ACL Reconstruction: Hamstring vs Patellar?

[tchwojko]

After reading as much as I can (so far) on the choice between reconstructing an ACL using patellar or hamstring tissues, I'm still left with essentially a coin flip. I'm not looking for medical advice, but rather information about either or both procedures, especially with respect to fencing.

Anyone got anything helpful? Or at least amusing?

[Empty Wallet]

There is an artificial implant used mostly in Europe called LARS. I am not sure whether they are permitted in the US.

Debates about its long-term efficacy, and potentially limited in the target patient range. Seems to have a much quicker return to sport time than traditional grafts.

No idea in relation to fencing.

[Sabresque]

Used hamstring, and my knee kind of works now. :P barely... but thats cause i continue to fence

[Mac A. Bee]

...the choice between reconstructing an ACL using patellar or hamstring tissues...Anyone got anything helpful?

Having over-stretched my rear ACL, I'm still looking. I initially used a DonJoy brace, transitioning to a McDavid while researching alternatives. I've been reading about canine studies using exo-grown replacement ligaments as well as Boston's Platelet Rich Plasma injections to induce regrowth. If you can get by without surgery for now, I'd recommend waiting for a less invasive procedure that requires six months' recovery.

[tchwojko]

Having over-stretched my rear ACL, I'm still looking. I initially used a DonJoy brace, transitioning to a McDavid while researching alternatives. I've been reading about canine studies using exo-grown replacement ligaments as well as Boston's Platelet Rich Plasma injections to induce regrowth. If you can get by without surgery for now, I'd recommend waiting for a less invasive procedure that requires six months' recovery.

1.0 technologies are not so appealing. I'd rather use the version that has the bugs worked out.

I'm currently trying to decide what my priorities are. I'm not an elite athlete, but I'd like to stay as active as possible. So does that mean trading recovery time for long term (hamstring)? Or going for the more solid bone-to-bone connection of the patellar option, with a longer recovery? And is that really the trade off? Research I've found so far seems non-conclusive.