Utilizing anthropometric measurements to forecast hamstring autograft dimensions among adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: This investigation aimed to assess the predictive capability of pre-operative anthropometric data in determining the diameter of hamstring autografts among adolescents undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Materials and methods: This retrospective analysis included 68 adolescent patients aged 13 to 17 who underwent single-bundle ACLR with a 4-stranded hamstring autograft (Gracilis and Semi-Tendinosus) from 2008 to 2012. Pre-operative anthropometric data, including bone age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA), were documented. Correlation between anthropometric data and the intra-operative diameter of the 4-strand hamstring autograft was assessed using multiple regression analysis. Results: This study comprised 68 participants (36 males and 32 females), with females having a mean bone age of 14.9 years (±1.1) and males 15.2 years (±0.9). Males exhibited a significantly larger graft size than females (p < 0.05). Graft diameter showed a moderate correlation with weight in both males (r = 0.40, p < 0.05) and females (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Height displayed a moderate correlation in females only (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). BMI did not correlate with graft diameter in females but had a moderate correlation in males (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). BSA moderately correlated with graft diameter in both females (r = 0.40, p < 0.05) and males (r = 0.39, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Anthropometric measurements reveal a direct correlation with hamstring graft diameter among adolescents, empowering surgeons to improve preoperative strategizing and offer more comprehensive patient guidance ahead of ACL reconstruction.

Keywords

• Anterior cruciate ligament
• Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
• hamstring graft
• Anthropometric measurements
• Graft size
• Adolescents