Healing at graft fixation site under functional conditions in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A morphological study in sheep.

The incorporation course at the fixation sites of a free patellar tendon graft used in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was examined in eight adult sheep. After surgery the sheep were functionally treated without any protection of the operated legs. Two, 6, 12, 16, and 26 weeks after surgery the sheep were killed and the character of biological attachment to bone at fixation sites was evaluated using macroradiography, high-resolution radiography, and routine histology. After 6 weeks good osseous incorporation of the bone pegs of free patellar tendon grafts could be demonstrated at the desired position.