Bioabsorbable Cross Pin vs Endobutton for ACL Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Study in Porcine Model

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance between Cross Pin and EndoButton methods of graft fixation in femur portion of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: Twenty porcine femur, 10 for Biosteon Cross Pin and 10 for EndoButton, were submitted to cyclic loading between 50 N to 250 N for 1000 cycles at 1 Hz. For devices that not failed during cyclic loading, a tensile test to failure was performed at strain rate of 50 mm/min. Results: There were no differences in the cyclic loading test and ultimate failure load between Cross Pin and EndoButton. However, the Cross Pin was stiffer than EndoButton. Results: The Cross Pin shows to be a better option than EndoButton when tested on porcine knee model according the methodology present in this work.