A computerized study of knee-ligament injuries: repair versus removal of the torn anterior cruciate ligament.

A retrospective review of 202 patients with acute injury to knee ligaments was carried out by chart review, scored questionnaire and scored physical examination. Of 62 patients with complete midsubstance injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, repair was attempted in 46, while 16 had complete excision of the ligament without replacement or augmentation. Computer analysis revealed that these groups were similar with respect to mean age of the patients, sex distribution, incidence of meniscectomy and distribution of associated injuries. At 4-year follow-up, there was no advantage of primary repair over excision for these injuries. In fact, repair seemed to be subjectively and objectively worse than excision, being associated with increased pain and decreased range of motion. The high rate of signs and symptoms of deterioration in both groups suggests a need for better alternatives in the acute phase of anterior cruciate ligament injury.