Pre-operative MRI measurements versus anthropometric data: Which is more accurate in predicting 4-stranded hamstring graft size in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

• Published in: Asia-Pacific journal of sports medicine, arthroscopy, rehabilitation and technology arthroscopy, rehabilitation and technology, 2020-10, Vol.22, p.5-9
• Main Authors: Thwin, Lynn, Ho, Sean WL, Tan, Teong Jin Lester, Lim, Wei Yang, Lee, Keng Thiam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; Anthropometric measurements; Graft size; Magnetic resonance imaging; Original
• ISSN: 2214-6873; 2214-6873
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asmart.2020.05.004

Graft diameter has been shown to play an important role in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autograft failure rates. The roles of pre-operative MRI measurement of graft size and anthropometric data have been studied in the prediction of hamstring graft size. Pre-operative knowledge of hamstring graft diameter allows surgeons to perform better surgical planning and provides an opportunity to discuss with patients on alternative graft options such as allografts should the need arises. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of pre-operative anthropometric data and MRI measurements in the prediction of 4-stranded hamstring autograft size in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This was a cohort study involving 141 subjects (115 males and 26 females) who underwent a single bundle ACL reconstruction utilising a 4-stranded hamstring graft by a single surgeon from 2008 to 2012. Pre-operatively, the height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, gender and smoking status was recorded. The MRI scans used for diagnosis were utilized to measure the gracilis (GT) and semi-tendinosus (ST) cross sectional area (CSA). We found the strongest correlation between Combined (ST + GT) CSA and intra-operative graft size (r = 0.596, p