SYNTHETIC REPLACEMENT OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT - EFFECTS ON THE REMAINING LIGAMENTS

In a three-dimensional anatomical knee joint model all major ligaments were replaced by six nylon fibers and length-pattern changes registered and computed during motion between 0-140 degree. Then anteromedial, posteromedial and intermedial fibers were replaced by an artificial ligament made from Aramid (one to three bundle prothesis) and length changes of the remaining ligaments investigated. The result revealed a dynamic feed-back with characteristic changes in the posterior and collateral ligaments in comparison to the reference. A synthetic replacement using a one bundle prothesis in the isometric tracking led to disappointing results. Best correlations were achieved mimicking the anatomic situation by use of a three bundle prothesis with nearly no changes in the length pattern of the remaining ligaments.