OBJECTIVE: To explore via an arthroscopic second-look the effect of preserved residual anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissue upon revascularization of allologous bone-patellar tendon-bone (B-PT-B) grafting. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with allologous B-PT-B ACL reconstruction were recruited. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the amount of residual ACL tissue. Group A: ACL residual tissue was cleared; Group B: ACL residual tissue was preserved. Patients were advised to undergo arthroscopic second-look at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. During second surgery, ACL photos were taken during 10 minutes after tourniquet was released. Photoshop was used to analyze red chroma of ACL tissue. The percentage area of three degrees of red chroma was calculated and a standard curve plotted. RESULTS: Fourteen cases in group A and 13 cases in group B were examined by second-look arthroscopy. According to Photoshop analysis, ACL graft in group B had better red chroma appearance than group A. Two peaks were observed on grade three red chroma curve. CONCLUSION: Residual ACL tissue can be preserved during allologous B-PB-B reconstruction of ACL At 6 months post-reconstruction, the revascularization of graft with preserved residual ACL tissue was much better than the other grafts. Small vessels were found on surface of all ACL grafts at 6 months post-reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE: To explore via an arthroscopic second-look the effect of preserved residual anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissue upon revascularization of allologous bone-patellar tendon-bone (B-PT-B) grafting. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with allologous B-PT-B ACL reconstruction were recruited. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the amount of residual ACL tissue. Group A: ACL residual tissue was cleared; Group B: ACL residual tissue was preserved. Patients were advised to undergo arthroscopic second-look at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. During second surgery, ACL photos were taken during 10 minutes after tourniquet was released. Photoshop was used to analyze red chroma of ACL tissue. The percentage area of three degrees of red chroma was calculated and a standard curve plotted. RESULTS: Fourteen cases in group A and 13 cases in group B were examined by second-look arthroscopy. According to Photoshop analysis, ACL graft in group B had better red chroma appearance than group A. Two peaks were observed on grade three red chroma curve. CONCLUSION: Residual ACL tissue can be preserved during allologous B-PB-B reconstruction of ACL At 6 months post-reconstruction, the revascularization of graft with preserved residual ACL tissue was much better than the other grafts. Small vessels were found on surface of all ACL grafts at 6 months post-reconstruction.