Aims. The best surgical strategy for the management of displaced bucket-handle (BH) meniscal tears in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee is unclear. Combining meniscal repair with
Aims. Our purpose was to describe an unusual series of 21 patients with fungal osteomyelitis after an
The Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement
(UKR) is an established treatment option in the management of symptomatic
end-stage medial compartmental osteoarthritis (MCOA), which works
well in the young and active patient. However, previous studies
have shown that it is reliable only in the presence of a functionally
intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This review reports the
outcomes, at a mean of five years and a maximum of ten years, of 52
consecutive patients with a mean age of 51 years (36 to 57) who
underwent staged or simultaneous
Aims. The success of
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chondral injury and interval from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear to surgical reconstruction (ACLr). Between January 2012 and January 2022, 1,840 consecutive ACLrs were performed and included in a single-centre retrospective cohort. Exclusion criteria were partial tears, multiligament knee injuries, prior ipsilateral knee surgery, concomitant unicompartmental knee arthroplasty or high tibial osteotomy, ACL agenesis, and unknown date of tear. A total of 1,317 patients were included in the final analysis, with a median age of 29 years (interquartile range (IQR) 23 to 38). The median preoperative Tegner Activity Score (TAS) was 6 (IQR 6 to 7). Patients were categorized into four groups according to the delay to ACLr: < three months (427; 32%), three to six months (388; 29%), > six to 12 months (248; 19%), and > 12 months (254; 19%). Chondral injury was assessed during arthroscopy using the International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society classification, and its association with delay to ACLr was analyzed using multivariable analysis.Aims
Methods
Background. Surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament is a common practice to treat the disability or chronic instability of the knee. Several factors associated with success or failure of the
Cite this article:
Our aim was to assess the use of intra-operative fluoroscopy
in the assessment of the position of the tibial tunnel during reconstruction
of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Between January and June 2009 a total of 31 arthroscopic hamstring
ACL reconstructions were performed. Intra-operative fluoroscopy
was introduced (when available) to verify the position of the guidewire
before tunnel reaming. It was only available for use in 20 cases,
due to other demands on the radiology department. The tourniquet
times were compared between the two groups and all cases where radiological
images lead to re-positioning of the guide wire were recorded. The
secondary outcome involved assessing the tibial interference screw
position measured on post-operative radiographs and comparing with
the known tunnel position as shown on intra-operative fluoroscopic
images.Objectives
Methods
Aims. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in children and the adolescent population has increased steadily over recent years. We used a national database to look at trends in
To address the current challenge of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, this study is the first to fabricate a braided collagen rope (BCR) which mimics native hamstring for
The purpose of this study is to assess the long term results of combined
Arthrofibrosis is a less common complication following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and there are concerns that undergoing early surgery may be associated with arthrofibrosis. The aim of this study was to identify the patient and surgical risk factors for arthrofibrosis following primary
Abstract. Aims. Growth disturbances after transphyseal paediatric
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is frequently injured in elite athletes, with females up to eight times more likely to suffer an ACL tear than males. Biomechanical and hormonal factors have been thoroughly investigated; however, there remain unknown factors that need investigation. The mechanism of injury differs between males and females, and anatomical differences contribute significantly to the increased risk in females. Hormonal factors, both endogenous and exogenous, play a role in ACL laxity and may modify the risk of injury. However, data are still limited, and research involving oral contraceptives is potentially associated with methodological and ethical problems. Such characteristics can also influence the outcome after
The principal of “function priority, early rehabilitation, and return to sports” is now the goal for sports injury rehabilitation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a rising procedure for early rehabilitation. This paper systematically assessed the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on postoperative
Aims. To verify whether secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) can promote early tendon-to-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods. In vitro: the mobility of the rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) treated with SLPI was evaluated by scratch assay. Then the expression levels of osteogenic differentiation-related genes were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine the osteogenic effect of SLPI on BMSCs. In vivo: a rat model of
The bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft has a lower rate of graft failure but a higher rate of contralateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury after primary
Aims. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the long-term clinical, radiological, functional, and quality of life (QoL)-related outcome of patients treated with the synthetic Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) device for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Methods. A total of 41 patients who underwent
Meniscal repairs are commonly performed during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for meniscal repair failure following concurrent primary
Screw fixation is an established method for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, although with a high rate of implant-related complications. An allograft system for implant fixation in
Background. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with concomitant meniscal injury occurs frequently. Meniscal repair is associated with improved long-term outcomes compared to resection but is also associated with a higher reoperation rate. Knowledge of the risk factors for repair failure may be important in optimizing patient outcomes. Purpose. This study aimed to identify the patient and surgical risk factors for meniscal repair failure, defined as a subsequent meniscectomy, following concurrent primary
