A revised surgical concept of anterior cruciate ligament replacement in a rabbit model : preliminary investigations

In this project the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) replacement in a rabbit model was performed for the preclinical phase of investigations of a new form of biomaterial i.e. polymer beads (granules). This material, based on resorbable aliphatic polyester (polylactide - PLA) was used as a filler of the bone tunnels to enhance tendon-to-bone healing. The high specific surface area and well known biocompatibility of this material designated it as an osteoconductive agent in reconstructive ligament surgery. Additionally, a new surgical concept was proposed which retains the natural elasticity of the harvested tendon. This method ensures fixation of the grafted tendon within the bone tunnels in their entire length.