Graft fixation with predetermined tension using a new device, the double spike plate.

PURPOSE To biomechanically evaluate a new fixation device, DSP (Double Spike Plate; Meira Corp, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan), for pullout graft fixation. TYPE OF STUDY Biomechanical study. METHODS A porcine tibia in which 8-mm diameter drill holes had been made from the medial tibial metaphysis to the anterior cruciate ligament attachment was rigidly fixed to a tension analyzer. A quadrupled graft consisting of 2 double-looped bovine tendons was prepared with No. 3 polyester sutures placed distally. The graft was passed through the drill hole, and its proximal loop ends were rigidly fixed to a load cell for monitoring graft tension. The graft's distal ends were connected to the DSP by tying the sutures to the top hole in the DSP. The graft tension was predetermined at 49 N (n = 5) or 98 N (n = 5). This tension was maintained for 5 minutes with a suture passed through the bottom hole of the DSP. The plate was fixed to the tibia by hammering its spikes into the bone under the index tension. Finally, the fixation was completed by inserting a screw. RESULTS Although the graft tension immediately increased to 69 +/- 11 N or 133 +/- 14 N during hammering, it gradually reduced to 49 +/- 10 N or 100 +/- 7 N 5 minutes later. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that graft fixation under a predetermined tension can be achieved with the DSP.