Early MR imaging appearance after patellar tendon re-attachment in rabbit knee

Objective: To determine the MR imaging method and appearance after patellar tendon re-attachment of New Zealand albino rabbits. Methods: MR scan was performed on 20 rabbit knees 2 and 4 weeks after patellar bone-tendon re-attachment. The imaging sequences included SE T1WI, GE T1WI, GE T2WI and STIR. The MR appearance was analyzed. Results: The bone-tendon re- attachment area was indistinct and the lower quarter of the patellar tendon was edematous at 2 weeks after surgery; the patella and upper 3/4 of patellar tendon were normal with less edema and normal tension in the lower 1/4 of patellar tendon at 4 weeks after surgery. Conclusion: Early changes after patellar tendon re-attachment in rabbit knees can be shown by MR imaging. Long-term follow-up of patellar tendon re-attachment may be possible on MR imaging. (authors)