Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to make a histological analysis of the remodelling process of hamstring tendon graft used as Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The hamstring graft of eight patients was biopsied at different follow-up times from 1 to 10 years. The specimens were analysed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at ultrastructural level comparing them with a native ACL and a native hamstring graft. The hamstring graft was found to undergo ultrastructural changes in terms of number and diameter of fibrils with the major changes occurring in the first 2 years. At longer times after surgery (48 and 120 months) no important further changes were evident and the ultrastructure did not vary substantially from 2 to 10 years. In conclusion, the hamstring tendon used as ACL graft undergoes a transformation process but does not match the ultrastructure pattern of a normal ACL up to 10 years.
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The authors wish to thank Dr. A. Montaperto, Dr. L. Bragonzoni, Dr. A. Visani, M. Bonfiglioli, G. Bernagozzi (Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute).
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Zaffagnini, S., De Pasquale, V., Marchesini Reggiani, L. et al. Electron microscopy of the remodelling process in hamstring tendon used as ACL graft. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 18, 1052–1058 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0925-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0925-7