Hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: does gracilis tendon harvest matter?

Purpose

Hamstring tendon grafts are a popular choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Typical morbidity reported after hamstring tendon harvest is muscle weakness in flexion, and whilst still a matter for debate, this morbidity may be greater if the gracilis tendon is harvested in addition to the semitendinosus. This study sought to comprehensively compare the outcome of ACL reconstructions in which the semitendinosus was harvested alone (ST group) or with the gracilis (ST/G group).

Methods

Twenty patients (ten ST, ten ST/G) were assessed with a variety of measures that included subjective scores, function, strength and tibial rotation as measured by gait analysis during a pivoting task.

Results

Results showed that the graft diameter was significantly larger in the ST group, but there were no other differences between the groups for any other outcome measure.

Conclusion

Harvesting the gracilis in addition to semitendinosus does not appear to affect either the outcome or graft-related morbidity after hamstring ACL reconstruction.     

Long-term outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with an autologous four-strand semitendinosus tendon autograft

Purpose

Although the short- and mid-term outcomes of ACL reconstruction with a hamstring graft are promising, clinical investigations reporting the long-term results after ten years or longer are rare. Therefore we performed a retrospective single-blinded evaluation of ACL reconstruction using a four-stranded single-bundle reconstruction with a semitendinosus tendon graft with extracortical fixation.

Methods/Results

At follow-up patients obtained at least the same level in the clinical outcome scores (Lysholm, IKDC, Tegner) compared to previous studies with a similar follow-up time using a STG graft. Furthermore there was no detectable difference in the incidence of osteoarthritis. Patients having a negative pivot shift test showed significantly fewer signs of radiographic osteoarthritis and better functional assessment scores.

Conclusion

On the basis of our investigation, we conclude that the reconstruction of the ACL by a quadrupled semitendinosus tendon graft with extracortical anchorage can achieve excellent clinical and subjective results after a follow-up of ten years.     

Anatomic double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons

Recent biomechanical studies have shown that an anatomic double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is superior in restoring normal knee laxity compared with the conventional single-bundle isometric reconstruction. We describe a modification of an endoscopic PCL reconstruction technique using a double-bundle Y-shaped hamstring tendon graft. A double- or triple-bundle semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft is used and directly fixed with soft threaded biodegradable interference screws. In the medial femoral condyle, 2 femoral tunnels are created inside-out through a low anterolateral arthroscopic portal. First, in 80° of flexion, the double-stranded gracilis graft is fixed with an interference screw inside the lower femoral socket, representing the insertion site of the posteromedial bundle. In full extension the combined semitendinosus-gracilis graft is pretensioned and fixed inside the posterior aspect of the single tibial tunnel. The double- or triple-stranded semitendinosus tendon is inserted in the higher femoral tunnel, presenting the insertion site of the anterolateral bundle. Finally, pretension is applied to the semitendinosus bundle in 70° of flexion and a third screw is inserted. Using this technique, the stronger semitendinosus part of the double-bundle graft, which mimics the anterolateral bundle of the PCL, is fixed in flexion, whereas the smaller gracilis tendon part (posteromedial bundle) is fixed in full extension. Thus, a fully arthroscopic anatomic PCL reconstruction technique is available that may better restore normal knee kinematics as compared to the single-stranded isometric reconstruction.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 1 (January), 2001: pp 88–97     

Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by using hamstring tendon autograft and transosseous screw fixation: minimal 3 years follow-up

Background

The aim of this trial is to prospectively evaluate the outcomes of PCL reconstruction by means of quadruple hamstring tendon autograft with a double-fixation method at minimal 3-year follow-up.

Materials and methods

Only patients who underwent PCL reconstruction without any other concomitant injury were included in this study. A hamstring tendon graft is composed of a quadruple-stranded gracilis tendon and semitendinosus tendon about 10 cm in length. An arthroscopic technique via a two incision and a double-fixation method was applied. Clinical evaluations were performed for 52 patients. Clinical assessment of patients included the Lysholm knee scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, thigh muscle evaluation, and radiographic investigation.

Results

On the Lysholm knee score, 90 % of the patients displayed good or excellent rating in the final assessment. In the IKDC rating analyses, 60 % of the patients demonstrated 3–5-mm ligament laxity. For the IKDC final rating, 81 % were normal or nearly normal. Seventy-nine percent of the cases revealed less than a 10-mm difference in thigh girth between their reconstructed and contra lateral limbs.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction using quadruple hamstring tendon autograft provides acceptable outcomes at a minimum 3-year follow-up. The four-stranded hamstring tendon graft is suitable in graft size and results in minimal harvesting morbidity. We recommend that quadruple hamstring tendon graft be chosen for PCL reconstruction to achieve good ligament reconstruction. A double-fixation method which has been applied in this trial can be used to provide rigid fixation.     

