Article
Biomechanical Evaluation of an Innovative Surgical Technique for the Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament
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Published: | November 11, 2003 |
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Outline
Text
Aim
The biomechanical evaluation of an innovative surgical ACL reconstruction Δ-plasty technique, by means of in vitro testing, using a new device for assessing the joint laxity.
Methods
25 porcine knee joints (groups A,B,C,D) had been operated for ACL reconstruction with the Δ-plasty technique and tibial displacements, caused by simulated drawer tests were measured with the new laxiometer. Groups A,B,C differed in the distance between grafts insertion. To account for intrinsic joint laxities, normalized values were produced, ie. the results obtained under intact and reconstructed conditions were expressed as a percentage of the result obtained under ruptured ACL condition. Statistical hypotheses were tested.
Results
Under intact condition, all knee joints exhibited the same laxity (p=0.905). Under reconstructed condition, the new technique offered lower laxity (p<0.000). Increasing the distance between graft insertions, enhances the performance of the new technique (p=0.016).
Conclusion
The new Δ-plasty technique improves joint stability.