This prospective multicenter cohort study aims to compare clinical and functional outcomes between hamstring tendon and quadriceps tendon autografts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in female athletes. Participants will be followed for two years after surgery to evaluate graft failure rates, return to sport, knee stability, and patient-reported outcomes.
Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are particularly prevalent in female athletes and represent a major challenge in sports medicine. The choice of graft type in ACL reconstruction may influence clinical outcomes, yet evidence specifically in female populations remains limited. This study prospectively enrolls female athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction with either hamstring tendon or quadriceps tendon autograft across multiple centers in Spain. Primary outcome is graft failure rate at 24 months. Secondary outcomes include return to sport rate, IKDC score, KOOS, Lysholm scale, limb symmetry index, and re-injury rate. Data will be collected preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
82
ACL reconstruction using ipsilateral hamstring tendon autograft (semitendinosus and gracilis tendons) with arthroscopic technique
ACL reconstruction using ipsilateral quadriceps tendon autograft with arthroscopic technique
IMED Hospitales
Alicante, Alicante, Spain
Graft failure rate
Proportion of patients requiring revision ACL reconstruction or presenting with objetive graft rupture confirmed by MRI or arthroscopy
Time frame: 24 months after surgery
return to sport rate
proportion of athletes who returned to their pre-injury sport level, assessed by athlete and surgeon
Time frame: 12 and 24 months after surgery
IKDC Subjective knee Evaluation Form
Patient-reported outcomes measure assessing knee symptoms, function and sports activity.
Time frame: 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery
KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis outcome Score)
Patient-reported outcome measure assessing pain, symptoms, function in daily living, function in sport and recreation, and knee-related quality of life
Time frame: 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery
Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale
Clinician-reported outcome measure assessing knee function including pain, instability, locking, swelling, stair climbing, squatting and limp
Time frame: 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery
Limb Symetry Index (LSI)
Assessed vy isokinetic dynamometry and single-leg hop tests to evaluate quadriceps and hamstring strength symmetry between limbs
Time frame: 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery
Re-injury rate
Proportion of patients sustaining a new ipsilateral or contralateral ACL injury during the follow-up period.
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Time frame: 24 months after surgery