We evaluated 74 patients 10 years after arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction using the central third of the patellar tendon as autograft.
IKDC, Tegner and Lysholm scores were used for clinical evaluation. Ligament stability was tested using the Rolimeter instrument. For statistics we used the Chi square test.
At follow-up the Tegner activity level was 5.2, the Lysholm score was 93.6 points. Subjective assessment for function was rated normal or nearly normal in 83.7 %, for stability in 71.6 %. The side-to-side difference measured with the Rolimeter was normal in 87.8% and nearly normal in 12.2 %. Pivot shift was proven to be negative in 94.6 %. 29.7 % of patients showed degenerative changes in X-rays at follow-up. There was a significant correlation between time interval from injury to surgery and the grade of degenerative changes. Arthrosis significantly correlates with the rate of meniscus injury. Acute operative treatment increases the rate of arthrofibrosis significantly.
To avoid osteoarthrosis we recommend an early (subacute) ACL reconstruction and meniscus refixation in the case of meniscus injury.