Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of Bioabsorbable Interference Screws Used for Fixation of Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autografts in Endoscopic Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
- 1 July 2006
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in The American Journal of Sports Medicine
- Vol. 34 (7), 1164-1169
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546505285384
Abstract
Background Metal interference screws can cause problems if revision is needed and can interfere with magnetic resonance imaging. Bioabsorbable screws have been developed to prevent these problems, but the rate of resorption and integration is not well understood. Hypothesis Poly-L-lactic acid interference screws will be resorbed 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods The study group consisted of 19 patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament ruptures reconstructed with bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts fixed with poly-L-lactic acid interference screws using an endoscopic technique. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate resorption of the screws, bony integration of the screws, and integration of the bone blocks after 2 years. Results At 2 years, the mean reduction in the volume of the femoral screws was 64% and of the tibial screw was 63%. Bony integration of the femoral bone block was considered good in 17 patients and fair in 2 patients. Integration of the tibial bone block was considered good in 16 patients and fair in 1 patient who demonstrated widening of the tibial tunnel. Osteolysis around the screws was seen in 3 patients in the femur and none in the tibia. Conclusion The mean reduction in volume of the poly-L-lactic acid screws as measured by magnetic resonance imaging after 2 years was approximately two thirds. The integration of the bone blocks was considered good in 90% of the patients. Osteolysis around the screws was visible in 16% of the patients. Clinical Relevance Two years after ACL reconstruction using poly-L-lactic acid interference screws, the surgeon can expect to find approximately one third of the volume of the screw remaining in the bone tunnels.Keywords
This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit:
- Endoscopic Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament using Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafts Fixed with Bioabsorbable or Metal Interference ScrewsThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2005
- The Natural History of a Bioabsorbable Interference Screw Used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With a 4-Strand Hamstring TechniqueArthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 2005
- Novel mechanism of tumorigenesis: Increased transforming growth factor-?1 suppresses the expression of connexin 43 in BALB/cJ mice after implantation of poly-L-lactic acidJournal of Biomedical Materials Research, 2004
- Results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and the use of absorbable interference screws (minimum 2.5-year follow-up)Der Unfallchirurg, 1999
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Autogenous Patellar Tendon Graft Followed by Accelerated RehabilitationThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1997
- Metallic versus bioabsorbable interference screw for fixation of bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstructionKnee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 1997
- Metal and biodegradable interference screws: Comparison of failure strengthArthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 1996
- Comparison of Failure Strength Between Metallic and Absorbable Interference ScrewsThe American Journal of Sports Medicine, 1996
- Preliminary results of an absorbable interference screwArthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 1995
- Poly (l-lactide): a long-term degradation study in vivo: Part III. Analytical characterizationBiomaterials, 1993