Functional outcomes following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with fixed loop suture button and interference screw: A retrospective observational study

Background: Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a common surgical procedure; however, the outcome of the reconstruction often depends on the graft fixation method. Many fixation devices are available commercially and new devices and methods are emerging on a regular basis. The Infiloop fixed loop suture button and Helysis interference screw are state-of-the-art ACL Reconstruction (ACLR) fixation devices and the present study proposed to assess the functional outcomes and complications associated with them.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted after obtaining the ethical clearance from institutional ethical committee. Patients between 18-60 years who underwent ACLR surgery between April 2018 to July 2022 using the Infiloop fixed loop suture button and Helysis interference screw were included in this study. Functional outcome of the operated knee was evaluated by IKDC, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and SANE score.

Results: Out of the 33 patients included in this study, 23 were male and 10 were female. For all patients, femoral fixation of the graft was done using Infiloop Fixed loop suture button whereas for tibial fixation, Helysis Titanium Interference screw was used in 24 patients and Helysis PLDLA-βTCP Interference screw was used in 9 patients. Out of the 24 subjects that had an associated meniscal injury, meniscus repair was done for 4 patients, using Surestitch All inside meniscal repair implant. All functional outcome scores showed improvement post ACLR surgery: IKDC score 83.25, Lysholm score 96.30, SANE score 81%, and Tegner activity pre-surgery score levels 1.24 vs post-surgery 3.15. There were no reports of infection and wound related complications.

Conclusion: This study shows that use of Infiloop fixed loop suture button and Helysis interference screw resulted in improved positive functional outcome and are not associated with any complications post ACLR surgery.