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Biomechanics better than patellar tendon
The optimal tendon for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autograft is still up for debate. Results from the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) support use of the patellar tendon, especially in young athletes and patients with high-grade laxity. The hamstring tendon is another popular option.
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But Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Michael Scarcella, MD, says the quadriceps tendon deserves more consideration. While a robust tendon — a good source for an ACL autograft — the quadriceps tendon hasn’t been used or researched as much as other graft sources. In 2010 only 2.5% of ACL reconstructions were performed with the quad tendon. By 2014 the number had increased to 11%, according to a study in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. An informal survey of surgeons at a recent national meeting found that quad graft use may be closer to 20% in primary ACL reconstructions.
“The quad tendon’s popularity is slowly increasing,” says Dr. Scarcella, who was introduced to the technique as a surgeon in the U.S. Navy. “After learning from one of my partners who had been using quad tendon autografts for years, I took the plunge and tried the technique on a patient referred to me for revision ACL. It had good results, so I started using quad tendon autografts for primary ACL reconstructions too. Those patients had less postop pain, less longer term anterior knee pain and less numbness. It seemed like they were recovering faster and moving their knees earlier, which was important for an active duty population.”
When Dr. Scarcella joined Cleveland Clinic in 2020, he brought his experience with the technique. Since then, Cleveland Clinic surgeons have been using quad tendon autografts more routinely, including for primary reconstruction.
Compared to patellar tendons, quad tendons offer a thicker graft with more favorable tensile properties, including:
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MRI demonstrating potential thickness of quad and patellar tendon grafts. Quad tendon thickness = 9.5 mm. Patellar tendon thickness = 4.2 mm
In addition, studies of quad tendon reconstruction have reported less anterior knee pain and numbness at 55-month follow-up, but equivalent stability and functional outcomes compared to patellar tendon reconstruction.
That’s not to say that quad tendon autografts are right for all patients. Graft choice should be individualized, based on imaging and a discussion of the patient’s goals and concerns, says Dr. Scarcella. History of tendonitis or tendonosis in any potential graft tissue is cause to rule it out as a graft option.
For surgeons considering use of quad tendon autografts for ACL reconstruction, Dr. Scarcella recommends these tips:
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Prepped graft, 10 mm thickness.
Harvest incision, 2 cm within natural skin crease.
Over the last five to 10 years, surgical instrumentation has made harvesting tendon autografts easier and more precise.
“We’re getting accurate sizes and quality length, and we have good devices to attach and suspend the graft in place while it heals into or around the bone tunnels,” says Dr. Scarcella. “Quad tendon grafts are strong, reliable, readily available and a lot thicker than the patellar tendon — and can be harvested through a tiny incision. Outside of the biomechanical advantages of the graft and the reduced complications, the smaller harvest site can lead to a more aesthetically pleasing postoperative appearance.”
Seven weeks after quad tendon ACL reconstruction.
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