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Can we predict the size of frequently used autografts in ACL reconstruction?

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a method to measure the size of quadriceps, patellar tendon and hamstring autografts using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Sixty-two subjects with a mean age of 25 ± 10 years who underwent ACL surgery between 2011 and 2014 were included. Patient anthropometric data were recorded for all subjects. During surgery, the respective autograft was harvested and measured using commercially available graft sizers. MRI measurements were performed by two raters, who were blinded to the intra-operative measurements.

Results

The inter- and intra-rater reliability was ≥0.8 for all MRI measurements. The intra-class correlation coefficient between the MRI measurement of the graft and the actual size of the harvested graft was 0.639. There were significant correlations between quadriceps tendon thickness and height (r = 0.3, p < 0.03), weight (r = 0.3, p < 0.01), BMI (r = 0.3, p < 0.04) and gender (r = −0.4, p < 0.002) and patellar tendon thickness and height (r = 0.4, p < 0.01), weight (r = 0.3, p < 0.01) and gender (r = −0.4, p < 0.012).

Conclusion

Preoperative MRI measurements of quadriceps, patellar tendon and hamstring graft size are highly reliable with moderate-to-good accuracy. Significant correlations between patient anthropometric data and the thicknesses of the quadriceps and patellar tendons were observed. Obtaining this information can be useful for preoperative planning and to help counsel patients on appropriate graft choices prior to surgery.

Level of evidence

III.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Kaufman Building Suite 1011, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Philip Zakko, Carola F. van Eck, Daniel Guenther, James J. Irrgang & Freddie H. Fu

Authors
  1. Philip Zakko
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  2. Carola F. van Eck
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  3. Daniel Guenther
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  4. James J. Irrgang
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  5. Freddie H. Fu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Freddie H. Fu.

Additional information

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh receives funding from Smith and Nephew to support research related to reconstruction of the ACL.

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Zakko, P., van Eck, C.F., Guenther, D. et al. Can we predict the size of frequently used autografts in ACL reconstruction?. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 25, 3704–3710 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3695-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3695-4

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