Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Independent Suture Tape Reinforcement: An In Vitro Biomechanical Full Construct Study
Authors: Bruce A. Levy, Marina Piepenbrink, Michael J. Stuart, Coen A. Wijdicks
Journal: Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
Publication year: 2021
DOI: 10.1177/2325967120981875
IBISG Summary
This controlled laboratory study evaluated independent suture tape reinforcement in two posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction constructs. Reconstructions using porcine bones and bovine tendon grafts were tested with and without suture tape across 3,000 loading cycles, followed by pull-to-failure testing to assess elongation, stiffness and ultimate strength.
Key Findings
Independent suture tape reinforcement reduced total graft elongation and improved ultimate construct strength across the tested reconstruction methods. The suture tape-reinforced all-inside construct achieved the highest ultimate failure load, the lowest variation and stiffness closest to that of the native human PCL reference. Constructs without reinforcement elongated more rapidly under higher loading.
Why This Research Matters
Residual laxity is a recognised concern following PCL reconstruction. These findings suggest that independently tensioned suture tape may protect the graft from excessive elongation and strengthen the reconstruction during repetitive loading. However, this was an in vitro animal-tissue model that could not account for biological healing, so clinical studies are required to confirm whether these mechanical advantages improve patient outcomes.