Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using poly-L-lactide interference screws or titanium screws: a comparative study.

Abstract

In the present clinical trial, interference screws, made of poly-L-lactic acid and applied in 46 knees, were compared to titanium screws employed in 45 knees for reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament using bone-patellar tendon-bone. An identical surgical technique was applied to both groups; and neither group disclosed apparent side effects such as synovitis caused by hydrolysis of the PLLA or abnormal biochemical findings in the blood. There was no significant difference in the postoperative outcome between the two groups.