Arthroscopically-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a follow-up study

In order to determine the early results of arthroscopically-assisted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a comprehensive follow-up evaluation of 20 athletes with an average postoperative time of 26 months was performed. Clinical knee examination and measurements of thigh circumference, range of motion, and maximum quadriceps/hamstring strength were obtained. A detailed personal interview regarding activity level, subjective ratings, and functional status was conducted. At follow-up, anterior knee laxity was dramatically reduced, with no patients demonstrating a pivot-shift. Thigh circumference, range of motion, and maximum muscle strength were not significantly different than in the normal, uninvolved leg. Sixteen patients (80%) had returned to their preinjury activity level. Only one of the remaining four cited knee problems as part of the reason for not returning to preinjury athletic activities. Patients' subjective ratings were highly favorable. The findings in this study led to the conclusion that modifying traditional open methods of ACL reconstruction to an arthroscopically-assisted technique is an attractive surgical option.