Abstract
The short-term follow-up results of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using Leeds-Keio artificial ligaments are reported. The indications for the artif ical ligament are patients with a recreational level of sports activity or patients who want a quick return to sports participation. Middle-aged people are good candidates.
During the period from June 1987 to June 1988, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using Leeds-Keio artificial ligament was performed by us in 18 patients, 11 men and 7 women, with an average age of 27 (range, 16-45 years) . The average follow-up period was 18 months (range, 12-25 months) . Fourteen had been injured during sport activities and 4 had been involved in traffic accidents.
We used the tubular type of Leeds -Keio artificial ligaments in double fashion. The reconstruction of the ACL was done through arthroscopic control and lateral extra-articular reinforcement was combined as in the Fujikawa method. A 6mm bone tunnel was made at the isometric points of the femur and tibia with a drill guide system.The ligament was firmly fixed with two barbed staples at the exit of the tunnel so that CPM machine could be applied with limitation of motion on the second day after the reconstruction. Partial weight-bearing walking was allowed on the second week postoperatively and full weight-bearing on the fourth week. Thus the rehabilitation period was shortened and the patients could make an early return to the normal activities of daily life.
At the follow-up, mild knee pain was present in 11 cases at the lateral reinforcement site, and there was giving way in 2 cases and swelling in 2. Straight ADS test was positive with a hard end point in 1 patient and trace in 8. The Lachman test was positive in 1 and trace in 4. Jerk test was trance in only 1. The ROM showed a loss of an average of 3.10 in extension (0°-40°) and 141° in flexion (120°-150°) . Thus the results within this short term are satisfactory and we consider this method to be a good technique for ACL reconstruction in selected patients.
