Arthroscopic Repair and Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament with Staple

Choi, Chang Uk; Lee, Byung Il

Abstract

The anterior cruciate ligament integrity is critical to the mechanics, stability, and protection of the joint and its periarticular structure. The insufficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament leads to a disintegration of the rolling/gliding movement, and followed by degenerative changes of the joint cartilage. Numerous surgical procedures have been designed to control the anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. None has yet been generally accepted as the best procedure. Arthroscopy has added a new dimension to knee surgery and earned a rightful place in the diagnosis and mansgement of the anterior cruciate ligsment problems. In this article, we present the results in twenty two patients who were treated with staple by arthroscopic surgery from January, 1984 to December, 1985. The results obtained were as follows : 1. Type of surgery were 2 cases of primsry repair, 12 cases of pedicle graft, and 8 cases of semitendinosus graft. 2. Associated lesions were 17 cases(77.3%) of meniscal injuries and 3 cases(13.6%) of the injury to the articular cartilage. 3. Clinical results were excellent and good in 12 cases(54.5%) and fair in 8 cases(36.4%) by the Hospital for Special Surgery knee follow up score. 4. Advantages of using the Ligamentous and Cagsular Repair system for anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency were A) Minimal surgical exposure and trauma. B) Less painful. C) Utilized the patients own collagen tissue with vascularity and synovial covering. D) Close approximation of normal anterior cruciate attachment. E) Excellent bony fixation. F) Rapid rehabilitation. G) Minimal morbidity and few complications. On the basis of our findings, we advocate the arthroscopic repair % reconstruction with staple as a reliable and effective method of treating anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency.