Suture of the torn anterior cruciate ligament. 5-year follow-up of 60 cases using an instrumental stability test.

Abstract

60 patients were examined 5 (2-9) years after simple suture of acute rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. In the follow-up the patients were examined clinically and by instrumental testing of stability (Acufex Knee Signature System). 10 knees had had a ligament reconstruction during the follow-up period, 28 knees were stable, and 22 unstable. By the Lysholm knee-score, function was rated excellent or good in both stable and unstable knees and the Tegner activity score dropped insignificantly. A positive correlation was found between the measured laxity and the clinical tests. Instrumental stability testing seems to be a reliable supplementary tool in the diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. Ligament repair by simple suture was not better than reported results on conservative treatment.