GRAFT TYPE IMPLICATIONS IN POSTOPERATIVE CARE FOLLOWING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a pivotal procedure for restoring knee stability and function in patients with ACL injuries. The choice of graft type—autograft, allograft, or synthetic—plays a critical role in the long-term outcomes of the surgery, influencing factors such as knee stability, the risk of osteoarthritis, and patient satisfaction. To systematically review and synthesize current literature on the long-term implications of different graft choices in ACL reconstruction, focusing on knee stability and function, osteoarthritis risk, and patient satisfaction. The review analyzed studies identifying significant differences in long-term outcomes associated with various graft types. Autografts, particularly patellar tendon and hamstring tendon grafts were generally associated with superior knee stability and function and lower osteoarthritis risk compared to allografts and synthetic grafts. However, the choice of graft did not significantly alter the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Patient satisfaction was highest among those receiving autografts, attributed to the perceived naturalness of the repair and the restoration of pre-injury activity levels. The findings underscore the need for future research to explore innovative graft materials and surgical techniques that could optimize long-term outcomes. Additionally, studies focusing on patient-centered outcomes and the psychological aspects of recovery could further inform clinical practice. The review highlights the importance of individualized graft selection in ACL reconstruction, considering patient-specific factors such as activity level, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Clinicians should incorporate evidence-based practices into their decision-making process, balancing the benefits and limitations of each graft type to optimize patient outcomes.