Morphometric changes in tibial tunnel after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by autogenous bone-patella tendon-bone graft]

The author evaluated morphometric changes in the tibial tunnel of 24 patients, aged 18-46 years, after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. The evaluation comprised the width and shape of the tunnel, the age of the patient and clinical outcome within 6 to 16 months post surgery. Morphometric analysis was based on radiograms done in antero-posterior and lateral view. Clinical evaluation was based on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC). The shape of the bone tunnel was evaluated according to Peyrache et al. Statistical analysis was performed by using Wilcoxon paired ranked test, Mann-Whitney test and t-Student test. The results show that the width of the tibial tunnel after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autogenic bone-patellar tendon-bone graft increased in a statistically significant way, but it didn't affect the functional result of the operation. Change dynamics is greatest during the first 6 months post surgery, and the range of changes may be age-dependent.