Abstract
Most criticisms concering ACL reconstruction using the patellar tendon are related to the extensor mechanism, including muscle weakness of the quadriceps, patello-femoral disorders, and limitation of extension. The purpose of this study was to investigate complications involing the extensor mechanism after this methhod was used. Thirty-one patients, who underwent ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone, were followed up for a period of 2 years and 10 months and their mean age at surgery was 24 years. Twenty patients were male and eleven patients were female. Quadriceps strength was 81% and hamstring strength was 92% at follow-up 2 years postoperativerly.
Four patients had limitation of extension ranging from 5 to 25 degrees. Two of then underwent arthroscopic debridement of fibrous tissue around the reconstructed ACL and eventually obtained full estension. Only one of 18 patients, who had a second look arthroscopy, showed advancement of degeneration of the patello-femoral joint.
