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Background: Reliable fixation of the soft hamstring grafts in ACL reconstruction has been reported as problematic. Hypothesis: The biomechanical properties of patellar tendon (PT) grafts fixed with biodegradable screws (PTBS) are superior compared to quadrupled hamstring grafts fixed with BioScrew (HBS) or Suture-Disc fixation (HSD). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study with roentgen stereometric analysis (RSA). Methods: Ten porcine specimens were prepared for each group. In the PT group, the bone plugs were fixed with a 7 × 25 mm BioScrew. In the hamstring group, four-stranded tendon grafts were anchored within a tibial tunnel of 8 mm diameter either with a 7 × 25 mm BioScrew or eight polyester sutures knotted over a Suture-Disc. The grafts were loaded stepwise, and micromotion of the graft inside the tibial tunnel was measured with RSA. Results: Hamstring grafts failed at lower loads (HBS: 536 N, HSD 445 N) than the PTBS grafts (658 N). Stiffness in the PTBS group was much greater compared to the hamstring groups (3500 N/mm versus HBS = 517 N/mm and HSD = 111 N/mm). Irreversible graft motion after graft loading with 200 N was measured at 0.03 mm (PTBS), 0.38mm (HBS), and 1.85mm (HSD). Elasticity for the HSD fixation was measured at 0.67 mm at 100 N and 1.32 mm at 200 N load. Conclusion: Hamstring graft fixation with BioScrew and Suture-Disc displayed less stiffness and early graft motion compared to PTBS fixation. Screw fixation of tendon grafts is superior to Suture-Disc fixation with linkage material since it offers greater stiffness and less graft motion inside the tibial tunnel. Clinical Relevance: Our results revealed graft motion for hamstring fixation with screw or linkage material at loads that occur during rehabilitation. This, in turn, may lead to graft laxity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents several letters addressed to the editor regarding topics and issues related to sports medicine. Partial-thickness rotator cuff tear; Fatigue testing of orthopaedic fixation devices; Tendon abnormalities in athletes.

Reports on three cases of chondral lesions that occurred in patients after the repair of meniscal tears with bioabsorbable implants. Clinical profile of the patients; Advantages of meniscal repair with bioabsorbable implants; Ways to avoid chondral damage from bioabsorbable implants.

Presents a study that subjected anchor-suture constructs to a fatigue-testing protocol that determined the relationship between load and probability of failure. Components and interfaces of soft tissue fixation to bone; Application of single pull to failure and fatigue testing; Fatigue testing of anchors threaded with sutures.

Provides information on a study that determined the prevalence of popliteal cysts and the associated intraarticular lesions in a group of 100 patients scheduled for arthroscopic surgery of the knee. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusions.

Provides information on a study which evaluates the initial fixation strength of a biodegradable interference screw compared with press-fit fixation and a titanium interference screw in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. Strength of the fixation site of ACL reconstruction; Materials and methodology used in the study; Testing of graft fixation techniques with an animal model.

Presents a study which examined the injury incidence in relation to exposure in team handball. Materials and methods used in the study; Statistical analysis; Discussion of the results.