Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 11/2015

01-11-2015 | Knee

Comparison of results after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a four-strand single semitendinosus or a semitendinosus and gracilis tendon

Authors: Hee-Soo Kyung, Hyun-Joo Lee, Chang-Wug Oh, Han-Pyo Hong

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 11/2015

Login to get access

Abstract

Purposes

To compare the clinical and functional results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using an autologous four-strand single semitendinosus (ST) tendon or a ST and gracilis tendon. It was hypothesized that successful ACL reconstruction using a single ST tendon without the gracilis tendon could provide comparable knee stability and reduce donor site morbidity.

Methods

This study evaluated 144 cases of single-bundle ACL reconstruction using an autologous hamstring tendon. The ST group included 85 cases of reconstruction using a single ST tendon, and the ST/G group included 59 cases of reconstruction using a ST tendon and a gracilis tendon. An extracortical suspension device and a suture tied around a screw post with an additional bioabsorbable screw were used to fix the femoral and tibial tunnels, respectively. Clinical evaluations involved the Lachman, pivot-shift, and one-leg hop tests; an isokinetic test; a KT-2000 arthrometer; an assessment of return to pre-injury activities; and Lysholm, Tegner activity, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores.

Results

No significant differences were found between the ST and ST/G groups with respect to the Lysholm, Tegner activity, and subjective IKDC scores; the Lachman, pivot-shift, and one-leg hop tests; KT-2000 arthrometer side-to-side differences; or return to pre-injury activities. However, mean peak torque deficit, as determined using the isokinetic test during flexion at 60°/s, was significantly lower in the ST group than in the ST/G group (p = 0.047).

Conclusion

This study showed good results for ACL reconstruction using a single ST tendon without deterioration of stability. This provides the evidence that ACL reconstruction using a single ST tendon without the gracilis tendon decreases donor site morbidity without compromising joint stability.

