Summary

Clinical outcomes are comparable in terms of stability and subjective assessments following ACL reconstruction using a free quadriceps or hamstring tendon autograft.

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the clinical outcomes of anatomic
single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a free quadriceps (QUADRI)
tendon or a quadrupled hamstring (HAM) autograft. Material and method: The retrospective analysis
(Level III, Therapeutic Study) included consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction
between April 2017 and April 2020 using either a free quadriceps tendon autograft or a hamstring
tendon autograft. All patients underwent ACL reconstruction to treat isolated ACL injuries. The
Tegner-Lysholm knee scoring system and the modified Cincinnati knee score were used for
evaluation before surgery, and at six weeks, six months, and one-year follow-up time.Results: In the
present study, 35 people underwent quadriceps (QUADRI) grafts and 35 underwent hamstring (HAM) grafts.
The demographic data for the groups were extremely comparable. The mean follow-up length for the HAM
group was 11.96±0.28 months, while the QUADRI group had a mean follow-up period of 11.25±0.43 months.
No significant variations in the Cincinnati score were observed between the two groups during any of the
treatment's follow-up periods. Similarly, the Tegner Lysholm Score revealed no statistically significant
differences between clinical outcomes in the HAM and QUADRI groups at all follow-up visits, except for the
sixth week.Conclusion: Clinical outcomes are comparable in terms of stability and subjective assessments
following ACL reconstruction using a free quadriceps or hamstring tendon autograft.