Association Between Knee Flexor Strength and Preservation of the Tibial Attachment of the Sartorial Fascia During Hamstring Tendon Harvest

Abstract

Background: During anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there are various autograft options. Donor-site morbidity is an important consideration while deciding the type of the autograft. Gracilis and semitendinosus autografts are commonly used in ACL reconstruction, resulting in weakness of the hamstring muscle. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that if we preserved the tibial insertion site of the sartorial fascia (SF) during hamstring tendon harvest, there would be better recovery of knee flexor strength. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: In this retrospective study, 34 patients (aged 20-59 years) underwent ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft with 2 different incision techniques on the SF. The tibial attachment site of the SF was preserved in 17 patients. The insertion site of the muscle was incised transversely in 17 patients. The follow-up duration was ≥2 years. Patients were recalled to the institute for examination and muscle strength assessment. The results were compared between the groups in terms of flexor and extensor knee isokinetic muscle strength at 60 and 180 deg/s. Results: There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, or body mass index. When compared with patients whose SF attachment site was incised, patients with a preserved SF tibial insertion were found to have a higher flexion peak torque at the angular speed of 180 deg/s ( P < 002). No statistically significant difference was noted at 60 deg/s. Conclusion: During collection of gracilis and semitendinosus autografts, preserving the SF tibial attachment site was associated with better knee flexion peak torque.