[Effect of the Hoffa fat pad on revascularization of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. A histologic study of the rabbit model].

After intersection of anterior cruciate ligament both ends were stitched together again. In group A the ligament was surrounded by a flap of fat pad, whereas in control group B the intersected ligament just was sutured. Postoperative the leg was immobilised by cast from 4 to 8 weeks. After that time intraarterial injection by Romeis method was performed, the bone-ligament-bone block was fixed in paraffine and the histological investigation followed. All ligament blocks of group A (n12) showed an intact anterior cruciate surrounded by well vascularized soft tissue which has been transformed from the fat pad. Ligaments of group B did not heal and where regressive changed.