Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative measurement of the semitendinosus
tendon (ST) by 3-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT), before using ST as the
substitute in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Type of Study: Cross-sectional study to compare anatomic findings with clinical findings. Methods: The study involved 28 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using autogenous
ST graft. Preoperative 3-D CT images of ST were obtained with a multidetector-row
CT scanner, and rendered qualitatively by the volume-rendering technique. The length
and cross-sectional area of ST measured with 3-D CT were compared with the length
of the harvested ST and the cross-sectional area of the grafted quadrupled tendon.
Results: The total length of ST measured with 3-D CT ranged from 220.3 to 285.4 mm, with a
mean (± SD) of 248.0 ± 17.1 mm, and that measured at surgery ranged from 230.0 to
290.0 mm, with a mean of 257.1 ± 16.5 mm. These 2 values showed a close positive correlation
(γ = 0.634, P = .002). The cross-sectional area of ST measured with 3-D CT ranged from 4.29 to
18.5 mm2 with a mean of 11.9 ± 4.6 mm2, and that of the substitute measured at surgery ranged from 28.3 to 56.7 mm2 with a mean of 45.5 ± 6.9 mm2). There was no significant correlation between the areas of ST measured by CT and
the areas of ST measured during surgery. Conclusions: Preoperative 3-D CT imaging predicts the length of ST. These findings support the
measurement of ST length by 3-D CT as a useful tool for planning ACL reconstructive
surgery and for providing important preoperative information to patients. Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study.
Key Words
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© 2006 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
