The use of synthetic materials and prostheses in ACL reconstructive surgery

Commercial name Manufacturer Class Type of fibers 

Gore-Tex WL Gore et associates, Arizona, USA Braided PTFE 

LARS Surgical Instruments and Devices, Arc-sur-Tille, France Loose/knitted PET 

Anderson et al. published a prospective study where 57 patients had ACL reconstruction with a Dacron ligament and were followed for an average of 34 months. Overall, 71% of patients were satisfied, but they recorded ten ruptures in a range from 3 to 21 months. One patient had a chronic synovitis and one developed a deep infection. Other studies showed similar results, with only 55% good to excellent results at 5 years, 20% failure at 2 years, and 375% at 5 years. The distribution of this implant stopped in 1994 in the United States due to a lack of demand and the frequency of adverse device-related events. 

Twenty-three explanted ligaments were extensively studied and authors concluded that the prosthesis was encapsulated by thick granulomatous and collagenous tissue. The collagen infiltration was almost limited to the external shell and between the envelope and the core. Often the external 

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