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Statistically similar short-term outcomes seen between metal and bioabsorbable screws

Emond CE. J Bone Joint Surg. 2011. doi:10.2106/JBJS.J.00269.

Issue: April 2011

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This meta-analysis of eight studies comparing metal interference and bioabsorbable screws for ACL reconstruction found no significant differences between the methods of fixation regarding clinical outcomes, laxity and complication rates.

For their analysis, Christopher E. Emond, MD, and colleagues from Rothman Institute of Orthopedics in Philadelphia, included randomized controlled trials with a minimum mean follow-up of 12 months that compared metal interference screws with bioabsorbable screws for ACL reconstruction. The eight studies included a total of 378 patients who received bioabsorbable screws, and 367 patients who underwent reconstruction with metal interference screws.

In addition to finding no significant differences in laxity and complication rates, the study revealed similar outcomes between the metal and bioabsorbable screw groups regarding Lysholm, Tegner activity and IKDC scores.