Level of evidence

IV.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Amis AA, Jakob RP (1998) Anterior cruciate ligament graft positioning, tensioning and twisting. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 6(Suppl 1):S2–12CrossRefPubMed Amis AA, Jakob RP (1998) Anterior cruciate ligament graft positioning, tensioning and twisting. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 6(Suppl 1):S2–12CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Ardern CL, Webster KE, Taylor NF, Feller JA (2010) Hamstring strength recovery after hamstring tendon harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison between graft types. Arthroscopy 26:462–469CrossRefPubMed Ardern CL, Webster KE, Taylor NF, Feller JA (2010) Hamstring strength recovery after hamstring tendon harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison between graft types. Arthroscopy 26:462–469CrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Barrett AM, Craft JA, Replogle WH, Hydrick JM, Barrett GR (2011) Anterior cruciate ligament graft failure: a comparison of graft type based on age and Tegner activity level. Am J Sports Med 39:2194–2198CrossRefPubMed Barrett AM, Craft JA, Replogle WH, Hydrick JM, Barrett GR (2011) Anterior cruciate ligament graft failure: a comparison of graft type based on age and Tegner activity level. Am J Sports Med 39:2194–2198CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Chechik O, Amar E, Khashan M, Lador R, Eyal G, Gold A (2013) An international survey on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction practices. Int Orthop 37:201–206PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Chechik O, Amar E, Khashan M, Lador R, Eyal G, Gold A (2013) An international survey on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction practices. Int Orthop 37:201–206PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Chen CH, Chen WJ, Shih CH, Chou SW (2004) Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with periosteum-enveloping hamstring tendon graft. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 12:398–405PubMed Chen CH, Chen WJ, Shih CH, Chou SW (2004) Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with periosteum-enveloping hamstring tendon graft. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 12:398–405PubMed
6.
go back to reference Chen CH, Chen WJ, Shih CH, Yang CY, Liu SJ, Lin PY (2003) Enveloping the tendon graft with periosteum to enhance tendon–bone healing in a bone tunnel: a biomechanical and histologic study in rabbits. Arthroscopy 19:290–296CrossRefPubMed Chen CH, Chen WJ, Shih CH, Yang CY, Liu SJ, Lin PY (2003) Enveloping the tendon graft with periosteum to enhance tendon–bone healing in a bone tunnel: a biomechanical and histologic study in rabbits. Arthroscopy 19:290–296CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference Choi JY, Ha JK, Kim YW, Shim JC, Yang SJ, Kim JG (2012) Relationships among tendon regeneration on MRI, flexor strength, and functional performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Am J Sports Med 40:152–162CrossRefPubMed Choi JY, Ha JK, Kim YW, Shim JC, Yang SJ, Kim JG (2012) Relationships among tendon regeneration on MRI, flexor strength, and functional performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Am J Sports Med 40:152–162CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Coombs R, Cochrane T (2001) Knee flexor strength following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. Int J Sports Med 22:618–622CrossRefPubMed Coombs R, Cochrane T (2001) Knee flexor strength following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. Int J Sports Med 22:618–622CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Gobbi A, Domzalski M, Pascual J, Zanazzo M (2005) Hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: is it necessary to sacrifice the gracilis? Arthroscopy 21:275–280CrossRefPubMed Gobbi A, Domzalski M, Pascual J, Zanazzo M (2005) Hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: is it necessary to sacrifice the gracilis? Arthroscopy 21:275–280CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Goldblatt JP, Fitzsimmons SE, Balk E, Richmond JC (2005) Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: meta-analysis of patellar tendon versus hamstring tendon autograft. Arthroscopy 21:791–803CrossRefPubMed Goldblatt JP, Fitzsimmons SE, Balk E, Richmond JC (2005) Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: meta-analysis of patellar tendon versus hamstring tendon autograft. Arthroscopy 21:791–803CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Holm I, Oiestad BE, Risberg MA, Aune AK (2010) No difference in knee function or prevalence of osteoarthritis after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with 4-strand hamstring autograft versus patellar tendon–bone autograft: a randomized study with 10-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med 38:448–454CrossRefPubMed Holm I, Oiestad BE, Risberg MA, Aune AK (2010) No difference in knee function or prevalence of osteoarthritis after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with 4-strand hamstring autograft versus patellar tendon–bone autograft: a randomized study with 10-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med 38:448–454CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Kyung HS, Kim SY, Oh CW, Kim SJ (2003) Tendon-to-bone tunnel healing in a rabbit model: the effect of periosteum augmentation at the tendon-to-bone interface. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 11:9–15PubMed Kyung HS, Kim SY, Oh CW, Kim SJ (2003) Tendon-to-bone tunnel healing in a rabbit model: the effect of periosteum augmentation at the tendon-to-bone interface. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 11:9–15PubMed
