PURPOSE: The aim of part 1 of this study was to compare the structural properties of tibia-graft-interference screw constructs of soft-tissue graft fixation via the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by use of different interference screws. In part 2 the influence of graft laceration as a result of 1 single interference screw insertion on the mechanical properties of the graft was evaluated. METHODS: In part 1 of the study, in a bovine knee model, soft-tissue graft fixation with titanium, biodegradable poly-D,L-lactide (PLDLA), and PLDLA-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) interference screws was performed, and the structural properties were determined by use of a materials testing machine at a rate of 12.5 mm/s. In part 2 the bone was cut after 1 single insertion of titanium, PLDLA, or PLDLA-TCP interference screws, and the mechanical properties of the graft were determined. RESULTS: Soft-tissue graft fixation with a biodegradable PLDLA interference screw showed a statistically significantly higher maximum load when compared with PLDLA-TCP and titanium interference screws. PLDLA-TCP screw fixation revealed a significantly higher ultimate load than titanium screw fixation. The mechanical properties of the grafts after 1 single insertion of PLDLA-TCP interference screws showed a statistically significantly higher stiffness, yield load, and maximum load when compared with the PLDLA and titanium interference screw groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the use of a titanium screw to fix a soft-tissue graft in cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery may cause damage to the graft. Soft-tissue ACL reconstruction fixed with a PLDLA interference screw resulted in a significantly higher pullout strength than ACL reconstructions fixed with a PLDLA-TCP or titanium interference screw. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast to fixation with a biodegradable interference screw, fixation with a titanium interference screw may damage the integrity of a soft-tissue graft in cruciate ligament reconstruction and should therefore be avoided.
PURPOSE: The aim of part 1 of this study was to compare the structural properties of tibia-graft-interference screw constructs of soft-tissue graft fixation via the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by use of different interference screws. In part 2 the influence of graft laceration as a result of 1 single interference screw insertion on the mechanical properties of the graft was evaluated. METHODS: In part 1 of the study, in a bovine knee model, soft-tissue graft fixation with titanium, biodegradable poly-D,L-lactide (PLDLA), and PLDLA-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) interference screws was performed, and the structural properties were determined by use of a materials testing machine at a rate of 12.5 mm/s. In part 2 the bone was cut after 1 single insertion of titanium, PLDLA, or PLDLA-TCP interference screws, and the mechanical properties of the graft were determined. RESULTS: Soft-tissue graft fixation with a biodegradable PLDLA interference screw showed a statistically significantly higher maximum load when compared with PLDLA-TCP and titanium interference screws. PLDLA-TCP screw fixation revealed a significantly higher ultimate load than titanium screw fixation. The mechanical properties of the grafts after 1 single insertion of PLDLA-TCP interference screws showed a statistically significantly higher stiffness, yield load, and maximum load when compared with the PLDLA and titanium interference screw groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the use of a titanium screw to fix a soft-tissue graft in cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery may cause damage to the graft. Soft-tissue ACL reconstruction fixed with a PLDLA interference screw resulted in a significantly higher pullout strength than ACL reconstructions fixed with a PLDLA-TCP or titanium interference screw. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast to fixation with a biodegradable interference screw, fixation with a titanium interference screw may damage the integrity of a soft-tissue graft in cruciate ligament reconstruction and should therefore be avoided.
Authors: María Prado; Belén Martín-Castilla; Alejandro Espejo-Reina; José Miguel Serrano-Fernández; Ana Pérez-Blanca; Francisco Ezquerro Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2012-03-30 Impact factor: 4.342
Authors: Antonio Herrera; Fernando Martínez; Daniel Iglesias; José Cegoñino; Elena Ibarz; Luis Gracia Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord Date: 2010-06-30 Impact factor: 2.362
Authors: Casper Foldager; Bent W Jakobsen; Bent Lund; Svend Erik Christiansen; Lotte Kashi; Lone R Mikkelsen; Martin Lind Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2009-07-16 Impact factor: 4.342
Authors: Michael T Hirschmann; Tom Adler; Helmut Rasch; Rolf W Hügli; Niklaus F Friederich; Markus P Arnold Journal: Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol Date: 2010-09-16
Authors: K-H Frosch; T Sawallich; G Schütze; A Losch; T Walde; P Balcarek; F Konietschke; K M Stürmer Journal: Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr Date: 2009-08-21