Work

From Donor to Graft: Impact of Anthropometry on Tendon Size in Four Common Acl Allografts

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Objective: Donor anthropometry may influence allograft tendon dimensions; however, its specific relationship with each of the four most common ACL graft types remains incompletely characterized. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 38 cadaveric donors providing 170 tendons (Achilles n = 63, tibial n = 44, patellar n = 37, quadriceps n = 26) from a single tissue bank (2020–2023). Pearson/Spearman correlations with false-discovery rate correction (Benjamini–Hochberg) were computed for each donor variable (height, weight, age, sex) against graft dimensions (length, width, thickness); regression models were fitted. Results: Height was the strongest predictor of graft length for Achilles (r = 0.629, p < 0.001; β = 1.80 cm/10 cm, adj. R2 = 0.39) and tibial tendons (r = 0.608, p < 0.001; β = 1.11 cm/ 10 cm, adj. R2 = 0.35). Male sex was the primary predictor of patellar length (r = 0.540, p < 0.001) and was correlated with Achilles thickness (r = 0.353; FDR-adjusted q = 0.017). Weight showed modest correlations with Achilles dimensions. No associations were found for quadriceps. Conclusions: Donor height and sex are the dominant anthropometric predictors of allograft dimensions and should guide tissue bank allocation to optimize preoperative graft planning in ACL reconstruction. Level of Evidence IV; Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Source: Acta Ortopédica Brasileira

DOI: 10.1590/1413-785220263406e306752