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Analysis and prevention of intra-operative complications of TransFix fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

We encountered some complications during the graft passage and fixation using a TransFix implant. Despite the large number of cases and publications related to the ligament surgery, few papers have reported intra-operative complications. We report our experience of such complications and prevention methods. From June 2005 to October 2007, anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were performed in 128 patients using the TransFix devices. From the surgical records, the opinions of the assistant during the graft passage were divided into three subsets: tight, modest, and loose. The results were also analyzed according to the use of the routine procedure, vertical traction, and thigh portal. Complications during the graft passage and fixation were encountered in 13 patients. These complications occurred when the femoral tunnels were tight during the graft passage (P < 0.0001). The addition of vertical traction or a thigh portal decreased the number of complications significantly (P < 0.0001). The main cause of such complications was the lack of full proximal migration of the graft, which can cause tendon and wire breakage. This study introduces some methods to prevent such complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, 516 Gozan-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan, 425-707, Republic of Korea

    Yong Seuk Lee, Jung Ho Park & Jong Woong Park

  2. Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    ** Hwan Ahn

  3. Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    ** Goo Kim & Su Won Lee

  4. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Incheon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea

    Chong-Bum Kim

Authors
  1. Yong Seuk Lee
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  2. ** Hwan Ahn
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  3. ** Goo Kim
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  4. Jung Ho Park
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  5. Jong Woong Park
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  6. Chong-Bum Kim
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  7. Su Won Lee
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Correspondence to Yong Seuk Lee.

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Lee, Y.S., Ahn, J.H., Kim, J.G. et al. Analysis and prevention of intra-operative complications of TransFix fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthr 16, 639–644 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-008-0521-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-008-0521-2

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