Initial fixation strength of interference nail fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon graft (experimental study)

The objective of this study was to evaluate initial fixation strength of a new interference nail fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. Human cadaver knees were used. Fixation strengths ranged from 500 N to 600 N (mean 550 N). This corresponds to loads in the graft during aggressive rehabilitation. No slippage occurred at fixation site of specimens. Most of the failures appeared from the femoral side with tendon ruptures. With respect to primary fixation strength, interference nail fixation is a reasonable alternative for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone graft.