[Experience with 250 dynamic, proximal muscular pedicled, anterior cruciate ligament-plasties (Lindemann)]

The diagnostic steps and the indications for the treatment of chronic instability of the knee joint due to rupture (lesion) of the anterior cruciate ligament are discussed. After briefly mentioning the surgical technique we report on 250 dynamic surgical replacements of the anterior cruciate ligament by the proximally based gracile (semitendinous) tendon. For the operations performed between 1976 and 1983 a technique similar to Lindemann's was used. We would like to stress the importance of the reconstruction of injured synergistic stabilizators. The results of a control 1 to 8 years (mean 38 months) after the operation were very good in 21.2%, good in 66.8%, moderate in 9.2%, unsatisfactory in 1.6% and poor in 1.2% of the cases, although strict standards had been applied. We therefore recommend this technique for the treatment of lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament. Thorough after-treatment is of utmost importance for its outcome.