RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT WITH A SYNTHETIC LIGAMENT - CLINICAL-RESULTS OF 72 PATIENTS TREATED WITH LIGASTIC(R)

Introduction The purpose of the study was to evaluate the anatomical a nd functional results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction wit h the synthetic ligament Ligastic(TM). Material and methods 72 patient s have been reviewed clinically and radiologically and their functiona l abilities have been evaluated with Lysholm and Arpege score. 46 have been operated for recent ruptures (group A) and 26 for chronic ACL te ars (group B). Follow up was 2 to 4,5 years. Results The results showe d in group A a Lachman test > 3 mm in 57 per cent cases, a positive pi vot shift in 29 per cent and ruptures of the ligament in 22 per cent. In group B, the Lachman test was > 3 mm in 47 per cent of the cases th e pivot shift was positive in 54 per cent and the rupture of the ligam ent occurred in 35 per cent. The functional evaluation showed that onl y one third was stable but painful, and one third was unstable and pai nful. Discussion As many authors, we found an increase of bad anatomic al and functional results with time. The ligament can't be considered as a scaffold for ingrowth tissue. Two thirds of the patients had pain ful knees at effort. Conclusion The high percentage of ruptures of the ligament, and the non satisfactory functional results led us not to r ecommend the ACL reconstruction with a Ligastic(TM) implant.