Comparison of arthroscopic and open techniques in carbon fibre reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: long-term follow-up after 5 years.

Two groups of patients with chronic, symptomatic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency were reconstructed with carbon fibre. In 15 patients, the prosthesis was inserted through an anterolateral arthrotomy; in 14, it was inserted arthroscopically. Both groups also received a MacIntosh extraarticular lateral substitution. Assessment included subjective functional rating and objective clinical examination for instability. No significant difference in subjective functional rating was present after a minimum of 5 years; however, a reduced complication rate and diminished return of clinical instability was evident in the arthroscopic group during this period. Reconstruction was satisfactory in 47% of the arthrotomy group and 64% of the arthroscopy group when subjective and objective criteria were combined to assess the final outcome. This study supports the proposition that, in combination with extraarticular lateral substitution, arthroscopic insertion of cruciate prostheses compares favourably with conventional "open" techniques.