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been increasing, especially amongst adolescents. These injuries can increase the risk for early-onset knee osteoarthritis (OA). The consequences of late-stage knee OA include structural joint change, functional limitations and persistent pain. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory biomarker reflecting knee joint healing, and increasing evidence suggests that IL-6 may play a critical role in the development of pathological pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between subjective knee joint pain and function, and synovial fluid concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, in adolescents undergoing
Surgery performed in low-volume centres has been associated with longer operating time, longer hospital stays, lower functional outcomes, and higher rates of revision surgery, complications, and mortality. This has been reported consistently in the arthroplasty literature, but there is a paucity of data regarding the relationship between surgical volume and outcome following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare the
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and debilitating knee injuries in professional athletes with an incidence in females up to eight-times higher than their male counterparts. ACL injuries can be career-threatening and are associated with increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in future life. The increased risk of ACL injury in females has been attributed to various anatomical, developmental, neuromuscular, and hormonal factors. Anatomical and hormonal factors have been identified and investigated as significant contributors including osseous anatomy, ligament laxity, and hamstring muscular recruitment. Postural stability and impact absorption are associated with the stabilizing effort and stress on the ACL during sport activity, increasing the risk of noncontact pivot injury. Female patients have smaller diameter hamstring autografts than males, which may predispose to increased risk of re-rupture following
Summary:. Hamstring tendons (HT) represent a widely used autograft for
The April 2024 Knee Roundup. 360. looks at: Challenging the status quo: re-evaluating the impact of obesity on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty outcomes; Timing matters: the link between
Objectives. To compare the effect of femoral bone tunnel configuration on tendon-bone healing in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction animal model. Methods.
Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a nationwide cohort. Patients and Methods. All
Abstract. Methodology. Prospective single-surgeon case-series evaluating patients undergoing surgery by this technique. 76 cases (mean age of 33.2 years) who had primary
Introduction. Over the past 30 years multiple wars and embargos have reduced healthcare resources, infrastructure, and staff in Iraq. Subsequently, there are a lack of physiotherapists to provide rehabilitation after an
Abstract. Purpose. Since arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) started, the use of peroneus longus grafts for primary
The optimal method of tibial fixation when using a hamstring tendon autograft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is unclear. This study aimed to compare the risk of revision
Introduction: Number of patients needing revision ACL surgery has increased more than 10 fold. Results of revision surgery are traditionally thought to be inferior to primary reconstruction. Aim of this paper is to describe results of revision surgery using a two-stage technique and compare it with results of primary
Introduction. To evaluate career length after surgical treatment of combined ACL + medial collateral ligament (MCL) and ACL +posterolateral corner (PLC) surgeries in all elite athletes. Secondly, in a subgroup of male professional footballers to determine career length and competition level after ACL+MCL or ACL+PLC reconstructions and compare this to a cohort who underwent isolated
The bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft is associated with difficulty kneeling following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, however it is unclear whether it results in a more painful or symptomatic knee when compared to the hamstring tendon autograft. This study aimed to identify the rate of significant knee pain and difficulty kneeling following primary
Aims. To evaluate graft healing of decellularized porcine superflexor tendon (pSFT) xenograft in an ovine anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction model using two femoral fixation devices. Also, to determine if pSFT allows functional recovery of gait as compared with the preoperative measurements. Methods. A total of 12 sheep underwent unilateral single-bundle
Between 1993 and 1994, 891 patients underwent
primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total
of 48 patients had undergone bilateral
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the reasons for delay to surgery are secondary to health system constraints or patient factors. This study explored factors that contribute to patients' delay to surgery as well as how patients perceive the delay in surgery to have affected their treatment and care. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 patients aged 18 to 50 years old who had undergone arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Qualitative data analysis was performed in accordance with the Straus and Corbin theory to derive codes, categories and themes. Patient interviews revealed three overarching themes regarding delay to
The treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) in conjunction with anterior knee laxity is an issue of debate. Current treatment options include knee joint distraction, unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) or high tibial osteotomy with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction or total knee replacement. Bone-conserving options are preferred for younger and active patients with intact lateral and patello-femoral compartment. However, still limited experience exists in the field of combining medial UKR and
Introduction. It has been contentious whether an anatomic double-bundle technique for
Following
The objective of this study was to analyze the biomechanical effect of an implanted ACL graft by determining the tunnel position according to the aspect ratio (ASR) of the distal femur during flexion-extension motion. To analyze biomechanical characteristics according to the ASR of the knee joint, only male samples were selected to exclude the effects of gender and 89 samples were selected for measurement. The mean age was 50.73 years, and the mean height was 165.22 cm. We analyzed tunnel length, graft bending angle, and stress of the graft according to tunnel entry position and aspect ratio (ratio of antero-posterior depth to medio-lateral width) of the articular surface for the distal femur during single-bundle outside-in
Aims. Proliferation, migration, and differentiation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remnant and surrounding cells are fundamental processes for
Young, active patients with end-stage medial osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency present a treatment challenge for surgeons. Current surgical treatment options include high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with or without
Abstract. Introduction.
