Background:A common method for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is it's replacement by a free avascular graft, using the gracilis and/or semitendinosus tendons. These grafts pass a vulnerable phase in the ligamentization-process during the 1st year after reconstruction. The aims of this study were first to evaluate the vascularization of the pes anserinus superficialis (PAS) by the inferior medial genicular artery (IMGA) and second to develop a pedunculated surgical technique for ACL reconstruction, to preserve a maximal amount of natural vascularization of the tendons inserting at the PAS.Materials and Methods:First, the vascularization of the PAS was assessed in 12 fresh-frozen lower extremities. The IMGA was identified at its origin at the popliteal artery and perfused with a methylene blue solution. Second, a pedunculated ACL reconstruction was performed in 5 fresh-frozen lower extremities under maintenance of the distal tendon insertion at PAS.Results:The PAS is a highly vascularized structure. Vessels originate from the IMGA, running along the three tendons of the PAS in the paratendinous tissue. Histologically intratendinous vessels exist; however, perfusion of the inserting tendons through intratendinous vessels was not proven macroscopically. The pedunculated grafts could be positioned and fixed successfully into the bone tunnels in all knees.Conclusion:Although intratendinous vascularization of the tendons of the PAS via the IMGA was not proven, this study indicates a new possibility of ACL reconstruction. The described operation technique can be conducive to shorten the vulnerable phase of the graft-ligamentization after ACL reconstruction.

A wireless measuring device for long term temperature measurements on unrestrained rats is presented. Up to 5 rats are tested simultaneously in order to get better statistics. The electronic units, coating problems for the implanted transmitter, and tissue reaction are described. The system makes it possible to measure the diurnal rhythm of experimental animals in a normal animal house. It is observed that the Orcadian temperature rhythm in subcutis and in mammary carcinoma is in phase. The consequence of this is discussed.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the vascularization of the superficial pes anserinus and its inserting tendons with regard to its potential use as a vascularized graft for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.MethodsTwelve fresh cadaveric knees were used in this study. The inferior medial genicular artery was identified at its origin from the popliteal artery and incised to be perfused with a methylene blue solution. Its intra‐ and peritendinous course was evaluated macroscopically and histologically.ResultsThis study proved that the superficial pes anserinus is a highly vascularized structure. The vascularization is potentially able to supply the inserting tendons of the semitendinous and gracilis muscles retrogradely.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that the option of a pediculated cruciate ligament reconstruction with both tendons of the semitendinous and gracilis muscles inserting at the superficial pes anserinus is theoretically possible. A pediculated reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament could decrease postoperative morbidity of the transplant and therefore enshorten the vulnerable healing period after surgery.Grant Funding Source: N/A

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