ABANZA’s new QuadLock system aims to improve stability and confidence in ACL reconstruction surgery
Orlando, Florida, 28 January 2026 – Knee injuries, especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, are a common setback for athletes and active individuals. Each year, around 300,000 ACL reconstruction surgeries are performed in the United States alone. A key challenge in these procedures is ensuring that the repaired ligament remains stable while the knee heals and regains strength.
This week, ABANZA announced a major milestone for sports medicine. The company has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for QuadLock, a new knotless fixation system designed specifically for ACL reconstruction.
Why fixation matters in ACL surgery
During ACL reconstruction, surgeons replace the damaged ligament with a graft made from tendon tissue. That graft must be securely fixed in place so it can heal properly. If the fixation loosens or stretches under repeated movement, it can lead to instability, delayed recovery, or even surgical failure.
Traditional fixation methods, such as cortical buttons or interference screws, can allow several millimeters of movement when the knee is repeatedly loaded. Even small shifts can matter during early recovery, when the joint is most vulnerable.
What makes QuadLock different
QuadLock is a bidirectional, tension-adjustable system that allows surgeons to fine-tune graft tension during surgery without tying knots. It is designed to work with several common graft types used in ACL reconstruction, including quadriceps tendon, hamstring tendon grafts, and bone patellar tendon bone grafts.
In biomechanical testing that simulated demanding, repeated knee movements, QuadLock showed less than 0.5 millimeters of cyclic displacement. This represents more than a 500 percent reduction compared to the movement seen with many conventional fixation methods. The system also demonstrated a pullout strength greater than 1,000 newtons, combining strong fixation with excellent stability.
In simple terms, QuadLock holds the graft firmly in place and resists loosening, even under stress.
Why this matters for patients and surgeons
Maintaining graft tension during early healing is critical for restoring normal knee movement and long-term joint stability. By minimizing movement at the fixation site, QuadLock may help support smoother recovery and more predictable outcomes.
According to ABANZA CEO Juan Abascal, the goal behind QuadLock is practical innovation. The system is designed to give surgeons more control and confidence, especially as patient needs change and bone quality can vary widely.
Expanding options in sports medicine
QuadLock is part of ABANZA’s broader platform of soft-tissue repair technologies. The company is also developing additional devices, such as LoopCap and WasherCap In Line, aimed at other orthopedic procedures, including biceps tendon repair, AC joint reconstruction, knee ligament repairs, and selected foot and ankle applications.
As sports medicine continues to evolve, surgeons are seeking solutions that are not only strong but also reliable and adaptable. With its combination of knotless design, tension adjustability, and high fixation strength, QuadLock adds a new option to the ACL reconstruction toolkit.
For patients, this kind of innovation could mean a more stable repair and a clearer path back to movement, sport, and everyday life.