Biomechanical Analysis of Autologous Graft Configurations for Knee Ligament Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study
5 affiliations
- 1CÍNICA ARTICULAR, FORTALEZA - CE – BRASIL
- 2USP, SÃO PAULO - SP – BRASIL
- 3ORTOCLÍNICA, MACEIÓ - AL – BRASIL
- 4UNIFESP, SÃO PAULO - SP – BRASIL
- 5UFERSA, MOSSORÓ - RN - BRASIL
Abstract
Objective: To biomechanically evaluate and compare different autologous graft configurations used for knee ligament reconstruction in a cadaveric experimental model. Methods: A biomechanical experimental study was conducted using 58 grafts harvested from 12 knees of six young male cadavers (mean age ~35 years). Tested grafts included full-thickness quadriceps tendon without bone plug, peroneus longus tendon, braided and parallel hamstrings, patellar tendon, rectus femoris tendon, and iliotibial band. All grafts underwent axial tensile testing using a universal electromechanical testing machine (EMIC DL 10000) at a constant displacement rate of 10 mm/min until failure or fixation slippage. Results: The full-thickness quadriceps tendon demonstrated the highest mean ultimate load to failure (2302.92 ± 79.68 N), followed by the peroneus longus tendon (1991.33 ± 160.29 N). Hamstring, patellar, and rectus femoris grafts showed tensile strengths comparable to those reported for the native anterior cruciate ligament (~1700–2000 N). The iliotibial band exhibited significantly lower strength (749.13 ± 155.40 N). Braided hamstring constructs showed a non-significant increase in strength compared with parallel configurations (p = 0.2967). Conclusion: Except for the iliotibial band, all evaluated autografts demonstrated biomechanical adequacy for primary knee ligament reconstruction. The iliotibial band should be reserved for extra-articular reinforcement procedures.
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BibTeX
@article{lopes2026biomechanical,
title = {{Biomechanical Analysis of Autologous Graft Configurations for Knee Ligament Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study}},
author = {M.B.G. Lopes and C.P. Helito and S.M.D.G. Canuto and R. Clazzer and D.A. De Lima and C.E.D.S. Franciozi},
journal = {Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1177/2325967126s00657},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967126s00657},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Biomechanical Analysis of Autologous Graft Configurations for Knee Ligament Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study
AU - M.B.G. Lopes
AU - C.P. Helito
AU - S.M.D.G. Canuto
AU - R. Clazzer
AU - D.A. De Lima
AU - C.E.D.S. Franciozi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/28
JO - Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
DO - 10.1177/2325967126s00657
UR - https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967126s00657
AB - Objective: To biomechanically evaluate and compare different autologous graft configurations used for knee ligament reconstruction in a cadaveric experimental model. Methods: A biomechanical experimental study was conducted using 58 grafts harvested from 12 knees of six young male cadavers (mean age ~35 years). Tested grafts included full-thickness quadriceps tendon without bone plug, peroneus longus tendon, braided and parallel hamstrings, patellar tendon, rectus femoris tendon, and iliotibial band. All grafts underwent axial tensile testing using a universal electromechanical testing machine (EMIC DL 10000) at a constant displacement rate of 10 mm/min until failure or fixation slippage. Results: The full-thickness quadriceps tendon demonstrated the highest mean ultimate load to failure (2302.92 ± 79.68 N), followed by the peroneus longus tendon (1991.33 ± 160.29 N). Hamstring, patellar, and rectus femoris grafts showed tensile strengths comparable to those reported for the native anterior cruciate ligament (~1700–2000 N). The iliotibial band exhibited significantly lower strength (749.13 ± 155.40 N). Braided hamstring constructs showed a non-significant increase in strength compared with parallel configurations (p = 0.2967). Conclusion: Except for the iliotibial band, all evaluated autografts demonstrated biomechanical adequacy for primary knee ligament reconstruction. The iliotibial band should be reserved for extra-articular reinforcement procedures.
SN - 2325-9671
ER -