ABSTRACT
Objective:
The aim of the study was to compare the mechanical behavior of interference screw tibial fixation vs. screw-plus-staple tibial fixation in an animal model.
Methods:
Thirty-six pieces of swine knee specimens were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1, tibial fixation with interference screw (n = 17), and Group 2, fixation with interference screw and staple (n = 19). The models were submitted to a single cycle of tension testing. The following variables were measured: graft cross-sectional area, failure point on 10 mm (F10), yield load (Fy), and stiffness.
Results:
The mean values of graft cross-sectional area, F10, Fy, and stiffness did not present significant differences between the groups.
Conclusion:
The addition of a second staple-type ligament fixation device, complementing the interference screw, did not increase the mechanical safety of the system.
Keywords:
Anterior cruciate ligament; Tibia; Orthopedic fixation devices; Biomechanical phenomena; Tendons