A study published online in the journal Arthroscopy compares differences in short-term outcomes for patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a graft with preserved insertions and those treated with a free hamstring graft. 

The researchers conducted a prospective, randomized trial of 110 adult professional athletes, of whom 55 were treated with hamstring autograft with preserved insertions and 55 were treated with a free hamstring graft. At 2-year follow-up, the researchers found that, compared with free autograft, hamstring autograft with preserved insertions was associated with statistically superior anterior stability, better functional outcome, and closer return to preinjury level of sports activity. Learn more...