Comparison of initial mechanical properties of 4 hamstring graft femoral fixation systems using nonpermanent hardware for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an in vitro animal study.

Purpose: To compare the initial mechanical characteristics of 4 systems used to fix tendons to the femur during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Methods: A total of 32 porcine femurs were used to study the following fixation systems: Bioabsorbable interference screw (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI), Bio-Transfix Cross-pin (Arthrex, Naples, FL), Biosteon Cross-pin (Stryker), and a fixation technique based on wrapping the graft around the femoral condyle itself, thus allowing it to be fixed in place without the use of any hardware. The mechanical characteristics of each system were obtained by a preconditioned failure tensile test.