[Ultrasound and clinical findings of the patellar ligament after excision of the central third for cruciate ligament-plasty].

The use of a central one-third patellar tendon as a substitute for a damaged cruciate ligament has grown in popularity in recent years. 15 patients undergoing physical check-ups were examined clinically and with the aid of ultrasound imaging on both knees 2 years after the operation. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate changes of the patellar tendon after removal of its central third. Pain is not reported in the removal area, the clinical examinations show identical findings on both patellar tendons, X-ray and ultrasound evaluations do not demonstrate any change in patellar position. Sonographically there is an increase of cross-sectional diameter over 10% without any obvious intratendinous structural change. Our clinical and sonographical results are compared with biomechanical and histological observations of animal studies.