Anterior cruciate ligament injuries: Does surgical treatment with autograft versus allograft option affect the clinical results?

Abstract

Background We investigated the clinical outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions with allograft or autograft. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with anterior tibial tendon (ATT) allograft (n=52) or quadrupled hamstring tendon (QHT) autograft (n=30). The patients were assessed using the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm knee scores and functional (one leg hop) and laxity (pivot-shift, Lachman, anterior drawer) tests. Results The two groups were similar with respect to age and sex distribution, operated side, preoperative period and associated injuries (p>0.05). Results were satisfactory in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to IKDC and Lysholm scores, functionality and ligament laxity (p>0.05). However, effusions were more frequent in the QHT group compared to the ATT group. Conclusion Our results suggest that differences in graft options for ACL reconstruction have no effect on the clinical outcome. Allografts with to-be-developed solutions to immune response may be a good alternative in ACL reconstruction.