[New developments in surgery of the knee joint (II)]

Due to the recent fitness craze and increased interest in leisure activities, there has also been a dramatic rise in injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. Thanks to the introduction of arthroscopic surgery techniques, the number of ACL operations is increasing, frequently with insufficient results caused by technical errors during the operation. New methods are therefore necessary in order to assure quality. Traumatic or degenerative lesions to the cartilage are relevant causes of loss of working hours and permanent disability. The development of new therapeutic methods is focused on interest in orthopaedic research. An important cause for lesion of the cartilage is a partial or total rupture of the meniscus as a result of traumatic or degenerative processes. Today refixation of a torn meniscus is unfortunately not performed enough. New fixation techniques have been developed to facilitate preservative meniscal surgery. Finally, accelerated and functional rehabilitation programs have significantly contributed to improve the outcome of knee surgery.