Choosing a Graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Surgeon Influence Reigns Supreme

Selection of a graft type is an important decision for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery for a ligamentous injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the weight of key factors affecting patient selection of graft type for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to assess patients' knowledge of their particular graft type. We prospectively enrolled 304 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction. Patients filled out questionnaires at their first follow-up appointment after surgery and at least 1 year postoperatively. Questionnaires asked which type of graft was used and why they chose that graft. At their first postoperative appointment, 88% of autograft patients and 71% of allograft patients were accurate in stating their graft type and harvest location. The most common factor influencing graft selection was physician recommendation (81.6%). At the time of follow-up, 96% of patients were satisfied with their graft choice. There is a high rate of accuracy with which patients remember the type of graft used for their ACL reconstruction. The majority of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction are primarily influenced by the physician's recommendation.