Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Graft Choices

Hi Guys,

I'm currently writing a new post on the graft choices for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction i.e. LARS (Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System), Hamstring Graft and Patellar Tendon Graft.

I would love to get the general physiotherapy community's thoughts on the rehab for each.

If you have rehab'd any one these please reply with your personal experiences, I'd love to know anything you have to say about it.

Hi. I've had experience in "rehabing" people following both of these procedures. I think generally the hamstring graft tends to result in less patellofemoral symptoms post operativley. It's vital however with the hamstring graft to include hamstring strengthening in the early phase of rehab. The skill of the surgeon of coarse comes in to play but generally speaking the hamstring graft tends to be the option resulting in less post operative discomfort and a more successful rehab process. I'd be interested to see what others think.

Rachael Burke
Rehabilitate prevent perform physiofixme

Hey Rachael,

Thanks for your thoughts. I tend to agree with your perspective. Have you had much experience with the LARS ligaments?

Due to an overwhelming response (not) I ended up writing the post without physio opinion.

Check it out here ACL Reconstruction with the LARS Ligament | The Sports Physiotherapist, I'd love to know your thoughts - good, bad or indifferent.

Hi again

No I don't have any experience with rehab following LARS reconstruction. It is relatively new here in NZ with only a handful of people having undergone the surgery - mostly high profile sports people. There is a bit of chatter and excitement however that it is going to revolutionise ACL reconstrcution and rehab!! Not so convinced yet. I still remember the artificial ligaments from years ago - was it dacron they used?? The failure rates were high.

Thanks for sparking the discussion and interest......it's something I'll be keeping an interested eye on....