Correlation Analysis of MRI-based Graft Maturity and Outcomes after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using IKDC Score

Objective The correlation between the signal/noise quotient (SNQ) values of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form 2000 scores after ACL reconstruction was evaluated. Design Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical evaluation using IKDC scores were utilized to calculate the signal intensity of the graft maturity at the six-month and twelve-month follow-up points postoperatively. The associations between the SNQ values at the six-month follow-up point and IKDC scores at the twelve-month follow-up point were evaluated. Results A total of 42 male patients completed our trial and returned to normal activity level before the surgery. The mean age of these patients was 29.07 ± 8.11 years (range, 17-47 years). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.00 ± 2.59 kg/m2. Notably, the Pearson correlation analysis showed that the IKDC scores obtained at 12 months were significantly associated with the SNQ values measured in the 6th month and 12th month, respectively (r = -0.454, p = 0.003; r = -0.478, p = 0.001). Conclusion According to this study, early measurement of graft maturity might predict the clinical outcome afterwards. The sensitive predictive value of SNQ could be utilized to maximize the patient outcomes. Corresponding author: Nanxin Zhang, Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian, China. E-mail: zhangnanxin2018@163.com. Tel: 0086-0591-87982113; Fax: 0086-0591-87982113. This study was supported by the Health special funds of Fujian provincial finance department (BPB-LQ2016), the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian provincial science and Technology Department (2017J01283). Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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