[Replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament by carbon fibers. An experimental study]

The authors have excised the anterior cruciate ligament in 14 sheep and replaced it by carbon fibres. The animals were sacrificed after 12 to 18 months. Eight had a satisfactory new ligament without any evidence of arthrosis and with stability of the knee. In 2 cases, there was moderate instability and arthrosis associated with a lax ligament and in 3 cases the new ligament had ruptured with severe instability and arthrosis. Microscopic examination shows a satisfactory acceptance of the carbon filament both inside the bone as well as in the joint. There was no difference between cases repaired immediately or 6 months after excision of the ligament. A study of aortic lymph nodes showed the presence of carbon particles. The rupturing strength of the new ligaments and of normal ligaments were similar. The visco-elasticity of the new ligaments was also studied and was found to be satisfactory. It was considered that the use of carbon fibre may be valuable but more studies should be done to improve the elasticity and to decrease the migration of carbon material.