J Korean Orthop Res Soc.  2002 Apr;5(1):34-42.

Fixation Strength Analysis of Press-Fit Technique in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using Porcine Lower Limb

• Jo HC
• Seong SC
• Bae TS
• Jang JD
• Lee MC

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the initial fixation strength of press-fit technique compared with titanium and biodegradable interference screws in ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty porcine lower limbs were used. The graft in the press-fit group was harvested with a hollow oscillating saw to obtain a consistent and complete circular shape and that in the interference screw group was obtained with a conventional oscillating saw. With preload of 20 N, the specimens underwent 250 loading cycles between 0-2 mm of displacement. Thereafter, the specimens were loaded to failure after restoration of the preload.
RESULTS
During the cyclic loading, none of press-fit or interference screw fixations failed and there was no significant difference in maximum loads between the groups. In groups of press-fit fixation with diameter of bone plug being larger that that of the femoral tunnel by 1.4 mm, the ultimate failure load was comparable with that of the titanium or biodegradable interference screw groups. The complete circular shape and increased diameter of the bone plug seemed to contribute the strong initial fixation. CONCOUSION: Press-fit fixation technique provides a secure and consistent fixation strength comparable with the metal or biodegradable interference screws.

Keyword

Knee; Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; Press-fit fixation

MeSH Terms

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction*
Anterior Cruciate Ligament*
Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafts
Knee
Lower Extremity*
Titanium
Transplants
Titanium