Coracoid bone block fixation with cortical buttons: An alternative to screw fixation?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate suture button fixation in a bone block (Bristow and Latarjet) procedure. We hypothesize that (1) cortical button fixation will allow predictable and reproducible bone union and (2) minimize the complications reported with screw fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients (mean age, 27 years) underwent an arthroscopic bone block procedure with a guided surgical approach and suture button fixation for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. There were two groups of patients: 35 Bristow procedures (group A) and 35 Latarjet procedures (group B). Bone graft union and positioning accuracy were assessed by postoperative computed tomography imaging at 2 weeks and 6 months, respectively. RESULTS: The coracoid graft was positioned below the equator in 93% and strictly tangential to the glenoid surface in 94% of the cases. Bone healing was observed in 83% of the cases (58/70) with 74% bone union in group A and 91% in group B. Neurologic and hardware complications, classically reported with screw fixation, were not observed with this novel fixation method. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Suture button fixation can be an alternative to screw fixation, obtaining bone block union, (2) in the lying position (Latarjet) bone healing was better than in the standing position (Bristow), and (3) complications classically reported with screw fixation were not observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with valgus high tibial osteotomy allows return to sports.

INTRODUCTION: This study reports a series of patients operated on by anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with valgus high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for chronic anterior knee instability associated with medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. It was hypothesized that the combined surgery would enable return to sport, stabilize the knee and relieve medial pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study enrolled a continuous series of 29 patients (20 males, nine females; mean age, 43 years (range, 25-56 yrs), at a mean 14 years (range, 2-29 yrs) after the initial injury. ACL autograft used a bone-patellar tendon-bone transplant in 12 patients and hamstring tendon transplant in 17. Medial opening wedge HTO used an asymmetric wedge plate. Results were assessed on subjective and objective IKDC scores, monopodal weight-bearing and full-leg radiographs, telemetry and Merchant view at a mean 6 years follow-up (range, 25 months to 12 years). RESULTS: At follow-up, 23 patients had resumed sports activities, with 45% in competitive sports; 28 were free of instability and 21 free of pain. Mean subjective IKDC score was 77 (34-97) and 70% had A or B global objective IKDC scores. The knee axis was in 2.5° valgus. DISCUSSION: Combined ACL graft and valgus HTO relieved pain in 70% of cases, and restored knee stability enabling return to sport in 80%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective therapeutic study.

T cells from chronic bone infection show reduced proliferation and a high proportion of CD28⁻ CD4 T cells.

Chronic bone infection is associated with bone resorption. From animal studies, CD3/CD28-activated T cells are known to enhance osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Because CD28 is expressed constitutively on T cells and its expression is down-regulated by chronic exposure to the inflammatory environment, we characterized co-stimulatory molecule expression on T cells from chronically infected patients. We used cytofluorometric techniques to phenotypically characterize T cells, its co-stimulatory molecules and perforin secretion from infected and non-infected human bones. Chronic bone infection was defined as infection lasting for more than a month. We show a higher T cell activation [human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR⁺)] in infected compared to non-infected bones: median being 16 versus 7%, P = 0·009 for CD4 T cells, and 33 versus 15%, P = 0·038 for CD8 T cells, respectively. However, T cell proliferation (Ki67⁺) was lower for CD8 T cells in infected bones: 26 versus 34%, P = 0·045. In contrast, we detected no difference in apoptosis and regulatory T cells. In infected bone, we found higher CD28-negative CD4⁺ T cells compared to non-infected bone: 20 versus 8%, respectively (P = 0·005); this T cell subset had higher CD11b expression and perforin secretion. Chronically infected human bones are characterized by an increase of CD28-negative CD4⁺ T cells, indicating long-term activated cells with cytotoxic ability. Therefore, this alteration of co-stimulatory molecules may modify interactions with osteoclasts and impact bone resorption.

Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty. A multicenter feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION: The value and risk of simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with bilateral knee arthritis is a subject of debate. HYPOTHESES: The risk of complications following simultaneous bilateral TKA will be increased compared to the rates published in the literature for unilateral TKA, and the clinical and functional outcomes will be poorer in this particular group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA between 2005 and 2011 in five specialized, high volume centers were evaluated. The files were analyzed retrospectively after a mean 33 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 11 days. Mean blood loss was 4.1g/dL. A postoperative transfusion was performed in 68 patients (55%), with a mean 3.1 units of blood. The mean global IKS score increased from 90 to 150 points. Eighty patients would agree to undergo simultaneous bilateral TKA again (65%), and 70 would recommend this procedure to others (57%). DISCUSSION: The hypothesis was not confirmed: the risk of complications was not increased compared to the generally accepted risk of a unilateral procedure. The risk of complications in this study was very similar to that published in the literature for the same therapeutic strategy. Therefore, there is no solid medical evidence to prevent recommending this strategy. The results of the participating centers suggest that this therapeutic approach should be continued in selected indications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Coracoid bone block versus arthroscopic Bankart repair: a comparative paired study with 5-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The hypothesis of this study was that the rate of recurrence of anterior instability of the shoulder after arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors is higher than after coracoid bone block (Latarjet procedure). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This continuous retrospective monocentric study included a cohort of patients who underwent surgery for post-traumatic recurrent antero-inferior instability (2004-2005): 51 patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure were paired for age at surgery to 51 patients who underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair. All patients were evaluated with a questionnaire and 50% were evaluated in a follow-up consultation with X-rays. Recurrent instability was defined by at least one episode of anterior dislocation or subluxation. RESULTS: Demographic data, soft tissue and bone lesions were statistically similar between the groups. At 5 years follow-up, the recurrence rate was 24% in the Bankart group and 12% in the Latarjet group (P=012). In the Bankart group, age under 25 years old (P=0.01), competitive sports after surgery (P=0.01), and glenoid erosion (P=0.02) were independent risk factors of recurrence. In the Latarjet group, five technical errors were identified out of six cases of recurrence. Fifteen of the 18 cases of recurrence did not undergo revision surgery because patients remained satisfied with their results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: At 5 years of follow-up, the rate of recurrent instability following arthroscopic Bankart repair was two times higher than that following the coracoid bone block procedure. Young patients who wish to practice a competitive sport or present with glenoid erosion are poor candidates for arthroscopic Bankart repair. The rate of recurrence is extremely high in unselected patients. The open Latarjet procedure results in a fairly high rate of recurrence due to technical errors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (retrospective study).

Natural history of partial anterior cruciate ligament tears: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is frequent, and indications for surgery may be raised by a diagnostic aspect associating slight laxity with no clear pivot-shift. Unlike that of complete ACL tear, the natural history of partial tear remains controversial. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A systematic literature review searched for referenced publications on the natural history of partial ACL tear. Twelve specific articles were retrieved. Initial diagnosis was systematically confirmed on arthroscopy, without ACL surgery. The following criteria were analyzed: firstly, preoperative: confirmation of inclusion criteria, preoperative clinical data, follow-up, arthroscopic lesion assessment, Lachman test, Pivot shift test, hemarthrosis, associated lesions and secondly, follow-up: Lachman test, Pivot shift test, revision surgery, functional clinical scores, pain, sport and return to sport, meniscal events. RESULTS: Preoperatively, Lachman tests were positive (soft or delayed) in a mean 49.7% of cases (range, 0-100%); pivot shift test was systematically negative. At a mean 5.2 years' follow-up, Lachman test was "positive" in 47.6% of cases (range, 38-59%), with positive pivot shift test in 26.3% (range, 5-51%). 54.3% patients reported pain (range, 36-64%), and mean Lysholm score was 88.4 (17-100%). Fifty-two percent (21-60%) of patients resumed sport at their previous level. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The natural history of non-operated partial ACL tear is good over the medium term, especially if patients limit their sports activities. The greater the functional instability, the more frequent is residual pain. Laxity, although not quantified, seems to progress with time, with a positive pivot shift test emerging in a quarter of cases. Functional management may be recommended in non-athletic patients without meniscal lesion, but surgical treatment may be recommended in other patients. Indications for ACL reconstruction are thus the same in partial as in complete tear.

