2007 Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 23-33
Ligament reconstruction with the use of novel demineralized bone grafts was investigated in a rabbit model. By demineralizing only the central portions of the long bone samples, the grafts had a configuration of the bone-tendon-bone graft and were flexible in bending. Strip type grafts made from femur, stick type grafts from tibia, and tube type grafts from metacarpal bones were prepared and their performances were evaluated by tensile testing and animal experiments for medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The maximum strength of the strip and stick type grafts were about half of that of MCL, and that of tube type grafts was also about half of that of ACL. The survival rate of strip type grafts in MCL reconstruction was about 50%, and that of stick type was about 60%. In ACL reconstruction, the survival rate of strip type grafts was 0%, that of stick type was 10%, whereas that of tube type grafts was 50%, and that of tube type grafts reinforced with suture was 60%. The strip and stick type grafts might be useful for MCL reconstruction and the tube type grafts might be available for ACL reconstruction with suitable reinforcements.
