Comparison of Hamstring and Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Grafts in Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction
- Dr Abhilash S , Cosultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics, Sai Hospitals.
- Dr Somshekhar , Senior Resident, Department of Orthopedics, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Kalaburagi, RGUHS University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
- Dr GVN Suresh , Cosultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics, Sai Hospitals
Article Information:
Abstract:
Background: Hamstring tendon (HT) and bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autografts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This study compared their clinical and functional outcomes. Methods: Eighty patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were divided into HT (n=40) and BPTB (n=40) groups. Functional scores, knee stability, donor-site morbidity, graft failure, and return to activity were assessed over 12 months. Results: At 12 months, Lysholm scores were 91.2 ± 5.7 and 92.6 ± 5.1 (p=0.251), while IKDC scores were 88.4 ± 6.3 and 89.7 ± 5.8 (p=0.341) in the HT and BPTB groups, respectively. Anterior knee pain (10.0% vs 27.5%, p=0.045) and kneeling pain (7.5% vs 30.0%, p=0.010) were higher with BPTB, whereas hamstring weakness was higher with HT (15.0% vs 2.5%, p=0.048). Graft failure and return to pre-injury activity were comparable. Conclusion: Both grafts provided comparable functional outcomes and knee stability. Differences were mainly related to donor-site morbidity, supporting individualized graft selection.