Comparing the anatomic single-bundle versus the anatomic double-bundle for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective,randomized, single blind,clinical study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the early results of anatomic single bundle versus double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized study of anatomic single-bundle versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction using the hamstring tendons of 67 patients with unilateral ACL deficiency. The subjects were randomized into two groups. The single-bundle group consisted of 37 patients and the double-bundle group 30 patients. We used the following evaluations: clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometry, Tegner knee score, modified Cincinnati score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Two surgeons performed all operations, and a blinded independent author conducted the clinical follow-up assessments.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 25.8 months. The differences between the preoperative and postoperative clinical examinations and the KT-1000 measurements were statistically different in both groups (p?p?Conclusions This prospective study found no difference between the outcomes of the anatomic single-bundle and the anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstructions. Level of evidence II.     

Application of a computerised navigation technique to assist arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Purpose

Based on biomechanical cadaver studies, anatomical double-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was introduced to achieve better stability in the knee, particularly in respect of rotatory loads. Previously, the success of ACL reconstruction was believed to be mainly dependent on correct positioning of the graft, irrespective of the number of bundles for which computer-assisted surgery was developed to avoid malpositioning of the tunnel. The aim of this study was to compare rotational and translational stability after computer-navigated standard single-bundle and anatomical double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Methods

The authors investigated 42 consecutive patients who had undergone the single-bundle or double-bundle ACL reconstruction procedure using autogenous hamstring tendon grafts and ENDOBUTTON fixation in patients who had been followed up for a minimum of 24 months. Post-operative anteroposterior and rotational laxity was measured with the KT3000 and compared between groups.

Results

Both surgical procedures significantly improve rotational and translational stability compared to the preoperative ACL-deficient knee (P<0.05). No significant differences were registered between groups with regard to anteroposterior displacement of the tibia. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores were significantly higher in the double-bundle group. However, the results were excellent in both groups.

Conclusions

The use of computer-assisted ACL reconstruction, which is a highly accurate method of graft placement, could be useful for inexperienced surgeons to avoid malposition. Long-term results of at least five years are needed to determine whether double-bundle ACL reconstruction, which was associated with improved rotational laxity and significantly better IKDC and Lysholm scores compared to the standard single-bundle ACL reconstruction procedure, exerts an influence in terms of avoiding osteoarthritis or meniscus degeneration.     

关节镜下半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱双隧道重建前十字韧带

目的探讨关节镜下联合应用半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱重建前十字韧带(anteriorcruciateligament,ACL)的方法及疗效。方法回顾自1998年4月～2000年5月在关节镜下联合应用半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱重建ACL的患者12例。于ACL前内侧束和后外侧束的附着部分别钻直径4.5mm的隧道,用半腱肌腱重建前内侧束,股薄肌腱重建后外侧束,保留半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱的附着点,在股骨隧道外口将半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱打结固定,不行内固定。所有患者术前及术后18个月行膝关节屈曲30°、60°、90°前抽屉试验,Lysholm评分方法评定膝关节功能。结果术后随访18～43个月,平均26个月。术前所有患者前抽屉试验均为阳性,术后9例阴性,2例屈膝30°位阳性,1例屈膝30°、60°位阳性。术前Lysholm评分为40～58分,平均50.5分,手术后18个月为62～92分,平均85分,总优良率为91.7%。结论应用半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱联合重建ACL,术后膝关节动态稳定性好,疗效满意。     

Isolierter Bündelersatz bei Partialruptur des vorderen Kreuzbandes

Objective

Partial augmentation of isolated tears of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundle of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with autologous hamstring tendons. The intact fibers of the ACL are preserved.

Indications

Symptomatic isolated tear of the anteromedial or posteromedial bundle of the ACL or rotational instability after ACL reconstruction with malplaced tunnels (e.g., high femoral position)

Contraindications

In revision cases: loss of motion due to malplaced ACL and excessive tunnel widening of the present tunnels with the risk of tunnel confluence.

Surgical technique

Examination of anterior–posterior translation and rotational instability under anesthesia. Diagnostic arthroscopy, repetition of the clinical examination under direct visualization of the ACL, meticulous probing of the functional bundles. Resection of ligament remnants, preparation/preservation of the femoral and tibial footprint. Harvesting one of the hamstring tendons, graft preparation. Positioning of a 2.4 mm K-wire in the anatomic center of the femoral anteromedial/posterolateral bundle insertion, cannulated drilling according to the graft diameter. Positioning of a 2.4 mm K-wire balanced according to the femoral tunnel at the tibia, cannulated drilling. Insertion of the graft and fixation.

