title: MECHANICAL RESISTANCE OF THE PATELLAR LIGAMENT AFTER REMOVAL OF THE MIDDLE THIRD THROUGH EITHER ONE LONGITUDINAL INCISION OR TWO MINI-TRANSVERSE INCISIONS.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the resistance and regeneration of the patellar ligament after harvesting a graft for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, using the traditional technique of a single longitudinal skin incision or a technique of two transverse mini-incisions, in sheep.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten sheep were used. In the right knee, we removed the graft using the traditional method, and in the left knee, using the two-incision method. The animals were observed for six months. The specimens (patellar ligament, tibia and patella) were adapted to the mechanical test machine for ligament resistance tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No difference was found between the two proposed techniques in relation to the regeneration and resistance of the patellar ligament. However, we observed that shortening of the patellar ligament occurred in both groups, and that suturing of the superficial fascia of the patellar ligament did not influence the regeneration of the patellar ligament, according to the histology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The technique using two incisions in the skin presents the same patterns of regeneration and resistance of the remaining patellar ligament as shown by the traditional technique of a single, longitudinal incision.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedist. PhD student at the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (USP).
authors.forename: Leandro Calil
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: De Lazari
authors.affiliation: Professor Titular of the Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (USP).
authors.forename: Cleber Antonio Jansen
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Paccola
keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament; Patellar ligament; Sheep