Outcome of ACL reconstruction using 5 strand hamstring graft

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the outcome of primary ACL reconstruction using 5-strand Hamstring autograft. Methods: A retrospective study for 87 consecutive patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) during a two-year time period. Hamstring tendons including Semitendinosus and Gracilis were harvested using closed Tendon stripper and 5-strand graft was prepared with a graft diameter of > 8.5 mm using no. 5 ethibond. Interference screw fixation was inserted at the tibial end and fixed loop endobutton was used at the femoral end. Follow ups were done at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year. Results: The mean graft diameter was 9.14 mm. No patients had postoperative laxity at 1 month and 6 months. Only 3 patients had Lachman test positive at the end of 1 year but no complaints of buckling. No post ACL reconstruction infection were documented. Conclusion: In primary ACL reconstruction, the 5-strand hamstring autograft achieves a good and stable clinical outcomes with a graft diameter of >8.5 mm. The 5-strand graft technique is therefore a useful means of increasing the graft diameter when faced with an undersized hamstring graft.