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. 1993 Sep;75(5):812-7.
doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.75B5.8376447.

Biomechanics of intra-articular and extra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament

Affiliations

Biomechanics of intra-articular and extra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament

A A Amis et al. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1993 Sep.

Abstract

Many methods of reconstruction for ACL deficiency have been described, but little is known about their biomechanical properties. We examined extra-articular (EA), intra-articular (IA) and combined (EA+IA) reconstructions in ten cadaver knees after the ACL had been ruptured by the performance of a rapid anterior drawer movement. Stability at each stage before and after rupture and reconstruction was tested by anterior drawer, Lachman, varus-valgus and tibial rotation tests. Both IA and IA+EA reconstructions restored normal stability, while EA reconstructions improved stability but did not restore it to normal. The addition of an EA procedure to an IA procedure made no difference to knee stability. We conclude that in cases of isolated ACL deficiency there is no biomechanical basis for EA reconstruction, either alone or in addition to an IA reconstruction.

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