Two-year Outcome With the AperFix System for ACL Reconstruction

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the fixation durability of the AperFix System (Cayenne Medical, Inc, Scottsdale, Arizona) used in arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. The AperFix System consists of a femoral and tibial component designed to secure either allograft or autograft. The outcomes of 185 knees (180 patients) were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Mean age at surgery was 31±12 years (range, 16-68 years). Of these, a convenience sample was seen prospectively to obtain radiographs and to assess functional status. No cases occurred of fixation failure involving loss of graft positioning or pullout. No patients required revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In 2 knees, the tip of the central fixation pin had to be modified as a result of hardware prominence and soft tissue irritation at 434 and 159 days postoperatively, respectively. In 4 knees, tibial screw removal occurred secondary to local discomfort (mean, 239 days; range, 105-371 days). No other recurring adverse events or problems associated with the implants were identified. Forty-four patients were evaluated prospectively at a mean follow-up of 32±7 months. Lysholm scores and patient satisfaction scores were positively and significantly correlated with Tegner activity scores (r=0.61; P<.0001). Eighty-two (82%) patients had a KT-1000 (Medmetric Corp, San Diego, California) side-to-side difference of less than 3 mm (average, 0.4 mm). No indications of femoral device migration existed when comparing follow-up and immediate postoperative radiographs. The AperFix System provides durable femoral aperture fixation during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with excellent clinical outcome scores and a low complication rate.