Donor-site morbidity after harvest of a bone-tendon-bone patellar tendon autograft

The effects of closure of the peritendineum and bone grafting of the patellar defect after harvest of the bone-tendon-bone patellar tendon autograft was investigated prospectively in two groups of 25 patients. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was performed with minimally invasive techniques either arthroscopically or via mini-arthrotomy. Patellar height, size of bony and tendon defects, and overall result were followed up for 2 years postoperatively. The results showed that closure of the peritendineum enhances healing of the patellar tendon defect and restores a normal appearance of the tendon within 2 years. We have stopped bone grafting the patellar defect with cancellous bone because of the risk of formation of painful spurs at the inferior pole of the patella which occurred in 36% of patients.