title: Hamstring graft preparation using a modified rolling hitch technique.
abstract: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using double-looped hamstring autograft is a common procedure in orthopaedic practice. However, during placement of the running, locking stitches at each end of the harvested tendons, the surgeon may face several potential obstacles, including the risk of damaging the tendon, predisposing the surgeon to needle-stick injury, and extended time consumption. We report a modified rolling hitch technique for hamstring graft preparation that is quick, cost-saving, and needleless as an alternative method. The original rolling hitch technique uses a traditional knot that attaches a rope to an object; the modified rolling hitch technique was created by adding 1 more turn before finishing with a half-hitch, which may prevent suture slippage off the tendon, thus providing sufficient fixation of the suture-tendon construct.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chih-Kai
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chih-Hsun
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chen-Hao
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chiang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: I-Ming
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Jou
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wei-Ren
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Su