Histologic examination of Leeds-Keio artificial ligament implanted on the surface of a tumor endoprosthesis

The Leeds-Keio (L-K) artificial ligament is made of polyester fibers with an open-weave mesh structure. It has been used clinically for knee ligament reconstruction as a scaffold, allowing tissue ingrowth and new ligament formation. We have used the L-K ligament in bone tumor surgery for reattaching remaining muscles to the target zone of a tumor endoprosthesis. We histologically examined the L-K ligament obtained from 2 patients during revision surgery 39 months after the primary surgery. There were dense fibrous tissues between muscles and the L-K ligament. Collagen fibers proliferated in the space between the polyester fibers, and a slight inflammatory reaction was apparent. We concluded that the L-K ligament had a high potential for inducing biological tissue regeneration even on the metal surface.