Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare the tensile strength of hamstring grafts of varying combined pull-through diameters within the clinically relevant range of 6 to 9 mm.
Results
The mean load to failure was 2,359 ± 474 N, 3,263 ± 677 N, 3,908 ± 556 N, and 4,360 ± 606 N for the 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-mm grafts, respectively. Minimum failure loads were as low as 1,567 N, 2,288 N, 2,874 N, and 3,720 N for each group, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the 6- and 7-mm, 6- and 8-mm, 6- and 9-mm, and 7- and 9-mm groups (P = .01).
Conclusions
Statistically different increasing tensile strength was seen as graft diameter increased. Significant variability exists in the strength of multi-stranded hamstring allografts within the diameter range of 6 to 9 mm that often falls well below the commonly accepted value of 4,000 N for a hamstring graft.
Clinical Relevance
Recent evidence suggests a higher early failure rate of hamstring autografts in subsets of patients with graft diameters of 8 mm or less. This study may increase awareness that hamstring grafts may not be nearly as strong as previously appreciated and that increasing tendon diameters by 1 to 2 mm may dramatically affect graft strength. These data may be helpful in preoperative discussions regarding variable hamstring size, strength, and potential intraoperative augmentation options.
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Boniello, Michael R., MS, Paul M. Schwingler, MD, Justin M. Bonner, Samuel P. Robinson, MD, Andrew Cotter, BS, and Kevin F. Bonner, MD. "Impact of Hamstring Graft Diameter on Tendon Strength: A Biomechanical Study." Arthroscopy (2015): N.p., 20 Feb. 2015. Web. 20 Feb. 2015.