Postoperative management

Analogous to that for ACL reconstruction.     

Double-bundle anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-hamstring-bone composite graft

The bone-hamstring-bone (BHB) composite graft is a hybrid ligament reconstruction methodology that combines the advantages but eliminates the disadvantages of the bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and tendon of semitendinosus and gracilis muscle (STG) methods. We have developed an innovative modified BHB method involving anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It takes into account the 2 bundles of the ACL: the anteromedial bundle and the posterolateral bundle. The composite graft was prepared by folding the gracilis and the semitendinosus tendons twice and flanking the ends by bone blocks obtained from the tibia. One tunnel of 11-mm diameter was made in the tibia and the femur, and the top of the graft was introduced into the femoral socket; the distal end of the graft was rotated 90° in the counterclockwise direction for a right knee and 90° in the clockwise direction for a left knee to apply a twist to the graft, giving rise to an anteromedial bundle and a posterolateral bundle. The bone blocks attached to the graft were fixed with 2 interference screws. Modified BHB technique allows free selection of the location of the bone plug, minimizes the intra-articular length of the graft, and maintains the double-bundle structure of the original ACL.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 5 (May-June), 2002: pp 550–555     

Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with split Achilles allograft and single tibia tunnel for small ACL tibial footprint : technical note with clinical results

Purpose

We describe a surgical technique of double-bundle ACL reconstruction with a single tibia tunnel and report the clinical outcome.

Methods

The Achilles tendon portion was split longitudinally into two separate bundles, namely, an anteromedial (AM) bundle with 7–8 mm diameter and a posterolateral (PL) bundle with 4–6 mm diameter. The central portion of the calcaneal bone plug was prepared with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 30 mm. For the femoral tunnel preparation, we preferred inside out target through an accessory anteromedial portal for an approach to native ACL footprint and outside in reaming through separate incision on the lateral aspect of distal thigh to prevent cartilage injury of medial femoral condyle. 10 mm diameter of single tibia tunnel was prepared at the central portion of ACL tibial footprint. After graft passage from tibia to femoral side, fixation of calcaneal bone plug within the tibia tunnel was performed using two bioabsorbable cross pins. Then, AM bundle was first fixed at 45° of flexion while the PL bundle was fixed at 10° of flexion using bioabsorbable interference screws and augmented staples. Clinical results of 22 patients (18 males and 4 females, average age 30.7 years) who underwent double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with this technique were evaluated.

Results

At an average follow-up of 30 months, there was significant improvement of the Lysholm knee score, the 2,000 IKDC subjective knee score, the median Tegner activity score and the side-to-side difference. According to the 2,000 IKDC knee examination form, the grade rated as normal in seven patients, nearly normal in 14 patients and abnormal in one patient at the latest follow-up. There were no postoperative complications and revisional surgeries.

Conclusions

Split Achilles allograft and single tibia tunnel technique for double-bundle ACL reconstruction can be an alternative option for patients with small tibial insertion sites.

Level of evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps and semitendinosus tendon grafts

This study presents a novel arthroscopic technique for double-bundle reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. A quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft is used to reconstruct the major anterolateral bundle. An additional double-stranded semitendinosus tendon is used to reconstruct the posteromedial bundle. In 70° of flexion and full extension with anterior drawer force, the quadriceps tendon graft and semitendinosus tendon graft are fixed inside the anterior aspect of the single tibial tunnel, respectively. An anatomic reconstruction can be achieved by using these 2 autografts.     

Double-bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction: a review of literature

Purpose

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been under intensive discussion and debate, although the anatomy of this ligament was resolved thoroughly almost 200 years ago. The ACL consist of two bundles, anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL). The conventional single-bundle method reconstructs the AM bundle only, while the modern double-bundle technique recreates both bundles for their anatomical sites.

Methods

An English language literature search was undertaken over the years 2000–2012 for ACL reconstruction, double-bundle versus single bundle technique. The search found 14 RCTs and two meta-analyses published to date.

Results

Two of the 14 studies (14 %) showed no difference between the two reconstruction methods while the remaining majority (12 trials, 86 %) concluded that the DB technique was better than the SB method. After the DB reconstruction, rotational stability of the knee was better in seven studies (50 %) and anteroposterior stability in six (43 %). No study spoke for the single-bundle technique. In addition, with the double-bundle technique knee scores were reported to be better in five (36 %) studies, and three trials (21 %) revealed less reoperations in the double-bundle group.

