Hybrid fixation improves structural properties of a free tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to characterize the structural properties of a combined bioabsorbable interference screw and closed loop and button fixation technique (Hybrid) for femoral fixation of a free tendon graft versus a bioabsorbable interference screw or closed loop and button suspension fixation method alone.


METHODS
Eighteen porcine femora and quadrupled cadaveric flexor tendons were treated in 3 experimental fixation study groups: (1) closed loop and button suspension (CLBS), (2) bioabsorbable interference screw (BIF), and (3) closed loop and button suspension with supplemental biodegradable interference screw (Hybrid). An Instron testing machine (Instron, Canton, MA) was used to quantify each group's structural properties with cyclic loading and tensile load-to-failure. A video digitizing system measured graft deformation during load-to-failure.


RESULTS
The Hybrid fixation group had significantly greater structural properties compared with the CLBS or BIF group. Ultimate loads (mean [SEM] in Newtons) were 1184 (88) N, 813 (83) N, and 561 (62) N for the Hybrid fixation group, CLBS group, and BIF group, respectively. Quasi-steady state cyclic stiffness (mean [SEM] in Newtons per millimeter) was also greatest for the Hybrid fixation group at 165 (11) N/mm, compared with CLBS (122 [8] N/mm), and BIF (95 [9] N/mm).


CONCLUSIONS
Femoral free tendon hybrid fixation provides superior structural properties under tensile and cyclic displacement conditions while preserving the working length of the native anterior cruciate ligament.


CONCLUSIONS
Hybrid femoral fixation may minimize postoperative laxity for free tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Hammond
Gareth W
GW
Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, VA Long Beach Healthcare System and University of California Irvine, Long Beach, California 90822, USA.
Armstrong
Kevin L
KL
McGarry
Michelle H
MH
Lee
Thay Q
TQ
D020341:Absorbable Implants / Q000592:standards; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000592:standards; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000592:standards; D050376:Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafting / Q000379:methods*; D002102:Cadaver; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016474:Weight-Bearing