Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
7
Biomaterial Structures for Anterior
Cruciate Ligament Replacement
7.1. Introduction
The anterior cruciate ligament significantly participates in the
normal knee function and stability. It is attached to the tibia and femur
and transmits the forces developed during motion. Its specific
anatomy and poor vascularization pattern hinder spontaneous self-
regeneration once torn. This poor ability has driven the emergence of
reconstructive strategies which have become an important research
topic in orthopedics for many decades. Indeed, ACL is one of the most
common sport injuries with a high prevalence in westernized
countries. Several reconstruction strategies have been proposed and
those currently employed in the clinic mostly utilize autografts.
However limitations such as tissue availability, donor site morbidity
and pain associated with tissue harvesting have led to the development
of grafts of synthetic origin. This chapter will focus on the recent
advances in artificial ligament fabrication and surface modification
utilized for the manufacturing of off the shelf implants. It will further
elaborate on the promise of tissue engineering for ACL replacement.
