Impact of tendon suturing on the interference fixation strength of quadrupled hamstring tendon grafts.

Introduction: Interference screw fixation of soft tissue grafts has been a widely used fixation technique for cruciate ligament reconstruction. Suturing of the graft construct prior to graft fixation has been proposed to increase fixation strength; however, the effect on mechanical properties has not been well characterized. The goal of this study was to determine whether uniform suturing of the tendon graft affects (1) ultimate fixation strength of the hamstring tendon graft and (2) motion of the tendon in the bone tunnel during cyclic loading when comparing sutured grafts vs.

Distribution of posterior tibial displacement in knees with posterior cruciate ligament tears.

Background: While stress radiography has been used to objectively determine the limits of posterior tibial displacement in knees with posterior cruciate ligament tears, the magnitude and distribution of posterior tibial translation has not been defined in a large population of patients with this injury.

Methods: A retrospective diagnostic study of 1041 consecutive patients with posterior cruciate ligament tears was done. Posterior tibial displacement values that were obtained with use of instrumented stress radiography with the knee held in 90 degrees of flexion in the Telos device were evaluated and compared with the values from relevant cadaveric dissection studies.

Correlation of bone tunnel diameter with quadrupled hamstring graft fixation strength using a biodegradable interference screw.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ultimate load at failure of a quadrupled hamstring tendon graft (QHT) fixed with a biodegradable interference screw is improved with a more precise match of the bone tunnel diameter to the diameter of the QHT.

Type Of Study: Biomechanical testing.

Methods: In group A, 8 cadaver knees with a mean age of 69.

A simple technique for testing the viability of cross-finger pedicle flaps.

A simple test to determine the viability of cross-finger pedicle flaps is described. This test can be performed in the office or operating theatre to help determine the optimal timing for division of the flap pedicle.

Interference screw fixation strength of a quadrupled hamstring tendon graft is directly related to bone mineral density and insertion torque.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether bone mineral density of the host bone, measured using conventional dual photon absorptiometry techniques, and insertion torque can predict part of the ultimate failure strength of interference screw fixation of quadrupled hamstring tendon grafts. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were harvested from 10 human cadaveric knees, mean age 66.5 years (range, 53 to 81).