Bilateral total knee arthroplasty in a one-stage surgical procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a one-stage surgical procedure has the advantage of a single hospital stay, shorter rehabilitation, and reduced patient management costs. However, until now the use of this strategy has been limited by the fear of a higher rate of perioperative complications. The hypothesis of this study was that in selected patients, this management strategy would not result in any serious complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective 24-month pilot study was performed in a continuous series of patients without a control group. Inclusion criteria were bilateral non-infectious gonarthropathy, in patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) 1 or 2 and presenting with a preoperative hemoglobin level of at least 13g/dL. All patients underwent a pre- and postoperative evaluation using the International Knee Society (IKS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) scores. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the study (25 women, mean age 70.3years old [32 to 88years]; five ASA 1 and 25 ASA 2). All patients were followed-up and evaluated for a mean 18months (6 to 30months). Three deep vein thromboses, one cardiopulmonary accident and three confusional states were reported, but there were no perioperative deaths, pulmonary embolisms, nosocomial infections or revision procedures. At 18months follow-up the IKS score had improved from 98 (33-139) preoperatively to 169 (62-200) postoperatively. The five items of the KOOS score improved significantly. DISCUSSION: This preliminary series confirms that bilateral total knee replacement in a one-stage surgical procedure is a reliable alternative to a two-stage procedure in ASA 1 and 2 patients. Because of the savings in health costs with this strategy, public healthcare authorities should provide support by creating and sponsoring a specific group for further study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, prospective, no control group.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in partial tear: selective anteromedial bundle reconstruction conserving the posterolateral remnant versus single-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction: preliminary 1-year results of a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are frequent. Conserving ACL remnants is central to the concept of anatomic, biomechanical and biological reconstruction. The interest of such conservation remains theoretical. The present hypothesis was that selective anteromedial (AM) bundle reconstruction is preferable to the standard single-bundle reconstruction in partial ACL tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective randomized study recruited 54 partial ACL tears operated on either by selective AM bundle reconstruction (Group 1, n=29) or by standard anatomic single-bundle reconstruction (Group 2, n=25). All patients were clinically assessed on subjective and objective IKDC, Lysholm and KOOS scores, with a minimum 12 months' follow-up. Comparative pre- to postoperative anterior laxity was measured on the Rolimeter(®) device, with statistical analysis of results. RESULTS: There were no significant preoperative differences between the two groups. All patients were followed-up at 6 months and 1 year. Mean subjective IKDC scores for groups 1 and 2 respectively were 55.8 and 56.8 preoperatively versus 86.2 and 85.7 at 1 year; Lysholm scores were 69.9 and 71.1 versus 90.9 and 91.8. These inter-group differences were non-significant. Differential laxity for groups 1 and 2 respectively was 5.0mm (range, 2-10) and 5.1mm (2-12) preoperatively (P=0.73), versus 1.2mm and 1.9 mm postoperatively (P=0.03). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In partial ACL tear, selective AM bundle reconstruction conserving the posterolateral bundle remnant provides clinical results comparable to the standard single-bundle technique, with better control of anterior laxity. Longer follow-up, however, will be needed to compare evolution in anterior and rotational laxity and in subjective results over time.

Partial ACL reconstruction with preservation of the posterolateral bundle.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, our understanding of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has evolved considerably. Based on this knowledge, ACL reconstruction techniques have changed and selective reconstruction procedures have been developed for partial tears. Our hypothesis was that stability and function can be restored to the knee with selective bundle reconstruction of partial ACL tears and preservation of the residual fibers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study of 168 partial reconstructions of the anteromedial (AM) bundle of the ACL with preservation of the posterolateral (PL) bundle. All patients underwent a clinical evaluation based on the objective and subjective IKDC scores and the Lysholm score after a mean follow-up of 26 months (12-59 months). Preoperative and postoperative instrumental measurement of knee laxity was performed by arthrometer and/or by (Telos(®)) stress radiography. Statistical analysis and comparison was performed between pre- and postoperative results. RESULTS: The preoperative and postoperative subjective IKDC scores were 63.7 and 90.5 at the final follow-up respectively (P<0.001). The preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores were 80 and 95.5 respectively (P<0.001). Preoperatively, most patients were classified C on the objective IKDC score. At the final follow-up 92% of the patients were classified A or B (P<0.001). Differential preoperative laxity was 5.5mm (range: 0-14 mm) and 1.1mm (range: 0-4mm) at the final follow-up (P<0.00001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that selective reconstruction of the AM bundle of the ACL with preservation of the PL bundle restores stability and function to the knee. Special attention should be paid to the size of the graft used to avoid excess tissue in the intercondylar notch.

One-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty: functional outcomes and complications in 112 patients.

