A Higher Initial Tensioning Force of an ACL Graft Results in a Higher Graft Force After Screw Fixation Irrespective of the Screw Diameter: A Biomechanical Study

Background: The intra-articular graft force (IAGF) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction decreases quickly over the first hours after surgery. Nevertheless, little is known about whether the initial extra-articular tensioning force (EATF) and screw diameter affect the graft force after fixation. Purpose: To investigate the effects of different EATFs on the IAGF of a soft tissue graft fixated via a bioabsorbable interference screw over 100 minutes after fixation and to evaluate the effects of different screw diameters within 1 mm of the tunnel width during this process. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: In this biomechanical study, a porcine quadruple-strand soft tissue graft was inserted into the tibial anterior cruciate ligament tunnel. On the extra-articular side, 3 loads were applied during retrograde insertion of the bioabsorbable interference screw (6, 7, and 8 mm): 20 N, 80 N, and maximum manual EATF (Nmax). Nine study groups consisting of 10 tibiae each were created to test the effects of different EATFs and screw sizes. The IAGF was measured up to 100 minutes after the EATF was released. Results: An EATF ≥80 N resulted in a larger IAGF for all screw sizes at 100 minutes. There were no significant associations between the IAGF at 100 minutes and different screw diameters. Inserting the tibial screw significantly increased the IAGF in all groups, with the exception of Nmax applied in groups with 7- or 8-mm screws. When compared with the end of screw insertion, after the release of the EATF, the IAGF dropped by 55% to 77 % at 100 minutes. Conclusion: An initial EATF ≥80 N is associated with a significantly larger IAGF at 100 minutes in this cadaveric simulation. The IAGF in soft tissue grafts decreased substantially after the retrograde placement of an interference screw. A recommendation regarding screw diameter with respect to the IAGF cannot be given. Clinical Relevance: To obtain a higher residual graft force after bioabsorbable interference screw fixation, an initial EATF ≥80 N should be applied according to this model. The significant decrease in graft force after the release of the EATF indicates that the reconstructed knee cannot be mechanically stabilized after the surgery.

Impact of soft tissue graft on the preservation of compromised sockets: a randomized controlled clinical pilot study

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of the association of free gingival graft (FGG) or collagen-matrix xenograft (CMX) to deproteinized bovine bone graft (DBBG) on the preservation of post-extraction sockets with facial-wall defects. Sixteen patients who presented a maxillary tooth with a facial bone defect and indication of extraction were selected. After the surgical procedure, all the post-extraction sockets were filled with DBBG and covered with a collagen membrane. The cervical part of the socket was then sealed with either FGG or CMX. Clinical and tomographic analyses were performed at baseline and 4 months after the grafting procedure. The FGG sockets showed higher values for the width of the bone ridge than the CMX sockets at 4 months. There was no difference regarding biopsy composition. In conclusion, regardless of the type of soft tissue graft used, socket preservation with DBBG at sites presenting facial bone defects enabled implant placement without further guided bone regeneration, whether the sockets were sealed with FGG or CMX.

Miniplate Suture Button Augmentation for Soft Tissue Graft Tibial Fixation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires reliable and rigid graft fixation. Tibial-sided fixation is frequently cited as the “weak point” of the femur-graft-tibia construct. Some authors have recommended supplemental fixation with a staple or screw suture to post improve the strength and stiffness of the fixation. However, with these fixations, there is a risk for symptomatic hardware. Miniplate is flatter than screw or staple and does not penetrate the bone when attached. It is used as a button for suspensory fixation to enhance interference screw tibial fixation. Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of the miniplate suture button for supplemental soft tissue graft tibial fixation in ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out between August 2016 and December 2019. A total of 40 patients had undergone primary ACL reconstruction, performed with hamstring tendon grafts that were secured using a miniplate suture button for supplemental interference screw tibial fixation. A total of 18 patients were excluded, leaving 22 patients at 1-year follow-up. Results: At least 1-year follow-up, the remaining 22 patients had significant difference between preoperative and postoperative outcome of anterior drawer test, Lachman test and pivot shift test (p<0.05). Lysholm knee scores improved significantly from 54.0±12.53 to 90.04±5.38. However, 3 patients (13.6%) experienced symptomatic hardware pain and 3 patients (13.6%) tendered around the miniplate site. There were no radiographic changes in miniplate displacement, deformed or broken plate, and bony reaction around miniplate. Conclusion: The use of a miniplate suture button as a supplemental fixation showed adequate fixation strength and showed good results in postoperative manual ligament laxity test and functional scores at minimum 1-year follow-up. However, there is still symptomatic pain at the hardware site. Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Supplemental fixation, Suture button

Treatment of Gingival Recession with Hypersensitivity using Free Soft-tissue Graft Procedures

Background The main goal of root coverage procedure is complete coverage of the recession defect with a good esthetic result related to the adjacent soft tissues and minimal probing depth after the healing process. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options in patients with gingival recession and dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Material and methods 60 patients with gingival recession Miller Class I and II with hypersensitivity and esthetic concerns were included. 30 of them were treated with free soft-tissue graft procedures and control group of 30 people were treated with anti-hypersensitivity gel. Surgically treated patients were separated in two groups: 20 of them- with coronally advanced flap with sub-epithelial connective tissue graft and 10 of them- with free gingival graft. Results We achieved full coverage on the exposed root surfaces in 18 patients treated with coronally advanced flap and de-epithelized graft and partial root coverage in two of them. Patients treated with free gingival graft procedure achieved full root coverage in 6 of them and partial on 4 of them (GR=1 mm after surgery). Surgical treatment led to resolution of the esthetic issues of the patients and elimination or reduction of the DH. In control group there were partial elimination of root sensitivity. Conclusion: In surgical treated group with both techniques we achieved resolution of DH and coverage of the root surface with healthy keratinized tissues. Surgery may be considered for treatment options of DH depending on the indications.