Reconstruction of the chronically insufficient anterior cruciate ligament: long term results of the Eriksson procedure.

Abstract

Thirty-two patients (26 men and 6 women) with symptoms due to chronic insufficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament were treated by reconstruction using the medial one-third of the patellar tendon. The average delay between injury and operation was 4.8 years. Prior to this, 28 operations had been carried out on the knees of 20 of the patients. At follow up, at an average of 6.6 years after reconstruction, 50% were satisfied subjectively with the end result, and 57% were excellent or good on the Lysholm score. The Lachman test showed that 50% were completely stable and none had severe laxity. The anterior drawer test was negative in 59% and only one had moderate laxity. The pivot shift was negative in 69% and only 2 were 2+ positive. Twenty-one of the 29 patients who were active in sport before their injury were able to continue their activity at the same or a reduced level.