Abstract
Small-diameter interference screws are a widely used method of securing bone-tendon grafts during anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive procedures. Recent reports document tunnel widening and subsequent loss of fixation, leading to a need for alternative fixation methods. In cadaver tissue, the fixation strength of large-diameter (11-, 13-, and 15-mm) interference screws was tested and compared with that of clinically used 9-mm diameter screws. Patellar-tendon sections were fashioned into three grafts, each with bone plugs measuring 10 X 20 X 7.5 mm. Tunnels were created in the epiphyseal bone of the femurs and tibias, resulting in gap sizes of 4.5-, 6.5-, 8.5-, and 10.5-mm for the 9-, 11-, 13-, and 15-mm diameter screws, respectively. Grafts were pulled from the tunnel at a rate of 51 cm/min. Average fixation strengths were 276, 302, 328, and 328 N for the 9-, 11-, 13-, and 15-mm screws, respectively. No significant difference existed between the fixation strengths (ANOVA, P ≤ .05).
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 70-74 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Arthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1998 |
Keywords
- ACL reconstruction
- Biomechanical test
- Bone-tendon grafts
- Fixation strength
- Interference screw
- Knee reconstruction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine