We have carried out and histologic analysis of tissue ingrowth in carbon fiber and polyethylene terephthalate ligament prostheses when used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Carbon fiber induces the formation of a connective tissue so that it extends in the direction of the fibers, producing a tissue histologicallysimilar to the ligament in the zones where the longitudinal disposition of the carbon filaments are conserved. In the zones where the filaments are broken, fibroblastic induction is important but disordered, producing an irregular connective tissue. Polyethylene terephthalate ligament prostheses acts as an inductor of strong inflammatory reaction (granulomatous type), in turn producing fibrous scars, with an irregular connective tissue. Only at the periprosthetic level, a parallel disposition is observed, resembling the ligament. We doubt about the functional effect of the tissue ingrowth in synthetic ligaments when used as substitutes for ACL.

We have carried out and histologic analysis of tissue ingrowth in carbon fiber and polyethylene terephthalate ligament prostheses when used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Carbon fiber induces the formation of a connective tissue so that it extends in the direction of the fibers, producing a tissue histologicallysimilar to the ligament in the zones where the longitudinal disposition of the carbon filaments are conserved. In the zones where the filaments are broken, fibroblastic induction is important but disordered, producing an irregular connective tissue. Polyethylene terephthalate ligament prostheses acts as an inductor of strong inflammatory reaction (granulomatous type), in turn producing fibrous scars, with an irregular connective tissue. Only at the periprosthetic level, a parallel disposition is observed, resembling the ligament. We doubt about the functional effect of the tissue ingrowth in synthetic ligaments when used as substitutes for ACL.