Primary suture of the anterior cruciate ligament. A 6-year follow-up of 74 cases.

Seventy-four consecutive patients were reviewed 6 (3-9) years after primary suture according to Palmer of a fresh rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. Three fourths had excellent or good function as evaluated by the Lysholm score. The pivot shift test was trace-positive in one fifth and 2+ or 3+ in one quarter, and the Lachman test was 2+ or higher in one third. Tibial anterior instability was present in 23 knees. Radiographically, 15 knees had signs of arthrosis, 4 of which severe. Our 0.25 failure rate suggests that other procedures should be considered in the treatment of acute rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.