Editorial Commentary : Different Grafts, Different Problems: Why Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Selection Requires Individualized Decision‐Making

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament graft selection requires an individualized approach and shared decision‐making based on age, activity level, and numerous other patient‐ and knee‐specific factors. Advantages and disadvantages exist with all graft types. Clinically, many studies have shown similar patient‐reported outcomes, return‐to‐sport, and graft failure rates when comparing bone–patellar tendon–bone and quadriceps tendon grafts. Recently, there has been emerging evidence that quadriceps tendon autografts may offer a donor‐site morbidity advantage over bone–patellar tendon–bone grafts while maintaining comparable clinical outcomes. However, the literature has been filled with inconsistencies on how donor‐site morbidity is reported. Therefore, further research that explores donor‐site morbidity for different graft types using a standardized tool could significantly contribute to optimal graft selection.