The patient facing ACL reconstruction has several choices concerning the graft to be used. The Pros and Cons of each graft will be discussed. There are two different types of graft tissues that can be used. There is an Autograft; this is the patients own tissue. And there is the Allograft; this is tissue from a donor that will be utilized for the reconstruction.
Autografts:
Patellar Tendon
Pros:
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Strongest graft concerning the initial fixation. This is due to the fact that there is bone on each end of the graft that is going into a tunnel in the bone.
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Physicians have the most experience with using this type of graft.
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May be able to return to full athletic participation quicker (5-6 months)
Cons:
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Most painful of the grafts post-operatively
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Increased chance for patellar tendonitis
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Increased chance for a patella fracture
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More difficult rehabilitation
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Pain and discomfort with kneeling
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Extra incision
Hamstring
Pros:
Cons:
- Fixation is not as strong initially
- Hamstring weakness
- Slower return to full athletic participation (6-7 months)
Allografts:
Pros:
Cons:
- Potential risk of viral transmission (AIDS, hepatitis). The chance of AIDS infection from donor graft tissue is 1 in 1.8 Million.
- Slower return to full athletic activities (6-7 months)
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Though small, there is a chance for some type viral transmission. As with any surgical procedure, that chance is there. There are also other risks involved with any surgical procedure. Dr. Lowe or his representative will discuss those risks with you.
In the end, all of the grafts are just as strong. The differences are in the fixation techniques. The fixation is one of many factors that will determine how soon one progresses through their rehabilitation.
Dr. Lowe will discuss with you what he feels is the best graft choice for you dependant upon what your goals are.
Currently, Dr. Lowe utilizes Allografts - Achilles Tendon 70% of the time, Autografts - Patellar Tendon 25% and Hamstring 5%.
