Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026
Harvesting of Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft
Published on: September 2, 2025
Contrast-Enhanced MRI Evaluation of Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone and Hamstring ACL Autograft Healing in Humans: A
Dana Curtis Covey1, Korina Erin Sandoval1, Robert H Riffenburgh2,3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
Background:
Gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or gadolinium-enhanced MRI, was used to prospectively study the postoperative course of bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and combined semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) tendon autografts following arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. Gadopentetate dimeglumine is a contrast agent that has been shown to enhance the signal of vascularized tissue when examined by MRI.
Purpose:
To prospectively determine and compare the pattern and timing of autograft revascularization following arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction by BPTB or STG autografts.
Study Design:
Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.
Methods:
A total of 73 patients (63 males, 10 females) with ACL tears who were scheduled to undergo reconstruction consented to participate in this study. The patients were randomized to receive arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the ACL employing either BPTB or STG autografts. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans were scheduled at 3-month intervals during the first postoperative year to assess the integrity, timing, and pattern of enhancement of the ACL graft. The temporal sequence and morphologic characteristics of imaged signals were compared for both types of ACL reconstructions.
Results:
Based on all knees with 1 exception, there were no statistically significant differences in gadopentetate dimeglumine-mediated graft enhancement grade observed between BPTB and STG autografts.
Conclusion:
The results suggest that autograft revascularization probably varies in intensity and location during the time course of graft healing. The interval signal changes observed 3 to 9 months, but especially 6 to 9 months, postoperatively are due to increased contrast uptake as a reflection of ongoing neovascularization during the process of ligamentization.
More Related Videos
07:33In Vivo Evaluation of Fracture Callus Development During Bone Healing in Mice Using an MRI-compatible Osteosynthesis Device for the Mouse Femur
Published on: November 14, 2017
09:31Evaluation of Stem Cell Therapies in a Bilateral Patellar Tendon Injury Model in Rats
Published on: March 30, 2018
Related Concept Videos
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
01:55Bone Structure
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:27Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:12The Hyoid Bone