Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, using an ipsilateral hamstring graft,
may necessitate an alternative graft source if the obtained graft is insufficient
with regards to length or diameter. The study aims to determine the rate of insufficient
ipsilateral hamstring graft harvesting in primary ACL reconstruction. Retrospective
review of 50 consecutive primary ACL reconstructions performed by a single surgeon
in the United Kingdom. In 3 of 50 cases, there was insufficient ipsilateral hamstring
graft harvesting and a contralateral hamstring graft was used. In two cases, this
was due to premature division of the ipsilateral hamstring tendons (3/100 harvested
tendons). In one case, an adequate length of semitendinosus was obtained, but its
central portion was too thin. Retrospective review of preoperative magnetic resonance
imaging identified the thin part of the tendon in the latter case. Insufficient ipsilateral
hamstring graft harvesting is a recognized, yet unusual intraoperative complication
in primary ACL reconstruction. Presurgical planning as to how to manage such complications
is essential.
Keywords
anterior cruciate - hamstring - harvesting