Posterior mini-incision hamstring harvest.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• Surgeons often hesitate to harvest hamstring autografts due to concerns about graft length adequacy.
• This uncertainty can lead to the use of allografts, which have associated high failure rates.
• Autograft hamstring tendons are a viable alternative for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a step-by-step posterior mini-incision hamstring harvest technique.
• To demonstrate a method for reliably obtaining sufficient hamstring graft length for 4 or 6-strand repairs.
• To highlight the benefits of this technique, including cosmesis and reduced patient pain.

Main Methods:

• A posterior mini-incision approach for hamstring tendon harvest.
• Identification and differentiation of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons.
• Sectioning of intertendinous cross-connections under direct posterior visualization.
• Precise anterior mini-incision placement for tibial tunnel drilling.

Main Results:

• The posterior mini-incision technique allows for safe and simple harvesting of adequate hamstring graft length.
• Direct posterior visualization prevents over-shortening of tendons, especially in larger patients.
• The technique utilizes tiny incisions, leading to excellent cosmesis and minimal patient pain.

Conclusions:

• The posterior mini-incision hamstring harvest is a reliable method for obtaining sufficient graft length for ACL reconstruction.
• This technique offers significant advantages in terms of cosmesis, pain reduction, and graft length control.
• It provides an effective alternative for surgeons concerned about hamstring graft harvesting.