Observational studyBMC musculoskeletal disorders2023
Height is a predictor of hamstring tendon length and ACL graft characteristics in adolescents.
Observational study in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 11 citations in OpenAlex.
- Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with six and eight-strand hamstring tendon autografts produces adequate graft dimensions and functional outcomes: A systematic review.Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA · 2025Pooled it
- Anatomical relationship between the distal lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and the quadriceps tendon autograft harvest site: a cadaveric study with implications for acl reconstruction surgery.Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA · 2026Article
- Article
- Design of an alternative implant to suturing in ACL reconstruction: a biomechanical in vitro study.BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2025Article
- Maximizing Graft Diameter: Unleashing the Power of Triple-fold Hamstring Autografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.Arthroscopy techniques · 2024Article
- Comparing Ultrasound and MRI Evaluations of the Hamstring Tendon for Predicting Autograft Size in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine · 2024Article
- A hamstring autograft diameter ≤ 8 mm is a safe option for smaller, lighter and female athletes who want to return to pivoting sports after ACL reconstruction : Results from a retrospective evaluation of a local ACL register.Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA · 2023Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundKnowing the potential hamstring tendon length is relevant for planning ligament reconstructions in children and adolescents, as it is not uncommon to encounter small hamstring tendons intraoperatively. The aim of this study is to predict semitendinosus and gracilis tendon length based on anthropometric values in children and adolescents. The secondary aim is to analyse hamstring tendon autograft characteristics in a closed socket anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions and to evaluate the relationship with anthropometric variables. The hypothesis of this study was that height is predictor of hamstring tendon length and thereby graft characteristics.
methodsThis observational study included two cohorts of adolescents undergoing ligament reconstructions between 2007-2014 and 2017-2020. Age, sex, height and weight were recorded preoperatively. Semitendinosus and gracilis tendon length and graft characteristics were measured intraoperatively. Regression analysis was performed on tendon length and anthropometric values. Subgroup analyses of the closed socket ACL reconstruction were performed and the relation between anthropometric values and graft characteristics were analysed.
resultsThe population consisted of 171 adolescents from 13 to 17 years of age, with a median age of 16 years [IQR 16-17]. The median semitendinosus tendon length was 29 cm [IQR 26-30] and gracilis tendon length was 27 cm [IQR 25-29]. Height was a significant predictor of semitendinosus and gracilis tendon length. Subgroup analysis of the closed socket ACL reconstructions showed that in 75% of the procedure, the semitendinosus tendon alone was sufficient to create a graft with a minimum diameter of 8.0 mm.
conclusionsHeight is a significant predictor of semitendinosus and gracilis tendon length in adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age and outcomes are similar to data in adults. In 75% of the closed socket ACL reconstructions, the semitendinosus tendon alone is sufficient to create an adequate graft with a minimum diameter of 8 mm. Additional use of the gracilis tendon is more often necessary in females and shorter patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3:
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