CENTRAL QUADRICEPS TENDON FOR ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION .1. MORPHOMETRIC AND BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION

We examined the anatomic and biomechanical adequacy of the central qua driceps tendon as an alternative graft source for anterior cruciate li gament reconstruction. Morphometry was performed on 15 preserved and 6 fresh-frozen specimens. Biomechanical testing was performed on the si x fresh-frozen specimens. We initially used a triple suture through th e tendon construction, and then clamping directly on the tendon. Morph ometry yielded the following measurements: length, 6.1+/-1.0 cm; width , 2.7 cm (range, 2.1 to 3.7); and thickness, 7 mm (range, 6.4 to 7.8). The thickness was 1.8 times that of the patellar tendon. Biomechanica l testing showed that suture failure occurred at 692+/-181 N, and tend on failure occurred at 1075+/-449 N. The load to tendon failure was 1. 36 times that of a comparable-width patellar tendon graft, although th e difference was not statistically significant. The failure mode was p rimarily through partial or complete tendinous avulsion, with only one specimen failing at midsubstance. These findings show the central qua driceps graft is of sufficient size and strength to be used for anteri or cruciate ligament reconstruction.