Long term results of bone-patella-tendon-bone ACL reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
To assess outcomes of bone-patella-tendon-bone ACL-reconstruction at 18 years follow-up.


METHODS
Outcome measures included the IKDC clinical examination form and clinical scores. Radiographs were analyzed to determine the grade of osteoarthritis.


RESULTS
69% of the examined patients (n= 54) had a normal/nearly normal knee, 14% were abnormal and 17% severely abnormal with significant improvement (P≤ 0.001). The mean Lysholm score was 87.7 ± 12.4 and the Tegner activity level was 5 ± 2. Osteoarthritic changes were present in 52%.


CONCLUSIONS
BPTB ACL-reconstruction provides a satisfactory outcome with a high incidence of radiographic osteoarthritic changes.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Max
M
Ettinger
Department Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, DIAKO, Bremen, Germany.
Friedel
F
Etter
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Tilman
T
Calliess
Department Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, DIAKO, Bremen, Germany.
Michael
M
Bohnsack
International Center of Hip-, Knee- and Foot Surgery, ATOS Clinic, Heidelberg, Germany.
Christoph
C
Becher
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); Knee; Long-term follow-up; Patellar tendon; Reconstruction