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A carpal ligament substitute part 1: polyester suture.
John A Martin1, Marwan A Wehbé
1Commonwealth Sports Medicine, Reading, PA, USA.
Hand Clinics
|November 22, 2012
Summary
Researchers identified a synthetic carpal ligament substitute using polyester fiber suture. This readily available and inexpensive material offers superior tensile strength and can facilitate tissue ingrowth for ligament reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Carpal ligament injuries often require surgical reconstruction.
- A need exists for a cost-effective, readily available, and easy-to-use synthetic ligament substitute.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a synthetic material as a potential substitute for carpal ligaments.
- To assess the tensile strength and biocompatibility of polyester fiber suture for ligament reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Four loops of 2-0 polyester fiber suture (Mersilene) were tested.
- Tensile strength was compared to the native scapholunate interosseous ligament.
- Stress/strain curve approximation and potential for fibrous tissue ingrowth were assessed.
Main Results:
- Polyester fiber suture demonstrated ultimate tensile strength exceeding that of the scapholunate interosseous ligament.
- The suture construct approximated a normal ligament stress/strain curve.
- The material is inexpensive, readily available, and easy to handle.
Conclusions:
- Polyester fiber suture serves as a viable synthetic substitute for carpal ligaments.
- This material is recommended for carpal and other ligament reconstructions due to its strength and practicality.
