0296 - the Mechanical Properties of Braided Tendon Grafts for Use in Acl Reconstruction

Introduction Controversy surrounds reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with regards to graft choice and fixation. Most surgeons performing ACL reconstruction use an intra-articular autogenous graft from either the patellar tendon or hamstrings. It has been suggested that hamstring tendon grafts are weaker than patellar tendon grafts, although there is conflicting data where multiple strands of the hamstrings are used. In an effort to increase strength, it has been suggested that braiding or weaving of tendons may improve their strength. This was presented at the American Acadamy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 1998 and has since been incorporated in an educational video(1). To our knowledge there are no biomechanical studies to support this technique. This study examined the biomechanical properties of 2 braiding techniques compared to a 4-stranded tendon graft using an in-vitro sheep tendon model.