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J Knee Surg 2022; 35(13): 1462-1466
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726421
Original Article

Rate of Insufficient Ipsilateral Hamstring Graft Harvesting in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Charalambos P. Charalambous
1   Department of Orthopaedics, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, United Kingdom
2   School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
,
Tariq A. Kwaees
1   Department of Orthopaedics, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, United Kingdom
,
Suzanne Lane
1   Department of Orthopaedics, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, United Kingdom
,
Clare Blundell
1   Department of Orthopaedics, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, United Kingdom
,
Wael Mati
1   Department of Orthopaedics, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, United Kingdom
3   Department of Radiology, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, using an ipsilateral hamstring graft, may necessitate an alternative graft source if the obtained graft is insufficient with regards to length or diameter. The study aims to determine the rate of insufficient ipsilateral hamstring graft harvesting in primary ACL reconstruction. Retrospective review of 50 consecutive primary ACL reconstructions performed by a single surgeon in the United Kingdom. In 3 of 50 cases, there was insufficient ipsilateral hamstring graft harvesting and a contralateral hamstring graft was used. In two cases, this was due to premature division of the ipsilateral hamstring tendons (3/100 harvested tendons). In one case, an adequate length of semitendinosus was obtained, but its central portion was too thin. Retrospective review of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging identified the thin part of the tendon in the latter case. Insufficient ipsilateral hamstring graft harvesting is a recognized, yet unusual intraoperative complication in primary ACL reconstruction. Presurgical planning as to how to manage such complications is essential.

Keywords

anterior cruciate - hamstring - harvesting


Publication History

Received: 24 November 2020

Accepted: 12 February 2021

Article published online:
14 April 2021

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