Minimally Invasive Quadriceps Tendon Harvest Technique for ACL Reconstruction

Background: Graft selection for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) remains a debated topic within the orthopaedic sports medicine community. While the bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft has been considered the gold standard, the quadriceps tendon autograft has gained popularity because of its similarly low failure rate and decreased donor-site morbidity. Indications: We present a case of an active 34-year-old woman with a left knee ACL tear. Using a quadriceps tendon autograft can be indicated when the patient is >5 feet tall and a substantial graft can be expected after harvest. Technique Description: We present a reproducible, minimally invasive technique of harvesting a quadriceps tendon autograft using the QuadPro Tendon Harvester. We also demonstrate an effective method to close the donor site endoscopically using a suture passer. Results: Using this technique, our clinical results align with the current literature, with low retear rates and a high return-to-sport rate. Discussion/Conclusion: We present a reliable, minimally invasive technique to harvest the quadriceps tendon for ACLR. We discuss the technical pearls we have learned while performing this technique. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.