Development and application of the online initial graft tension measurement system for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

The initial graft tension during ACL reconstruction is an essential mechanical parameter. We established a viscoelastic lateral mechanical measurement model. Based on this model, we designed the online measurement system for the initial graft tension during ACL reconstruction. 22 patients with chronic ACL deficiency were treated by single-bundle ACL reconstruction. 12 patients underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction (group 1), whereas 10 underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction using the online tension measurement system (group 2). All patients were followed up with the Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score to evaluate knee joint function. The Lysholm scores and the IKDC scores of the two groups were significantly higher at 1 month and 3 months after the operation with a significant difference, and the Lysholm scores and the IKDC scores of the instrument group (group 2) was significantly higher than those of the control group with significant difference (group 1). In the same ACL single-bundle reconstruction, the application of the online initial graft tension measurement system can provide quantification for the initial graft tension of ACL, improving the current situation in which only experience can be used to estimate the initial graft tension.