title: Bioabsorbable screw fixation in coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction.
abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical properties of stainless steel and bioabsorbable screw fixation of the clavicle to the base of the coracoid. Seven matched pairs of fresh frozen shoulders were prepared by removing all soft tissue except the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligament complexes. The shoulders were randomly selected and fixed with 4.5-mm stainless steel (SS) screws, while contralateral shoulders were fixed with 4.5-mm poly L-lactic acid polymer (PLLA) screws. Pullout strength, stiffness, and elongation to failure were measured using an Instron Mechanical Tester (Model 4202). The average pullout strength of 720.6 +/- 244.9 N of the metal screws was not statistically different (p = 0.089) from that of the biodegradable screws of 580.4 +/- 188.6 N. The pullout strengths exerted by both these screws exceeded the reported strength (500 N) of the intact coracoclavicular complex indicating adequate initial pullout strength for coracoclavicular fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA.
authors.forename: Timothy W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Talbert
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Debi P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
authors.forename: Alan L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ogden
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Mayeux
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001863:Bone Screws; D046508:Culture Techniques; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012782:Shoulder / Q000601:surgery*