Description
Objectives: To evaluate the biomechanical properties of different grafts for ACL reconstruction: bone-patellar tendon-bone, quadriceps tendon, four-strand hamstrings and a new six-strand looped hamstrings graft. To compare their maximum load, stiffness, cross-sectional area, and maximum stress.
Methods: Tests were carried out on a machine from the company CONTROLS S.A., S-110 model with one electrical actuator having a maximum load capacity of 100 kN. The loading was applied with a controlled displacement rate of 10 mm/min. A PC recorded the loading force value as well as the advancement of the machine.
A two-way analysis of variance, was used to evaluate the effects of the maximum load, stiffness, cross-sectional area, and maximum stress of the different types of grafts. A Student t test was used to compare the independent samples in variables that follow a normal distribution.
Results: A total of 20 samples were used for the study, they were divided into 4 groups, Hamstring tendon (HTH), four-Strand Hamstring Grafts (STG4F), six-Strand Hamstring Grafts (STG6F) and Quadriceps Tendon (QT).
The mean maximum load (and standard deviation) was 1227.02 ± 371.34 newtons for the six-strand hamstring grafts, 967.71 ± 238.88 newtons for the four-strand hamstring grafts, 896.42 ± 175.46 newtons for the Hamstring tendon, and 856.58 ± 307.81 newtons for the quadriceps tendom but this differences are not statistically significant. Regarding the value of stiffness, the raised was the six-strand hamstring grafts with 213.63 ± 99.62 newtons.
