Investigating the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cross-section area that best correlates with intraoperative hamstring auto graft size.

The primary function of the ACL is to prevent anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur. Other functions of the ACL include resisting internal rotation of the tibia and varus or valgus stress of the tibia in the presence of collateral ligament injury.Rupture of ACL is one of the most common  ligamentous injuries of the knee  with an incidence of 68.6 per 100,000 population. The incidence of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament has been reported as high as 75,000–100,000 per year in the India. It is most commonly caused by sports injuries, however in India, it is mainly caused by road traffic accidents.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is very frequent, not only in professional athletes but also–increasingly often- in people who practice sports regularly. Conservative treatment usually fails to eliminate recurrent symptoms during the return to activities. Additionally, with subsequent instability episodes, patients may show an accelerated onset of degenerative joint changes and meniscal injuries. ACL reconstruction aims to eliminate symptoms and prevent such degenerative joint changes.ACL reconstruction restores the stability of the knee joint and protects the menisci and joint surfaces from further damage,6and prevents worsening of existing chondral lesions as well as occurrence of newer lesions. Reconstruction of the ACL may also alter the incidence of osteoarthritis in the longer term. Also, ACL does not have the potential to adequately heal by itself when torn, therefore surgical ACL reconstruction is generally the treatment of choice. Large variation in tendon size between individuals makes hamstring graft diameter for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction unpredictable. Inadequate graft diameter may necessitate an alternative source of tissue requiring pre-operative planning. The purpose of this study was to determine whether, magnetic resonance image (MRI) measurements and clinical anthropometric data are predictive of hamstring tendon graft diameter.