Abstract
The purpose of this study is to biomechanically evaluate how four different fixation devices (two femoral and two tibial) associated in three different combinations, using cyclic loading with final pull-out test, affect the strength and the stiffness of the femur-graft-tibia complex.
We conducted a controlled laboratory study and tested, using cyclic loading with final pull-out, two femoral devices (Swing- bridge and Endobutton CL) and two tibial device (Evolgate and BioRCI screw) in three different combinations: Group A, EB-Bio RCI; Group B, EB-Evolgate; and Group C, SB- Evolgate.
We used porcine knees and bovine digital extensor tendons and evaluated the stiffness and strength at the final pull-out, and the displacement at the 1st, 100th, 300th, 500th and 1000th cycle.
A t-test was used for statistical evaluation.
There was a statistically significant difference in ultimate failure load between group A and group B (p=0.03) and group A and group C (p=0.0007) but no difference between group B and group C (p=0.72). There was a statistically significant difference in ultimate failure load between group A and group C (p=0.02) and group B and group C (p=0.01) but no difference between group A and group B (p=0.88).
Due to the biomechanical properties of the F-G-T complex the combination of Swing-Bridge and Evolgate seems to be a good alternative when an accelerated post-operative rehabilitation is planned after ACL reconstruction using DGST.
