Bone graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction evaluated by radiostereometric analysis

For most anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques, the tensile strength of the ligament substitutes and the surgical methods of fixation have been examined. In the present study seven consecutive patients with a chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, who were reconstructed with a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft, were followed. The migration of the bone blocks was examined with radiostereometric analysis immediately postoperatively and after 3 and 12 months. The median migration of the bone blocks in the femur was 0.4 mm and in the tibia 0.4 mm. Clinical examination was undertaken preoperatively and one year postoperatively. We conclude that the use of interference screws seems to be a reliable method for fixation in anterior cruciate reconstruction and that healing of the bone blocks occurs during the first three postoperative months.