Extracellular Matrix Bioscaffolds to Enhance ACL Healing: Impact on the Contribution of the MCL to Joint Stability

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee has poor healing potential, and thus, surgical reconstruction using soft tissue autografts is needed to restore knee stability. Unfortunately, these procedures have a high incidence of donor site morbidity and the progression to osteoarthritis in the long-term ¹. In recent years, biological stimulation by means of growth factors and bioscaffolds has demonstrated successful early clinical results ². Our research center has used extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds as a biological agent to improve ACL healing in a goat model ^{7, 8}. Indeed, there was sufficient formation of neo-ACL tissue that led to up to a 30% reduction in the instability of the stifle joint by 12 weeks. Its biomechanical properties also increased by two-fold in comparison to those with suture repair alone ^{7, 8}.