Patellar tendon graft vs. Semitendinosus and Gracilis graft for
posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An isokinetic and functional study
one year after the operation
Affiliations: [a] Center for Sports Rehabilitation, Galeazzi Orthopedics
Institute, Milan, Italy | [b] Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopic Surgery Unit,
Galeazzi Orthopedics Institute, Milan, Italy
Abstract: Objective: to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic reconstruction of
the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) by means of the double bundle technique
with the ipsilateral semitendinosus and gracilis (St-Gr) and the single bundle
technique with the ipsilateral patellar tendon (PT). Methods and measures: 14 patients had randomly been assigned to
either PT ot St-Gr graft for PCL reconstruction. The IKDC Knee Ligament
Evaluation Form, the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, the Cincinnati Knee Rating
Scale and concentric isokinetic knee extensor-flexor test at 60 and 180°/s
were used to compare the results. Results: there were no significant differences in the clinical
scores. The isokinetic tests, however, disclosed a significant loss of strength
at the harvest site. Conclusion: since biomechanical considerations underscore the
importance of recovery of the quadriceps after PCL reconstruction, employment
of the semitendinous and gracilis with a possible loss of flexor strength could
be rationally more acceptable solution than reconstruction with the patellar
tendon and weakening of the extensors.
