Bioabsorbable screws versus metallic interference screw fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring autograft: comparative analysis of functional outcome

Background: This prospective comparative study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of bioabsorbable screws versus titanium interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft. Methods: The study included 30 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a quadrupled hamstring graft; 15 were fixed with titanium interference screws and 15 with bioabsorbable screws. The patients were followed up for six months post-surgery. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm score. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: There was no significant difference in the functional outcomes between the two groups at the six-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our study shows that there was no difference in functional outcome whether bioabsorbable or titanium interference screw was used. The success of ACL reconstruction depends on the correct technique used for the surgery, precise placement of graft and rehabilitation methods than on type of graft fixation device used, neither titanium nor bioabsorbable screws.