The aim of this study was to investigate whether augmented remnant repair could enhance
polyethylene terepthalate (PET) artificial ligament graft ligamentization. 12 female
goats underwent ACL reconstruction with PET artificial ligament graft in the right
knees. Right knees in 6 goats were reconstructed with augmented remnant repair (Remnant
group), whereas the other 6 goats had no augmented remnant repair comprised the Control
group. 3 goats in each group were randomly sacrificed at 6 months and 12 months respectively
after surgery. The intra-articular parts of the reconstructed grafts were harvested
for histological evaluation. Well-vascularized tissue ingrowth within the artificial
ligament was observed in the remnant group at 12 months postoperatively. Collagen-I
content of graft was significantly higher in the Remnant group than in the Control
group at each time point (p<0.05). The relative expression of collagen-III positive area of the remnant-preserved
group was significantly higher than that of the Control group at 12 months (p=0.005). The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-positive or CD31-positive area
in the graft appeared higher in the Remnant group compared with the Control group
at 6 months. Remnant repair enhanced the revascularization and remodeling of the PET
artificial ligament in ACL reconstruction.
Key words
polyethylene terepthalate - augmented remnant repair - ligamentization - artificial
ligament - ACL
