The present technology has several unique advantages compared to conventional alternatives to replace torn ACL but also other ligaments and tendons. Firstly, the approach allows permanent implantation of the ACL substitute while synthetic prosthesis such as dacron or lad are susceptible to wear off particules in the knee joint within a few years, leading to inflammatory reactions, cartilage degeneration and funtional instability of the knee. Secondly, the bioengineered ACL doesn't present any risk of graft rejection since we intend to use autologous ACL cells from the hosts, their own bone fragments and eventually recombinant Type I collagen. Thirdly, this technology avoids taking any portion of healthy autologous tissues, such as a part of the patellar, semitendinous or semimembranous tendons for ACL replacement , which often lead to chronic pain, muscular weakness or instability of the knee joint. Therefore, any conventional approach would still be feasible in case of bACL failure. Also, the autologous ACL cells could be conserved in a cell depository to prepare another bACL for the patients who would break the graft under traumatic circumstances. Lastly, the procedure of implantation could be performed by arthroscopy, avoiding arthrotomies and associated risks (infection, knee pain, loss of articular mobility, major swelling and permanent scar).
These avantages contribute to reduce the cost of medical care on a long term basis and improve life quality of the patients post-surgery.

Human and animal (e.g. horse, dog) ACL of the knee joint

Other ligaments, tendons, disks, meniscus

Dentistry (ligament)

Cell / gene therapy

Fundamental research aspects on connective tissues

Repair, notably the ACL: in response to:

• Biomechanical stimuli

• Growth factors

• Cellular interactions (between cells /matrix)

• Various drugs

Organization and remodeling

Goat implantation over 1 year: showed that the autologous implant is integrated, reinforced, remodeled and not rejected

Alternate treatments:

• Implantation of the central part of autologous quadriceps tendon, or semitendinous tendon (a very invasive procedure).

• Synthetic prosthesis

• No treatment