The Effect of Initial Graft Tension in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on the Mechanical Behaviors of the Femur-Graft-Tibia Complex during Cyclic Loading

Abstract

Considering the tension of the normal anterior cruciate ligament (16 to 87 N), an initial tension of 20 N appears to be high enough for a patellar tendon graft. For a flexor tendon graft with interference screws, an increase in initial tension above 80 N has no biomechanical advantages.