Can the Bio-Transfx pin fail during initial ACL graft insertion?
BACKGROUND
The Bio-Transfix pin is a biodegradable device used for femoral tunnel anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft fixation. Recent clinical studies have suggested the possibility of the pin's postoperative failure.


METHODS
This investigation evaluates the initial strength of several Bio-Transfix pin ACL fixations in a simulated femoral tunnel model. The forces generated by five surgeons during simulated ACL graft tensioning were also measured.


RESULTS
Average strengths of the pins ranged from 1075 to 2160 N for 10 and 8 mm tunnels, respectively, whereas the maximum surgeon-generated forces were 535 N.


CONCLUSIONS
These results imply that initial fracture of the pin itself is unlikely; however, failure of the supporting bone or a decrease in pin strength due to biodegradation could account for early loss of the fixation.
Golant
Alexander
A
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Strauss
Eric J
EJ
Khajavi
Kevin
K
Sherman
Orrin H
OH
Rosen
Jeffrey E
JE
D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013523:Surgical Equipment; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013718:Tensile Strength
D001672:Biocompatible Materials