title: Fixation strength of a biodegradable interference screw and a press-fit technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a BPTB graft.
abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the fixation strength of a biodegradable interference screw (Arthrex, Naples, FL) compared with press fit fixation and a titanium interference screw in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft. Porcine lower limbs were used. Ultimate failure loads of the biodegradable screw (805.2 N; range 680 to 995 N) did not differ significantly from ultimate failure loads of titanium interference screws (768.6 N; range 544 to 1094 N). Press fit fixation provided significant (P < .01) lower fixation strength (462.5 N; range 80 to 825 N). These results support the conclusion that biodegradable interference screws are a reasonable alternative in terms of primary fixation strength.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rupp
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Krauss
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Fritsch
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D011091:Polyesters; D013552:Swine; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide); D014025:Titanium