Abstract. Introduction. The study aims were to demonstrate rates, level, and time taken to RTP in elite sports after
Abstract. Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine which factors affect a professional footballer's return to play performance level after
Abstract. Introduction. The use of MCL “pie-crusting” (selective release of the superficial MCL) to improve arthroscopic access to the posteromedial compartment of the knee for isolated meniscal surgery has been demonstrated. However, there are concerns that MCL pie-crusting with concomitant
Abstract. Background. Performing lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) with
The aim of this study was to determine Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) graft and contralateral ACL (CACL) survival in patients who have undergone
To document and assess the available evidence regarding single bundle, hamstrings autograft preparation techniques for
Introduction. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represent a significant burden of disease to the orthopaedic surgeon and often necessitate surgical reconstruction in the presence of instability. The hamstring graft has traditionally been used to reconstruct the ACL but the quadriceps tendon (QT) graft has gained popularity due to its relatively low donor site morbidity. Methods. This is a single centre comparative retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who had an
Little guidance exists in the current literature regarding which patient recorded outcome measures (PROMs) are most clinically appropriate following
Abstract. Introduction. Elite athletes sustaining a graft re-rupture after
Anatomic all-inside
Septic arthritis following
Hamstring grafts have been associated with reduced strength, donor site pain and muscle strains following
An
Aims. Graft infection following
Aims. Options for the treatment of intra-articular ligament injuries are limited, and insufficient ligament reconstruction can cause painful joint instability, loss of function, and progressive development of degenerative arthritis. This study aimed to assess the capability of a biologically enhanced matrix material for ligament reconstruction to withstand tensile forces within the joint and enhance ligament regeneration needed to regain joint function. Materials and Methods. A total of 18 New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral
Objectives. This study investigated the biomechanical performance of decellularized porcine superflexor tendon (pSFT) grafts of varying diameters when utilized in conjunction with contemporary ACL graft fixation systems. This aimed to produce a range of ‘off-the-shelf’ products with predictable mechanical performance, depending on the individual requirements of the patient. Methods. Decellularized pSFTs were prepared to create double-bundle grafts of 7 mm, 8 mm, and 9 mm diameter. Femoral and tibial fixation systems were simulated utilizing Arthrex suspension devices and interference screws in bovine bone, respectively. Dynamic stiffness and creep were measured, followed by ramp to failure from which linear stiffness and load at failure were measured. The mechanisms of failure were also recorded. Results. Dynamic stiffness was found to increase with greater graft diameter, with significant differences between all groups. Conversely, dynamic creep reduced with increasing graft diameter with significant differences between the 7 mm and 9 mm groups and the 8 mm and 9 mm groups. Significant differences were also found between the 7 mm, 8 mm, and 9 mm groups for linear stiffness, but no significant differences were found between groups for load at failure. The distribution of failure mechanisms was found to change with graft diameter. Conclusion. This study showed that decellularized pSFTs demonstrate comparable biomechanical properties to other ACL graft options and are a potentially viable option for
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common ligament injury occurring in young and active individuals. Reconstruction of the torn ligament is the current standard of care. Of the many factors which determine the surgical outcome, fixation of the graft in the bony tunnels has significant role. This study compared the clinical and functional outcome in patients who underwent
The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant
to tissue repair is gaining favour in orthopaedic surgery. Tunnel widening
after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a recognised
phenomenon that could compromise revision surgery. The purpose of
this study was to determine whether PRP might prevent tunnel widening
in
Abstract. Objectives. Identifying risk factors for inferior outcomes after
