[Treatment of cruciate ligament lesion following knee trauma]

In the treatment of the capsular ligament lesions of the knee joint, the most important therapeutic measure is the reconstruction of the central pillar of the cruciate ligaments. 112 patients with ruptures of the cruciate ligaments and associated injuries have been operated from 1975 through 1985. 78 out of them can be checked-up. Most of the accidents are due to sports or professional activities. 76% of the patients are treated early, i.e. within the first six days from the accident. The rates of simple instabilities as well as of anteromedial rotation instabilities are 40% each, the remaining injuries are severe combined traumas to the knee. In many cases the articular structures are involved, too. The surgical procedure is described. In 89% of the cases, the articular stability is restored with very good or good success by reconstruction. A permanent instability is only observed in two patients. Taking into consideration the mobility and the subjective opinions of patients, 71% have very good or good results.