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Bone anchors or interference screws? A biomechanical evaluation for autograft ankle stabilization
Lee Jeys1, Sotiris Korrosis, Todd Stewart
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, United Kingdom. lee.jeys@btclick.com <lee.jeys@btclick.com>
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|October 21, 2004
Summary
Interference screws demonstrated superior biomechanical properties compared to bone anchors for anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction. This suggests interference screws may be a more effective option for surgical repair.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Autograft stabilization for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction utilizes free semitendinosus tendon grafts.
- Biomechanical properties of Mitek GII anchors and Arthrex Bio-Tenodesis Screws were compared for ATFL reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the biomechanical performance of Mitek GII anchors versus Arthrex Bio-Tenodesis Screws in free tendon reconstruction of the ATFL.
Main Methods:
- A controlled laboratory study using porcine models.
- Sixty porcine tendon constructs were subjected to failure testing, with loads applied at 70 degrees to mimic ATFL pull.
- Tendons were secured using anchors or screws with different fixation materials (Ethibond, FiberWire). Cyclic preloading was also performed.
Main Results:
- The talus single-pull screw group exhibited a significantly higher mean load to failure (227 N) and less elongation (22%) compared to the anchor group (114 N, 37%).
- Partially gripped screws showed a load of 133 N and 30% elongation.
- The human ATFL has a failure load of 139 N and instability at 20% elongation.
Conclusions:
- Interference screw fixation provided significantly greater failure strength and reduced elongation compared to bone anchors.
- The superior biomechanics of interference screws suggest their potential for enhanced in vivo ATFL reconstruction.