Contrast-Enhanced MRI Evaluation of Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone and Hamstring ACL Autograft Healing in Humans: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background: Gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or gadolinium-enhanced MRI, was used to prospectively study the postoperative course of bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and combined semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) tendon autografts following arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. Gadopentetate dimeglumine is a contrast agent that has been shown to enhance the signal of vascularized tissue when examined by MRI.

Purpose: To prospectively determine and compare the pattern and timing of autograft revascularization following arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction by BPTB or STG autografts.