13.
go back to reference Kyung HS, Kim TG, Oh CW, Yoon SH (2009) Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a four-strand single semitendinosus tendon autograft. J Korean Arthrosc Soc 13:138–142 Kyung HS, Kim TG, Oh CW, Yoon SH (2009) Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a four-strand single semitendinosus tendon autograft. J Korean Arthrosc Soc 13:138–142
14.
go back to reference Kyung HS, Oh CW, Lee HJ (2011) Clinical evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with remnant-preserving technique: method using single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. J Korean Orthop Assoc 46:60–67CrossRef Kyung HS, Oh CW, Lee HJ (2011) Clinical evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with remnant-preserving technique: method using single four-strand semitendinosus tendon. J Korean Orthop Assoc 46:60–67CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Lephart SM, Ferris CM, Riemann BL, Myers JB, Fu FH (2002) Gender differences in strength and lower extremity kinematics during landing. Clin Orthop Relat Res 401:162–169CrossRefPubMed Lephart SM, Ferris CM, Riemann BL, Myers JB, Fu FH (2002) Gender differences in strength and lower extremity kinematics during landing. Clin Orthop Relat Res 401:162–169CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Li S, Chen Y, Lin Z, Cui W, Zhao J, Su W (2012) A systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials comparing hamstring autografts versus bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 132:1287–1297CrossRefPubMed Li S, Chen Y, Lin Z, Cui W, Zhao J, Su W (2012) A systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials comparing hamstring autografts versus bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 132:1287–1297CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Maeda A, Shino K, Horibe S, Nakata K, Buccafusca G (1996) Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with multistranded autogenous semitendinosus tendon. Am J Sports Med 24:504–509CrossRefPubMed Maeda A, Shino K, Horibe S, Nakata K, Buccafusca G (1996) Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with multistranded autogenous semitendinosus tendon. Am J Sports Med 24:504–509CrossRefPubMed
18.
go back to reference Mariscalco MW, Magnussen RA, Mehta D, Hewett TE, Flanigan DC, Kaeding CC (2014) Autograft versus nonirradiated allograft tissue for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med 42:492–499PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Mariscalco MW, Magnussen RA, Mehta D, Hewett TE, Flanigan DC, Kaeding CC (2014) Autograft versus nonirradiated allograft tissue for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med 42:492–499PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference Myer GD, Ford KR, Barber Foss KD, Liu C, Nick TG, Hewett TE (2009) The relationship of hamstrings and quadriceps strength to anterior cruciate ligament injury in female athletes. Clin J Sport Med 19:3–8CrossRefPubMed Myer GD, Ford KR, Barber Foss KD, Liu C, Nick TG, Hewett TE (2009) The relationship of hamstrings and quadriceps strength to anterior cruciate ligament injury in female athletes. Clin J Sport Med 19:3–8CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Nakamura N, Horibe S, Sasaki S et al (2002) Evaluation of active knee flexion and hamstring strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons. Arthroscopy 18:598–602CrossRefPubMed Nakamura N, Horibe S, Sasaki S et al (2002) Evaluation of active knee flexion and hamstring strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons. Arthroscopy 18:598–602CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Pinczewski L, Roe J, Salmon L (2009) Why autologous hamstring tendon reconstruction should now be considered the gold standard for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in athletes. Br J Sports Med 43:325–327CrossRefPubMed Pinczewski L, Roe J, Salmon L (2009) Why autologous hamstring tendon reconstruction should now be considered the gold standard for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in athletes. Br J Sports Med 43:325–327CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Qi L, Chang C, Jian L, Xin T, Gang Z (2011) Effect of varying the length of soft-tissue grafts in the tibial tunnel in a canine anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction model. Arthroscopy 27:825–833CrossRefPubMed Qi L, Chang C, Jian L, Xin T, Gang Z (2011) Effect of varying the length of soft-tissue grafts in the tibial tunnel in a canine anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction model. Arthroscopy 27:825–833CrossRefPubMed
23.
