European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: There is no consensus about the optimal graft choice for anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The present study was aimed to compare the clinical and
functional results of reconstruction of ACL by using an autologous four strand
semitendinosus tendon versus semitendinosus and gracilis graft.
Methodology and Results: Patients were randomized to undergo ACL repair either by
autologous four strand ST tendon or a ST and gracilis tendon graft. Baseline characteristics of
patients in the two study groups were similar. In the present study, 58 patients were included.
Mean age of the patients in the ST group was 27.34 ± 6.28 years and that in the STG group
was 26.34 ± 5.19 years. Road traffic accident was the most common mode of injury and most
common symptom at presentation was knee pain. It was found that among all patients
included in the study, 48.3% had 4 to 8 months since the time of injury. Mean time since
injury was 6.59 ± 2.7 months in the ST group and 6.42 ± 2.2 months in the STG group. LKSS
and IKDC values were significantly higher in the ST group as compared to STG group at 2
and 8 weeks post-operatively. Later on, at all follow up points, the mean LKSS and IKDC
were similar in the two study groups. Anterior drawer and Lachman test showed no statistical
difference between the two study groups.
Conclusion: Since ACL reconstruction using quadrupled ST is more technically demanding
than doubled STG and with there being no difference in outcomes, no compulsory advice
should be made on the former technique.