ACL debate

[henna]

Dr Shelbourne says people with a small intercondylar notch and massive quads seem to more likely rupture their ACLs, so if this is the case it would seem in theory that a patella tendon graft would be better in these cases as i was told that following a hamstring graft you never regain full strength. But is this true?? What are the current results on strength testing in clubs on the players (isokinetic etc) following hammie grafts once returning to sport 3-6 months down the track? Do clubs have a prototol on what hamstring strength they expect the player to be at before they are allowed to return to play?

[injuryupdate]

Hamstring vs. Patella is a trade-off between greater stability (patellar tendon) and greater morbidity (also patellar tendon). Therefore if a patient is more concerned about stability, patellar tendon is a better choice and if more concerned about morbidity, hamstring tendon is a better choice. Remember these concepts are generalisations - if a certain surgeon is good at one technique only, then if seeing that surgeon the best operation is the one that the surgeon is better at doing.

With respect to return to play, 90% strength (of contra-lateral side) is probably the recommended recovery before return to play, but there should be a minimum time irrespective of strength, and since some athletes never get up to 90% strength, sometimes this recommendation can't be adhered to.