Comparison of semitendinosus tendon length and diameter in sports and non-sports group for ACL reconstruction.

UNLABELLED

Different anthropometric parameters such as weight, height, body mass index, thigh circumference, and thigh length have been extensively studied and their correlation assessed with hamstring graft length and diameter. This study is to analyse the difference of semitendinosus graft characteristics with sports activity of the patient.

METHODS

110 patients undergoing any ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus were included, 55 in sports and 55 in non-sports group. Height, weight, BMI, sports activity were noted pre-operatively. Semitendinosus harvested and graft length and diameter measured.

RESULTS

98 patients completed the study. The mean length of the harvested semitendinosus tendons was 28.45 ± 2.54 cm in non-sports group and 28.06 ± 4.18 cm in sports group. The mean diameter of semitendinosus was 6.29 ± 0.61 mm in non-sports group and 6.35 ± 0.6 mm in sports group. Positive correlation was found between height and graft length. No statistically significant difference between tendon length (p = 0.994) and diameter (p = 0.549) of sports and non-sports group was found.

CONCLUSION

Patient height should be considered for preoperative prediction of tendon length and thickness without any difference in sports or non-sports group. A taller patient has a longer and thicker graft.