Chondroid metaplasia as a complication of ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon

Abstract

Objective: The anatomic ACL reconstruction technique is a safe and effective method, and it has a low complication rate. We are about to present seven Chondroid Metaplasia cases, with pain and restricted extension between 10° and 30° at mediate post-operative, as a procedure complication. Method and Material: During 2009 and 2013 we have performed 544 ACL reconstructions with anatomical Patellar Graft technique, making notchplastia in only 30% of cases. In all cases, the MRI presented extensive pre-neoligament fibrosis, that showed heterogeneous appearance. Surgical toilette was performed, and the sample was sent for pathologic analysis. Results: The histological analysis reported Chondroid Metaplasia in 100% of cases, presenting a complete symptomatology remission in just six of them, with continuous and sufficient neoligament in the whole cases. Pain persisted in just one patient at post-toilette, regaining full extension. Discussion: The anatomical technique of A.C.L. reconstruction with patellar tendon is a very good option, presenting a low complication rate. In patients with limited extension, it must be required control MRI in order to diagnose and treat these complications at time.