Abstract:

BACKGROUND: LARS artificial ligament was designed by Laboureau from France using polyethylene terephthalates with the anatomic structure of human ligament and mechanical principle of weight. This ligament is not only accorded with physiological structure of normal anterior cruciate ligament, but also significantly elevates anti-torque, can resist repetitive twist, bend and excessive traction.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize characteristics of clinical application of LARS artificial ligament in transplant reconstruction following acute anterior cruciate ligament of knee joint injury.
METHODS: A total of 23 patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament injury, comprising 17 males and 6 females, aged 21-54 years, were selected. Time from injury to surgery was 3 days to 3 weeks. Polyethylene terephthalates LARS artificial ligament made in France was used to reconstruct damaged ligament. The transplant was evaluated before and after implantation according to Lysholm knee joint criteria.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Following 11.2 months (10-14 months) of follow-up, unstable symptoms of affected knees of all 23 cases disappeared. Anterior and posterior drawer tests were negative, with good joint function. Average extension and flexion degree was 0°-120°. In accordance with Lysholm knee joint score, significant difference was found from (40.34 ± 4.00) points preoperatively to (90.21 ± 4.00) points postoperatively (P < 0.01). They could do common athletic activities at about 2 months following surgery. In some cases, magnetic resonance examination demonstrated that residue ligament gradually grew into artificial ligament, which gradually became thicker. Above-mentioned results have verified that under an arthroscope, reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament using polyethylene terephthalates LARS artificial ligament showed simple operation and small wound, which may lead to immediate stability, early rehabilitation exercises. Simultaneously, interlacing of residue ligament and artificial ligament keeps the nerve conduction pathway of proprioceptive sense, which prevents joint function limitation greatly. Moreover, short-term outcomes are satisfactory.