[Histological findings for human tibial bone-tendon healing after hamstring transplantation. Investigation of tibial insertion after reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments with hamstring transplantation near joint fixation using bioresorbable interference screws].

Ruptures of hamstring reconstructed anterior cruciate ligaments required additional surgery in five cases over a 4 year period. All transplants were primarily fixed with bioresorbable interference screws close to the joint. The average age was 31 years (range: 18-42), the average interval between primary surgery and rupture of the transplant was 13.2 months (range: 8-24) after an adequate re-trauma. After complete removal of the tibial insertion, a histological investigation was carried out. We stained the tissue-sections following the haematoxylin-eosin, Masson-Goldner and van Gieson protocols. All cases revealed direct healing with grow-over Sharpey-like fibers close to the joint, corresponding to a fibrous tendon insertion and far from the joint the formation of fibrous or cartilage callus.