The effect of graft-tunnel diameter disparity on intraosseous healing of the flexor tendon graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Graft-to-tunnel healing is a significant factor in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, but there have been few studies on the effect of graft-tunnel diameter disparity on intraosseous healing of the flexor tendon graft.


OBJECTIVE
Graft-tunnel diameter disparity of 2 mm has no effect on the pull-out strength of the graft from the bone tunnel.


METHODS
Controlled laboratory study.


METHODS
Forty-two beagle dogs were divided into three groups. In each animal, reconstruction was performed in the left knee by using a 4-mm diameter autogenous flexor tendon for groups 1 and 2 and by using a 4-mm wide bone-patellar tendon-bone graft in group 3. A 4-mm diameter tunnel was drilled in the tibia of groups 1 and 3 and a 6-mm diameter tunnel, in group 2. In each group, seven animals were sacrificed at 3 and 6 weeks.


RESULTS
The perpendicular fibers connecting the graft to the bone were generated in groups 1 and 2, and the number appeared to be higher in group 2, where the space was greater. There was no significant difference in the ultimate failure load between groups 1 and 2 at each period.


CONCLUSIONS
Graft-tunnel diameter disparity of up to 2 mm may not adversely affect intraosseous healing of the flexor tendon graft.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgeons need not be overly concerned about minor graft-tunnel diameter disparities.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Shuji
S
Yamazaki
Kazunori
K
Yasuda
Fumihisa
F
Tomita
Akio
A
Minami
Harukazu
H
Tohyama
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D004285:Dogs; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000601:surgery; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014945:Wound Healing