Biosteon® composite interference screws reduce tunnel widening after cruciate ligament reconstruction
Posted June 2009

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 Trobe 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.

Biocomposites’ Managing Director, Stephen Bratt commented, “this research in Europe and Australia corroborates similar findings by U.S. clinicians and is a solid endorsement of the ground-breaking orthopaedic devices development initiated by this company’s R&D team. Traditional metals and non-absorbing permanent, plastic devices have previously been the only choices available to surgeons and patients alike. Human clinical studies are now showing that Biosteon represents a new alternative offering unparalleled clinical outcomes”, added Mr. Bratt.

Lind M, et al, Tibial bone tunnel widening is reduced by polylactate/hydroxyapatite interference screws compared to metal screws after ACL reconstruction with hamstring grafts, The Knee (2009), doi:10.1016/j.knee.2009.04.003