Long term results of bone-patella-tendon-bone ACL reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: To assess outcomes of bone-patella-tendon-bone ACL-reconstruction at 18 years follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Outcome measures included the IKDC clinical examination form and clinical scores. Radiographs were analyzed to determine the grade of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: 69% of the examined patients (n = 54) had a normal/nearly normal knee, 14% were abnormal and 17% severely abnormal with significant improvement (P ≤ 0.001). The mean Lysholm score was 87.7 ± 12.4 and the Tegner activity level was 5 ± 2. Osteoarthritic changes were present in 52%. CONCLUSION: BPTB ACL-reconstruction provides a satisfactory outcome with a high incidence of radiographic osteoarthritic changes.