ACL Graft Options For Surgery the prehab guys

There are more than 200,000 ACL injuries each year in the United States alone, and approximately 65% of these injuries are treated with reconstructive surgery. ACL graft options for surgery are one of the main topics of discussion between orthopedic surgeons and their patients. Numerous factors including patient age, occupation, activity level, graft availability, surgical history, existing tendinopathy, and the experience and preference of the surgeon, should be considered prior to determining which type of graft will be used for reconstruction. We’ve teamed up with Dr. Nima Mehran and Dr. Mick Huges, an orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist respectively, each of whom specializes in sports medicine as well as ACL rehab, to cover everything you need to know about what you can do prior to surgery for maximal results, graft selection, and what to expect immediately after surgery. With this guide, you will no longer have to fear the unknown. Learn everything there is to know about ACL reconstruction surgery graft options!

 

ACL Graft Options For Surgery with Dr. Nima Mehran

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a devastating injury for any athlete. Athletes who wish to continue playing sports that involve cutting and pivoting such as basketball, soccer, or football will likely need surgery to continue playing. Once an athlete has decided to proceed with an ACL reconstruction, a great deal of time is spent discussing ACL graft options. Many factors such as age, activity level, and sport play a role in determining the most optimal graft choice for an athlete.

THIS VIDEO IS A MUST WATCH!!!

You may be wondering “what exactly is a graft?” A graft is a tissue that is used to create a new ACL. The first decision is determining if you should use your own tissue (autograft) or tissue from a donor (allograft). The benefits of using your own tissue include decreased risk of disease transmission and decreased time to completely morph into a mature ACL when compared to donor tissue. However, using your own tissue means that it has to be surgically removed from another part of your body which results in more pain after surgery and potential functional limitations of the donor site after surgery. The benefit of using donor tissue is that you will not have extra pain from a donor site, but the downside is that the graft takes longer to become your new ACL and there is an extremely small risk of disease transmission.

 

Having Difficulty Regaining Knee Extension After ACL Surgery?

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Whether you are going to have an ACL surgery, or have just had an ACL surgery, knee extension is crucial for optimal outcomes! This program is designed to optimize your knee extension mobility and educate you on how to own your knee mobility. For more about this program click HERE.

 

ACL Graft Options: Autograft of Allograft?

So how do you pick? Evidence has given us some great general guidelines, but the most important thing is, to be honest with yourself and your doctor about your activity level and goals for the future.  Based on large high-level national studies we have seen that younger age and higher activity levels are the biggest risk factors for re-injury after ACL reconstruction. Many studies show that patients in their early twenties or younger have a much higher risk of tearing the newly reconstructed graft if they have a donor graft placed compared to using their own tissue for a graft. On the other hand, there is good evidence to support that there is a similar risk of tearing a newly reconstructed ACL whether an allograft or autograft is used in athletes over the age of 40. In high-level athletes or active patients under 30 who would like to continue playing cutting sports and have no limitations, I highly recommend using an autograft for your ACL graft option. However, if a patient is closer to 40 and older, or is not very active, I recommend using donor tissue.

The tricky part is when the patient is a 25-year-old who wants to have their ACL reconstructed but they lead a very low-demand lifestyle (plays minimal to no cutting sports). Similarly, it can be a tough call if a patient is a 45-year-old super high-level athlete, yet we have seen scenarios that have played out well for people that went against these recommendations mentioned above! But, that is why it is important for your doctor to really know you as a patient and understand your current and future goals so they can help you make the best decision for your ACL graft option, your knee health longevity, and your needs.

ACL Reconstruction with Dr. Nima Mehran

 

ACL Autograft Options: Hamstring, Patellar, and Quadriceps Tendon

So if the best choice for you is your own tissue (autograft), where would your doctor take the tissue from? This is the next big part of the discussion and is once again where your age, size, and activity level can play a role. The two most common ACL graft option choices, both nationally and internationally, are the hamstring tendon and patellar tendon. However, in recent years quad tendon has been becoming more popular. All three are good ACL graft choices with successful results, but I would like to give you some details about the pros and cons of each graft choice to help make the choice easier based on your personal preferences.

 

ACL Graft Options For Surgery: Bone Patellar Bone

Bone Patellar Bone Autograft What is the ACL

I would like to compare the two most commonly used autografts in both the US and Europe, the patellar tendon and the hamstring tendon. Currently, the most common graft choice being used in the United States in professional basketball and football players is in the central third of the patellar tendon (which includes bone from your knee cap and from your shin bone on either end). The advantages of the patellar tendon include that bone heals into the bone tunnels that are created for the new ligament. Bone to bone healing has been shown to be more reliable and stronger than soft tissue to bone healing. Despite its pros, the patellar tendon also has cons.

