Summary

"Harvesting Hamstring tendon as autograft does not decrease flexion and internal rotation strength of the knee in ACL reconstruction"

Abstract

Introduction

The goal of this study was to evaluate, functional capacity of the knee in flexion and internal rotation after hamstring tendon harvest for ACL reconstruction.

Method

50 patients with isolated ACL injury, randomly allocated in 2 groups ( in 25 patients reconstruction was performed with allograft and in other with hamstring autograft ) and before and 6 months after surgery in both groups knee flexion and internal rotation evaluated with Biodex dynamometer IV and rotational torque recorder, in order. Also subjective and objective assessment of all patients was documented with IKDC questionnaire.

Results

although significant improvements in IKDC scores, flexion and internal rotation capacity of the knee were observed in both groups, post operatively in respect to pre operatively; there was no significant difference between 2 groups.

Conclusion

this study demonstrates that ACL reconstruction surgery, improves knee performance in flexion and internal rotation, regardless of hamstring harvesting.
Key words: ACL reconstruction, hamstring autograft, allograft, knee internal rotation strength, knee flexion strength