Abstract
Approximately 200,000 Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries occur per year in the United States with 100,000 to 150,000 of these undergoing reconstruction surgery. More than three-quarters of these injuries occur in non-contact situations (i.e., when no direct contact is made with the knee at the time of injury), typically involving sudden deceleration, abrupt changes in direction, or jump landings. Due to its limited blood supply, the ACL cannot heal on its own when torn, and surgical reconstruction is the standard treatment for this injury. Graft selection is critical for optimal outcomes in ACL reconstruction. This literature review provides an up-to-date comparison of the efficacy of available tissue types—autografts (i.e., tissue taken from the patient), allografts (i.e., cadaver tissue), and synthetic materials—for ACL reconstruction. The efficacy of each graft is based on comparisons of knee stability, functional test scores, patient reported pain, and rerupture rates post-surgery. Autografts, such as the patellar tendon and hamstring tendon graft remain the most common options, with the patellar tendon autograft continuing to be considered the gold standard. The quadriceps tendon autograft shows promising preliminary results but requires further long-term research. Allografts have improved in efficacy with the removal of sterilization techniques like irradiation and may be more suitable for older, less active patients, though they carry higher rerupture risks for younger, active individuals. Synthetic grafts do not replicate human tissue accurately and are not recommended, though advances in bioengineering may offer future improvements. My review concludes that more research is needed on the long-term efficacy of the quadriceps tendon autograft, the sex disparity in ACL injuries, and the importance of individualized patient care when choosing a graft type for ACL reconstruction surgery. Additionally, greater emphasis should be placed on evidence-based decision-making in healthcare along with increased patient education about all available options to ensure they receive the best care possible.
Advisor
Lynn, Sharon
Department
Biology
Recommended Citation
Jaros, Emma, "Comparison of the Efficacy of Graft Types Used in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11610.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11610
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Emma Jaros