Utilizing anthropometric measurements to forecast hamstring autograft dimensions among adolescents

Purpose

This investigation aimed to assess the predictive capability of pre-operative anthropometric data in determining the diameter of hamstring autografts among adolescents undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Materials and methods

This retrospective analysis included 68 adolescent patients aged 13 to 17 who underwent single-bundle ACLR with a 4-stranded hamstring autograft (Gracilis and Semi-Tendinosus) from 2008 to 2012. Pre-operative anthropometric data, including bone age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA), were documented. Correlation between anthropometric data and the intra-operative diameter of the 4-strand hamstring autograft was assessed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

This study comprised 68 participants (36 males and 32 females), with females having a mean bone age of 14.9 years (±1.1) and males 15.2 years (±0.9). Males exhibited a significantly larger graft size than females (p < 0.05). Graft diameter showed a moderate correlation with weight in both males (r = 0.40, p < 0.05) and females (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Height displayed a moderate correlation in females only (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). BMI did not correlate with graft diameter in females but had a moderate correlation in males (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). BSA moderately correlated with graft diameter in both females (r = 0.40, p < 0.05) and males (r = 0.39, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Anthropometric measurements reveal a direct correlation with hamstring graft diameter among adolescents, empowering surgeons to improve preoperative strategizing and offer more comprehensive patient guidance ahead of ACL reconstruction.