Human Quadriceps Tendon Reconstruction After Knee Ligament Biomechanical Studies

ObjectiveTo investigate the biomechanics of the human quadriceps tendon in order to provide the theory basis and evaluate the efficacy of double-bundle reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) using the quadriceps tendon.Metrhods32 quadriceps tendons (width 1cm) taken from fresh cadaver were dissected into 2 bundles according to the anatomy, one bundle including rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis was named A bundle and the other was named B bundle. The width and thickness of the A and B bundle were detected respectively with a Vernier caliper and the biomechanics were determined by WDW-30 election universal testing machine.ResultsThe thickness, width, ultimate strength and ultimate tensile strength of bundle A were 4.393±1.720 mm,8.193+1.177 mm,685.670±227.090N and 16.995±3.483Mpa respectively, while for bundle B. which were 3.061±1.473 mm.7.101±2.033 mm.435.035±205.800N and 13,157±4.021 Mpa. Differences were noted after compared between the ultimate strength of bundle A and the anterolateral bundle(AL) of the PCL (p<0.05) and the difference also noted between bundle B and the posteromedial bundle(PM) of the PCL (p<0.05).ConclusionThe ultimate strength of the quadriceps tendon was much smaller than the PCL and then it needs further studies on whether the quadriceps tendon could be the graft as the reconstruction of the PCL...