Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using part of the patellar tendon as a free graft

We have reviewed 20 patients after replacement of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament with a free graft of the medial third of the patellar tendon, and fixing the graft with 2 screws and ligament washers. The average age of the patients at operation was 25.4 years; instability of the knee had been present for 1.5 to 5 years, and the mean follow-up was 2 years. The results, assessed on subjective stability were good in 15 patients, over half being able to return to their original sport, and fair in three. The technique of operation for free patellar tendon grafting is described in detail