Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Remnants And Remaining Bundle Preservation: An Experimental Study

[Objective] To investigate whether anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction with the remnants and the remaining bundle preservation is benificial for the revascularization of the graft or not. [Methods] Animal models of the ACL reconstruction in 18 healthy F/M New Zealand White rabbits (2-3 months old) were made using extensor digitorum longus tendon and randomly divided into 3 groups-Group remnants debridement,Group remnants preservation and Group remaining bundle preservation. The animals were killed at 2,4,8 weeks each after operation for histological examination. The intravascular injection of ink was used to observe the revascularization of the graft.The specimens were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin method to observe the pathology changes of the graft. [Results] Within 8 weeks after the operation,the revascularization of Group remaining bundle preservation is better than the other two groups(P<0.05).The number of fibroblasst in Group remaining bundle preservation and Group remnants preservation is more than that of Group remnants debridement(P<0.05) in 4 weeks after operation.After 8 weeks of postoperation the number of fibroblasts in Group remaining bundle preservation is more than that of Group remnants debridement(P<0.05).However there is no stastical difference between Group remaining bundle preservation and Group remnants preservation(P>0.05).And there is also no stastical difference between Group remnants preservation and Group remnants debridement(P>0.05). Because of improper staining methods,we haven't observed neuroreceptors in the grafts.[Conclusions] ACL reconstruction with remnants and remaining bundle preservation is beneficial for the early revascularization and fibroblasts' growing of the graft. So the course of necrosis,regeneration and remodelling of the graft is shortened..