JODHPUR, March 19 -- Two studies from an orthopaedic surgeon at AIIMS Jodhpur, Dr Nitesh Gahlot, are pointing to stronger repairs and clearer paths to regaining full leg power after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear using thicker grafts. For millions worldwide, getting back on their feet has meant months of rehab, lingering weakness, and the fear of re-injury. Published in the European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology (EJOST) and Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (KSSTA)-these papers spotlight innovative techniques that could make ACL surgeries safer and more effective. In one study, Dr. Gahlot and his team highlighted the use of the peroneus longus tendon of the ankle instead of the traditionally used hamstring (the back of the thigh) or patellar tendon (near the kneecap) grafts. The study revealed that surgeries done by harvesting hamstring tissue can leave patients with weaker leg muscles for months. The team compared 35 patients using the peroneus longus graft against 35 using the traditional hamstring graft. The ankle-sourced peroneus graft was thicker and longer, making for a sturdier "replacement ligament" that fits better during surgery. Patients' functional recovery scores were on par or slightly better in the ankle group. The second study was to dive deeper into why hamstring-harvested knees do not regain full strength even years later. Teaming up with radiologists, Dr. Gahlot tracked 48 patients (average age 28) over two years. It was revealed that regrowth did not match up with strength, which was only 60-70% of the healthy knee's force at six months and increased to only 83% even after two years....