Abstract des Autors

Follow-up after less than 30 months of 59 arthroscopic reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament in 57 patients with a Dacron-augmented free patellar tendon graft is reported. An account is given of the patient selection criteria, preparation for surgery, the operative technique and the rehabilitation protocol. All patients were operated by the authors and followed up by A.R. The results were assessed in accordance with a score card, resumed sport level, dynamic test, and the Lachman test (clinical and as measured with the KT 1000 arthrometer). Excellent and good results were achieved in 51 and 8 knees respectively. There was a very significant resumption of sport level. The dynamic tests were negative in 90% of patients. The Lachman test was negative in 27 cases. The anterior tibial shift was 0-5 mm in 28 cases, and 6-10 mm in 4 cases. The arthrometer findings were: no shift, 12 knees; 0.5-2 mm, 19; 2.5-4 mm, 6; 4.5-6mm, 7; over 6 mm, 1; 0 mm, 3. Loss of movement in extension required arthrolysis in 2 cases. No signs of intolerance were provoked by the synthetic substance. The best results were obtained in well-motivated patients not previously operated and free from meniscus damage, who recovered full knee extension. Verf.-Referat