Fig. 2

ACL reconstruction surgery. A A temporary catheter was placed within the left femoral vein to facilitate perioperative fluid infusion using a B syringe pump. C Schematic of transverse section of rat tail showing site of left dorsal tail tendon bundle harvested for graft preparation (asterisk). D A 1 cm incision was made approximately 10 cm from the base of the rat tail to expose the left dorsal tendon bundle. A dissection needle was used to lever the tendon until it released proximally, then the distal end cut. E The tail tendon was bundled to prepare an ACL graft using a PDS II 5–0 suture, with a braided 5–0 suture situated on the graft end as a lead. F A medial parapatellar approach was used to expose the femoral condyles and tibial plateau, then a hand drill with a 1.5 mm drill bit was used to create femoral and tibial tunnels. G Under traction of the lead suture, the tendon graft was positioned, and H, I) tensioned under extension using M1.6 grub screws to secure within the femoral and tibial sockets