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

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 222, Mai-Chin Road, Keelung, 204, Taiwan

    Chih-Hwa Chen & Kun-Chuang Wang

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wang Fang General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    Tai-Yuan Chuang

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linko, Taoyuan, Taiwan

    Wen-Jer Chen

  4. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chung Shan General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

    Chun-Hsiung Shih

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  1. Chih-Hwa Chen
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  2. Tai-Yuan Chuang
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  3. Kun-Chuang Wang
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  4. Wen-Jer Chen
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  5. Chun-Hsiung Shih
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Correspondence to Chih-Hwa Chen.

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Chen, CH., Chuang, TY., Wang, KC. et al. Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft: clinical outcome in 4–7 years. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 14, 1077–1085 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-006-0111-0

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