Anatomical bases of patellar tendon grafts used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

In 24 fresh specimens the blood-supply of the infrapatellar fat-pad was investigated by injection. In some of the specimens, Clancy's pedicled patellar tendon graft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction had been performed before injection. The fat-pad is supplied by vessels forming a plexus supplying the tendon. In the tendon grafts injected after Clancy's procedure, no vessels were found penetrating the patellar tendon at its patellar and tibial attachments. Filled vessels were found by histologic methods and the Spalteholz technique.