Ryu Terauchi1, Yuji Arai2, Kunio Hara3, Ginjiro Minami3, Shuji Nakagawa1, Takeshi Takahashi4, Kazuya Ikoma1, Keiichiro Ueshima1, Toshiharu Shirai1, Hiroyoshi Fujiwara1, Toshikazu Kubo1. 1. Department of Orthopaedics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan. 2. Department of Orthopaedics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan. yarai89046@nike.eonet.ne.jp. 3. Department of Orthopaedics, Social Insurance Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan. 4. Department of Radiology, Social Insurance Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract
PURPOSE: In this study, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in the early phase after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to analyse the changes in nutrient blood vessels and blood flow to the femoral and tibial tunnels and the intraosseous tendon grafts. METHODS: The subjects were 30 patients who underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction with an autogenous hamstring tendon. MRA was performed at 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (n = 10 at each time point). The mean overall signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in the tunnel regions and in the region of the tendon graft were compared in each femur and tibia. RESULTS: Blood vessels from arteries reached the femoral and tibial tunnels 2 months postoperatively. The tunnel walls showed high signal intensity, while the intraosseous tendon grafts had lower intensity. SNRs showed significant differences between the femoral and tibial tunnels overall and the intraosseous tendon grafts. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the signal intensity of the tunnel walls was decreased significantly, while that of the intraosseous tendon grafts was also decreased, but not significantly. At these times, the SNRs of the femoral and tibial tunnels did not differ significantly, both overall and in the region of the intraosseous tendon grafts. CONCLUSION: Revascularization around the femoral and tibial tunnels occurred at 2 months postoperatively, with blood flow subsequently decreasing over time until 6 months. This revascularization may be involved in bone tendon healing and maturation of the tendon graft within the bone tunnels. Evaluations of revascularization by MRA may show the maturation stage of the graft and guide medical rehabilitation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
PURPOSE: In this study, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in the early phase after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to analyse the changes in nutrient blood vessels and blood flow to the femoral and tibial tunnels and the intraosseous tendon grafts. METHODS: The subjects were 30 patients who underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction with an autogenous hamstring tendon. MRA was performed at 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (n = 10 at each time point). The mean overall signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in the tunnel regions and in the region of the tendon graft were compared in each femur and tibia. RESULTS: Blood vessels from arteries reached the femoral and tibial tunnels 2 months postoperatively. The tunnel walls showed high signal intensity, while the intraosseous tendon grafts had lower intensity. SNRs showed significant differences between the femoral and tibial tunnels overall and the intraosseous tendon grafts. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the signal intensity of the tunnel walls was decreased significantly, while that of the intraosseous tendon grafts was also decreased, but not significantly. At these times, the SNRs of the femoral and tibial tunnels did not differ significantly, both overall and in the region of the intraosseous tendon grafts. CONCLUSION: Revascularization around the femoral and tibial tunnels occurred at 2 months postoperatively, with blood flow subsequently decreasing over time until 6 months. This revascularization may be involved in bone tendon healing and maturation of the tendon graft within the bone tunnels. Evaluations of revascularization by MRA may show the maturation stage of the graft and guide medical rehabilitation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
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