Abstract

Chronic capsuloligamentous instability is the result of an untreated acute lesion, or one subjected to unsatisfactory invasive or non-invasive management. It is thus essentially the outcome of imperfect cicatrisation of the injured structures, whereby secondary stretching of the unimpaired capsuloligamentous formations is brought about. Instability of the joint, in its turn, also sets the scene for gradual bone and cartilage degeneration. Chronic instability is classed as internal, external, anterior, or posterior, depending on the site of the injury. External instability is basically marked by distension of capsuloligamentous structures of the lateral compartment. These injuries, known as combined injuries, present with variously serious clinical signs of rotatory instability. In their treatment, much importance must be attached to reconstruction of the dorsolateral capsularangle, so as to reducethe stresses on the knee in the anterior or posterior drawer. Verf.-Referat