[Allogeneic transplantation in reconstruction of cruciate ligaments in the knee joint]

Allografts have been used successfully by orthopaedic surgeon for reconstructing ligaments, including intraarticular reconstructions of cruciate ligaments. This type of grafts are particularly attractive alternative for reconstruction surgery because donor site morbidity is eliminated, operative time is shorter, incision can be smaller and the availability of different transplant sizes is almost unlimited. This article offers some summaries of scientific background on ACL reconstruction with allografts in animals, clinical follow-up in the humans and discussions on the risk of disease transmission, secondary sterilization, incorporation and remodeling of the allografts after transplantation.