Artelon as a Bio-Scaffold to Augment Collateral Ligament Repair after Knee Dislocation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Knee dislocations (KD) have high rates of multi-ligamentous injury (MLI). Collateral ligaments rupture in 50-60% of KDs. Traditionally, collateral ligaments have undergone primary repair, though microscopic healing is not optimal. Artelon is a degradable, polyurethane urea bio- scaffold thought to decrease mechanical forces and promote healing, motion, and strength. Currently, little evidence exists regarding its indications or outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with KD and MLI undergoing collateral ligament repair at a level-I trauma centre between 2015-2020 were included. Patients age 15° of knee flexion. Only one gross failure occurred, in the AG. No differences were noted in infection or re-operation. Lysholm Knee Scale and Tegner Activity Scale were not significantly different, although Tegner scores in both cohorts decreased from pre-injury scores. CONCLUSION: In summary, Artelon appears to be safe without increasing risk for hypersensitivity or infection when used for collateral ligament augmentation. Additionally, Artelon appeared to be non-inferior and statistically equivalent to primary repair in this setting and may have promise with use in certain types of knee dislocations.

Keywords

• multiligamentous knee disruption
• knee dislocation
• bioaugmentation
• artelon
• graft