ACL Graft Choices

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery requires the patient and surgeon to choose a type of graft. Presently there are two major categories--Autograft (your own tissue) and Allograft (cadaver tissue). There is a significant debate in the orthopedic literature as to which one is better.

The Autograft choices include: Patellar Tendon, Hamstring Tendon and Quadriceps Tendon.

The Allograft choices include: Achilles Tendon, Patellar Tendon and Hamstrings as well as tibialis anterior tendons.

This is an important discussion to have with your surgeon. His or her opinion and expertise should help guide you as to which of these choices is best for your surgery. The good news is that almost all of the options are good. The risks and benefits of each of them, however, are hotly debated even within the sports medicine community.

Good luck and send in your comments.

For more information about ACL Surgery, go to: EMEDx.com