Quadriceps Tendon-Bone Full-Thickness Autograft: Reproducible and Easy Harvesting Technique Using Simple Surgical Tools

Abstract

Autogenous quadriceps tendon-bone graft is a great choice for knee reconstruction procedures, including primary and revision reconstructions of both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament. In primary ACL reconstruction, one of the most frequently performed procedures in orthopaedic surgery, it is gaining more and more popularity owing to improved or similar biomechanical, anatomic, and histological properties than bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. The clinical outcomes of quadriceps tendon-bone graft in ACL reconstruction are similar to bone-patellar tendon-bone graft, however, lowering the inconvenience associated with donor-site morbidity and making it possible to adjust graft length and diameter. This Technical Note describes a surgical technique for harvesting a full-thickness quadriceps tendon graft with a bone block using simple surgical tools.