title: The course of partial anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.
abstract: In a prospective study 21 consecutive patients were followed up for an average of 6 years after partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) diagnosed by clinical examination and arthroscopy. The ACL tear was treated conservatively and associated lesions were sutured. At followup a knee function score was recorded. The maximum possible score was 100 points. The mean score at followup was 93 +/- 6 points. All patients were classified as good or excellent. Three knees were unstable at followup, but the score was not impaired. With a partial tear of the ACL the course is benign and the long-term result good, in contrast to total ruptures of ACLs. It is, therefore, important to make an accurate diagnosis in order to choose the proper treatment.
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012421:Rupture