Abstract: A method of securing a tendon graft in a ligament tunnel is described. The tendon graft is used to replace a ligament and has a length of tendon section with bone grafts attached to the tendon at each end. The method includes the step of providing an interference fixation screws made of material that is soft compared to bone. The fixation screws are cooled to a temperature to make them sufficiently rigid to track in a straight line when they are tightened in the ligament tunnel. Each bone graft is then secured in place in the ligament tunnel by inserting a fixation screw between each bone graft and the bone surrounding the ligament tunnel and tightening it therebetween. After each fixation screw is tightened, it has a portion extending beyond a respective entrance to the ligament tunnel which is then trimmed.

Abstract: A fixation screw for securing a bone graft of a tendon section in place in a ligament tunnel is formed from a biocompatible plastic or bioabsorbable material. The tendon section is used to replace a ligament and has a tendon section attached at each end to bone grafts. The fixation screw is tightened between the bone graft and bone surrounding the ligament tunnel to secure the bone graft in place by forcing it against the bone surrounding the ligament tunnel. The material is soft compared to bone so that threads of the fixation screw do not cut into the bone graft or bone graft or bone surrounding the ligament tunnel when the fixation screw is tightened. The fixation screw is formed to have integral instrumentation. A body is molded or fabricated as one piece from the material and has a threaded end, formed as an interference screw, and relatively thicker handle portion connected to each other. The handle portion forms the integral instrument in that it is grasped to turn the fixation screw to tighten it.