The purpose of the present study was to make a histological analysis of the remodelling process of hamstring tendon graft used as Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The hamstring graft of eight patients was biopsied at different follow-up times from 1 to 10 years. The specimens were analysed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at ultrastructural level comparing them with a native ACL and a native hamstring graft. The hamstring graft was found to undergo ultrastructural changes in terms of number and diameter of fibrils with the major changes occurring in the first 2 years. At longer times after surgery (48 and 120 months) no important further changes were evident and the ultrastructure did not vary substantially from 2 to 10 years. In conclusion, the hamstring tendon used as ACL graft undergoes a transformation process but does not match the ultrastructure pattern of a normal ACL up to 10 years.
Zaffagnini S., De Pasquale V., Marchesini Reggiani L., Russo A., Agati P., Bacchelli B., et al. (2010). Electron microscopy of the remodelling process in hamstring tendon used as ACL graft. KNEE SURGERY, SPORTS TRAUMATOLOGY, ARTHROSCOPY, 18 (8), 1052-1058 [10.1007/s00167-009-0925-7].
Electron microscopy of the remodelling process in hamstring tendon used as ACL graft
ZAFFAGNINI, STEFANO;DE PASQUALE, VIVIANA;MARCHESINI REGGIANI, LEONARDO;AGATI, PATRIZIA;BACCHELLI, BEATRICE;MARCACCI, MAURILIO
2010
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to make a histological analysis of the remodelling process of hamstring tendon graft used as Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The hamstring graft of eight patients was biopsied at different follow-up times from 1 to 10 years. The specimens were analysed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at ultrastructural level comparing them with a native ACL and a native hamstring graft. The hamstring graft was found to undergo ultrastructural changes in terms of number and diameter of fibrils with the major changes occurring in the first 2 years. At longer times after surgery (48 and 120 months) no important further changes were evident and the ultrastructure did not vary substantially from 2 to 10 years. In conclusion, the hamstring tendon used as ACL graft undergoes a transformation process but does not match the ultrastructure pattern of a normal ACL up to 10 years.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
