Comparison of perioperative morbidity of anterior cruciate ligament autografts versus allografts.

We present a retrospective report of 50 patients (31 autograft and 19 allograft patients) who underwent arthroscopic bone-patellar tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions between August 1988 and September 1990. All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. The purpose of this study was to analyze each group regarding hospital stay, swelling, thigh atrophy, laxity, strength, endurance, range of motion, patellofemoral symptoms, and complications. We found no statistical difference between autograft or allograft ACL reconstructions with regard to perioperative morbidity.