Fixation of Patellar Tendon Grafts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Endobutton vs Metal Interference Screws

In this randomized controlled trial the investigators will compare the results after primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using two different methods for femoral fixation of a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft. Interference screws have been the standard method for fixing the femoral side of BPTB grafts; however, several pitfalls have been reported. Cortical fixation with the Endobutton CL BTB Fixation System has become available and the clinical results have been described as promising; however, no randomized controlled trials comparing these two femoral fixation methods have been conducted, and there is no published data that confirms that the bone block heals in the tunnel with the newer method. The aim of our study is to compare the outcome after primary ACL reconstruction with BPTB autografts using the Endobutton CL BTB or metal interference screw for femoral fixation.