Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction Using Allografts

Ideal Graft

• Reproduces Anterior Cruciate Ligament Biomaterial Properties
  • minimal graft site morbidity
  • stable fixation
  • immediate intensive rehabilitation

Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft

• Disadvantages
  • Donor site morbidity
    • Knee cap pain
    • Crepitus and tendinitis
    • Quadriceps weakness
  • Rare
    • Patella fractures
    • Patellar tendon ruptures
    • Infrapatellar contracture syndrome

Hamstrings Grafts

• Advantages
  • Less donor site morbidity
    • Decreased knee cap pain
    • Decreased tendinitis
    • Less quadriceps weakness

But Why Sacrifice Hamstrings When...

• Hamstrings are important rotational and anterior stabilizers of the knee
• A role similar to the ACL
  • V.C.Mow et al
  • JOR 18:1 2000

Allografts

• Also known as donor cadaveric grafts
• As opposed to your own tissue which is known as autografts

Allograft Reconstructions

• Advantages
  • No donor site morbidity
  • Very rapid rehabilitation
  • Less pain
  • Smaller scars
  • Shorter operating time
  • Ideal for multiple ligament reconstructions
  • Choice of graft size and length
• What It Means to You
  • Less pain
  • Smaller Scars
  • Quicker recovery
• Disadvantages
  • Potential disease transmission
  • 1:1,667,700 HIV risk with fresh frozen
  • Higher costs – donor grafts imported from AATB accredited tissue banks in USA

For More Information

• Please refer to the book chapter on “Allograft ACL Reconstruction” written by Dr HC Chang
  • Insall and Scott Surgery of the Knee, 4th edition, Chapter 41
  • Published by Churchill Livingston
  • Hardbound, ISBN: 0-443-06671-X, 2048 pages, publication date: 2006

Please note that the information contained herein is for general medical information only.
If you have any specific medical condition or queries, please consult your medical doctor.

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