LARS ligaments
LARS Ligament Augmentation & Reconstruction System is a range of synthetic ligaments used in a number of soft tissue procedures including knee ligament reconstruction, ankle ligament and shoulder repairs. First introduced in 1992, their construction is the result of many years' detailed research into finding a suitable material and the best way to apply the material to a viable alternative to tissue harvesting for reconstruction.
• Enhanced stability1,2
• Rapid recovery1,2
• Early mobilisation1,2
• No tissue harvesting
• No further loss of
proprioception
LARS ligaments come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes designed to maintain the structure and function of the anatomical elements affected by injury or rupture. Made from a specially selected industrial-strength polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibre, each ligament is subject to a rigorous chemical treatment procedure to ensure maximum biocompatibility and a suitable environment for soft tissue in-growth. Designed to mimic the normal mechanical and anatomical ligament function, each type contains a specific number of lengths of fibres, depending on its intended use. Many ligaments have intra-articular (inside the joint) longitudinal fibres that resist fatigue and torsion forces and allow in-growth; the intra-osseous (inside bone) woven fibres provide strength and resistance to elongation.
• Patented pre-twisted
parallel fibre concept
• Progressive
manufacturing technology
• Refined surgical
indications
Within a joint, LARS is placed alongside the damaged ligament, providing an ideal scaffold for the healing tissue to grow into, rather like ivy growing up a tree. The new tissue quickly envelops the synthetic fibres of the artificial ligament, bridging the damaged parts of the injured ligament, forming a new ligament.
The design of the LARS ligament differs greatly from the older types of ligaments, and LARS has been in clinical use for nearly 20 years, with excellent results. Patients can expect to return to full function, as the damaged ligament is allowed to heal and proprioception (the ability to know where a joint is without looking at it) returns. Well-supported by a wealth of clinical data worldwide, LARS enables patients to have a quicker return to work and sporting activity than the majority of other medical techniques available.
| Applications for LARS LARS is suitable for both elderly and young patients across a wide range of different applications. |
References:
1. Zhong-tang Liu & Xian-long Zhang & Yao Jiang & Bing-Fang Zeng. Four-strand hamstring tendon autograft versus LARS artificial ligament for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction IntOrthop (SICOT) - 2009
2. Li B, Wen Y, Wu H, Qian Q, Wu Y, Lin X. Arthroscopic single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: retrospective review of hamstring tendon graft versus LARS artificial ligament. IntOrthop. 2009 Aug;33(4):991-6.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
