The use of allograft tissue for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the risk of aseptic revision between bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autografts and BPTB allografts.

In conclusion, when BPTB allograft tissue was used for ACLR, an overall 4.54 times adjusted higher risk of revision was observed compared with surgery performed with a BPTB autograft. Whether the tissue was irradiated with either high- or low-dose radiation, chemically processed, or not processed at all made little difference in the risk of revision. The differences in the revision risk were also consistent in younger and older patients. Surgeons and patients should be aware of the increased risk of revision when a BPTB allograft is used for ACLR.

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