Editorial Commentary: For Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Graft Fixation Should Be Performed at a Medium Tension in Full Extension: Multiple Bundle Reconstruction May Require a Different Strategy

Successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction requires a multifaceted approach to replicate normal knee anatomy and biomechanics. Graft tensioning force and the angle at which this tension is applied intraoperatively are factors under the surgeon’s control. The literature suggests the best tensioning strategy for single bundle reconstructions is at medium tension in full extension, while tensioning multiple bundles is best done at 20° at lower overall tension. Graft tensioning should be individualized with attention paid to graft choice and fixation. Generally, stiffer grafts are thought to require additional force to create the same amount of lengthening. For example, bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts tend to be stiffer than quadrupled hamstring grafts and the native anterior cruciate ligament. Hamstring grafts also are thought to exhibit greater stress relaxation over time, thus elongating and potentially causing increased laxity over time. Pretensioning may eliminate some postoperative graft creep, typically more of an issue with hamstring grafts.