[Cruciate ligament prostheses. Techniques, results and perspectives]

Artificial ligaments have been used as augmentation devices, scaffolds, ingrowth ligaments and even prostheses. The augmentation devices rely entirely on the autologous tissue for their function, whereas each of the other types functions more or less as a prosthesis. These devices can function only for a limited time and they are very sensitive to the implantation technique. Problems involve debris formation, synovitis and finally ligament rupture. There is also a loss of stability in the treated knee over the first 2-3 postoperative years. The clinical results obtained in various studies with the prosthetic devices are not satisfactory. The problem of reconstruction of a knee with ligamentous instability is far greater than that involved in replacing the ligament only.