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May, 2025

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ACL graft type

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e.wait
Posts: 869 - Karma: 1,954
Patellar tendon or cadaver??? I'm told that the patellar tendon has the lowest rate of failure (by about 1-2%), but recovery is significantly easier with the cadaver option. I've also heard that patellar tendon patients tend to experience more anterior knee pain post-op. I have a fairly high pain tolerance, so I'm leaning towards the patellar tendon--but if anyone has some anecdotes that would help inform my decision, please share. Anyone have both done? i.e. patellar first, then cadaver after a re-tear.
8 years ago
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eheath
Posts: 61949 - Karma: 126,672
I did a patellar graft when I had my ACL surgery (11 years ago) my doctor seemed to think it was best, I know people who have done all different types. I don't think it'll make a huge difference either way, its all about how well you recover in PT.
8 years ago
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safety.third
Posts: 218 - Karma: 469
I did a hamstring graft for me ACL, and I'm happy with it. I've had no pain or issues at the site they harvested tissue. That was about a year ago, and now I'm deadlifting/doing hamstring movements the same as always.

Just make you have a good surgeon and really hop on therapy.
8 years ago
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Deepskier
Posts: 3269 - Karma: 4,864
Ive sprained my patellar and MCL never blew them though so Im not sure I can help you.
8 years ago
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skierman
Posts: 8600 - Karma: 9,518
Get the dead person's tendon. They won't be using it.
8 years ago
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TheHamburglar
Posts: 3895 - Karma: 3,317
Who wouldn't get the cadaver? I got one and its fucking sweet
8 years ago
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90053
Posts: 2565 - Karma: 3,728
Hype

Get the one your preferred doctor is most practised in

Quality of surgeon = better graft > type of graft
8 years ago
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mikemurda
Posts: 93 - Karma: -116
Patellar Tendon, thats what Adrian Peterson got.
8 years ago
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Lemuel
Posts: 14544 - Karma: 11,157
e.waitAnyone have both done? i.e. patellar first, then cadaver after a re-tear.


That's me. Cadaver was much easier to rehab, but it isn't as strong (apparently). Not too much knee pain, it does get achy sometimes but no big. Biggest thing really is keeping up with PT. They were thinking of taking my patellar from my other knee the second time around, but we decided to save that one for the chance of my left one blowing out, since my track record isn't good haha.
8 years ago
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dan4060
Posts: 1458 - Karma: 847
I did mine about 13 years ago and got a patellar tendon. It has been great, but the rehab is not easy. Whatever you choose just get after it with the PT.
8 years ago
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danbrown
Posts: 11939 - Karma: 21,834
hamstring. my doctor is the us freeski surgeon/team doctor. he didn't give me any other option.
8 years ago
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3459 - Karma: 11,912
I had a patellar graft. that was about 4 years ago and my knee feels great most of the time. skiing better than ever these days. my knee still gets achy from time to time but stretching always fixes it.

right after surgery was really rough though, could barely get out of bed for 2 weeks. but I had both menisci done at the same time.
8 years ago
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e.wait
Posts: 869 - Karma: 1,954
thanks for all the responses. probably going for the patellar tendon since my doc seems to favor it.
8 years ago
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yelsel
Posts: 12967 - Karma: 3,451
ebotdzI did a hamstring graft for me ACL, and I'm happy with it. I've had no pain or issues at the site they harvested tissue. That was about a year ago, and now I'm deadlifting/doing hamstring movements the same as always.

Just make you have a good surgeon and really hop on therapy.


same here and I'm glad my doctor went that route
8 years ago
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