Conclusions

The double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique was reported to have better or at least the same results as the conventional single-bundle method—even at a five-year follow-up. However, the majority of these studies had a rather short follow-up, and thus, longer studies are needed to confirm the true long-term results of ACL surgery. Long follow-up periods are also needed to find out whether double-bundle ACL reconstruction can eventually prevent knee osteoarthritis.     

保留残端半腱肌和股薄肌双股双隧道解剖重建前交叉韧带的临床研究

目的探讨关节镜下半腱肌股薄肌保留残端双股双隧道解剖重建前交叉韧带(ACL)的疗效。方法回顾自2006年1月～2008年1月,本组在关节镜下联合应用半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱双股双隧道重建ACL患者20例其中男18例,女2例,年龄17～46岁(平均31.5岁)。取腱器分别切取半腱肌、股薄肌编织成股,保留前叉韧带在股骨、胫骨的附着点残端,于ACL前内侧束和后外侧束附着部分别钻隧道,用半腱肌腱重建前内侧束,股薄肌腱重建后外侧束,以enderbutton悬吊固定股骨端,挤压螺钉固定胫骨端肌腱。所有患者术前及术后12个月行前抽屉试验、Lachman试验、Lysholm评分方法评定膝关节功能。结果术后随访14～48个月,平均31个月。术前患者前抽屉试验均为阳性,Lachman试验阳性13例,术后前抽屉试验3例屈膝60°位阳性,1例屈膝30°位阳性,其余均转阴性。5例Lachman试验仍阳性,但患者术后无膝关节不稳。2例患者术后胫骨前伤口瘢痕红肿凸起,给予切开引流后良好愈合。用Lysholm膝关节功能评分法评定术后疗效,术前评分为38～49分,平均43.5分,术后14个月为69～92分,平均80.5分,优13例,良5例,可2例,优良率为90.0%。结论应用自体肌腱双股双隧道重建ACL,术后膝关节动态稳定性好,疗效满意。     

Kniegelenklaxizität beim vorderen Kreuzbandersatz

Background

The use of interference screws for femoral graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring grafts can result in rotation of the graft around the screw leading to changes in the final position of the graft within the bone tunnel.

Material and methods

In a prospective study 107 patients (54 right and 53 left knees) underwent ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft. Femoral fixation of the graft was performed with a standard right-thread screw in all cases. Patients were assessed at 6 months postoperatively with the international knee documentation committee (IKDC) standard evaluation including instrumented laxity measurements and the results were compared between right and left knees.

Results

A significantly higher postoperative anterior laxity was observed in left knees with a negative Lachman test in only 64 % of the cases compared with 87 % in the group of right knees. Accordingly, instrumented laxity measurements of the reconstructed knee compared with the contralateral knee revealed significant differences between left and right knees (left knees 1.8±1.2 mm and right knees 1.0±1.4 mm)

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of femoral graft positioning and its sensitivity to multiple influencing factors. The use of standard right-thread interference screws for femoral graft fixation in the mirrored situation of right and left knees may produce a systematic error in ACL reconstruction. Due to a possible rotation of the graft around the screw, the final position of the transplant may vary thus leading to significant changes in anterior translation of the operated knee.     

Ipsilateral free semitendinosus tendon graft with interference screw fixation for minimally invasive reconstruction of chronic tears of the Achilles tendon

Objective

Minimally invasive ipsilateral semitendinosus reconstruction of large chronic tears aims to be advantageous for the patient in terms of plantar flexion recovery, anthropometric measures, fast return to daily and sport activity, is safe, with low donor site co-morbidities, low risks of wound complications and neurovascular injuries.

Indications

Tendon gaps greater than 6 cm and in cases of revision surgery (rerupture).

Contraindications

Diabetes, vascular diseases, previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon graft.

Surgical technique

The semitendinosus tendon is harvested through an incision in the medial aspect of the popliteal fossa, and the proximal stump is exposed and mobilized through an incision performed 2 cm proximal and medial to the palpable tendon gap. We repeat the same steps distally, approaching the distal stump of the tendon through a 2.5 cm longitudinal incision made 2 cm distal and just anterior to the lateral margin of the distal stump. Through the distal incision, we expose the Kager’s space and the postero-superior corner of the osteotomized calcaneum. We drill a bone tunnel into the calcaneum from dorsal to plantar using a cannulated headed reamer. The semitendinosus tendon graft is passed into the proximal stump through a medial-to-lateral small incision, its two ends are moved distally, and finally it is pulled down and shuttled through the bone tunnel. The construct is fixed to the calcaneum using an interference screw.

