Arthrometric results of arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autograft patellar tendon substitution.

Sixty-two patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the middle-third patellar tendon autograft without extraarticular augmentation were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum 2-year (mean, 37-month) followup. A postoperative KT-1000 arthrometric evaluation revealed a mean maximum manual difference of 0.3 mm (range, -6 to +16). Ninety percent of the patients had a mean maximum difference of < or = 3 mm. Three patients had a > or = 5 mm mean maximum difference; positive pivot shifts were noted in two of these patients. Despite an early range of motion, early weightbearing protocol without an extraarticular backup, the pivot shift (92% negative) was reliably eliminated at postoperative followup. Arthrometric parameters were statistically reduced (P < 0.0001) from preoperative status and were consistent with the diagnostic criteria established for normal knees. There was no relationship established in the "tighter" knees (those with negative side-to-side arthrometric differences) and the incidence of knee flexion contractures, patellar pain symptoms, Cybex extension deficit (> 20%), functional indices, or postoperative rating scales.