The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically the absorption of a poly L-lactide bioabsorbable interference screw used in anterior ligament reconstruction. A case series of ten sequential patients undergoing anterior ligament reconstruction with a four-strand hamstrings technique were assessed with MRI scans at one, two, four, seven and ten years postoperatively. The scans were reported by an independent radiologist, with respect to resorption of the screw and post resorption changes in the bone. Fixation of the graft in ACL surgery is varied from metal interference screw, resorbable screws made of PLLA, and staple fixation. The advantage of resorbable screws allow imaging of the knee postoperatively, and the perceive benefit of screw resorption and replacement with host bone.Purpose
Methods