DOS 2016

146

· DOS Abstracts

Bone Tunnel Enlargement after ACL Reconstruction

with Hamstring Autograft Is Dependent on Original

Bone Tunnel Diameter

Steffen Sauer, Martin Lind

Sportstraumatology, Aarhus University Hospital; Sportstraumatology, Aarhus

University Hospital

Background:

Bone tunnel enlargement is a well- established phenomenon fol-

lowing ACL reconstruction. Tunnel enlargement is related to soft tissue grafts,

suspension fixation devices and resorbable implants. Severe tunnel widening can

lead to reconstruction failure. The correlation between bone tunnel enlargement

following ACL reconstruction and original bone tunnel diameter has not been

elucidated.

Purpose / Aim of Study:

The purpose of the present study was to determine

whether bone tunnel enlargement after ACL reconstruction with hamstring au-

tograft is dependent on original tunnel diameter established during primary ACL

reconstruction.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on 52 pa-

tients scheduled for ACL revision surgery who had CT scanning performed as

part of their preoperative evaluation. All patients had previous hamstring ACL

reconstruction. Patients were divided into three groups according to the origi-

nal femoral and tibial bone tunnel diameter created during primary ACL recon-

struction. Femoral and tibial bone tunnel enlargement was assessed on CT serial

sections. Mean values were calculated and analysis of the correlation between

original tunnel diameter and bone tunnel enlargement was investigated.

Findings / Results:

Mean tibial bone tunnel enlargement is significantly more

distinct in original 6-7 mm bone tunnels (+2.07 mm 1,03) compared to original

8,5-9 mm bone tunnels (+0,85 mm 1,03; p=.001).

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that bone tunnel enlargement

following ACL reconstruction is dependent on original bone tunnel diameter

with smaller diameter tunnels developing more tunnel enlargement than larger

tunnels. The contributing factors remain unclear and need to be further inves-

tigated.

No conflicts of interest reported

97.