BACKGROUNDThere is currently no consensus regarding the best graft type for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of patellar and hamstring tendon grafts on long-term knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

METHODSThis meta-analysis was conducted according to the methodological guidelines outlined by the Cochrane Collaboration. An electronic search of the literature was performed and all trials published between January 1966 and August 2011 comparing knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon grafts with knee function after reconstruction with hamstring tendon grafts were pooled. Six studies were included in the final meta-analysis.

RESULTSAnterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon grafts resulted in greater pain upon kneeling than reconstruction using patellar tendon grafts (P = 0.001). However, both grafts resulted in similar levels of anterior tibial translation, and similar results regarding isokinetic extension/flexion tests, Lysholm scores, and the stair-hop test (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAnterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar or hamstring tendon grafts results in similar long-term knee function.