The Tape Locking Screw technique (TLS): A new ACL reconstruction method using a short hamstring graft.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common, necessitating effective surgical reconstruction methods.
• Traditional ACL reconstruction techniques involve complex graft preparation and fixation.
• The Tape Locking Screw (TLS) system was developed to address challenges in ACL surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes of the Tape Locking Screw (TLS) system for ACL reconstruction.
• To describe the unique principles and methodology of the TLS system.

Main Methods:

• Harvesting a single hamstring tendon, preparing it into a 50-60mm, 4-5 strand closed loop (8-10mm diameter, 500N pre-load).
• Creating shorter (10-15mm) retrograde bone tunnels matching graft diameter for maximum press-fit.
• Utilizing polyethylene terephthalate tape strips (TLS strips) for graft fixation with a dedicated interference screw (TLS screw).
• Preliminary clinical evaluation with a follow-up of 134 patients.

Main Results:

• The TLS system employs a specific graft preparation and fixation technique.
• Shorter, retrograde tunnels facilitate maximum press-fit of the graft.
• The TLS screw and tape strips provide femoral and tibial fixation.
• A preliminary evaluation involved 134 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with the TLS system.

Conclusions:

• The Tape Locking Screw (TLS) system presents a novel approach to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
• The technique involves specific graft preparation, tunnel creation, and fixation methods.
• Preliminary clinical evaluation of 134 patients supports the potential efficacy of the TLS system for ACL repair.