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Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, Vol 90-B, Issue 4, 516-519.
doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.90B4.19994  
Copyright © 2008 by British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery
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Differences in length and cross-section of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons and their effect on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

A CADAVER STUDY

W. Pichler, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon1; N. P. Tesch, MD, Anatomist, Professor2; G. Schwantzer, MSc, Statistician3; G. Fronhöfer, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon4; C. Boldin, MD, Professor, Orthopaedic Surgeon1; L. Hausleitner, MD, Anatomist2; and W. Grechenig, MD, Professor, Orthopaedic Surgeon1

1 Department of Traumatology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 7a, 8036, Graz, Austria.
2 Anatomic Institute, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, 8010 Graz, Austria.
3 Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, 8036 Graz, Austria.
4 UKH Graz, Göstingerstrasse 24, 8021 Graz, Austria.

Correspondence should be sent to Dr W. Pichler; e-mail: wolfgang.pichler{at}klinikum-graz.at

The purpose of this anatomical study was to explore the morphological variations of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons in length and cross-section and the statistical relationship between length, cross-section, and body height.

We studied the legs of 93 humans in 136 cadavers. In 43 specimens (46.2%) it was possible to harvest the tendons from both legs.

We found considerable differences in the length and cross-section of the semitendinosus and the gracilis tendons with a significant correlation between the two. A correlation between the length of the femur, reflecting height, and the length of the tendons was only observed in specimens harvested from women. The reason for this gender difference was unclear. Additionally, there was a correlation between the cross-sectional area of the tendons and the length of the femur. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of encountering insufficient length of tendon when undertaking reconstructive surgery as a result of anatomical variations between patients.






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Hip, Knee, Trauma, Upper limb, Foot & Ankle, Paediatrics, Oncology, Spine, Arthroplasty, General