Healing potential of the transected posterior cruciate ligament of the rabbit.
- Author:
Young Bok JUNG
1
;
Tae Jin LEE
;
Dong Lyul YANG
;
Ki Seong KIM
;
Kwang Won KO
;
Jai Won CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Pathology, Yong-San hospital, Chung-Ang university, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Posterior Cruciate Ligament;
Healing Potential;
Biomechanical Properties
- MeSH:
Exercise Test;
Fibroblasts;
Ligaments;
Posterior Cruciate Ligament*;
Rabbits;
Synovial Membrane;
Tensile Strength
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2001;36(1):25-32
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to elucidate the natural healing potential in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury using histological and biomechanical methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCLs of 92 rabbits were cut partially or completely cut on one side. In Group I, 75% of the PCL was cut preserving the synovium partially. In Group II, the PCL and synovium were completely severed. Investigations were performed by gross inspection, histological examination after Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and tensile stress testing using an Instron. RESULTS: Continuity of the ligaments began to appear at 2 weeks in group I and at 12weeks in group II. Proliferation of fibroblasts and vessels were observed in HE stained ligaments at 6 and 12 weeks in both groups. The ultimate tensile strength in group I was .3% and in group II 33.1% at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Although the mechanical properties of the regenerated ligaments were poor, this study demonstrats that the rabbit PCL has healing potential irrespective of the degree of injury.
