Comparison of patellar versus hamstring tendon autografts in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A 6-month follow-up of a randomized clinical trial

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the patellar versus hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, fifty patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were randomized into two equal groups: Those treated with either autogenous patellar tendon grafts (PT group) or HT group grafts. All patients were reviewed immediately after surgery, at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, and then at 6 months using the International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation form. Infection, severity of pain (visual analog scale), duration of rehabilitation, and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were assessed at the 6-month follow-up. Positive pivot shift and Lachman test were considered clinical signs and symptoms of treatment failure. In addition, the absence of the ACL or transverse ACL rather than the posterior oblique ligament is an MRI finding that indicates treatment failure. Results: Comparing changes in pain and range of motion (ROM) in patients first and 6 months after therapy show that pain had been relief significantly (P < 0.001) and ROM dramatically changes (P < 0.001). The average rehabilitation period in the PT group was 13.2 +/- 2.08 weeks whereas in the HT group, it was 9.28 +/- 2.26 weeks. A significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of the rehabilitation period (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the normal ROM between the groups (P = 0.32). When the pain severity was considered, a significant difference was found between the PT group and the HT group (P < 0.001). The HT group patients had less knee pain than did the PT group patients. No significant difference in infection rates was seen between two groups (P = 0.66). Conclusion: Considering the better outcomes of HT reconstructions for the two parameters of pain severity and rehabilitation period, we consider HTs to be the ideal graft choice for ACL reconstructions.