Late tibial interference screw extrusion following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case report

Abstract

Introduction Interference screws are used as back-up fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Historically these were composed of metal, but recently surgeons have switched to using bioabsorbable screws as they cause less symptoms and are biomedically advantageous. Usually these screws are absorbed by the body within one to two years after surgery. Case Presentation A 32-year-old male presented with aseptic extrusion of his intact tibial bioabsorbable interference screw eight years following successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Management and Outcomes Patient underwent laboratory evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging to rule out infection as an underlying cause. He went on to heal the wound without complication. Conclusion Late aseptic extrusion of tibial interference screw can occur; however, infectious etiologies should be carefully ruled out.