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Updated: Aug 31, 2025
Athymic Rat Model for Evaluation of Engineered Anterior Cruciate Ligament Grafts
Published on: March 26, 2015
Single versus double hamstring tendon graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the paediatric patient: a
David Bade1,2, Garrett Malayko1, Liam Johnson1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
This study compares single versus double hamstring tendon grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children. It aims to determine which graft type offers better clinical outcomes after ACL surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in pediatric patients lacks clear guidance on optimal hamstring tendon graft type.
- Uncertainty exists regarding the superiority of single versus double hamstring tendon grafts in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical outcomes between single and double hamstring tendon autografts for ACL reconstruction in pediatric patients.
- To determine if one graft type leads to superior results post-surgery for ACL injuries in children.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 100 pediatric patients (aged 10-18) with isolated ACL tears.
- Patients were randomized to receive either a single or double hamstring tendon graft ACL reconstruction.
- Primary outcomes include anterior tibial translation and graft failure at 12 months, with 2 and 5-year follow-ups.
Main Results:
- Data collection and analysis are ongoing.
- Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Conclusions:
- The study will provide evidence to guide surgical choices for pediatric ACL reconstruction.
- Findings will help optimize treatment strategies for young athletes with ACL injuries.
Introduction:
There is currently no clear indication in the literature regarding a single or double hamstring tendon (single bundle) autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the paediatric patient. The primary aim of this single blind randomised controlled trial is to determine whether a single or double hamstring tendon graft ACLR leads to superior clinical outcomes postsurgery in paediatric patients with ACL injury.
Methods And Analysis:
Single site, prospective, single blind, randomised controlled trial with two parallel treatment arms. 100 patients aged 10-18 years who present with an isolated ACL tear±meniscal injury, verified on MRI, will be randomly allocated to one of the two surgical groups. The primary outcomes will be side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation and graft failure incidence 12 months postsurgery. Primary and secondary outcomes will also be assessed at 2-year and 5-year postsurgery.
Ethics And Dissemination:
Results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences and disseminated to participants and healthcare professionals via newsletters and hospital presentations. This study is approved by the Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics committee.
Trial Registration Number:
ACTRN12620001170910p; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
