[Capsular ligament lesions of the knee joint. Conservative and surgical treatment]

On the basis of our experience with more than 600 reconstructed capsular ligament injuries of the knee joint, we conclude that conservative functional treatment should be preserved for patients with capsular ligament lesions with no loss of stability. On an individual basis, it must be decided whether, in the event of a more or less large degree of instability presenting, conservative mobilising treatment (patients older than 45 years), or surgical reconstructive treatment should be provided. Surgical procedures aim at achieving anatomical reconstruction, which is only approximately possible with secondary reconstruction in the presence of chronic instability. For the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, the use of the semitendinosus tendon for reinforcement with possible reattachment of the cruciate ligament can be recommended. Otherwise, the free patellar ligament transplant, as far as possible with additional synovialisation--which permits better revitalisation of the ligament--should be employed.