Changes in MRI T2 mapping value in quadriceps tendon harvest donor site after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction reflects tendon maturation and correlates with clinical scores.

BACKGROUND

Quantitative studies analyzing harvest donor site healing are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the healing of the harvest donor site over 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with quadriceps tendon bone (QTB) by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping technique.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ACLR with QTB and were followed up for a minimum of 24 months were enrolled in this study. T2 value was evaluated using MRI, which was routinely performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Clinical assessments, including Lysholm, donor site morbidity, anterior knee pain (AKP) score, and Tegner activity scores, and KT-2000 arthrometric analysis were also performed at these time points. The change in T2 value and the relationship with the clinical scores were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 28 patients (29 knees) were included in this study. Functional score and ligament laxity improved from preoperative to 24 months postoperatively. The T2 value of the harvest donor site gradually decreased over time after surgery. At 24 months post-surgery, T2 value, both Lyshlom score, and AKP showed a negative correlation (r = -0.6, P = 0.01; r = -0.5, P = 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSION

After ACLR, the quadriceps tendon harvest donor site T2 value decreased over time and correlated with Lyshlom and AKP scores. This suggests that T2 value can be used as a tool for evaluating harvest donor site healing after ACLR.