Hamstrings vs. patella tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomised controlled trial

A randomised controlled trial was performed to evaluate early outcome for two types of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Sixty patients undergoing cruciate reconstruction were randomized into two groups. Group PT underwent reconstruction using a patella tendon autograft, whereas Group (SG) had a semitendinosus/gracilis autograft (SG). IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores, KT1000 values and muscle strength were recorded pre-operatively, at 6 months and 1 year follow up. The functional scores, activity level, muscle strength and anterior tibial translation improved in both groups. No significant difference between groups was found for any measurement at 6 months and 1 year despite adequate study power. The study indicates that the 1 year results for either technique are equally favourable.