Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the mechanical role of bone–anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft junction
in comparison with primary fixation of the graft. Type of Study: Ex vivo controlled biomechanical
study. Methods: An ACL reconstruction was performed on 2 groups of 40 sheep each. The ACL
graft was patellar tendon in group 1, and free tendon in group 2. Load-to-failure tests were performed
at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: In subgroup A the femoral fixation
devices were removed before testing and in subgroup B they were left in place. Results: At 1 month,
structural properties of subgroup 2A were significantly lower than other subgroups. Until the third
month, structural properties of each subgroup were significantly lower than normal ACL. Grafts
always failed at midsubstance, except for subgroup 2A at 1 month, which pulled out of the femoral
tunnel. Conclusions: Bone plug incorporation was stronger than graft strength at 1 month whereas
soft tissue tendon incorporation was not stronger than graft until 2 months. At 3 months, both groups
failed at approximately 30% of the native ACL strength, and at 6 months, both groups were nearly
equal in terms of load to failure and stiffness. Clincial Relevance: High fixation strength and
stiffness of ACL graft does not allow earlier return to sports activities.
Lingua originale | English |
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pagine (da-a) | 532-539 |
Numero di pagine | 8 |
Rivista | ARTHROSCOPY |
Volume | 21 |
DOI | |
Stato di pubblicazione | Pubblicato - 2005 |
Keywords
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament
- Biomechanics
- Models, Animal
- Orthopedic Fixation Devices
- Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
- Sheep