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Original Article | Orthopaedic Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026 | Pages: 347 - 349 | India
Titanium Versus Bioabsorbable Screws for ACL Reconstruction in a Rural Hospital: A Comparative Study
Abstract: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures worldwide. Fixation of the graft is a critical determinant of surgical success, functional recovery, and long-term knee stability. Interference screws are widely used for tibial and femoral fixation, with titanium screws and bioabsorbable (bioscrews) being the two most commonly employed options. While titanium screws provide excellent mechanical strength and reliable fixation, they are associated with complications such as imaging artifacts, difficulty during revision surgery, and long-term implant-related issues. Bioabsorbable screws, on the other hand, eliminate the need for hardware removal and reduce imaging interference but raise concerns regarding mechanical strength, graft tunnel widening, and inflammatory reactions. This study compares the clinical, functional, radiological, and surgical outcomes of titanium versus bioabsorbable screws in ACL reconstruction performed in a rural hospital setting, where resource limitations, patient compliance, and socioeconomic factors play a significant role in surgical decision-making. A prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon grafts. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of tibial fixation: titanium screws and bioabsorbable screws. Outcome measures included knee stability, functional scores, complication rates, tunnel widening, and patient satisfaction over a 12-month follow-up period. The results demonstrated comparable functional outcomes between both groups. Titanium screws showed superior initial fixation strength and lower early failure rates, while bioabsorbable screws offered advantages in imaging clarity, absence of hardware irritation, and easier revision potential. However, mild inflammatory reactions and tunnel widening were more commonly observed with bioscrews. The study concludes that both fixation methods are effective, but titanium screws may be preferable in high-demand patients, whereas bioabsorbable screws may be advantageous in young, active individuals and cases where future imaging or revision is likely.
Keywords: ACL reconstruction, titanium screws, bioabsorbable screws, knee stability, rural hospital setting
How to Cite?: Dr. Ayush Gupta, Dr. Kailas Ghorpade, "Titanium Versus Bioabsorbable Screws for ACL Reconstruction in a Rural Hospital: A Comparative Study", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 347-349, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26203221950, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26203221950