Intra-operative four-stranded hamstring tendon graft diameter evaluation

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate whether clinical factors enable prediction of the diameter of hamstring tendons harvested for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods: Eighty patients were submitted for reconstruction of the ACL with hamstring tendons in a quadruple manner. During surgery the diameter of the graft was measured. The variables analyzed were: age, gender, weight, height, operated side, dominant side, leg length, thigh length, thigh diameter, body mass index (BMI), and sports activity. The data was collected pre-operatively and correlated with the diameter of the graft.

Results: The diameter of the graft was strongly related to gender, height, leg length, thigh length, weight, and thigh diameter. Women presented significantly smaller graft diameter than men; as well as weight, height, leg length, and thigh length. Men with height equal to or greater than 1.80 m showed average graft diameter greater than the total group, and greater percentage of 9 mm grafts.

Conclusion: The diameter of the hamstring graft is significantly associated to weight, height, leg length, thigh length, thigh diameter, and gender. The variable that had most influence was height, followed by gender and leg length. The variables BMI, age, sports activity, and dominant side did not present correlation. Tendon diameter was larger in men than in women. Men with a height equal to or greater than 1.80 m had a higher prevalence of 9 mm grafts and had a larger average tendon diameter.

Level of evidence: Prospective cross sectional collection of data, Level IV.