A quads tendon graft is used for ligament reconstruction, and is harvested from the lower part of the quadriceps tendon, together with a bit of the patellar bone.
Page updated October 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Harvesting the quadriceps tendon
The quadriceps tendon is not normally the first choice of surgeons, but is often considered for revision surgery.
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Forum discussions
- Patellar tendon has not filled years after recon
Unhappy patient years struggling with the harvest site year after patellar tendon graft for a cruciate reconstruction.
Peer-reviewed papers
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Quote:
"QT is an excellent graft option in ACL reconstruction both in the primary and revision settings and both in the adult and pediatric populations and should provide surgeons with further assurance when selecting this graft option in ACL reconstruction. "
Citation: Cohen D, Slawaska-Eng D, Almasri M, Sheean A, de Sa D. Quadricep ACL Reconstruction Techniques and Outcomes: an Updated Scoping Review of the Quadricep Tendon. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2021 Dec;14(6):462-474. doi: 10.1007/s12178-021-09726-3. Epub 2021 Nov 10. PMID: 34755275; PMCID: PMC8733128.
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Quote:
"The quadriceps tendon autograft is an excellent alternative to the hamstring tendon autograft, as cadaveric studies have reported comparable or superior load to failure strength"...But note that "(t)here is potential for injury at the muscle–tendon junction during the proximal aspect of the quadriceps harvest."
Citation: Aitchison AH, Schlichte LM, Green DW, Cordasco FA. Open Full-Thickness Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Harvest With Repair for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Arthrosc Tech. 2020 Sep 15;9(10):e1459-e1465. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2020.06.006. PMID: 33134047; PMCID: PMC7587024.
Relevant material -
2010 - Graft Choice in ACL reconstructions - The Place of Allografts - by Dr (Mr) Ian McDermott (Knee Surgeon)