The most common complaint is pain in the front of the knee from where the graft was taken. This knee pain is usually felt with kneeling in the first two years after surgery and generally improves. Also, there is a very small chance that the knee cap can break since bone is being removed from it for the graft. The hamstring graft can be a better option with good results for those athletes who must kneel a great deal since it has a lower likelihood of pain in the front of the knee with kneeling. Additionally, the hamstring graft makes for a slightly easier surgery on the surgeon, as well as a slightly smaller incision for those who are concerned with cosmetics. However, some patients experience a slight loss of hamstring strength which can be a problem for certain athletes. Additionally,  and most importantly to some patients, recent literature has shown that when compared to the patellar tendon, hamstring autograft patients have a slightly higher risk of their graft tearing in the first few years after surgery.

 

ACL Graft Options For Surgery: Quad Tendon

Quadriceps ACL Autograft What is the ACL

When deciphering ACL graft options for surgery, the final ACL autograft option is the quad tendon. The quadriceps tendon is taken above the knee cap and can either be taken with a portion of the bone (from the kneecap) on one side or with no bone at all. There is a great deal of excitement about this graft, however, there are few long-term studies at this point which is why I am not comparing it directly to the other two autograft types. In short and intermediate-term studies it has been shown to be a great option. Its major advantages are the thickness of the graft and that it causes minimal anterior knee pain. Its largest disadvantage at this stage is that we do not have the sample size or years of results like the other two grafts; so only time will tell.

Regardless of which graft you feel fits you best, it is important to discuss all ACL graft options for surgery with your surgeon and make sure it is a graft he or she has a great deal of experience using. I wish you the best on your road to recovery and know that there are a lot of great resources (physiotherapists, trainers, physicians, and other patients) that you can always speak with.

 

Unlock The Secrets To Gaining Knee Extension After Surgery!

 

ACL Graft Options: Let’s Talk Common ACL Rehab Questions!

After gaining an understanding of the different ACL graft options from a surgeon’s perspective, we can talk about rehab! Below are some featured common ACL rehab questions with Dr. Mick Hughes!

 

Is there a benefit to performing pre-op ACLr physio AKA prehab?

Yes! Such a common ACL rehab question. There is a significant amount of evidence published, with more emerging, that supports ACLr prehab to improve the outcomes of ACL reconstruction rehab. ACLr prehab has been shown to improve quality of life after ACLr surgery, a better chance to return to a prior level of function, and return to sport participation. ACLr prehab should be the standard of care for people getting ACLr surgery moving forward!

The rationale for prehab prior to ACL reconstruction is simple: to maximize the function and health of the knee prior to surgery. The stronger your knee going into surgery, the stronger it will be when you come out. The goals of prehab are to:

  • Control joint swelling and edema

 

  • Regain normal knee range of motion (ROM)

 

  • Regain a normal gait (walking) pattern

 

  • Improve lower extremity strength and coordination

 

READ: KNEE SURGERY [P]REHAB EXERCISES

knee surgery prehab exercises acl graft options for surgery

It has been demonstrated that patients who exhibit full knee extension ROM, absent or minimal swelling, and no knee extension lag during a straight leg raise before surgery have better surgical outcomes. The single most important variable to work on in prehab is the symmetrical knee extension range of motion. Pre-operative range of motion is indicative of post-op range of motion, so restoring full symmetrical knee extension is vital if you hope to achieve full range of motion after surgery! To control swelling and pain, elevate the leg and use icepacks around the knee. Try to straighten your leg as much as possible when icing and keep icing sessions no longer than 15 minutes. It’s extremely common to have limited ROM due to swelling and pain following surgery, and regaining full knee ROM (especially extension) can sometimes be extremely difficult. Therefore, regaining as much range of motion as possible prior to surgery is of paramount importance. Some exercises you can do to improve your range of motion include:

  • Heel slides

 

  • Ankle Pumps

 

  • Bicycle

 

  • Bag hangs

 

  • Hamstring stretch

 

  • Calf stretch

 

  • Quad stretch

 

ACL [P]Rehab Exercises

Preoperative quadriceps strength is a significant predictor of knee function after ACL reconstruction, so it is extremely important to regain as much quadriceps strength as possible prior to surgery. Also, strength and control of the gluteal muscles play a huge role in preventing a future non-contact ACL injury (READ: How To Prevent Bad Knee Valgus), so strengthening the hip musculature should be implemented as well. Some exercises you can do include:

  • Bridges

 

  • SLR

 

  • Knee extension full ROM

 

  • Hip abduction

 

  • Hip extension in prone/fire hydrant

 

  • Hamstring curl

 

  • Toe raises

 

  • Side steps

 

  • Lunges

 

  • Box squats

 

In a recent study by Shaarani et al 2013, they examined the effect of a 6-week prehab protocol that included strengthening exercises (with a focus on the quadriceps) on a group that did nothing before surgery. The prehab group reported improved knee function subjectively, as well as scoring better on the single leg hop tests at 12 weeks post-op. Putting in a little bit of time and energy into prehab has the potential to drastically improve your rehabilitation outcome in those ever so important first couple of months of intensive rehabilitation.

