Anthropometric Measurements of Hamstring Tendon Graft and Its Predictors in Ligament Reconstruction Surgeries of Knee: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction Hamstring graft use has been in the forefront of ligament reconstruction around the knee. With the increasing number of surgeries, the complications are equally on the rise. One of the detrimental factors for predicting the outcome is the diameter and length of the graft. We did an observational study to find out the relationship of patient factors with the morphometry of the graft. Materials and Methods Total 484 patients were included in the study. Preoperatively, the age, sex, height, weight, and activity levels of the patients were noted. They were categorized into two major groups: physically active and inactive. The intraoperative measurements of the grafts were recorded. Analysis of variance for comparing the means of multiple groups was used for statistical analysis. Results Among the total 484 patients, 407 were male and 77 were female. The semitendinosus graft diameter did not show any statistical significance to the age and weight of the patient. The mean graft diameter was highest in the 45 to 49-year age group. The average graft diameter in physically active group was 3.704 mm, and 3.503 mm in the inactive group. This and the height of the patient proved to have statistically significant relation with graft diameter. Conclusion Physical activity along with the height of the patient must be taken into due consideration before embarking upon ligament reconstruction with hamstring graft in mind, as these two are found to determine the diameter and length of the hamstring graft.