Evaluation of a magnesium ring device for mechanical augmentation of a ruptured ACL: Finite element analysis. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Huizhi; Kang, Huijun; Yao, Jie; Cheng, Cheng-Kung; Woo, Savio L.-Y.
• Is Part Of: Clinical biomechanics. Volume 68(2019)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 127
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) -- Finite element analysis -- ACL repair -- Magnesium ring -- Mechanical augmentation -- Biomechanics; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic medicine -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic Medicine -- Periodicals; 612.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2019.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-0033

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Recently, a ring device was used for mechanical augmentation to aid the healing of ACL. In-vivo study using goat showed improved joint stability after ring repair in comparison to using biological augmentation alone. Objective of this study was to quantify the load and stress levels in the ACL and its femoral insertion site following ring repair. Methods: A three dimensional finite element model of a goat stifle joint was developed to find the load and stress level in the ACL and at its femoral insertion site following ring repair. Findings: Ring repair led to approximately a 50% reduction in anterior-posterior tibial translation over the model with a deficient ACL: 5.2 mm vs 10.6 mm, 4.4 mm vs 9.0 mm, and 2.9 mm vs 5.2 mm at joint flexion angles of 37°, 60° and 90° respectively. After ring repair, the in situ force in the ACL was restored to be nearly 60% of the intact ACL. The maximum Von Mises stress at the femoral insertion site was up to 71% of those for the intact ACL. Interpretation: This study offers new knowledge on the function of a ring device to mechanically augment ACL repair in order to improve its healing. Quantitative data on loading levels in the repaired ACL and its insertion site that led to its healing could be used as basis for developing novel devices to mechanically augment the healing of ACL in humans. Highlights: The anterior-posterior tibial translation reduced by 50% following ring repair. Ligament force was restored to 60% of the intact following ring repair. The stress at femoral insertion site was restored to 71% of the intact joint.