FIXATION STRENGTH OF A BIODEGRADABLE INTERFERENCE SCREW AND A PRESS-FIT TECHNIQUE IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION WITH A BPTB GRAFT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fixation strength of a biodegradable interference screw (Arthrex, Naples, FL) compared with press fit fixation and a titanium interference screw in anterior cruci ate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone (B PTB) graft. Porcine lower limbs were used. Ultimate failure loads of t he biodegradable screw (805.2 N; range 680 to 995 N) did not differ si gnificantly from ultimate failure loads of titanium interference screw s (768.6 N; range 544 to 1094 N). Press fit fixation provided signific ant (P < .01) lower fixation strength (462.5 N; range 80 to 825 N). Th ese results support the conclusion that biodegradable interference scr ews are a reasonable alternative in terms of primary fixation strength .