A randomized comparison of patellar tendon and hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND Patellar and hamstring tendon autografts are the most frequently used graft types for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, but few direct comparisons of outcomes have been published. HYPOTHESIS There is no difference in outcome between the two types of reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS After isolated anterior cruciate ligament rupture, 65 patients were randomized to receive either a patellar tendon or a four-strand hamstring tendon graft reconstruction, and results were reviewed at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS Pain on kneeling was more common and extension deficits were greater in the patellar tendon group. There were greater quadriceps peak torque deficits in the patellar tendon group at 4 and 8 months but not thereafter. In the hamstring tendon group, active flexion deficits were greater from 8 to 24 months, and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side differences in anterior knee laxity at 134 N were greater. Cincinnati knee scores, International Knee Documentation Committee ratings, and rates of return to preinjury activity levels were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Both grafts resulted in satisfactory functional outcomes but with increased morbidity in the patellar tendon group and increased knee laxity and radiographic femoral tunnel widening in the hamstring tendon group.