MRI Observations of Patellar Tendon Length Change after ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring Autografts

The post-operative patellar tendon length was studied to evaluate the possible tendon length change after anterior cruciate ligament（ACL） reconstruction with hamstring autografts. The Insall-Salvati index, modified Insall-Salvati index, curved modified Insall-Salvati index and Caton-Deschamps index were observed by MRI during a follow-up period of 12 weeks on 20 ACL reconstructed knees. The results showed no patellar baja or alta pre-existed on those ACL injured patients. After a follow-up period of 12 weeks, no patellar tendon length change was observed. It is suggested that the change of patella was not the primary reason that may contribute to the premature patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction.

Does age, time since injury and meniscal injury affect short term functional outcomes in arthroscopic single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction？

Purpose： We conducted this study to correlate the short term clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament （ACL） reconstruction with patients＇ age, time since injury and associated meniscal injury. Methods： A total of 43 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between October 2013 and February 2015 were taken for the study. Preoperative demographic data, clinical scores （Lysholm, IKDC） were recorded for each patient. Time since injury and associated meniscal injuries were recorded. Then a standardized surgical technique was used for each graft type. They were followed up for 6 months and the Lysholm and IKDC scores were evaluated. Results： Only 33 patients completed 6 months follow-up at the end of this study. Twenty-four patients （72.7%） were in the age group of 18-30 years. Nine patients belonged to age group 30-50 years （27.3%）. The p value for differences in Lysholm scores between the two age groups was not significant （0.339）. The p value for differences in IKDC scores between the two age groups was not significant either （0.138）. The mean Lysholm scores were 93.86 ± 3.024 for the group who presented 〈6 months post-injury, 92 ± 5.494 for the group who presented between 6 months and 1 year and 94.64±3.104 for the group who pre- sented after 1 year; whereas the mean IKDC scores were 92.43 ± 0.793, 90.64 ± 6.598 and 90.89 ± 2.113 respectively. The correlation of outcomes with meniscal injury had no statistical significance. Conclusion： Based on our study, we conclude that age, time since injury and associated meniscal injury does not affect short term functional outcome in ACL reconstruction.