Does a tensioning device pinned to the tibia improve knee anterior-posterior load-displacement compared to manual tensioning of the graft following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A cadaveric study of two tibial fixation devices.

Devices that are pinned to the tibia to tension an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft produce joint reaction loads that in turn can affect the maintenance of graft initial tension after tibial fixation and hence knee anterior-posterior (AP) load-displacement. However, the effect of these devices on AP load-displacement is unknown. Our objectives were to determine whether tensioning by device versus tensioning by hand causes differences in AP load-displacement and intraarticular graft tension for two commonly used tibial fixation devices: a bioresorbable interference screw and a WasherLoc. AP load-displacement and intraarticular graft tension were measured in 20 cadaveric knees using a custom arthrometer. An initial tension of 110 N was applied to a double-looped tendon graft with the knee at extension using a tensioning device pinned to the tibia and a simulated method of tensioning by hand. After inserting the tibial fixation device, the 134 N anterior limit (i.e., anterior position of the tibia with respect to the femur with a 134 N anterior force applied to the tibia) and 0 N posterior limit (i.e., AP position of the tibia relative to the femur with a 0 N force applied to the tibia) were measured with the knee in 25 degrees flexion. Intraarticular graft tension was measured at extension. These limits and intraarticular graft tension were also measured after cyclically loading the knee 300 times. Compared to a simulated method of tensioning by hand, tensioning with a device pinned to the tibia did not decrease the 134 N anterior limit and did not cause posterior tibial translation. However, intraarticular graft tension was maintained better with a tensioning device pinned to the tibia for the Washerloc, but not the interference screw. For two commonly used tibial fixation devices, a tensioning device pinned to the tibia does not improve AP load-displacement at 25 degrees flexion over tensioning by hand when the graft is tensioned at full extension, but does improve the maintenance of intraarticular graft tension for the Washerloc.