Should I do HAMSTRING graft or PATELLAR graft??? AHHHH

(wisconsin)

I tore my ACL a month ago and am scheduled for surgery in a week. I met with 2 different surgeons. The first said he would definitely do the patellar and the second surgeon said he would definitely do the hamstring. I just can not decide. I have heard that the hamstring isn't as strong... and I DO NOT want to tear it again... but I am also only 24, and I don't want to get arthritis or knee pain early in life. IM SO CONFUSED!!! HELP!!!

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Should I do HAMSTRING graft or PATELLAR graft??? AHHHH

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Nov 05, 2009
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Patellar Graft
by: Kieran

Hey there
I had my acl done 5 months ago using the patellar tendon.I am now back jogging and things are going really well.Its a really slow process but well worth doing this.I just went to the best surgeon according to my physio who also advied me that he thought the patellar geaft was stronger.You also wont have any hamstring problems when you use the patellar graft.
Kieran

Nov 06, 2009
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hamstring vs. patella tendon
by: Bart - SII

I have commented on this question several times. Rather than rehashing it again, you can read my previous posts.
My general thoughts on hamstring v. patellar tendon

More opinions on hamstring vs. patellar tendon

I really believe that the success of an ACL reconstruction depends greatly on the skill of the surgeon (regardless of the graft choice) and the rehabilitation after surgery. I have seen patients with poor outcomes for both types of grafts because the surgeon was not good at ACL reconstructions. And i have seen patients who have great outcomes with both graft choices because their surgeon was skilled at ACL reconstructions.

In my experiences over the last 10 years, I have seen more patients have instability and laxity problems with hamstring grafts 3-5 years after the reconstruction. And this is consistent with the literature on hamstring grafts.

Talk to your doctors and find one you are comfortable with, and who can give you a referral to a great therapist. Those two things will make the most difference in your recovery.

Bart