Abstract
Between April 1999 and April 2001 we operated 233 ACL reconstructions. In 24 cases we used Bone Patellar Bone allografts for ACL reconstruction. All allografts came from the same tissue bank and prepared in the same manner. There were 10 Right knees and 14 Left knees. The average age of the patients was 46.8 years with the range between 26 and 55.
There were 6 females and 18 males. The average follow up was 8.2 months with the range between 3 and 24 months. All reconstructive surgery was done in the same technique by both authors. All graft donors were younger than 35 years.
The indications for using allografts were revision cases and patients over 40 years of age.
The width of the graft was increased by 20% to compensate for the decreased strength due to the preparation process. The outcome was assessed by clinical evaluation form, detailed physical examination of the knee by the examiners and structured interview. 21 had excellent and good results (full return to previous activity, no pain, stable knee with good range of motion). There were 19 primary cases and 5 revision cases. There was one poor result – spontaneous tear of the allograft (a revision case). One case had a partial tear of the graft falling from stairs (a revision case, that was treated with thermal shrinkage). One case who went for Genzyme treatment, had a stable knee, the arthroscopic examination showed a partial tear of the graft. We had no cases of infection or synovitis.
According to our short follow up data collected from the study, our conclusion is that using allografts for reconstruction of torn cruciate ligaments in the knee is a good method in the right indication. We find it suitable for the group of elderly patients and revision surgery. A larger study is recommended.
The abstracts were prepared by Orah Naor. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Israel Orthopaedic Association, PO Box 7845, Haifa 31074, Israel.
