[Are complications in cruciate ligament replacement operations with patellar tendon transplantation dependent on surgical technique and surgical timing?].

Hypothesis: In a retrospective study we analyzed our results of ACL reconstructions with a patellar tendon graft. We wanted to know if the complications were dependent upon timing and technique of surgery.

Method: We reviewed 283 patients after ACL-reconstruction, who underwent an operation with bone patellar tendon graft between 1984-1993. In our study we particularly looked for complications. The overall rate of complications was 21.6% dependent on the applied technique. Infections, DVTs, limitations of movement and graft failures were the most common complications. Furthermore we analyzed the timing of operation. Arthrofribrosis was less common in the group with delayed reconstruction (6.1%) whereas in the primary reconstruction group the rate was 17.6%. For this reason we changed our management with regard to the timing of operation. Meniscal injuries were the most common additional injuries in both groups. Conservatively treated ACL-ruptures showed a high rate of mensical ruptures in combination with cartilage injuries.

Conclusion: Because of these results we put more emphasis on patient information to achieve the optimal result and to meet the individual needs for every patient.