We reviewed complications after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction of the knee. From 1977 to 1994, 226 patients, (237 joints) were operated on with ACL reconstruction, in which 177 joints were treated with artificial ligaments. Subjects comprised 122 men and 104 women ranging in age from 13 to 64 years with an average of 26.7 years. Of these 135 patients were followed from 12 to 93 months. The average duration of follow-up was 2 years and 8 months.
There were 3 major complications associated with ACL reconstruction surgery, of which flexion contracture (more than 5 degrees) occurred in 15%, muscle weakness (less than 80% compared to the opposite side on a Cybex machine) was found in 51% and 9% had graft failure including reoperation. We have treated patients with ACL insufficiency using bone-tendon-bone since 1992 because of the problem with graft failure and the poor appearance at the 2nd look at the artificial ligament.
In conclusion we think that it is important to prevent flexion contracture after ACL reconstruction because it causes several disabilities, such as patello-femoral problems and muscle weakness.
