RESUMO
Objective To arthroscopically re-observe the remodeling and maturity process following anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft.Methods Thirty-three patients who had undergone a previous arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with a homolateral hamstring autograft were given a second observation under arthroscope.The interval from initial reconstruction to second-look arthroscopy ranged 2~36 months(mean,11.9 months).According to different intervals,the patients were grouped as 1~,4~,7~,10~,13~,18~,and 25~ months.The shape,color,tension,covering synovial tissue,and vascularity of the grafts were evaluated.Results As the interval increased,the hamstring grafts tended to progress to normal ACL morphologically.Under arthroscopic observation,the tendon grafts were characterized as grayish-white thick ligamentous tissues without synovial membrane and blood vessels after 7 months following initial reconstruction,which corresponded with the maturation period of autogenous grafts and simulated normal ACL.Conclusions Remodeling and maturation of the hamstring autografts progresses with time,which is comparable to patellar tendon autografts.