Abstract

The rupture of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an injury causing the major degenerative changes in knee. Although the many methods are applied in the treatment, none of these methods is ideal. In this study, the results of ACL reconstructions by bone-patellar ligament-bone (B-Pl-B) autografts are evaluated. Of 20 patients undergone ACL reconstruction by B-Pl-B autografts between 1995 and 1999 years, 16 were available for review. The ligament reconstructions were done by the minimal open arthrotomy. A standard rehabilitation procedure was started in the early postoperative period for all patients. All patients were males and the mean age was 25.5 years (22 to 33). The mean interval between the original injury and the index operation was 19.2 months (range, 1.5 months to 3 years). Partial menisectomy was performed for meniscal tears in 9 (56.2 %) cases. The mean follow-up time was 18 months (1-4 years). Favourable result in 13 (81.3%) patients was obtained. As a conclusion, it was concluded that the reconstruction by B-Pl-B autografts is the effective treatment method, although there is not still an ideal method in the treatment of ACL ruptures.