Comparison of hamstring and patellar tendon grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective randomized study

Objective This prospective randomized study was performed to compare the outcomes of two operative methods of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction based on either bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) grafts or hamstring tendon (HT) grafts. Methods Among 100 patients, 96 completed the full follow-up period and were included in the final analysis (48 in the BTB group and 48 in the HT group). The patients were evaluated preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. The Kujala score, Tegner score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were among the parameters used to evaluate the patients. Results Both groups were comparable in terms of sex, age, and body mass index. None of the analyzed scores were significantly different between the BTB and HT groups at either the initial or last visit. Both groups demonstrated improvement at the 12-year follow-up according to the Kujala score and most categories of the KOOS. The Tegner activity level score showed significant improvement in the HT but not BTB group. Conclusion Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with BTB and HT grafts show comparable improvement in functional results after 1 year of rehabilitation.