Biosteon® Composite Interference Screws Reduce Tunnel Widening after Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
STAFFORDSHIRE, UK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A recent independent 200 patient study has concluded that Biosteon interference screws significantly improve implant / bone integration and thereby reduce tunnel widening and risk of graft slippage post-operatively in cruciate ligament surgery.
The research carried out by the Division of Sports Trauma at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark and the Musculoskeletal Research Centre at La Tobe University, Melbourne, Australia; compared 100 patients receiving the Biosteon screw with 100 patients receiving a titanium metal screw in ACL reconstruction surgery with hamstring grafts. Tibial tunnel widening was measured at 12 months follow-up. The authors concluded that the use of Biosteon composite screws resulted in less tibial tunnel widening than the titanium metal screw and did not affect clinical outcome or objective knee laxity.
Biosteon, a technology developed and manufactured by U.K. based biomaterials company, Biocomposites Ltd. (www.biocomposites.com) represents a breakthrough for arthroscopic surgery, according to the company. The technology incorporates resorbable poly-L-lactide and synthesized hydroxyapatite combined through a patented process to produce a composite biomaterial that stimulates bone healing, facilitating replacement with bone as the implant is resorbed. Introduced in 2001, Biosteon has the greatest clinical pedigree of any hydroxyapatite based implant in sports medicine. The Biosteon Wedge interference screw features a novel thread form and drive system developed by Biocomposites in partnership with Stryker Corporation, worldwide distributors of the Biosteon screw.
