Abstract
Between October 1991 and May 1995, we treated 151 patients with knee ligament injuries; 130 patients (86per cent) had an isolated injury, 21 patients (14per cent) had an assosiated injury with an other ligament. The average age of patients at the time of surgery was 26.5 years (16 to 57 years). All patients were followed for more than 7 months (mean 25.6 months).
Our present approach for treating patients with an acute combined injury includes primary repair of all damaged structures. The anterior cruciate ligament can be reconstructed later using autogenous graft harvested from the central third of the patellar ligament. Most injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament can be treated non-operatively.
The decision regarding subsequent reconstruction of the cruciate ligament depends on the patient's age, activity level, demands, and desires.
Reconstruction should only be undertaken after the injured knee has been fully rehabilitated.
Postoperatively, there were no major complications such as postoperative stiffness of instability.
