GORETEX PROSTHETIC LIGAMENT VS KENNEDY LIGAMENT AUGMENTATION DEVICE IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED 3-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF 41 CASES

In a prospective randomized study on patients with functional instability due to old anterior cruciate ligament tears, 18 were randomized to a Goretex reconstruction and 23 to augmentation with the Kennedy Ligament Augmentation Device (LAD). All operations were performed with use of a modified over-the-top technique. At follow-up (median 36 months), improvements in Lysholm scores, activity scores, and arthrometry values were recorded in both groups as compared with preoperative levels. the LAD group had better Lysholm scores than the Goretex group. Among Goretex-reconstructed knees, effusion and pain occurred, and major effusions in two knees caused by the Goretex artificial ligament were indications for graft explant after 4 years. Our short-term results with the Goretex prosthetic ligament are not acceptable because of effusions and of pain. Our short-term results of the LAD polypropylene braid as an augmentation to an autologous graft seem promising. © 1990 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.