A postmortem examination of poly-L lactic acid interference screws 4 months after implantation during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

This is a report of a postmortem examination of an implanted bioabsorbable interference screw used for patellar tendon graft fixation during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Examination was conducted 4 months after implantation. Examination included radiographic, arthroscopic, and magnetic resonance evaluations as well as histologic and mechanical pullout testing. Examination showed no evidence of tunnel widening, lytic bone changes, or inflammatory or foreign body reaction. Pullout and histologic testing indicated that appropriate bone plug incorporation was occurring. We believe the results of this case suggest that the use of bioabsorbable poly-L lactic acid interference screws is a safe and efficacious alternative to metallic screws during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.