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Graft failure versus graft fixation in ACL reconstruction: histological and immunohistochemical studies in rabbits

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Published:
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Abstract

The causes of graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are multifactorial including the methods of graft fixation. The purpose of this study was to examine the ACL graft failure in three different methods of graft fixations including interference screw fixation, suture-post fixation and combined interference screw and suture-post fixation. We hypothesized that the fixation method after ACL reconstruction can affect the graft healing in tibial tunnel. Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were categorized into three groups according to the method of fixation in unilateral ACL reconstruction with long digital extensor autograft. Histological examination demonstrated that the combined fixation and suture-post fixation groups showed significantly better integration between tendon and bone (P = 0.04). In immunohistochemical analysis, the combined fixation and suture-post fixation groups showed significantly higher BMP-2 and VEGF expressions than interference screw (P < 0.01). The tendon–bone healing after ACL reconstruction was affected by the method of graft fixation. Combined fixation with interference screw and suture-post reduced graft-tunnel micromotion and improved the graft healing in tibial tunnel.

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Acknowledgments

Funds were received in total or partial support for the research presented in this article. The funding source was the National Science Council (NSC-100-2314-B-182A-006).

Conflict of interest

None declared, with any funds received for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaoshiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 123, Ta Pei Road, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Shan-Ling Hsu & Ching-Jen Wang

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  2. Ching-Jen Wang
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Correspondence to Ching-Jen Wang.

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Hsu, SL., Wang, CJ. Graft failure versus graft fixation in ACL reconstruction: histological and immunohistochemical studies in rabbits. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 133, 1197–1202 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1790-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1790-x

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