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Iliotibial band autograft: what size is the graft? A mathematical and cadaveric model

ITB single and double strand size

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The iliotibial band (ITB) is used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in skeletally immature patients as well as several other orthopedic reconstructions. The purpose of this study is to determine the size of the ITB as an autograft option in ACL reconstruction surgery or other orthopedic soft tissue reconstructions.

Methods

Five adult cadavers resulting in nine ITB were used. Thickness and width of the ITB were determined. Using ITB width of 15–60 mm, single and doubled graft sizes were determined using standard surgical graft size technique. Geometric calculations based on average graft thickness were used to mathematically confirm the graft size of the ITB.

Results

The ITB is less than 1 mm in thickness in males and females. Cadaveric measurements were less than 1 mm larger than mathematical measurements, in majority of measurements. ITB autograft can be harvested to a maximum 9 mm single-stranded graft or > 12 mm doubled graft. A minimum of 50 mm of ITB width is required to make a 8 mm graft.

Conclusions

ITB is a versatile graft that can be used for a graft size up to 9 mm single strand and over 12 mm double strand. A minimum of 50 mm width of ITB is required to obtain a 8 mm-diameter autograft. To ensure appropriate graft size, surgeons should consider harvesting the maximum amount of ITB when performing ACL reconstructions in skeletally immature patients.

Clinical relevance

Surgeons have a quick reference for the width of ITB they should harvest based on the size of graft they require for a successful surgery.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank individuals who donate their bodies and tissues for the advancement of education and research.

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Authors received no financial support for this study.

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Correspondence to Jennifer J. Beck.

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Beck, J.J., Takamura, K., Beck, J.M. et al. Iliotibial band autograft: what size is the graft? A mathematical and cadaveric model. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 140, 19–23 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-019-03208-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-019-03208-5

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