Low metallic wear of dynamic intraligamentary stabilization

Dynamic Intraligamentary Stabilization (DIS) represents a treatment option for acute anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. The device used for DIS consists of a polyethylene braid and a metallic spring system, allowing the remnants of the ligament to recombine in a stabilized position over the self-healing period. This work addresses the metallic wear generated thereby. A cadaveric study was carried out with n=8 knees over 50'000 cycles, along with a control group to validate the cleaning and assembly process. Gravimetric analysis yielded a total wear of (0.28±0.35)mg for the entire implant. 50% of the wear originated from the bush and 46% from the clamping element. In a worst case scenario, a total wear of 1.7 mg would result during the functional lifetime.