PATELLAR TENDON VERSUS HAMSTRING RECONSTRUCTION IN THE SAME PATIENT: LONG-TERM ASSESSMENT

Purpose of the study: The debate continues on the appropriate tendon to use for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. There are few comparative data on the different types of grafting material. We propose a retrospective analysis of bilateral ACL reconstruction where a patellar tendon (PT) and hamstring tendons were used in the same patient. Material and methods: This was a phase IV trial. From December 1992 through March 2003, ACL reconstructions of both knees were performed in 46 consecutive patients using the PT for one side and hamstring grafts for the other. Follow-up was at least two years for 38 patients. There was no difference between the knees prior to reconstruction. The postoperative protocol was the same for both knees. The Lysholm Knee Score and the IKDC scores as well as KT1000 arthrometry were recorded. Results: There was no difference between the two sides for laxity (KT1000) or resumed sports activity. Postoperative pain, loss of extension, joint stiffness, and anterior pain were greater on the PT reconstruction side. All patients except two preferred the hamstring reconstruction. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the two types of reconstruction are equivalent in terms of objective outcome but that the subjective assessment favors hamstring reconstruction.