Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using the bone-block iliotibial-tract transfer.

The results of reconstructing the torn anterior cruciate ligament using the bone-block iliotibial-tract transfer in thirty-seven patients were reviewed. After the operation, only one patient considered the function of the knee to be normal, but most (all but four) could participate in moderately strenuous work activities and some sports activities. The athletes who were operated on rarely were able to return to their pre-injury level of activity. Most of the patients continued to have clinical evidence of deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament. All but five had a positive Lachman test and most had a positive pivot-shift sign. Fifteen results were rated satisfactory and ten were rated poor. Because of these disappointing results we have discontinued using the procedure.