What Is a Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft Used For?

This graft uses the central portion of the patellar tendon together with small bone pieces from the kneecap and shinbone. During ACL reconstruction, the surgeon places the graft through tunnels in the thighbone and shinbone. The bone plugs help anchor the tissue while it heals, and the tendon becomes a replacement for the injured ligament.

It may be considered when an active person needs a strong reconstruction for activities involving pivoting, landing, or sudden direction changes. The choice depends on knee findings, activity goals, previous surgery, other injuries, and the surgeon’s assessment.

Before surgery, discuss graft choices, rehabilitation milestones, and how other knee problems will be managed. After surgery, follow the prescribed brace, wound, weight-bearing, and exercise instructions. Physiotherapy usually progresses from controlling swelling and regaining movement to strengthening the thigh and practising balance. Returning to sport should be based on strength, control, and clinical testing rather than a calendar date.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing redness or drainage from the wound, fever, worsening calf pain or swelling, new shortness of breath, or a foot that becomes cold, pale, numb, or unusually weak. Sudden severe knee pain, a new injury, or loss of movement also deserves timely assessment.

Ask which graft options fit your sport and knee condition, what discomfort can occur at the front of the knee, when you may bear weight, and how physiotherapy will be adjusted if stiffness or weakness develops.