[Sports fitness of active handball and soccer players with anterior instability of the knee joint].

Based on an epidemiological study of 582 active handball and soccer players the abilities and limitations were analysed for sports activities of 24 athletes with an ACL-deficient knee. 22 of the 24 athletes suffered from a straight anterior instability. 50% attempted to avoid cutting mechanisms. The level of motivation was better than in the whole population. Handball players could continue their sports better and longer than soccer players. However, 19 athletes had to be classified as "knee-abusers" because they continued their sports inspite of having complaints. If athletic participation following ligament injuries of the knee should be rated, an accurate quantification and qualification is imperative.