MRI evaluation to predict tendon size for knee ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Background:The aim of this study is to evaluate a possible correlation between specific anthropometric parameters and sizes of knee tendons commonly used for ACL reconstruction. We hypothesized that specific clinical and radiological knee measurements could be better tendon sizes predictors than age, gender, height and weight. Materials and methods: 100 consecutive patients were enrolled and 77 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study. All patients underwent a MRI of the knee with a 1.5 T super conducting MR System. For each patient, anthropometric data such as gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and knee circumference were recorded. Specific MRI knee measurements were performed on each study: patellar tendon (PT) thickness and length, quadriceps tendon (QT) thickness, semitendinosus tendon (ST) diameter, gracilis tendon (GR) diameter, the largest patella and intercondylar width. Results: The mean ST diameter, QT thickness and PT thickness were higher in males than in females. No significant differences were noted between males and females concerning GT diameter and the knee circumference. In addition, male knees had greater patellar and intercondylar width than female knees. Significant, but only weak correlations were found between patient anthropometric data and hamstrings diameter, PT length, and QT and PT thickness. Intercondylar and patellar width present a moderate correlation between PT thickness, PT length and ST diameter. Conclusion: The intercondylar and patellar width presented a moderate correlation with PT thickness, PT length and ST diameter. Further, weak correlations were found between patient anthropometric data (gender, weight, height, BMI) and GR and ST diameter, PT length, and QT and PT thickness. This results may help surgeons during preoperative planning, specifically regarding graft choice and size. Level of evidence: III.

Peroneus Longus Split Versus Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft Size: A Cross-sectional Study

“…59 An alternative method to predict tendon autograft size is to measure the tendon diameter or anatomic distances on magnetic resonance imaging, which might be superior to predictions based on anthropometric measurements. 4,10,63 The most important advantage of the PLT might be that it is not involved in active knee function. 21 Therefore, harvesting the AHPLT does not affect the strength of the knee extensors or flexors, which are substantially reduced even beyond 1 year after ACL reconstruction after the harvest of the quadriceps, patellar, or hamstrings tendons.…”

“…59 An alternative method to predict tendon autograft size is to measure the tendon diameter or anatomic distances on magnetic resonance imaging, which might be superior to predictions based on anthropometric measurements. 4,10,63…”

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Quadrupled Semitendinosus Graft or Synthetic Ligament: Knee Stability and Clinical Outcomes at Three Years Follow-Up

“…Many causes of graft failure have been reported in literature [8][9][10] and graft choice is a modifable risk factor for surgeons, especially in patients who want to return to sport as soon as possible and in patients older than 30 years old.…”

Hamstring Graft Preparation for ACL Reconstruction

“…7 While PT graft preparation is standardized, for hamstring tendon graft different suturing techniques 8 and methods of preparation such as the four-strand graft, tripled ST graft, ST quadruplication has been proposed in recent years, to create an adequate graft diameter reducing morbidity linked to gracilis tendon harvesting procedure. 9 The present study aims to describe different options of hamstring graft preparing, listing and analyzing each configuration to help surgeons to choose the most suitable graft type for their patients.…”