Use of Unidirectional Porous β-Tricalcium Phosphate in the Tibial Tunnel for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Case Series

TL;DR

This case series explores using a new bone substitute in ACL surgery, showing no complications and successful bone healing after one year.

Contribution

The first clinical use of unidirectional porous β-tricalcium phosphate in tibial tunnels during ACL reconstruction is reported.

Findings

Nine patients received UDPTCP in tibial tunnels during ACL surgery with no complications.

Bone remodeling was observed in all patients at one-year follow-up.

UDPTCP appears to be a safe and reliable bone substitute for tibial tunnel defects.

Abstract

Bone defects in the tibial tunnel for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can cause adverse events. The unidirectional porous tricalcium β-phosphate (UDPTCP) has the potential to be used as a filling substitute for bone defects. In this case series, we present the first nine cases in which UDPTCP was used as a bone substitute in the tibial tunnel during ACL reconstruction. The patients comprised six males and three females, with an average age of 32 years (range: 16-50 years). A cylindrical UDPTCP measuring 10 x 20 mm was molded to fit the tibial tunnel and then implanted. At the one-year postoperative follow-up, none of the patients demonstrated any complications, and bone remodeling was observed on radiographs. Therefore, UDPTCP may provide a safe and reliable filling substitute for the tibial tunnel in ACL reconstruction.

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