Study of neuroreceptors in native ACL stump and autologus hamstring tendon graft

BackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a very common arthroscopic surgery. All around the world the commonest autograft preferred is hamstring tendon. Present trend is more in favor of retaining the native ACL stump as the available neuroreceptors in the stump might help in early recovery of proprioception after ACL reconstruction.MethodsThis is a prospective study done on 56 cases. We took biopsy samples from knee joints of patients who had undergone arthroscopic ACL reconstruction at our hospital from native ACL stump as well as the graft (Semitendinosus) and sent them for immunohistological examination using S-100 Protein and NFP (Neural filament protein).ResultsChronicity of ACL deficient knee's (injury to surgery more than 6 months) revealed poor positivity for neuroreceptors in sample A. After 3 months of injury there was a gradual decrease in positivity for neuroreceptors with persistence of these neural elements upto 6 months within remnant ACL stump.ConclusionThe results suggest that complete or partial ACL tears should be addressed by early arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using remnant-preserving technique, as the number of mechanoreceptors gradually deteriorates with time following injury.