From individual randomized studies, it is unclear whether patellar tendon grafts or hamstring tendon grafts yield the best functional results after ACL reconstruction. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to provide quantitative data to compare patellar with hamstring grafts after ACL reconstruction with regard to knee function. We searched computerized databases for randomized controlled tr...

BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that hamstring tendons can regenerate following harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. HYPOTHESIS This "neo-tendon" is a true, functional tendon, not scar tissue. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Semitendinosus tendons were harvested from 35 New Zealand white rabbits using a standard tendon stripper. The rabbit...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous studies on the culture of human tenocytes have shown that dexamethasone and triamcinolone reduce cell viability, suppress cell proliferation, and reduce collagen synthesis. However, such cell cultures lack the extracellular matrix and three-dimensional structure of normal tendons, which affects their response to stimuli. We established a human tendon explant cult...

Despite the popularity of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures, the ideal graft for reconstruction remains a matter of controversy. The ideal graft for ACL reconstruction should have histologic and biomechanical characteristics similar to those of the native ACL; should be quickly and fully incorporated within the bony tunnels; should maintain its viscoelastic properties f...

We describe a case of painful snapping in the medial aspect of the knee of a 40-year-old man, following a knee hyperflexion injury. Dynamic real-time ultrasonography determined that the snapping was due to the distal tendon of sartorius passing over a medial meniscal cyst. The patient subsequently underwent arthroscopic decompression of the cyst instead of an inappropriate hamstring tendon harv...

The gracilis and semitendinosus tendons remain popular grafts for many reconstructive procedures, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Surgeons who use other grafts for ACL reconstruction should have the hamstring tendon techniques in their arsenal in the event other grafts are unavailable or undesirable. Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the medial side of the knee is paramo...

BACKGROUND Semitendinosus and gracilis muscles whose tendons are used in surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament maintain their contractile ability, and a limited decrease of hamstring muscles force is observed postoperatively despite important changes. The goal was to quantify the influence of the myofascial structures on excursions and moment arms of knee muscles to attempt ...

The graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction continues to be controversial. There are several options available for the treating surgeon, including Bone Patellar Tendon Bone (BPTB) grafts, Hamstring tendon (HT) grafts, allografts and synthetic grafts. Within the last decade there have been several comparative trials and meta-analysis, which have failed to provide an answ...

PURPOSE To mechanically test different reconstruction techniques of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) under incremental cyclic loading and to evaluate the impact of the level and method of graft fixation on tensile properties of each technique. TYPE OF STUDY In vitro biomechanical study. METHODS Four hamstring and 1 patellar tendon reconstruction techniques were performed on 40 young to ...