Patellar tendon (B-PT-B) autograft or Hamstring (Semitendinosis) one?

**duboix** · 05-26-2005, 02:59 AM

I'm talking only about autografting, no allografts. Haven't discussed this with my doctor yet (he doesn't even suspect that I know this much about ACL reconstruction) and want to know your opinions and statistics.

What is the statistics (here, amongst Bro Gimps and overall)? Why is that? What pros/cons does each of graft type have?

I've decided to reconstruct my ACL. I believe surgery will be planned on June, 16 - must have brand new knee to the begining of the season (somwhere in December, eh?)

**Vinman** · 05-26-2005, 07:14 AM

there have been many many thread that cover this topic. Eiter graft (hamstring or patellar tendon) is a good choice. There are a few differences between them but over all each has a good success rate. I personally have had one of each in the same knee ~6 yrs apart. hamstring 1st(re-tore playing soccer) patallar tendon 2nd. 6yrs and counting.

I really think that this is a toss up for skiing. Some may have a different opinion. Either way getting your knee reconstructed is prolly the right thing to do. But becareful on your expectations 6 months is not very long when it comes to ACL reconstruction.

**Mtn Man** · 05-26-2005, 07:17 AM

It's pretty hard to find stats, it's more a regional thing. I was talking to my PT guy about that during one session. He's noticed that the EC does more Patellar grafts and WC does more Hammy grafts. I was talking to one ski friend who just had hers done in Mass and her doc told her 80% of the grafts done are cadaver. I find this hard to believe since most of the people I talk to have their own PT graft done(I forget which is allo and auto). I think it's all in the personal ortho's experience.

Bottom line, it's all in who you talk to. I don't know if you can obtain a national stat, it would be cool to see though.

Good luck and welcome to gimpdom.

B)

**basom** · 05-26-2005, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by Vinman

t But becareful on your expectations 6 months is not very long when it comes to ACL reconstruction.

i had mine done on june one last year. sure i was skiing by december, but not really skiing. it still isnt right (feeling) and i was told that it can take two years untill it does feel right, or is un noticable.
no pain, or limp. but there is a tightness. i'm sure as hell not jumping off loading docks or throwing misty 5's into the hedges on the walks home from the bar these days.

the shit takes some time. and changes you, and how you ski (at least it did for me and several others i know).

**Big E** · 05-26-2005, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by basom

i had mine done on june one last year. sure i was skiing by december, but not really skiing. it still isnt right (feeling) and i was told that it can take two years untill it does feel right, or is un noticable.
no pain, or limp. but there is a tightness. i'm sure as hell not jumping off loading docks or throwing misty 5's into the hedges on the walks home from the bar these days.

the shit takes some time. and changes you, and how you ski (at least it did for me and several others i know).

Agreed, my first one took about 18 months to really feel like it back to "normal." Other one seems to be on same track.

Z · 05-26-2005, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by basom

i'm sure as hell not jumping off loading docks or throwing misty 5's into the hedges on the walks home from the bar these days.

pussy.

**duboix** · 05-27-2005, 02:38 AM

Originally Posted by Vinman

there have been many many thread that cover this topic. Eiter graft (hamstring or patellar tendon) is a good choice. There are a few differences between them but over all each has a good success rate. I personally have had one of each in the same knee ~6 yrs apart. hamstring 1st(re-tore playing soccer) patallar tendon 2nd. 6yrs and counting.

I really think that this is a toss up for skiing. Some may have a different opinion. Either way getting your knee reconstructed is prolly the right thing to do. But becareful on your expectations 6 months is not very long when it comes to ACL reconstruction.

Diggin' through the internet I've found some documents (for example, fisrt four weeks rehab programm), basing on which I can see that usage of PT autograft can cause (in rear cases, but still) some patella problems, like low/high patella syndrome. Am I right or missing something and these things caused by some other factors?

**truth** · 05-27-2005, 06:35 AM

There can be complications with any of the procedures though to be honest they all seem to end up being about the same. At 8 weeks post op with a PT graft my path might have been different but I'm pretty sure I'm at the same point an allograft or hammy would be. Find a doc that you are comfy with and go with what he does best. Be sure to have a good understanding of his post op protocol and follow it exactly. I'd also search out your therapist beforehand as well as all are not equal in both ability, mindset, goals and facility. Good luck.