All Soft Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Versus Patellar Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: a Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two types of autografts used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery: the quadriceps tendon (QT) and the bone patellar tendon bone (BTB). The study focuses on patients needing ACL reconstruction and evaluates these graft choices through a randomized controlled trial. Both graft options are considered appropriate, but this trial will provide more direct comparison data, as previous studies have not compared all soft tissue QT to patellar tendon grafts in this way. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the BTB graft, which uses the middle third of the patellar tendon secured with a surgical button and screw, or the QT graft, which uses the quadriceps tendon fixed with surgical buttons at both ends. After enrollment, patients will be informed of their group and scheduled for surgery accordingly. Both procedures involve a single incision to harvest the graft. Following surgery, all participants will follow standard rehabilitation and attend scheduled postoperative visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months, including routine x-rays at 2 weeks and 9 months. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including KT-1000 arthrometer measurements on the day of surgery and at 9 months, along with various knee function and activity surveys at multiple time points up to 24 months. Pain levels will be tracked using a visual analog scale at several early and late postoperative timepoints. Researchers will monitor graft re-rupture rates over two years. The trial involves regular follow-ups and does not alter typical postoperative care except for a few additional measurements and surveys.

Quadriceps Tendon Versus Bone Patellar Tendon Bone Autograft ACL Reconstruction RCT