go back to reference Scheffler SU, Schmidt T, Gangey I, Dustmann M, Unterhauser F, Weiler A (2008) Fresh-frozen free-tendon allografts versus autografts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: delayed remodeling and inferior mechanical function during long-term healing in sheep. Arthroscopy 24:448–458CrossRefPubMed Scheffler SU, Schmidt T, Gangey I, Dustmann M, Unterhauser F, Weiler A (2008) Fresh-frozen free-tendon allografts versus autografts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: delayed remodeling and inferior mechanical function during long-term healing in sheep. Arthroscopy 24:448–458CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Scheffler SU, Unterhauser FN, Weiler A (2008) Graft remodeling and ligamentization after cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16:834–842CrossRefPubMed Scheffler SU, Unterhauser FN, Weiler A (2008) Graft remodeling and ligamentization after cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16:834–842CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Streich NA, Friedrich K, Gotterbarm T, Schmitt H (2008) Reconstruction of the ACL with a semitendinosus tendon graft: a prospective randomized single blinded comparison of double-bundle versus single-bundle technique in male athletes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16:232–238CrossRefPubMed Streich NA, Friedrich K, Gotterbarm T, Schmitt H (2008) Reconstruction of the ACL with a semitendinosus tendon graft: a prospective randomized single blinded comparison of double-bundle versus single-bundle technique in male athletes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16:232–238CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Tashiro T, Kurosawa H, Kawakami A, Hikita A, Fukui N (2003) Influence of medial hamstring tendon harvest on knee flexor strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A detailed evaluation with comparison of single- and double-tendon harvest. Am J Sports Med 31:522–529CrossRefPubMed Tashiro T, Kurosawa H, Kawakami A, Hikita A, Fukui N (2003) Influence of medial hamstring tendon harvest on knee flexor strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A detailed evaluation with comparison of single- and double-tendon harvest. Am J Sports Med 31:522–529CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Williams GN, Snyder-Mackler L, Barrance PJ, Axe MJ, Buchanan TS (2004) Muscle and tendon morphology after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with autologous semitendinosus–gracilis graft. J Bone Joint Surg Am 86-A:1936–1946PubMed Williams GN, Snyder-Mackler L, Barrance PJ, Axe MJ, Buchanan TS (2004) Muscle and tendon morphology after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with autologous semitendinosus–gracilis graft. J Bone Joint Surg Am 86-A:1936–1946PubMed
28.
go back to reference Xie G, Huangfu X, Zhao J (2012) Prediction of the graft size of 4-stranded semitendinosus tendon and 4-stranded gracilis tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a Chinese Han patient study. Am J Sports Med 40:1161–1166CrossRefPubMed Xie G, Huangfu X, Zhao J (2012) Prediction of the graft size of 4-stranded semitendinosus tendon and 4-stranded gracilis tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a Chinese Han patient study. Am J Sports Med 40:1161–1166CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Yamazaki S, Yasuda K, Tomita F, Minami A, Tohyama H (2006) The effect of intraosseous graft length on tendon–bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using flexor tendon. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 14:1086–1093CrossRefPubMed Yamazaki S, Yasuda K, Tomita F, Minami A, Tohyama H (2006) The effect of intraosseous graft length on tendon–bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using flexor tendon. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 14:1086–1093CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Yasumoto M, Deie M, Sunagawa T, Adachi N, Kobayashi K, Ochi M (2006) Predictive value of preoperative 3-dimensional computer tomography measurement of semitendinosus tendon harvested for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy 22:259–264CrossRefPubMed Yasumoto M, Deie M, Sunagawa T, Adachi N, Kobayashi K, Ochi M (2006) Predictive value of preoperative 3-dimensional computer tomography measurement of semitendinosus tendon harvested for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy 22:259–264CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Zamarra G, Fisher MB, Woo SL, Cerulli G (2009) Biomechanical evaluation of using one hamstrings tendon for ACL reconstruction: a human cadaveric study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 18:11–19CrossRef Zamarra G, Fisher MB, Woo SL, Cerulli G (2009) Biomechanical evaluation of using one hamstrings tendon for ACL reconstruction: a human cadaveric study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 18:11–19CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Zantop T, Ferretti M, Bell KM, Brucker PU, Gilbertson L, Fu FH (2008) Effect of tunnel-graft length on the biomechanics of anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed knees: intra-articular study in a goat model. Am J Sports Med 36:2158–2166CrossRefPubMed Zantop T, Ferretti M, Bell KM, Brucker PU, Gilbertson L, Fu FH (2008) Effect of tunnel-graft length on the biomechanics of anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed knees: intra-articular study in a goat model. Am J Sports Med 36:2158–2166CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Comparison of results after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a four-strand single semitendinosus or a semitendinosus and gracilis tendon
Authors
Hee-Soo Kyung
Hyun-Joo Lee
Chang-Wug Oh
Han-Pyo Hong
Publication date
01-11-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 11/2015
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3076-4

Other articles of this Issue 11/2015

Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 11/2015 Go to the issue