Late results following proximal reinsertion of isolated ruptured ACL ligaments

Between 1982 and 1984, 49 patients with fresh isolated proximal ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) were operated on in the Trauma Hospital, Salzburg. The operation was performed within 1 week of trauma. The operational technique used was proximal reinsertion of the ruptured ACL alone. Postoperatively the knee was immobilized for 6 weeks in an above-the-knee plaster cast. We were able to re-examine 42 of the 49 patients 5-7 years after injury. In addition to a clinical examination, testing with a KT-1000 arthrometer was performed. The objective and subjective results we found were evaluated using the Lsyholm score and OAK knee evaluation form. We found 12 (29%) absolutely stable knee joints. We accepted a KT-1000 result of up to 3 mm as satisfactory, and 81% of our patients were in this category. The same percentage (81%) scored between 85 and 100 points on the Lysholm scale. Only 52% scored over 90 points on the OAK form. Subjectively only 6 patients (14%) were dissatisfied with their result.