Examination in Predicting Hamstring Tendon Autograft Diameter

Wang Xiaobao; Lin Yi; Liu Zeyu; Yu Peng; Fu Kun

Abstract：Objective To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of predicting the final graft diameter(FGD).f hamstring tendon using human body parameters such as gender,age,surgical side,height,weight,and body mass index(BMI),as well as knee MRI.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 61 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction using autologous four-strand hamstring tendon grafts at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from January 2017 to December 2023.Among them were 47 males and 14 females,with an age range of 14 to 55 years[mean age(30.85±11.47)years].Linear correlation analysis,partial correlation analysis,and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were employed to determine the relationship between FGD and the predictive variables.Results Correlation analysis showed that FGD was correlated with height,gender,age,weight,cross-sectional area of the semitendinosus tendon(ST CSA),cross-sectional area of the gracilis tendon(GT CSA),and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons(ST-GT CSA)(P＜0.05),but not with surgical side,BMI,or thigh cross-sectional area.Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that height and ST CSA were the best combination for predicting FGD.Partial correlation analysis suggested that the correlations between gender,age,and weight with FGD were indirect results of height differences.Conclusion Basic human parameters and MRI can both reliably predict the diameter of hamstring tendon grafts,with a combined prediction effect being even better.The best predictive model is:FGD=1.292+0.034 × height(cm)+0.044 × ST CSA(mm2).This model provides a new perspective for preoperative assessment and aids in the formulation of more precise and personalized surgical plans,and it is recommended for application in clinical practice.