acl reconstruction (autograft or allograft)

by Dillon
(usa)

I am 15 years old, torn my acl and need surgery. I play high school football and baseball (catcher). I need to decide which is better for me. Having an Autograft or allograft? I want to go back to these sports.

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acl reconstruction (autograft or allograft)

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Oct 16, 2008
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Allograft or autograft
by: Bart - SII

This is a great question and one worth researching. I would start out with talking to your physician - they will have a definite opinion regarding which they think is better for your age and goals.

I believe that both autografts and allografts have a strong place as choices for the new ACL. I also think that the type of graft tissue makes a huge difference. A graft of the patellar tendon is, in my opinion, best suited for the ACL reconstruction because of the bone to bone fixation and less propensity to attenuate over time.

Allografts allow for a faster initial recovery because there is usually less post-operative pain and swelling. The overall time frame for return to sports is the same, but the early stages move faster. The downside is that allografts may not be as strong as your own tissue, there is a small chance for rejection or infection (very small).

Autografts obviously are the safest choice from an infection/rejection point. They usually involve more post-op pain and swelling initially, but again, the ultimate time to return is relatively the same.

I have worked with physicians that use both, and allografts were usually reserved for those patients who were older (over 25) and active in non-contact sports.

Young patients (under 25) wanting to play contact sports were usually autograft patients.

I would discuss with your doctor your best options, but hopefully some of this information helps.

Bart

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Oct 16, 2008
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Submitted by: Bart - SII

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This is a great question and one worth researching. I would start out with talking to your physician - they will have a definite opinion regarding which they think is better for your age and goals. I believe that both autografts and allografts have a strong place as choices for the new ACL. I also think that the type of graft tissue makes a huge difference. A graft of the patellar tendon is, in my opinion, best suited for the ACL reconstruction because of the bone to bone fixation and less propensity to attenuate over time. Allografts allow for a faster initial recovery because there is usually less post-operative pain and swelling. The overall time frame for return to sports is the same, but the early stages move faster. The downside is that allografts may not be as strong as your own tissue, there is a small chance for rejection or infection (very small). Autografts obviously are the safest choice from an infection/rejection point. They usually involve more post-op pain and swelling initially, but again, the ultimate time to return is relatively the same. I have worked with physicians that use both, and allografts were usually reserved for those patients who were older (over 25) and active in non-contact sports. Young patients (under 25) wanting to play contact sports were usually autograft patients. I would discuss with your doctor your best options, but hopefully some of this information helps. Bart

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