[Bone-tendon integration of autologous grafts using different diameter tunnels. An experimental study on sheep]

To analyse the bone-ligament integration «ligamentization» of the tendon graft in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) performing tunnels of different diameter.

We performed the same reconstruction procedure using an autologous tendon graft taken from the superficial tendon of the hoof in 41 adult sheep. In Group A the tibial and femoral tunnels were 5 mm in diameter and in Group B they were 7 mm in diameter. The sheep were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. Histological studies were performed on the graft and the tunnels, as well as a biomechanical analysis of the tibial-femoral complex.

In group A we did not observe direct integration of the bone and the tendon graft or any fibres joining both structures, although there was vascularized fibrous tissue. In group B we did not observe any direct binding of the bone and the tendon graft either, although there was abundant fibrous tissue. The tendon graft showed a fascicular structure that increased over time in order to create septa for vascular penetration. Macroscopically the ACL graft had a dense appearance, which was very similar to the original tendon graft. The tendon grafts from group B and with a longer follow up period required a higher strength to produce maximum breakage than the tendon grafts from group A.

After one year follow up, the histological study shows that the tendon graft is not transformed into a ligament, and there is no integration of the tendon graft in tunnels regardless of their diameter. Therefore, fixation techniques are essential to maintain the orientation and tension of the tendon graft.