The fixation strength of six hamstring tendon graft fixation devices in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Part II: tibial site.

BACKGROUND

Tibial fixation is more problematic than femoral fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

HYPOTHESIS

There is no difference in initial fixation strength among hamstring tendon graft tibial fixation devices.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized experimental study.

METHODS

Each of six devices used to fix 120 quadrupled human semitendinosus-gracilis tendon grafts into porcine tibiae was tested 10 times with a single-cycle load-to-failure test and 10 times with a 1500-cycle loading test. Specimens surviving cyclic loading were subjected to a single-cycle load-to-failure test.

RESULTS

Intrafix (1332 N) was the strongest in the single-cycle load-to-failure test, followed by WasherLoc (975 N), tandem spiked washer (769 N), SmartScrew ACL (665 N), BioScrew (612 N), and SoftSilk (471 N). After cyclic-loading tests, Intrafix showed the lowest residual displacement (1.5 mm) and was also strongest (1309 N) in the single-cycle load-to-failure test after the cyclic-loading test, followed by WasherLoc (3.2 mm; 917 N).

CONCLUSION

The Intrafix provided clearly superior strength in the fixation of hamstring tendon grafts to the tibial drill hole.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Some caution may be warranted when using the implants that showed increased residual displacement, especially if aggressive rehabilitation is to be used. Preconditioning of the hamstring tendon graft-implant complex before tibial fixation is needed.