Mechanical Resistance of the Patellar Ligament after Removal of the Middle Third through Either One Longitudinal Incision or Two Mini-transverse Incisions.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the resistance and regeneration of the patellar ligament after harvesting a graft for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, using the traditional technique of a single longitudinal skin incision or a technique of two transverse mini-incisions, in sheep. METHODS Ten sheep were used. In the right knee, we removed the graft using the traditional method, and in the left knee, using the two-incision method. The animals were observed for six months. The specimens (patellar ligament, tibia and patella) were adapted to the mechanical test machine for ligament resistance tests. RESULTS No difference was found between the two proposed techniques in relation to the regeneration and resistance of the patellar ligament. However, we observed that shortening of the patellar ligament occurred in both groups, and that suturing of the superficial fascia of the patellar ligament did not influence the regeneration of the patellar ligament, according to the histology. CONCLUSION The technique using two incisions in the skin presents the same patterns of regeneration and resistance of the remaining patellar ligament as shown by the traditional technique of a single, longitudinal incision.