Peroneus Longus Tendon vs. Hamstring Tendon Autografts in ACL Reconstruction

Published findings suggest that utilizing a doubled peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft may lead to a quicker return to sport compared to a quadrupled hamstring tendon (HT) autograft for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

In a randomized study encompassing 158 individuals undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR), participants were allocated to receive either a doubled PLT autograft (n = 85) or a quadrupled HT autograft (n = 73), with a 2-year follow-up period. Key outcome measures included IKDC and Tegner-Lysholm scores, as well as the duration for a return to sport.

The study revealed that the mean diameter of PLT autografts (8.81 mm) was significantly larger than that of HT autografts (8.17 mm). Additionally, the harvesting time for PLT autografts (7.46 minutes) was notably shorter compared to HT autografts (10.28 minutes).

While no significant disparities were observed between PLT and HT autografts concerning IKDC score, Tegner-Lysholm scores, or graft rupture rates at the 2-year follow-up, patients who received PLT autografts returned to sport approximately 34 days faster than those with HT autografts. Furthermore, PLT autografts exhibited a lower rate of donor-site morbidity and enhanced patient-reported outcomes at the knee after 6 months, in comparison to HT autografts.

The researchers concluded that PLT autograft is a viable choice for ACLR, offering advantageous attributes such as tensile strength, ease of harvesting, positive knee functional outcomes, and minimal donor-site morbidity. The findings suggest that PLT autografts could potentially facilitate a swifter return to sport for athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction.