Comparable Mid- to Long-term Outcomes of Semitendinosus and Semitendinosus/Gracilis Grafts in ACL Reconstruction: Median 8-Year (Range, 5-10 Years) Results From a Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: The hamstring tendon autograft used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction commonly entails both the semitendinosus and gracilis (ST/G) tendons for sufficient graft thickness, but they may impair function. To mitigate this, a tendon-sparing ST-only graft has been explored. However, less is known of the mid- to long-term outcomes comparing these configurations. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to investigate differences between the quadrupled ST tendon graft and the doubled ST/G graft configuration. The primary hypothesis was that there would be no difference in the International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SF) outcomes between groups. The secondary hypothesis was that there would be no differences in knee flexion strength, KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side measurements, or need for secondary surgery (including revision) between the 2 techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: At baseline, 98 patients were randomized to receive either the quadrupled ST tendon graft or the doubled ST/G graft configuration. Preoperatively and after 2 and median 8 years (range, 5-10 years) postoperatively, the investigators collected results for the IKDC-SF, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Tegner Activity Scale, a sports and activity participation questionnaire, knee laxity (KT-1000 arthrometer) side-to-side measurements, Lachman test, and flexion rotation drawer test. Need for secondary knee surgery was evaluated 5 to 10 years postoperatively. The overall anterior cruciate ligament revision rate was 10.4%, and no increased risk of graft failure or excessive residual laxity was associated with the ST-only graft. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant differences were found between the ST group and the ST/G group in terms self-reported function, knee laxity, or need for secondary surgery at median 8 years (range, 5-10 years) after surgery. The ST-only graft configuration did not increase the risk of graft failure or excessive residual laxity compared with the ST/G graft configuration.