Abstract Purpose. We evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the degradation and osteointegration features of a new type of bioabsorbable interference (BioRCI) screw composed of poly-L-lactic acid and hydroxyapatite (PLLA-HA) used for tibial graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Materials and methods. Thirty-one patients underwent arthroscopic surgery for ACL reconstruction using doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendons fixed to the tibial tunnel with PLLA-HA (BioRCI-HA) screws. Two groups of patients were evaluated, one group 10–13 months after surgery and the other after 30–40 months. The standard knee ligament evaluation form of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) was used for clinical assessment and MRI for the radiological assessment. Results. MRI after 10–13 months revealed findings referable to healing and integration of the bone–graft–screw system, findings that disappeared at later follow-up examinations. The BioRCI-HA screw remained constantly visible in all patients, although with changes in signal intensity over time. Conclusions. BioRCI-HA screws allow adequate primary stability and superior osteoconduction and biocompatibility in comparison with plain PLLA screws. The absence of ferromagnetic artefacts allows accurate MRI follow-up and adequate evaluation of ligament synovialisation, screw degradation and graft osteointegration. Keywords Bioabsorbable interference screws · Hydroxyapatite · Osteointegration · Magnetic resonance
Poly-L-lactic acid - hydroxyapatite (PLLA-HA) bioabsorbable interference screws for tibial graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery: MR evaluation of osteointegration and degradation features.
MACARINI, LUCA;MILILLO, PAOLA;VINCI, ROBERTA;
2008-01-01
Abstract
Abstract Purpose. We evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the degradation and osteointegration features of a new type of bioabsorbable interference (BioRCI) screw composed of poly-L-lactic acid and hydroxyapatite (PLLA-HA) used for tibial graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Materials and methods. Thirty-one patients underwent arthroscopic surgery for ACL reconstruction using doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendons fixed to the tibial tunnel with PLLA-HA (BioRCI-HA) screws. Two groups of patients were evaluated, one group 10–13 months after surgery and the other after 30–40 months. The standard knee ligament evaluation form of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) was used for clinical assessment and MRI for the radiological assessment. Results. MRI after 10–13 months revealed findings referable to healing and integration of the bone–graft–screw system, findings that disappeared at later follow-up examinations. The BioRCI-HA screw remained constantly visible in all patients, although with changes in signal intensity over time. Conclusions. BioRCI-HA screws allow adequate primary stability and superior osteoconduction and biocompatibility in comparison with plain PLLA screws. The absence of ferromagnetic artefacts allows accurate MRI follow-up and adequate evaluation of ligament synovialisation, screw degradation and graft osteointegration. Keywords Bioabsorbable interference screws · Hydroxyapatite · Osteointegration · Magnetic resonanceI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
