Prediction of Adequacy of Quadrupled Hamstring Graft Size for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction from Anthropometric Parameters

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the regularly reconstructed knee ligaments. Various types of grafts are being used for ACL reconstruction. The Quadrupled hamstring tendon graft is now being most commonly used because of its favorable biomechanical profile and positive clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to establish the correlation of graft length and diameter with anthropometric parameters in Nepalese people. Methods: Fifty cases (31 males and 19 females) that underwent ACL reconstruction using quadruple hamstring autograft between December 2014 and November 2015 were prospectively evaluated. Anthropometric measurements including age, height, weight, BMI, tibial length, calf girth, thigh girth and waist circumference were recorded pre-operatively. The graft was harvested and length and thickness were intra-operatively determined using standard sizer. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between outcome variable (graft length n thickness) and predictor variables (anthropometric measurements). Results: Mean age of the patients was 31.5. There was no statistically significant correlation between any of the anthropometric measurement and graft length and thickness. Conclusion: Pre-operative anthropometric measurements like age, height, weight, BMI, tibial length, calf girth, thigh girth and waist circumference cannot accurately determine the length and thickness of quadruple hamstring tendon graft in ACL reconstruction.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, reconstruction, Quadruple hamstring, Anthropometric parameters.