Aims:
Quadriceps tendon autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand following the international trend. The aim of this study was to explore the early surgeon experience and patient outcomes with this graft choice in a New Zealand population.
Methods:
Forty two patients undergoing ACLR with quadriceps tendon autograft in Dunedin, New Zealand were identified with a mean follow up of 16 months. Pre, intra and post operative data, patient-reported outcome measures (PROM; SANE, KOOS, IKDC) and complication data were collected. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics for demographic data and PROM scores analysed relative to time since surgery.
Results:
Mean age of the cohort was 27.4 years with 59.5% males. Mean graft diameter was 9.5mm with one graft augmented with gracilis tendon due to a small graft early on in the learning curve. PROM scores were comparable to the literature – mean SANE 75.5, IKDC 70.7 and KOOS symptoms 79.3, pain 85.6, ADL 92.3 and sport 67.4. There were 11 complications including one deep infection, one early manipulation for stiffness and four return to theatre for cyclops debridement.
Conclusion:
Overall, this study cohort showed outcomes consistent with the current literature, with a positive experience for surgeons and patients, but some unique challenges during the learning curve with graft harvest and a higher return to theatre for scar debridement.
