Allograft

Patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, and even Achilles tendon can be taken from a cadaver and can be inserted and fixed with the same technique that are used for autografts i.e. tissues donated from the patient's own body.

Advantages

The advantages of using cadaver graft tissue are obvious; no risks, pain, or scars from the donor site. Surgical time is quicker and because there is considerably less discomfort postoperatively, the incidence of joint stiffness and atrophy of the quadriceps muscle is significantly reduced.

Allografts are a good choice when there are limitations in a patient's own tissue availability. Complicated multiple ligament reconstructions needing several grafts (simultaneous ACL and PCL reconstructions after a dislocated knee, for example) routinely require the use of allograft tissue in addition to an autograft. Revision (repeat) ACL reconstructions where an autograft has already been harvested are also an indication for using a cadaver grafts.

Disadvantages

The biggest concern with using allograft is the risk of contracting a serious infection from the cadaver tissue. Hepatitis and HIV can be transmitted through these tissues, as well as some bacterial infections. Thankfully, this is extremely rare, making this essentially a non-concern.

Unfortunately there are some studies indicating that ACL reconstructions using these tissues may stretch out over time, so non-irradiated grafts are preferred structurally.