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Arthroscopic "second look" at the GORE-TEX ligament
1Southern California Orthopedic Institute, Van Nuys 91405-3603.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 1, 1989
Summary
GORE-TEX artificial ligaments for chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency showed intact prostheses were inert. Graft failure was often due to impingement in the intercondylar notch, not joint reaction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency often requires surgical reconstruction.
- GORE-TEX prostheses have been used for ACL reconstruction, but their long-term joint response requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the arthroscopic findings, graft integrity, and synovial reaction following GORE-TEX prosthesis implantation for chronic ACL insufficiency.
Main Methods:
- Arthroscopic "second look" evaluation of 21 knees with GORE-TEX ACL prostheses.
- Grading of synovial reaction, graft synovial ingrowth, and graft rupture.
- Microscopic examination of graft biopsies.
Main Results:
- GORE-TEX prostheses were intact in 11 knees, partially ruptured in 6, and completely ruptured in 4.
- No correlation found between graft rupture extent and synovial reaction.
- Graft particles were observed in synovium only with graft rupture; intact grafts showed no particles.
Conclusions:
- Intact GORE-TEX ligaments appear inert, causing no significant joint reaction.
- Impingement in the intercondylar notch is a likely cause of GORE-TEX graft failure.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term behavior of GORE-TEX ligaments.