 

Prehab Membership The Prehab Guys

The Prehab membership is the anti-barrier solution to keeping your body healthy. Access state-of-the-art physical therapy, fitness programs, and workouts online in the comforts of your own home or gym! Taking control of your health with exercise & education from the palm of your hand has never been easier. Get access to 50+ programs, 100+ unique workouts, and 3000+ exercises to build your own workout routines. Trial it for free, and learn how to get out of pain, avoid injury, and optimize your health with [P]rehab!

 

What Is a coper?

Not the most common ACL rehab question, however someone who can cope without an intact ACL. Mick and I chat briefly about the number of copers out there and if they necessarily should opt for surgery. We have both seen great success with copers performing ACL reconstruction rehab without actually getting ACL reconstruction surgery, but proceed with caution.

 

What do you want to see ASAP after surgery during ACL reconstruction rehab?

Full knee extension, minimal knee swelling, solid quad activation, and minimal quad lag. Read more about how tissue heals below, including a chart that breaks down tissue types, such as an ACL graft!

READ: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TISSUE HEALING

tissue healing prehab guys acl graft options for surgery

 

 

Open Kinetic Chain (OKC) knee extension: when, how much, and why? Is it OK?

YES! This is one of the most common ACL rehab questions and highly debated topics! Mick is super passionate about this and breaks it down when you can start this exercise, what range, and why. Listen in starting at minute 31. Also, be sure to listen to our [P]Rehab Audio Experience where we discuss this topic in even. more detail!

LISTEN: IS THE KNEE EXTENSION MACHINE SAFE?

knee extension machine acl reconstruction surgery graft options

 

Return to running: when and how

Probably the most common ACL rehab question from patients! Mick and I touch base on all things getting back to running during ACL reconstruction rehab. We agreed we like to wait until 12 weeks due to a significant amount of individuals who experience an ACL tear injury also experience a bone bruise. The 12-week time frame helps to allow the bone to heal. Mick and I also talk about some of the performance requirements we like to see our ACLr patients meet prior to running that are outlined in the Melbourne ACL Rehabilitation Guide 2.0 However, not every person is going to run at 12 weeks after ACLr! It all depends, and we chat about this and some of the differences we see from patient to patient in ACL reconstruction rehab.

 

Return to sport: is it 9 months for everyone? Or should we move away from this number?

Another common ACL rehab question from patients and parents. This is a hot topic and there is always new evidence emerging that supports waiting at least 9 months. However, we need to push for a criterion-based protocol vs. a time-based protocol. Also, anyone under the age of 20 may want to wait until at least 12 months! Mick and I talk about our experiences and what we think. Listen in at 42:45

 

Things to Know About Your Rehabilitation Protocol

First and foremost, make sure you have a physio on your side helping to manage your rehab! Ideally, you visited your physio prior to surgery to come up with an individualized rehab plan specific to your knee. You and your physio will be embarking on a 9+ month (yes, a minimum of 9 months) of intensive rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and return to sport training to not just get you back on the field, but back out there even stronger than you were prior to the injury. How Do I Know When I Am Ready to Return To Sport Following an ACL Reconstruction?

In general, ACL rehabilitation protocols are criterion-based.  This means that in order to move onto the next phase of rehab, you must meet certain criteria like regaining full knee extension or regaining at least 60% of your quadriceps strength in comparison to the other side. Phases allow you and your physio to set objective goals that maximize your ability to exercise at your current level of function while minimizing the risk of injury to the healing tissue.

Remember, everyone’s rehab process is completely different! Just because you haven’t gained back full ROM as fast as your buddy, it does not mean you’re behind! Your physio and orthopedic surgeon design your rehabilitation protocol for YOUR knee. They know the quality of your tissues, what other structures were injured (i.e. menisci, medial collateral ligament, etc.), what other structures (if any) may have been repaired in addition to your ACL, and also how your ACL graft option affects your rehab. All of these factors will play a role in designing your comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Remember, the guidelines you read online (including ours!) are merely a general structure to follow for an isolated ACL reconstruction and the timeline is not a hard and fast rule!

