[Femoral press-fit fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: postoperative histological examination of bone block incorporation in pigs].
BACKGROUND
The histological properties of the femoral press-fit fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have not been extensively examined. The purpose of the study was to analyse the histological properties of the bone-patellar tendon graft in the bone tunnel area during the early stages of healing in an animal model. Furthermore the authors wanted to draw conclusions for the postoperative rehabilitation program on the basis of their data.


METHODS
ACL reconstruction was performed in pigs using femoral press-fit fixation. After 3 and 6 weeks the incorporation of the bone block in the femur in 2 pigs was histological and radiological evaluated.


RESULTS
After 3 and 6 weeks the examination showed almost similar histology on the bony side the grafts except (1) a higher amount of fibrotic tissue in-between the lamellae of the inserted patellar bone after 6 weeks, (2) the presence of direct osseous unions between the two lamellar systems and (3) thicker lamellae at the base than toward the condylar tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
Concerning the progression of graft healing by histological findings our study showed, that after 6 weeks the femoral press-fit fixation appear to have good incorporation after ACL reconstruction.
Hidas
Péter
P
Országos Sportegészségügyi Intézet, Sportsebészeti Osztály. peterhidas@hotmail.com
Illyés
György
G
Pavlik
Attila
A
Kendik
Zsolt
Z
Tállay
András
A
Berkes
István
I
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005269:Femur; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013552:Swine; D014945:Wound Healing