Health: In Vitro Testing of Anchors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

In order to study the strength of various anchors for ACL reconstruction, we have performed industry-standard monotonic and cyclic pullout testing using an in vitro bovine model for various existing fixation devices (see Figure 1. below). Bovine extensor tendons were used to replicate a human semi-tendinosis /gracilis soft-tissue graft as prior research has shown that they are less expensive, free of communicable disease, and have similar structural properties when the cross-sectional area and length are matched. Results are compared with soft tissue grafts, providing target values for the fixation strength of new devices developed in collaboration with Georgia Tech and Emory University.