BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions with allograft or autograft. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with anterior tibial tendon (ATT) allograft (n = 52) or quadrupled hamstring tendon (QHT) autograft (n = 30). The patients were assessed using the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm knee scores and functional (one leg hop) and laxity (pivot-shift, Lachman, anterior drawer) tests. RESULTS: The two groups were similar with respect to age and sex distribution, operated side, preoperative period and associated injuries (p > 0.05). Results were satisfactory in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to IKDC and Lysholm scores, functionality and ligament laxity (p > 0.05). However, effusions were more frequent in the QHT group compared to the ATT group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that differences in graft options for ACL reconstruction have no effect on the clinical outcome. Allografts with to-be-developed solutions to immune response may be a good alternative in ACL reconstruction.
BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions with allograft or autograft. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with anterior tibial tendon (ATT) allograft (n = 52) or quadrupled hamstring tendon (QHT) autograft (n = 30). The patients were assessed using the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm knee scores and functional (one leg hop) and laxity (pivot-shift, Lachman, anterior drawer) tests. RESULTS: The two groups were similar with respect to age and sex distribution, operated side, preoperative period and associated injuries (p > 0.05). Results were satisfactory in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to IKDC and Lysholm scores, functionality and ligament laxity (p > 0.05). However, effusions were more frequent in the QHT group compared to the ATT group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that differences in graft options for ACL reconstruction have no effect on the clinical outcome. Allografts with to-be-developed solutions to immune response may be a good alternative in ACL reconstruction.