Purpose: Females are at greater risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than males. Soccer may be a significant risk factor for ACL injury in adolescent females. ACL injury has significant consequences, including early onset of osteoarthritis. The purpose of the study was to determine. the number of
Abstract. Introduction. MRI has been increasingly used as an outcome measure and proxy for healing and integration after
Evaluate precisely and reproducibly tridimensional positioning of bone tunnels in
The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and outcome of bilateral simultaneous
Introduction. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) currently experiences increased popularity. It is usually assumed that UKA shows kinematic features closer to the natural knee than total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Especially in younger patients more natural knee function and faster recovery have helped to increase the popularity of UKA. Another leading reason for the popularity of UKA is the ability to preserve the remaining healthy tissues in the knee, which is not always possible in TKA. Many biomechanical questions remain, however, with respect to this type of replacement. 25% of knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis also have a deficient anterior cruciate ligament [1]. In current clinical practice, medial UKA would be contraindicated in these patients. Our hypothesis is that kinematics after UKA in combination with
Aims. To investigate the risk factors for progression of articular
cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
reconstruction. Patients and Methods. A total of 174 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopic
evaluation after anatomical ACL reconstruction were enrolled in
this study. The graded condition of the articular cartilage at the
time of
Introduction. It is widely accepted that intra-articular graft reconstruction with correct placement stands the greatest chance of abolishing symptomatic instability secondary to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. It is estimated that at least 100,000
The aim of this study was to determine current practice in
The primary purpose of this study was to assess whether patients presenting with clinical graft laxity following primary anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft reported a significant difference in disease-specific quality-of-life (QOL) as measured by the ACL-QOL questionnaire. Clinical ACL graft laxity was assessed in a cohort of 1134/1436 (79%) of eligible patients using the Lachman and Pivot-shift tests pre-operatively and at 12- and 24-months following
Thirty- seven patients were enrolled in a single-blind prospective randomized clinical trial comparing the use of the Endopearl in femoral fixation in otherwise similar anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. Evaluation pre-operatively, three months, six months and eighteen months post-operatively suggested significant difference in the side to side KT-1000 values suggesting improved graft fixation with the EndoPearl by eighteen months post surgery with no differences in the Mohtadi ACL QOL questionnaire. Thus, when bioabsorbable interference screws are used for
Hop tests are used to determine return to sports after
Introduction: Some authors have suggested that the results of
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the current standard of care for ACL tears. However, the results are not consistently successful, autografts or allografts have certain disadvantages, and synthetic grafts have had poor clinical results. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of tissue engineering decellularized tibialis tendons by recellularization and culture in a dynamic tissue bioreactor. To determine if recellularization of decellularized tendons combined with mechanical stimulation in a bioreactor could replicate the mechanical properties of the native ACL and be successfully used for
Statement: This is the first report of a supracondylar femoral fracture following
Purpose: This study was performed to assess the incidence of generalized ligament laxity in patients undergoing revision
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the commonest injuries in sports medicine. However, the rates of the reported graft re-rupture range from 2–10%, leading to around 3000 to 10000 revision
No consensus exists regarding the optimal graft choice between allogenic and autologous graft. Incidence of septic arthritis following
Summary Statement.
Objective: The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing
We examined whether enamel matrix derivative
(EMD) could improve healing of the tendon–bone interface following
reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using a hamstring
tendon in a rat model.
