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Published on: April 30, 2014
Biodegradable interference screw augmentation reduces tunnel expansion after ACL reconstruction
P T Simonian1, J T Monson, R V Larson
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
The American Journal of Knee Surgery
|June 13, 2001
Summary
Biodegradable interference screws in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction reduced bone tunnel diameter but showed no clinical difference in patient outcomes within the first year.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction commonly uses hamstring autografts.
- Bone tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction can be a concern.
- Biodegradable interference screws are used for graft fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of biodegradable interference screw tibial fixation on bone tunnel dimensions and clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction.
- To compare outcomes between patients with and without biodegradable interference screw augmentation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 40 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts.
- Twenty patients received tibial fixation with a biodegradable interference screw; 20 did not.
- Radiographic evaluation of bone tunnel diameter, physical examination, and arthrometer measurements at 3 and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Biodegradable interference screw augmentation significantly decreased distal tibial and femoral bone tunnel diameters at 3 and 12 months.
- No significant differences were observed in Lachman tests or arthrometer measurements between the groups.
- Tunnel diameter reduction did not correlate with improved clinical outcomes in the first year post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Tibial fixation with biodegradable interference screws effectively reduces bone tunnel diameter in ACL reconstruction.
- Despite radiographic changes, this diameter reduction has no apparent clinical significance in the initial year after surgery.
- Further long-term studies are needed to assess the sustained effects and clinical relevance of biodegradable interference screws.
