Extraarticular reconstruction in the treatment of chronic lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament.

The authors report the results of 40 patients treated with Lemaire extraarticular reconstruction for chronic anterior instability of the knee. The rate of success was 80%. The negative results did not have one single explanation, but were caused by either objective or subjective factors depending on the case. In evaluating the results in relation to the follow-up, a deterioration of the good results over time was observed (62.5% after 5 years). The Lemaire reconstruction is recommended for patients over 40 with moderate laxity who occasionally take part in athletic activity.