Editorial Commentary: Autograft Beats Allograft for Most Knee Ligament Surgery

Abstract

Knee ligament reconstruction can be performed with autograft or allograft. The use of an autograft has been shown to improve outcomes in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for young, active patients, and also in revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. A systematic review of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction showed no difference in outcomes between autograft and allograft tissue. There is a paucity of data comparing autograft versus allograft for fibular collateral ligament and posterolateral corner reconstructions, alone or combined with other ligament surgery. Allograft advantages include no donor site morbidity and reduced operative time. Disadvantages include increased cost and higher failure rates in younger patients. Autograft tissue should be considered in younger, active patients whenever possible.