Reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments of rabbits using autogenous patellar tendon grafts

Abstract

In this study, anterior cruciate ligaments of rabbits were reconstructed using autogenous patellar tendon grafts. Bone-tendon healing of the transplanted tendon was histologically evaluated at the tendon insertion and in the bone tunnel. Results show that; a) new bone production envelops the tendon in the tunnel and the graft is fixed by collagen fibers; this healing is most mature after 5th month; b) bone-tendon healing is most developed at the tendon insertion, and becomes progressively weaker further along the tunnel; c) Degenerative changes dominate during the early phase whereas hypercellularity of fibroblasts is notable alter the 7th month; tendon does not ossify.