Preoperative Determination of the Size of the Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendon by Multidetector Row CT Scanner for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Accurately measuring the length and diameter of the hamstring tendon autograft preoperatively is important for planning anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) scanning technique to produce the actual measurement of the gracilis and semitendinosus (GT and ST, respectively) tendon grafts' length and diameter for surgery. Ninety patients were scheduled for ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Before the surgery, patients were examined under the multidetector row CT scanner and the ST and GT tendons were qualitatively measured by a volume-rendering technique. The length of ST and GT was measured with 3D CT compared with the length of the harvested ST and GT. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of ST and GT measured with 3D CT compared with the ST and GT graft diameter. Tendon size measured preoperatively and during surgery were statistically compared and correlated. The GT tendons length and cross-sectional area measured during surgery was both shorter and smaller compared with the ST tendon. GT and ST tendon length were correlated to patients' body index such as the height and weight (p < 0.05). However, the correlation levels were low to medium (r = 0.23–0.49). There was strong correlation between the lengths of GT (r = 0.76; p < 0.001) and ST (r = 0.87; p < 0.001) measured with the 3D CT and tendon length at surgery. There was a moderate correlation between graft diameter measured at surgery and 3D CT cross-sectional area (r = 0.31; p < 0.05). A multidetector row CT scanner can determine the ST and GT tendons' length and diameter. These measurements can be used for preoperative planning to help determine the surgical method and counsel patients on appropriate graft choices prior to surgery.

Diagnostic Value Comparison between Multislice Spiral Computerized Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging under Artificial Intelligence Algorithm in Diagnosing Occult Fractures of the Knee Joint

“…is allows the comprehensive observation and analysis of the fracture types and morphology, the degree of articular surface involvement can be determined accurately, and occult fractures can also be detected [9]. A more effective basis is offered for the evaluation of the fracture types, sclerotin morphology, and joint correspondence [10]. In addition, the MSCT three-dimensional reconstruction examination technology can improve the spatial resolution of images significantly and display the joint ligaments, tendons, meniscus, and trabecular bone structures clearly [11].…”