From the Journals

When Does Quadriceps ACL Graft Mature?

MRI data show quadriceps ACL graft signal normalizes by 12 months.

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A recent study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine evaluated the signal intensity (SI) of quadriceps tendon autografts post-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in 19 young amateur athletes. The study found significantly elevated SI at 3 and 6 months after surgery, which normalized by 12 months. This suggests that while early changes in graft healing are significant, they approach native ligament values with time. Despite important findings, the study limitations included a small, predominantly female cohort and absence of histology validation.

Original Source(s)

When Does Quadriceps ACL Graft Mature?

MRI data show quadriceps ACL graft signal normalizes by 12 months.

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • January 14, 2026

  • 3 min

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