.2° ± 2.0 in group II. A PTS angle cutoff was set at 10 degrees. The rate of patients showing a PTS ≥ 10° was significantly higher in group I compared to group II (p < 0.01). Patients with PTS ≥ 10° were 5.7 times more likely to sustain a subsequent ACL injury, (OR: 5.7 95% CI[1.858-17.486]). The Average BMI in group I was 24.5 ± 3.7 kg.m-2 compared to group II which was 23.3 ± 3.0 kg.m-2. There were no significant differences in any of the four BMI categories between both groups (p value 0.289). A series of BMI cut-offs were also analyzed at 23 to30 kg/m2, and there was no significant difference between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A posterior tibial slope equal to or above 10 degrees measured on lateral knee radiographs was associated with 5.7 times higher risk of ACL graft rupture or contralateral native ACL injury; however, BMI was not.

Full-Thickness Quadriceps Tendon Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background

Quadriceps tendon autograft is used increasingly worldwide for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, but remains at the third place after patellar tendon and hamstring grafts. It has shown very good results in biomechanical and clinical studies, but most of the authors describe a partial thickness tendon graft.

Indications

This presentation describes the technique for a full-thickness quadriceps tendon autograft with an original technique of fixation on the femur and provides tips and tricks to avoid pitfalls.

Technique Description

Arthroscopic preparation of the tunnel is performed before graft harvesting, to obtain the exact length of the graft needed. The femoral tunnel is drilled through the anteromedial portal, 30 to 40 mm long. For the tibial tunnel, a classic drill guide system is used, set at an inclination of 40°. The total length from the tibia to the femur is measured, which allows to position the femoral fixation on the cortex without pulling it into the soft tissue. Harvesting of the graft is done using a double-bladed scalpel, using the entire thickness of the quadriceps tendon. The bone block is detached with an oscillating saw and osteotome, and the defect in the quadriceps tendon closed in 2 layers. The graft is calibrated according to the tunnel preparation and sutured on the bony end with non-absorbable sutures tied to an endobutton. Tibial fixation is achieved by tying 2 non-absorbable sutures over a cortical screw in maximum tension with a sliding type knot, to automatically adjust the tension. Final fixation is performed with a titanium interference screw.

Results

In the senior author series over the last 20 years, there was only 1 intraoperative patella fracture, treated with osteosynthesis. In accordance with the literature, full-thickness quadriceps tendon graft is strong and allows back to play at the same level as before the injury, in most cases, with lower donor site morbidity than patellar tendon and hamstrings grafts, without a difference in muscle strength compared with partial thickness grafts.

Discussion/Conclusion

ACL reconstruction with full-thickness quadriceps tendon has shown very good clinical outcomes, with very few complications. It can be recommended for primary and revision ACL reconstruction.