[Injuries of the medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint and its surgical-functional treatment using the Lemaire technic].

The operative-functional treatment of ligamentous tears of the knee joint avoids additional damage due to immobilisation and shortens the rehabilitation period. The basic idea and details of the Lemaire operations are explained. With an average follow up time of 3.5 years, 113 ligamentous plasties mainly for recent tears of the medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligament have been clinically and radiologically assessed by an independent surgeon. Excellent and good results were obtained in 80 to 90% of the patients. The lateral plasty for torn anterior cruciate ligaments prevents successfully antero-lateral subluxation and thus protects the menisci from tear and the cartilage from degenerative alteration. No obvious increase of torn menisci and degenerative signs could be detected in our series of evaluated knees. The Lemaire procedure for old and recent tears of the medial collateral and the anterior cruciate ligament carries little operative risk and inconvenience for the patient and is indicated in any age group, for the young patient as well as for the older but still active person. We recommend the Lemaire operation as an alternative method in treating ligamentous injuries of the knee joint.