[Replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using a Dacron artificial ligament in the rabbit--biomechanical and histological studies].

The value of Dacron as an artificial ligament is currently being investigated in various areas. In the present study, histological findings and changes in the tensile strength of Dacron artificial ligament with time were investigated when it was used as a replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament in the rabbit in various ways. The study was intended to evaluate its mechanical strength when used as the cruciate ligament of knees and determine whether it can induce functional orientation of tissue and bone-ligament anchoring or not. Although the reactions of the Dacron ligament introduced into the joints varied according to individuals, synovial tissue was known to start surrounding the Dacron ligament, and then the fibrous tissues covered the ligament and proliferated into it, gradually acquiring a functional orientation. Also in bone tunnels, fibrous-bone formation was found to proceed gradually. Bone graft proved to be useful for the earlier establishment of the anchoring of the bone and ligament. Though the addition of the method to cover the ligament with synovialis enhanced tissue induction within it, collagen fibers still demonstrated a random orientation. However, the method of patella-tendon transfer in addition to the artificial ligament was recognized to be effective in inducing the functional orientation of tissue. The strength of the trans-grafted artificial ligament did not have to be great as long as it was reconstructed by the augmentation method.