 

After Surgery

After surgery, you will most likely be given crutches and a knee brace. Your orthopedic surgeon will determine how and when to use the crutches and brace. For an isolated ACL reconstruction, you can put some weight on your knee immediately. However, if other structures such as a meniscus are repaired, weight-bearing is typically limited unless you’re braced in full extension. Remember to ask your surgeon how much weight you are allowed to put on your knee! Most surgeons will advise keeping your brace locked into an extended position while walking (and sometimes even sleeping). Your physio will determine when you’re strong enough to unlock the brace to 90 degrees. The brace is important because it protects your knee from buckling and gives way during the post-op period when your quadriceps muscle isn’t firing as optimally as it could be. Remember, it is better to be overly cautious than risk having another ACL surgery!

Quad Sets

 

Closing Thoughts

ACL graft options for surgery differ based on the type of tissue as well as where the tissue is taken from within the body. Each graft has its pros and cons, but overall, can have similar outcomes if there is a great team approach between the surgeon, rehab team, and patient! We wish you the best of luck with your ACL rehabilitation! Don’t think of this time as missing a season. Rather, see it as preparing to become the next Adrian Peterson in your respective competitive league. A proper rehabilitation program is so much more than just rehab, it’s [P]rehab to prevent a future injury down the road!

Learn The Safe, Most Effective Way To Get Your Knee Straight After ACL Surgery!

knee extension mobility program the prehab guys acl reconstruction surgery graft options

Knee extension is not just a recommendation it is needed! Hypothetically, you could walk on a bent knee but this is going to waste energy and ultimately limit your movement endurance. Instead, let’s get you moving efficiently by achieving and keeping full knee extension.

 

References

  1. Adams, Douglas, David Logerstedt, Airelle Hunter-Giordano, Michael J. Axe, and Lynn Snyder-Mackler. “Current Concepts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Criterion-Based Rehabilitation Progression.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 42.7 (2012): 601-14. Web.
  2. Mehran, Nima, Bill Moutzouros, and Asheesh Bedi. “A Review of Current Graft Options for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.” Journal of Bone and Joint Review3.11 (2015): n. pag. Web.
  3. Shaarani, Shahril. “The Effect of Prehabilitation on the Outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.” American Journal of Sports Medicine 41.9 (2012): 2117-127. Web.

 

About the Contributing Authors

Dr. Nima Mehran, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr Nima MehranNima Mehran, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint replacements. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Southern California, attended the Chicago Medical School, and was Chief Resident during his orthopedic surgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Mehran has published several scientific papers and has delivered numerous scientific lectures. He has been on the physician team for the USC Trojan Football team, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks.

 

 

 

 

Mick Hughes, PT

Physiotherapist

Mick Hughes is the Head Physiotherapist and High-Performance Manager for the Collingwood Magpies Netball Team in the Suncorp Super Netball League. He also consults part-time at The Melbourne Sports Medicine Centre.  Clinically his area of interest is the lower limb, specifically the knee and ankle.

Website: https://www.mickhughes.physio

Instagram: @mickhughesphysio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickhughesphysio/

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer – The content here is designed for information & education purposes only and is not intended for medical advice.

About the author : [P]rehab

6 Comments

  1. Jack Reyes December 20, 2018 at 10:52 am

    Mailing list

  2. Timothy Swigert February 22, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    Hello I just had ACL reconstructive surgery 3 weeks ago today. I had a hamstring graft. To make a long story short my hamstring is screaming when I try to stretch my hamstring. I get a sharp pain up the back of my leg. When will this pain go away. What can I do on my own to help the hamstring out. It is really preventing me from strengthening my knee. Any ideas?

    • Michael Lau February 25, 2019 at 11:25 am

      Best to consult with your physical therapist. However, i would NOT be stretching your hamstring that soon after your graft harvesting. Give it time to rest!!!

  3. Vinay October 26, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Hey i followed your video for knee extension, but im still having trouble reaching hyperextension on my op leg. (Non-op is -12 degrees) any tips on reaching those end ranges?

    • Team [P]Rehab October 27, 2021 at 4:38 am

      Hello Vinay!! Thank you for your question and reaching out! I would look into our comprehensive, step-by-step Knee Extension Mobility Program! It can take you through the progressions week by week of properly regaining your knee extension range of motion. The link is here below. Please reach out to us if you have more specific questions about the program!

      URL: https://theprehabguys.com/program-knee-extension-overhaul/

      All The Best,

      Team [P]Rehab

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