Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Committee Chair
Trey Boyd
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common injuries in orthopedic medicine, resulting in 400,000 reconstructions every year in the United States. Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone (BPTB) and Hamstring Tendon (HT) grafts are the most common graft types used. The objective of this review is to compare HT grafts and BPTB grafts when it comes to return to sport, returning to pre-injury level, and overall long-term functional outcomes.
Methods: A complete search was conducted using Pub Med to look for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on HT vs BPTB grafts. The variables studied were return to sport, knee stability, and graft failure rates. The search was narrowed down to five articles that were chosen for clinical review.
Results: The results were mixed for the five studies reviewed. Hamstring grafts showed a small increase of graft failure rates but were correlated with less anterior knee pain compared to Patellar tendon grafts (BPTB). The BPTB grafts displayed an increased risk for osteoarthritis (OA) and anterior knee pain. The BPTB grafts also showed better knee stability compared to HT in the studies reviewed. The outcomes for returning to preinjury levels for exercise were similar for both HT and BPTB grafts.
Discussion: This review did not show a clear advantage from using one graft over the other for ACL reconstruction. The decision to use HT or BPTB needs to be determined based off of a patient’s activity level and preference. The long-term complications of each graft should also be considered during the decision process. Additional research is needed to clearly define the superior graft type in regard to return to sport, reinjury, and long-term stability.
Recommended Citation
Jernigan, Taylor, "Patellar vs Hamstring Grafts for ACL Reconstruction" (2025). The PA Department Journal of Medical Science. 21.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/pa-department-journal-of-medical-science/21
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