Strength and Regrowth of Hamstring Tendons After Hamstring Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Summary: Much controversy exists regarding the potential advantages and disadvantages of various graft choices for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Advocates of hamstring autografts often cite the limited apparent morbidity associated with semitendinosus or semitendinosus and gracilis harvest, including evidence that hamstring tendons may regenerate after harvest. In this article, we attempt to summarize the functional, radiographic, and histologic studies to date that examine hamstring regeneration. Ultimately, it appears that tendon-like tissue regenerates in the vast majority of patients, but the anatomic location and biomechanical quality of the neotendon may be inferior. Regardless, functional deficits after hamstring harvest appear to be minimal in most individuals.