Bioactive Interference Screw for ACL Reconstruction Team Members:

The objective of this project is to develop a novel ACL interference screw that not only secures a graft in place, but incorporates a material intended to promote bone tissue growth. This material is composed of a mineralized alginate scaffold that mimics natural matrix environment. Using this material along with the selected growth factors in an interference screw may greatly improve recovery and longevity of the graft. A potential solution has been developed that utilizes a structurally sound thermoplastic while optimizing the amount of mineralized alginate scaffold present in the screw. Preliminary work has been done testing the feasibility of the fabrication process for this type of biphasic screw using model materials. Comparative mechanical testing has begun to ensure that the structural integrity of the screw has not been compromised by the addition of alginate. Future work includes the production of a metal cast mold from a rapi