ACL Interference Screws: Types, Uses, and Detailed Overview

ACL Interference Screws Types, Uses, and Detailed OverviewWhether it’s for bone-to-bone or soft tissue-to-bone fixation, interference screws are a common tool for ACL reconstruction fixation. Rigid aperture attachment of the graft to the host bone allows interference screws to attain early stability. They offer more strength than is required in the beginning stages of recovery.

  • The spherical head makes the implant process more accessible and less probable to damage the surrounding tissues.
  • The tapered tip simplifies starting and tracking.
  • It simply begins with sharp lead threads.
  • Profile for better screwing strength distribution.

Screw for Interference PEEK

Because it is biocompatible and has good mechanical qualities, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a very popular material for making interference screws. It is possible to fix the ACL with both bone-to-bone and soft tissue-to-bone PEEK interference screws. These screws are strong and flexible, which helps the healing process.

Types of ACL Interference Screws

There are different types of materials and styles of ACL interference screws to meet the needs of different surgeries:

1. Metal Screws

These screws are known for being strong and long-lasting. They are usually made of titanium. Most of the time, they have a reusable material on top of them that helps the body absorb them better.

2. Biodegradable Screws

These screws are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and break down slowly inside the body, so they don’t need to be taken out surgically.

3. PEEK Screws

PEEK screws are extremely biocompatible and mechanically stable, and they combine the best features of both metal and plastic screws.

The Specification of Interference Screws

  • Diameters of 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 millimeters are available for interference screws. The available lengths are 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 millimeters.
  • Titanium screws with a biodegradable coating.
  • We can accommodate special requests for different lengths of these screws.
  • While driving into bone, self-tapping screws sever their thread. As it penetrates the bone, it makes a tiny hole that forces the threads to fit securely together. This makes it easier to disassemble the parts if they become loose due to vibration.
  • This screw can be used with a variety of instruments, including bone taps, counter sinks, depth gauges, drill bits, drill guides, drill sleeves, screwdrivers, holding forceps, reverse measuring devices, and hollow mill screw removal tools. 

Selection Criteria for Interference Screws

Choosing the right interference screw for ACL repair is a very important choice that affects how well the surgery goes and how quickly the patient recovers. The choice varies on a number of things, such as the screws’ material, size, and specific design features. 

Material

  • Metallic Screws (Titanium)
  • Biodegradable Screws (PLA, PGA)
  • PEEK Screws (Polyether ether ketone)

Size

  • Diameter (7-11 millimeters)
  • Length (20-40 millimeters)

Design Features

  • Head Design (Spherical)
  • Tip Design (Tapered)
  • Thread Pattern (Sharp lead threads)
  • Self-Tapping Capability

Surgical and Patient Considerations

  • Surgeon’s Preference and Experience
  • Patient-Specific Factors (Bone quality, activity level, pre-existing conditions, allergies)

Biomechanical Requirements

  • Initial Fixation Strength
  • Long-Term Stability

Risks of Interference Screws

When a surgeon and other staff are ready to use Interference Screws, they should read these instructions and any product-specific information in the brochures, surgical procedures, or product descriptions.

It takes a lot of care to plan, build, and make screws out of medical-grade materials. If you use these high-quality screws the right way, they will do their job perfectly. So, you must follow these safety tips and directions for how to use it.

When screws are misused, they can hurt the tissue, cause tools to break, and hurt the operator, patients, or others.

The performing surgeon needs to be involved in their patient’s medical care. 

The surgeon should know everything there is to know about the surgery and the tools used, including what they can and can’t do. 

Each surgeon and member of the surgical team is responsible for carefully choosing the right surgical tools and using them correctly. Before using devices, surgeons should make sure they have sufficient training.

  • Things that could make the process less successful:
  • Problems with inserted materials causing allergies.
  • Bone tumors that are localized.
  • Bone disease.
  • System diseases and problems with metabolism.
  • Alcohol and drug misuse.
  • Activities that put too much stress on the body include putting the implant through hits and strain.

Precautions for Interference Screws

  • Make sure the tools work and look for wear while they are being reprocessed. Before using, give worn or broken tools a new set.
  • It is suggested that you use the tools that are marked for this screw.
  • Carefully handle the tools and put used bone-cutting tools in a sharps container when you’re done with them.
  • Always use irrigation and suction to eliminate any debris that might be created during insertion or removal.

Real-life examples and case studies show the usefulness of interference screws in reconstructing the ACL. Results that work show how important it is to choose the suitable screws and do the surgery properly. And take care of yourself afterward.

Innovations and Advances

New developments in ACL interference screws consist of listed as below.

  • Enhanced Materials: Making new materials that are safe and biodegradable.
  • Improvements to the design: new ideas like changing the thread patterns and making the screw tips better so they grip better at first and require less torque to enter.
  • Hybrid screws: It take the best features of multiple materials and combines them to make the best screw.

Wrapping It Up

ACL interference screws are highly significant in orthopedic surgery because they provide the stability and fixation needed for an ACL repair to go well. Having surgeons who know about the different types, how to choose the right one, the other surgical methods, and the possible problems that may arise can help patients have the best outcomes. Improvements in screw form and materials keep making these important medical tools safer and more effective.

Uteshiya Medicare makes outstanding durability orthopedic implants, such as improved ACL interference screws, using the latest technologies and strong quality control procedures. The hard work they put into research and development means they are always getting better and coming up with new ideas. This gives doctors reliable and effective ways to fix and rebuild bones.

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