Objective: To compare double bundle
Adenosine, lidocaine, and Mg2+ (ALM) therapy exerts differential immuno-inflammatory responses in males and females early after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Our aim was to investigate sex-specific effects of ALM therapy on joint tissue repair and recovery 28 days after surgery. Male (n = 21) and female (n = 21) adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into ALM or Saline control treatment groups. Three days after ACL rupture, animals underwent ACLR. An ALM or saline intravenous infusion was commenced prior to skin incision, and continued for one hour. An intra-articular bolus of ALM or saline was also administered prior to skin closure. Animals were monitored to 28 days, and joint function, pain, inflammatory markers, histopathology, and tissue repair markers were assessed.Aims
Methods
The purpose of this study is to determine an individual’s age-specific prevalence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after cruciate ligament surgery, and to identify clinical and genetic risk factors associated with undergoing TKA. This study was a retrospective case-control study using the UK Biobank to identify individuals reporting a history of cruciate ligament surgery. Data from verbal history and procedural codes recorded through the NHS were used to identify instances of TKA. Patient clinical and genetic data were used to identify risk factors for progression from cruciate ligament surgery to TKA. Individuals without a history of cruciate ligament reconstruction were used for comparison.Aims
Methods
Objective: The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing
Background: Studies have shown that normal tibio-femoral rotational kinematics is not regained following single-bundle
Tibial and femoral bone tunnel widening (TW) has been observed following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We developed a χ12 mm cannulated cancellous screw (Intercondylar Ligament Screw, ICLS) for femoral fixation to reduce TW. The purpose of this study is to introduce our surgical method and its results. We employed an original ICLS system developed to reduce the needed distance between the tibial and femoral-fixation points (distance between fixation points, DbF) in
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has traditionally been performed using a single bundle (SB) technique, providing good to excellent results in most cases . There is some evidence from biomechanical studies that double bundle (DB) techniques may improve anteroposterior and rotational stability. A number of prospective randomised trials have been performed producing conflicting results. The aim of this study was to find out any differences in outcome between single bundle and double bundle
After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, reconstructive surgery with a hamstring tendon autograft is often performed. Despite overall good results, ACL re-rupture occurs in up to 10% of the patient population, increasing to 30% of the cases for patients aged under 20 years. This can be related to tissue remodelling in the first months to years after surgery, which compromises the graft's mechanical strength. Resident graft fibroblasts secrete matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down the collagen I extracellular matrix. After necrosis of these fibroblasts, myofibroblasts repopulate the graft, and deposit more collagen III rather than collagen I. Eventually, the cellular and matrix properties converge towards those of the native ACL, but full restoration of the ACL properties is not achieved. It is unknown how inter-patient differences in tissue remodelling capacity contribute to ACL graft rupture risk. This research measured patient-specific tissue remodelling-related properties of human hamstring tendon-derived cells in an in vitro micro-tissue platform, in order to identify potential biological predictors for graft rupture. Human hamstring tendon-derived cells were obtained from remnant autograft tissue after
The options for treatment of the young active patient with isolated symptomatic osteoarthritis of the medial compartment and pre-existing deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament are limited. The potential longevity of the implant and levels of activity of the patient may preclude total knee replacement, and tibial osteotomy and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty are unreliable because of the ligamentous instability. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasties tend to fail because of wear or tibial loosening resulting from eccentric loading. Therefore, we combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with unicompartmental arthroplasty of the knee in 15 patients (ACLR group), and matched them with 15 patients who had undergone Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with an intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACLI group). The clinical and radiological data at a minimum of 2.5 years were compared for both groups. The groups were well matched for age, gender and length of follow-up and had no significant differences in their pre-operative scores. At the last follow-up, the mean outcome scores for both the ACLR and ACLI groups were high (Oxford knee scores of 46 (37 to 48) and 43 (38 to 46), respectively, objective Knee Society scores of 99 (95 to 100) and 94 (82 to 100), and functional Knee Society scores of 96 and 96 (both 85 to 100). One patient in the ACLR group needed revision to a total knee replacement because of infection. No patient in either group had radiological evidence of component loosening. The radiological study showed no difference in the pattern of tibial loading between the groups. The short-term clinical results of combined
Most people have not returned to their pre-injury level of sports participation 12 months following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Twelve months may be too early to assess return to sport outcomes accurately. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term return to sport outcomes following
Aims: The aims of this study were to define the incidence of knee stiffness following
Purpose of Study: To examine if and when patients return to sporting activity following surgery, and how their subjective assessment of ability to perform activities was affected by their injury and surgery. We also wished to examine if there was any difference in the timing of return to sport between different sporting activities and by graft (hamstring or bone, patella tendon, bone (BTB)) used for
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate systematically the literature concerning biopsy, MRI signal to noise quotient (SNQ) and clinical outcomes in graft-maturity assessment after autograft