The Relation Between Tunnel Widening and Bone Mineral Density After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Experimental Study in Sheep

作者：Meller Rupert^*; Neddermann Alexandra; Willbold Elmar; Hesse Eric; Haasper Carl; Singh Anshu; Knobloch Karsten; Krettek Christian; Hankemeier Stefan

来源：Arthroscopy-The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, 2010, 26(4): 481-487.

DOI：10.1016/j.arthro.2009.08.025

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between bone mineral density (BMD) and femoral tunnel enlargement (TE) in a previously validated sheep model of soft-tissue anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: Thirty sheep underwent ACL reconstruction by use of a soft-tissue graft at the age of 4 months. Graft fixation was achieved with the EndoButton (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) and Suture Washer (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy). Six animals were killed at 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Each ACL-reconstructed knee was examined both by computed tomography to analyze the bone tunnel cross-sectional area and by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to analyze BMD. Results: There was a significant increase in tunnel cross-sectional area. BMD decreased significantly within the first 3 weeks after surgery and increased thereafter. A positive correlation between TE and BMD was found. However, a subgroup analysis showed that there is no influence of BMD on the development of a tunnel widening. Conclusions: The hypothesis that a TE would be associated with a loss in BMD was not confirmed. Tunnel widening during the first 6 months after ACL reconstruction is not affected by the transient changes in BMD. Clinical Relevance: There is no correlation between TE and BMD in an experimental sheep model of ACL reconstruction. Translational investigations will determine whether this is also true in humans.

• 出版日期2010-4