A new bioabsorbable interference screw: Preliminary results of a prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare a bioabsorbable polygl yconate screw (Endo-Fix; Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) to a metal screw in a nterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A total of 124 patients were oper ated on and 113 assessed up to 1 year postoperatively. Assessments included a history and physical examination, the IKDC evaluation, and knee arthrome try measurements. No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to any of the IKDC problem areas at 1 year. The IKDC final eva luation was normal or nearly normal in 92% of polyglyconate patients and 90 % of controls. The incidence of postoperative complications was similar in the 2 groups. One polyglyconate patient developed a subcutaneous cyst that may have been related to breakdown of the screw. This resolved without trea tment and the patient had an excellent clinical outcome. This study shows t hat the polyglyconate screw is an effective alternative to metal in endosco pic reconstruction of the ACL.