Novel technique of predicting the dimensions of 5-stranded hamstring grafts for anterior cruciate ligament...

Prediction of hamstring tendon autografts is essential when planning a ligament reconstruction surgery. This is especially important in cases of multiple ligament reconstruction surgeries. This study was designed to predict the dimensions of 5-stranded hamstring grafts from anthropometric parameters in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery.

172 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts were included in the study. Preoperative parameters included age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), thigh length, thigh circumference, and tibia length; intraoperative parameters included semitendinosus (ST) and gracilis (G) length and diameter, final 5-stranded graft length and diameter. Pre-operative data was correlated with intra-operative data using tests of significance.

Height, tibia and thigh length were greater in males (p < 0.05) whereas BMI was greater in females (p < 0.05). G and ST length alongwith 5-stranded graft length and diameter were significantly greater in males (p < 0.05). The graft dimensions could be correlated with the pre-operative anthropometric parameters using specific equations. This was applicable to the lengths and diameters of ST, G and 5-stranded grafts. We also noted that an increase in age was associated with a reduction in graft dimensions except for the diameter of G graft in females and length of 5-stranded grafts in males.

5-stranded hamstring graft dimensions can be reliably predicted using anthropometric parameters and this eases surgical planning.