Proprioception recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with and without remnant preservation / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Whether remnant preservation can improve proprioception of knee joint remains a controversy. Direct detection of proprioceptor, nerve growth and electrophysiological changes in the grafting tendon of remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can objectively evaluate the effect of remnant preservation on proprioception recovery. OBJECTIVE: To establish the animal models of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with remnant preservation (femoral tensioning and augmented suture), with remnant preservation (graft passing remnant anterior cruciate ligament sheath) and without remnant, and to compare the differences in postoperative knee proprioception among methods. METHODS: Ninety-six New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into control group, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction groups with remnant preservation (femoral tensioning and augmented suture), with remnant preservation (graft passing remnant anterior cruciate ligament sheath) and without remnant (n=24/group). At 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, electrophysiological examination of knee joint was performed. The mRNA expression of neurotrophic factor 3 was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The number of proprioceptor in graft tendon in the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction groups was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) At postoperative 3, 6 and 12 weeks, there were no significant differences in mRNA expression of neurotrophic factor 3, number of proprioceptor and electromyography hamstring among anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction groups (P＞ 0.05). (2) To conclude, there is no significant difference in the proprioception recovery of knee joint between anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with and without remnant preservation.