Variations in functional outcome based on hamstring autograft thickness estimated using transportal technique in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Objectives: We aimed to study the functional outcome difference in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring autograft thickness between more than 85% and ≤85%. Materials and Methods: In our study, 50 patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears were operated with arthroscopic ACLR using an autologous hamstring graft. The anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the tibial footprint of ACL is measured using an arthroscopic ruler using a transportal and the graft thickness of more than 70% of the tibial footprint APD was used. The international knee documentation committee and knee society score (KSS) were compared between the groups in the 1 st month, 6 th month, and 12 th month between autograft thickness of >85% and ≤85%. Results: The mean International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC) scores of patients with graft thickness >85% were higher compared to graft thickness ≤85% in the 6 th and 12 th post-operative months, with a statistically significant difference at the 12 th post-operative month. The mean KSS scores of patients with graft thickness >85% were higher compared to graft thickness ≤85% at the 3 rd , 6 th , and 12 th post-operative months, with a statistically significant difference at the 12 th post-operative month. Conclusion: The functional scores were better for autograft thickness of more than 85% compared to autograft thickness of ≤85% at short-term follow-up of the 3 rd and 6 th post-operative month with a statistical difference at long-term follow-up of the 12 th month.