Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous quadriceps tendon

Abstract

The quadriceps tendon (QT) has recently become an acceptable graft option for primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. It offers good biomechanical strength, a large cross-sectional area, and an appropriate length. Patients who participate in pivoting and high valgus stress activities and sports and who have a concomitant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury are the best candidates for a QT graft. It may also be used for patients with patella baja, Osgood-Schlatter's disease sequelae, and patellar tendinitis. The surgical technique is demanding and has a learning curve, but with meticulous surgery, complications are rare. The QT is a reasonable alternative for ACL reconstruction and could be an important graft source for primary ACL reconstruction in the future.