title: Primary suture of the anterior cruciate ligament. A 6-year follow-up of 74 cases.
abstract: Seventy-four consecutive patients were reviewed 6 (3-9) years after primary suture according to Palmer of a fresh rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. Three fourths had excellent or good function as evaluated by the Lysholm score. The pivot shift test was trace-positive in one fifth and 2+ or 3+ in one quarter, and the Lachman test was 2+ or higher in one third. Tibial anterior instability was present in 23 knees. Radiographically, 15 knees had signs of arthrosis, 4 of which severe. Our 0.25 failure rate suggests that other procedures should be considered in the treatment of acute rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.
authors.affiliation: Trondheim University Hospital, Departments of Orthopedics, Norway.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Engebretsen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Benum
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sundalsvoll
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000453:epidemiology; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D012421:Rupture; D013537:Sutures