[Complications after cruciate ligament reconstruction]

Abstract

Reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments is elective surgery performed mainly on younger people. Therefore, complications are especially tragic. Diagnostics and indications include the possibility of complications. The complexity of an injury must be thoroughly appreciated, and to avoid intraoperative complications, it is important for the surgeon to have a comprehensive anatomical knowledge. A great number of stabilization procedures exist, each with its own learning curve and specific risks. Therefore, lab training of surgeons appears reasonable. The frequency of thromboembolism in the early postoperative stage should be minimized by evidence-based prophylaxis. Early diagnostics and treatment of thrombosis, embolism, and infection are required, and consultants should be brought in if necessary. Postoperative movement malfunction as arthrofibrosis can be widely avoided by the correct choice of the point for surgery and the surgical procedure. If arthrofibrosis occurs, mobility must be restored at an early stage, with special focus on full extension. A failure of reconstructed cruciate ligaments during rehabilitation and reintegration into sports is mostly based on overload of the ligaments. The stability of the reconstructed ligaments at the respective time point and motor function as well as the patient's physical condition should be reasonably considered. A medium-term graft failure is often based on surgical errors. So-called biological failure occurs only rarely.