Study of the patellar tendon after harvesting the graft for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament

ABSTRACT

We have studied the behaviour of the remnant of the patellar tendon after harvesting its medial one third in reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, by choosing five cases in a randamizied fashion. The study included C.T, examination of the patellar tendon and comparing it with the other side for width, thickness and density. Histopathological examination was performed to the new tendon comparing it to that of the normal patellar tendon. We have found regeneration of the remnant of the pattellar tendon to be 115-126% as regards its width, 141-146% as regards its thickness, this was 1.5-2.5 years after the reconstruction