Postoperative management

Immobilization in a below the knee plaster cast with the foot in plantar flexion for 2 weeks, weight bearing on the metatarsal heads as tolerated, use elbow crutches, and keep the knee flexed. At 2 weeks, plaster removed, and rehabilitative exercises started, walker cast allowed.

Results

Between 2008 and 2010, the procedure was performed on 28 consecutive patients (21 men and 7 women, median age 46 years). At the 2-year follow-up, average ATRS scores significantly improved (p?相似文献   

无内固定物腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带临床探讨

目的探讨用无内固定物的绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带的临床运用和效果。方法自2002年12月～2004年6月对33例前交叉韧带损伤进行了无内固定物的绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带术,其中13例移植肌腱采用二股半腱肌腱和二股股薄肌腱,另20例仅为二股半腱肌腱,术前和术后进行Lachman试验评估膝关节的稳定性,用Lysholm评分方法评定膝关节功能。结果术前Lachman试验均为阳性,术后29例为阴性,4例为阳性。术前Lysholm评分为36～57分,术后Lysholm评分为71～96分。结论无内固定物的绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带为生物固定,固定可靠、费用少、短期效果好,中长期效果有待观察。     

Can the gracilis replace the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee? A biomechanical study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a four-strand gracilis-only construct possesses the biomechanical properties needed to act as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction graft.

Methods

This was a pilot study with 32 cadaver specimens. The biomechanical properties of three types of grafts were determined using validated tensile testing methods: patellar tendon (BTB), both hamstring tendons together (GST4) and gracilis alone (G4).

Results

The maximum load at failure of the G4 was 416.4 N (±187.7). The GST4 and BTB had a maximum load at failure of 473.5 N (±176.9) and 413.3 N (±120.4), respectively. The three groups had similar mean maximum load and stiffness values. The patellar tendon had significantly less elongation at failure than the other two graft types.

Conclusions

The biomechanical properties of a four-strand gracilis construct are comparable to the ones of standard grafts. This type of graft would be useful in the reconstruction of the anteromedial bundle in patients with partial ACL ruptures.

     

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autograft reconstruction with hamstring tendons: clinical research among three rehabilitation procedures

Objective

To compare the effects of the three rehabilitation procedures following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autograft reconstruction with hamstring tendons.

Design

An observational and retrospective case-controlled series.

Setting

The Department of Sports Medicine, Shenzhen Second People Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China.

Patients or participants

Forty-five patients who were made to undergo ACL reconstructions by using quadrupled semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were divided into three groups: accelerated rehabilitation procedures group, aggressive rehabilitation procedures group, and self-made rehabilitation procedures group.

Main outcome measures

The knee range of motion, thigh perimeter, IKDC score, and bone tunnel diameter in 3D-CT films were evaluated 3 and 6 months and 1 year later.

Results

The knee range of motion and thigh perimeter of group A were higher than those of group B and group C at 3, 6, and 12 months. IKDC scores of group C were better than those of groups A and B. The bone tunnel widening with group B was larger than that with groups A and C, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Early rehabilitation is beneficial for restoration of knee function after ACL reconstruction. Moderate procedure is better than accelerated procedure.     

Semitendinosus tendon regeneration after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: can we use it twice?

Purpose

It has been demonstrated that the semitendinosus tendon can regenerate after being harvested in its whole length and thickness for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Ultrasound studies and guided biopsies of the regenerated tendon have shown compatibility and resembling features of the normal tendon. The question is if this neo-tendon is biologically and functionally adequate for re-use?

Methods

Two randomised groups of 150 volunteers were followed up for two years after harvesting the semitendinosus only (25) or the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons (25) in ACL reconstruction. The patients were followed up with clinical and ultrasound examinations, biopsies and histological tests. Surgical exploration was done in three patients for macroscopic verification. The injected arteries of four lower limbs were dissected and the tendon’s arterial supplies were examined.

Results

Seventy-two percent of the cases showed regeneration of the semitendinosus tendons. The neotendons were inserted mostly below the knee joint (83.3 %) where they had fused with the gracilis tendon, and above the joint (60 %) when the gracilis was harvested as well. The isokinetic strength of the hamstrings and quadriceps was not significantly diminished on the operated side. A macroscopic and histological analysis of the regenerated tendons demonstrates close resemblance to normal anatomy, with focal areas of fibrosis. In one patient the regenerated tendon was used for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.

Conclusion

The semitendinosus muscle can recover and the tendon has great potential to regenerate after harvesting for ACL reconstruction. Our data suggest that the regenerated tendons could be used for iterative ligament reconstruction.