AOSSM/AANA Specialty Day 2020-Not So Fast_ Matching the Autograft to the Athlete

Not So Fast_ Matching the Autograft to the Athlete – Choose Wisely

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Professor Volker Musahl discusses ACL reconstruction graft choices and return-to-sport considerations. Using case studies and research, he highlights the pros and cons of patellar tendon, hamstring, quadriceps, and allografts, emphasizing tailored graft selection based on patient age, sport, and anatomy. Young patients, especially males under 20, have higher failure rates with hamstring grafts, suggesting caution. Quadriceps tendon grafts offer strong biomechanical properties without flexion loss. Return to sport should be based on graft healing and functional recovery rather than fixed timelines, often requiring more than six to nine months. Individualized, evidence-based approaches optimize outcomes.

Keywords

ACL reconstruction

graft choices

return to sport

patellar tendon graft

quadriceps tendon graft