2021 Annual Meeting Knee Access Pass-Quadriceps Tendon Autograft has Lower MRI Signal than Hamstring Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions in Adolescent Athletes

Quadriceps Tendon Autograft has Lower MRI Signal than Hamstring Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions in Adolescent Athletes

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Video Summary

This presentation discusses a study comparing MRI signal intensity ratios of quadriceps versus hamstring autografts in skeletally immature athletes post-ACL reconstruction. The study found no difference at 6 months, but quadriceps grafts showed significantly lower signal ratios at 12 months, suggesting better graft maturation and structural integrity than hamstrings. Based on prior high failure rates with hamstring grafts in adolescents, the authors shifted to quadriceps autografts, also noting encouraging early clinical outcomes without revisions. Despite limitations like variable MRI measurements and small sample sizes, results support using quadriceps grafts in pediatric ACL reconstruction, pending longer-term clinical data.

Asset Caption

Dr. Frank Cordasco | ACL Graft and Revision

Keywords

MRI signal intensity ratios

quadriceps autografts

hamstring autografts

skeletally immature athletes

ACL reconstruction