[Possibilities and limits in tissue engineering of the anterior cruciate ligament]

Although current concepts of cruciate ligament reconstruction using tendon transplants provide midterm knee joint stabilization, a single-bundle or double-bundle tendon cannot adequately restore the complex three-dimensional structure of the anterior cruciate ligament. Therefore, researchers are attempting to develop alternatives using tissue engineering technology. The basic principle includes seeding of suitable cells on a resorbable carrier construct, in vitro biological and mechanical stimulation to generate a ligament-like extracellular matrix, and subsequent implantation as a cruciate ligament bioprosthesis. Several natural and synthetic materials have proven to be suitable as cell carriers; however, most of these exhibit inadequate tensile strength as well as minor fatigue properties, making an additional load carrier necessary. In principle, research has shown that tissue engineering technology is capable of generating a construct with a ligament-like extracellular matrix. However, the step from basic research to clinical application has not yet been taken.