Noailles T, Toanen C, Geffroy L, Lopes R, Hardy A. Preserving the hamstring tendon insertion during ACL reconstruction with an autograft: Systematic literature review.
Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 2023;
109:103556. [PMID:
36682410 DOI:
10.1016/j.otsr.2023.103556]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The hamstring tendons (gracilis and semitendinosus) are often used as an autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Healing of this graft involves a slow biological process called ligamentization. To encourage this process, some authors have proposed preserving the insertion of the hamstring tendons.
HYPOTHESIS
Leaving the tibial insertion of the hamstring tendons intact will provide better early biological incorporation and superior tibial mechanical fixation resulting in various clinical advantages.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In January 2022, a systematic literature review was carried out independently by two authors of the Medline, PubMed and Embase databases. The keywords used were "pedicular" or "pedicled" or "preservation of tibial attachment" or "hamstring tibial insertion" AND "ACL reconstruction". Each author's data was analyzed separately.
RESULTS
Sixteen articles were analyzed. Preserving the hamstring tibial insertion during ACL reconstruction improves the graft's biological incorporation during the initial postoperative phase according to clinical studies with MRI analysis and provides a mechanical advantage at the graft's tibial attachment according to biomechanical studies (construct up to 65% stiffer). There was no difference in the clinical and functional scores when compared to the conventional technique in which the hamstring tendons are detached from their tibial insertion.
DISCUSSION
The main conclusion of this systematic literature review was that preserving the hamstring tibial insertion during ACL reconstruction appears to improve the graft's ligamentization with biological and mechanical advantages relative to detaching the hamstring tendons. The clinical and functional results were comparable to other techniques. Prospective studies with large cohorts are still needed to confirm these findings.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV; Systematic review of literature.
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