[4-year results following Insall anterior cruciate ligament-plasty]

From May 1984 until December 1987 56 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were done in cases with single plane anteromedial instability, using the bone block iliotibial band transfer. The anterior distal part of the iliotibial tract with its osseous insertion from Gerdy's tubercule was used. The immediate fixation of the bone block by a screw or by threads to the tibia allows early motion of the knee, because no immobilization is necessary. There were 56 patients: 14 women, 42 men; 34 right, 22 left. About the same number (65) with more severe multiplane laxity had been treated by other methods for reconstruction or augmentation of the anterior cruciate ligament. The average follow-up is 25.06 (6-52) months for these patients (12.88). All patients had full extension of the involved knee. None had an effusion and only eight complained of occasional pain. At follow-up some laxity was detected by the anterior drawer test and Lachman test (20 degrees). The LYSHOLM Score was very high at the time of follow-up = 98.67 points.