Abstract
The bead EndoPearl is bioabsorbable material which placed in the ACL graft edge, and augment the stabilization in the femoral tunnel when an interference screw is used. Our aim was to recorded the operative characteristics of this technique and the clinical results after using EndoPearl in ACL reconstruction with hamstrings graft.
In 36 of our patients who had ACL reconstruction with hamstrings we used EndoPearl bead. They were 23 men and 13 women mean age 27.8 years (17–46). The graft was fixed in the femur side with interference screw. All patients followed the same p.o. rehabilitation regime. We followed them up the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 8th p.o. month. During the last follow-up we checked the anterior drawer test, Noulis-Lachman test and in some cases pivot shift test, and in parallel Lysholm score was recorded pre-operatively and in the last examination.
In this last F.U. check none of them had positive Noulis-Lachman test or pivot shift test. The anterior drawer test was negative to 32 patients and in 4 we found slight laxity in comparison with the health leg. Lysholm score showed significant improvement (mean 90.2 p.o.), and nobody had “giving way”.
The application of the EndoPearl in conjunction with a bioscrew in the femoral tunnel in autogenous ACL reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafts provides a significantly decreased in p.o. laxity.
Correspondence should be addressed to Anastasia C. Tilentzoglou MD, General Secretary of the Board of Directors of HAOST, 20 A. Fleming Str. (N.Filothei), Gr. 15123 Maroussi, Athens Greece. E-mail: info@eexot.gr
