Five-strand hamstring autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Four-strand hamstring autograft is a common choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A potential disadvantage of hamstring autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is the inherent variability in graft diameter. Multiple studies have shown increased revision rates when using an undersized hamstring graft. Using an EndoButton (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) for femoral tunnel fixation, we convert a standard quadrupled hamstring graft into a 5-strand graft by creating 3 equal strands of the typically larger semitendinosus combined with a double-stranded gracilis. This technique may help alleviate some surgeon reluctance to use a hamstring graft by providing an intraoperative "bailout" option for an unexpectedly small tendon. On the basis of current data, increasing the diameter of the graft in these situations may decrease revision rates.