[Research progress of internal tension relieving technique in assisting anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]

Abstract

Objective: To review the research progress of internal tension relieving technique in assisting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with tendon grafts.

Methods: The in vivo and in vitro biomechanical tests, animal experiments, and clinical studies on the use of internal tensioning relieving technique assisted ACL reconstruction in recent years were extensively reviewed, the impact of this technology on the biomechanics, histological changes of grafts, and the clinical effectiveness were analyzed and summarized.

Results: The internal tensioning relieving technique based on non-absorbable high-strength sutures can reduce the risk of relaxation and rupture by enhancing the biomechanical strength of tendon grafts in vitro and in vivo, it shows good biocompatibility and support for the ligamentation of the tendon grafts and the establishment of the direct tendon-bone interface in terms of histology. This technique improves postoperative initial joint stability, range of motion, and functional scores in clinical practic, when combining with the enhanced recovery after surgery can effectively promote patients to return to pre-injury exercise level without serious complications.

Conclusion: The preliminary research results have confirmed the efficacy and safety of the internal tension relieving technique on assisting ACL reconstruction, then showes some degree of significance and prospect, but more research is needed to further optimize tension-relieving devices and related surgical techniques, and clarify the specific effects of this technique on graft's structure remodeling, biomechanical function, and long-term clinical results.

Keywords: Arthroscopy; anterior cruciate ligament; internal bracing; internal tension relieving technique; reconstruction.