The threads advance into the bone tunnel beside the tendon or ligament graft rather than simply placing hardware at a distance from it. As the screw enters, it presses the graft radially against the tunnel wall. This interference increases immediate mechanical stability and holds the graft in position while biological incorporation and healing occur.
Radial compression keeps the graft closely apposed to the surrounding bone, limiting unwanted movement within the tunnel. That stable contact is important because the graft must remain positioned during the period of healing. The screw therefore contributes more than simple retention: it creates a compressed interface intended to support later graft incorporation.
These metallic materials provide the strength needed for immediate graft fixation and remain visible on radiographic imaging. Visibility can help clinicians identify the hardware and assess its location, but metal may also produce imaging artifacts. Consequently, material choice has practical implications for both mechanical support and postoperative imaging.
The graft is positioned within the prepared bone tunnel, and the screw is advanced alongside it. Thread advancement compresses the graft against the tunnel wall and establishes interference fixation. This placement provides immediate stabilization before healing has secured the graft biologically, making accurate positioning and firm tunnel contact central to the procedure.
Their principal application is securing tendon or ligament grafts within bone tunnels, particularly during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In that setting, the device helps stabilize the reconstructed graft against bone while healing progresses. The same fixation principle is relevant when other tendon or ligament grafts require secure tunnel-based attachment.
Metallic fixation offers strength and radiographic visibility, but clinicians must account for imaging artifacts that can obscure nearby structures or complicate interpretation. The hardware may also require later removal in some circumstances. These considerations are balanced against the screw's immediate fixation function and its role in maintaining graft stability during healing.