Extract
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.