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Updated: May 14, 2026
Harvesting of Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft
Published on: September 2, 2025
Arthroscopic transtibial single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon graft
Yu-Chuan Lin1, Shen-Kai Chen, Teng-Hsiang Liu
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tz-You 1st Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic transtibial single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous patellar tendon and hamstring tendon grafts.
Methods:
From 1998 to 2007, 59 patients with symptomatic isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-five knees were reconstructed using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft, and 34 knees were reconstructed using hamstring graft. In both groups, surgical techniques were similar, except material of fixation screws. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively at the latest follow-up with several parameters, including symptoms, physical examination, outcome satisfaction, functional scores, radiography and complications.
Results:
Average follow-up period was 51.6 months in patellar tendon group and 51.1 months in hamstring tendon group. Significantly more kneeling pain (32 vs. 3 %), squatting pain (24 vs. 3 %), anterior knee pain (36 vs. 3 %), posterior drawer laxity and osteoarthritic change were shown in patellar tendon group than in hamstring tendon group post-operatively. No significant differences were found in other parameters between both groups.
Conclusions:
Several shortcomings, including anterior knee pain, squatting pain, kneeling pain and osteoarthritic change, have to be concerned when using patellar tendon autograft. In conclusion, hamstring tendon autograft may be a better choice for transtibial tunnel PCL reconstruction.
