Apparatus and methods for independently conditioning and pretensioning a plurality of ligament grafts during joint repair surgery

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for conditioning and pre-tensioning soft tissue grafts during joint repair surgery, such as during repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The inventive apparatus is advantageously adapted and configured so as to enable a surgeon to independently apply a desired tensile load onto individual strands of a multiple-stranded soft tissue graft, such each of a pair of ham strings. The inventive methods advantageously ensure that each strand of a multiple-strand soft tissue graft is adequately tensioned so as to both “condition” the graft to prevent subsequent stretching, relaxation or elongation following surgery, which can destabilize the joint, and pre-tension each strand of the graft to a desired amount so that each significantly contributes to the strength and stability of the joint, thus resulting in a stronger and more durable joint. The inventive tensioning device is advantageously equipped with structure for fastening or otherwise attaching the device to a patient's limb during the conditioning and pre-tensioning procedure. It has multiple adjustable tension applicators that can be independently manipulated so as to independently apply a desired tensile load onto one or more strands of the soft tissue graft attached to each adjustable tension applicator.