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Question:
I recently re-tore my ACL and meniscus. I was wondering what kind of graft you
would suggest getting. I originally had the patella tendon graft. As of now I am
leaning towards a quadriceps type of graft. I was wondering what you would suggest.
I was also wondering if it is possible to re-harvest from the original patella tendon.
Thank you,
Stanley Sung
Question submitted by:
stansung@ucla.edu
Dr. Farr
Dr. Farr is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee and sports medicine. He serves on the board of the Orthopedic Research Foundation and is medical director of www.cartilagerestoration.org and www.myknee.md, where emphasis is on exploring new ways to treat damaged cartilage. Dr. Farr is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).
Answer: Those are excellent questions. The debate about optimal graft selection will continue
for the next several years. I do believe there is agreement that the most
important factor is proper placement--often challenging in a revision. A strong graft fixed with secure fixation
is the next point. The type of graft is doctor and patient specific. Another
area of agreement is the importance of maintaining meniscal function. To
address your last question, the literature says it is possible, but individual
factors dictate each case.