BACKGROUND: Advantages of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) include a single hospital stay, a shorter rehabilitation time, and decreased management costs per patient. However, concern about a possible increase in the perioperative complication rate has limited the use of this strategy. Here, our objectives were to evaluate morbidity and mortality, as well as functional outcomes, in patients managed with one-stage bilateral THA. HYPOTHESIS: The complication rate after one-stage bilateral THA is not significantly different from that after unilateral THA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four French surgical centres participated in a retrospective observational study of patients managed with one-stage bilateral THA. The 112 included patients (55 women) had a mean age of 59 years (range, 22-84) and a mean follow-up of 30 months (6-103). RESULTS: Mean hospital stay length was 10.8 days (6-27), mean operative time was 162 minutes (95-270), and mean haemoglobin levels were 14.3g/dL preoperatively and 10.1g/dL postoperatively. No perioperative deaths were recorded. Deep vein thrombosis occurred in eight (7.1%) patients and pulmonary embolism in six (5.4%). The Merle d'Aubigné score improved from 9.25 ± 2.9 (3-16) preoperatively to 17.5 ± 1 (14-18) at last follow-up. All but three patients (109/112, 97%) said they would choose the same operation again and 102/112 (91%) said they would recommend it to a family member. DISCUSSION: The results of this multicentre retrospective study indicate that one-stage bilateral THA is a valid alternative to two-stage bilateral THA in ASA 1 and 2 patients with a preoperative haemoglobin level of about 14 g/L. The major complication rate was 7.1%, which was slightly higher than after unilateral THA, and the main complications were deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Epidemiology of proximal humerus fractures managed in a trauma center.

Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are osteoporotic fractures that affect women over 70 years of age. Like fractures of the femoral neck they have become a public health concern. As the population ages there is an increase in the number of people in poor general condition with an increased risk of falls on fragile bones. The incidence of these fractures has increased by 15% per year. All patients managed for PHF in our center in the past year were included in this prospective study (prospective cohort study; level 2). Three hundred and twenty-five patients were included with 329 fractures. There was a ratio of two women to one man. At the final follow-up 50 patients had died (15%) and 25 patients were lost to follow-up. The mean age was 70 years old. There were two types of risk factors. The first was fragile bones, and the second was patient specific risk of falls. The severity of the fracture increased with the age of the population. In the study by Charles S. Neer in 1970, 85% of PHF were not or were only slightly displaced, while this category percentage was only 42% in our study. Hospitalization was necessary in 43% of the cases in our study. Surgical management was necessary in 21%. This lack of relationship between the percentage of displaced fractures (58%) and the percentage of surgically treated fractures is a sign of the difficulties of managing this population, which is usually in poor general condition.

[A recurrent cutaneous fistula secondary to the migration of a clip: report of a complication of tubal sterilization]. / Fistule cutanée récidivante secondaire à la migration d'un clip de Filshie : une complication de stérilisation tubaire.

The tubal sterilization is a safe and recognized sterilization method. The complications of this intervention are rare and mainly concern failure of surgical procedure or clip migrations. We report the first case of spontaneous migration of a clip behind the psoas followed by a chronic osteitis.

[Duration of antibiotic therapy in bone infection and biological or radiological data]. / Examens paracliniques et durée de l'antibiothérapie des infections ostéoarticulaires.

UNLABELLED: Modalities of bone infection therapeutic follow-up are controversial, notably for biological and radiological parameters. We have proposed six weeks of antibiotic therapy for all patients presenting with bone infection, since July 2005. Therefore, biological and radiological exams performed during the treatment were not taken into account when determining the duration of antibiotherapy. This protocol allows determining the usefulness of these biological and radiological parameters. METHODS: All patients presenting with bone infection, from July 2005 to July 2008, were included. Inflammatory biological parameters such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and sedimentation rate were analyzed, and values were considered as normal when less than 10 mg/L and less than 15 mm respectively. All available CT- and MR imaging were analyzed by the same referent radiologist. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients presenting with bone infection received antibiotic therapy for a mean [SD] 42 ± 0.3 days. Cure was reported in 82 patients (94%) with a mean follow-up after antibiotic therapy of 36 ± 9 months, five patients relapsed. CRP was available in 66 cases by the end of antibiotic therapy, it was normal in 40/64 of patients with favorable outcome (62%) and in one case of unfavorable outcome. The sedimentation rate was available in 22 cases, and normal in seven cases of favorable outcome (32%). By the end of antibiotic therapy, CT-scan showed active bone infection for 15/23 of patients with favorable outcome (65%), while MR imaging suggested the same diagnosis in 8/14 cases (57%). CONCLUSION: Biological parameters and radiological findings are inadequate to determine the duration of antibiotic therapy in bone infection.

Recurrence of femoral echinococcosis 5 years after a primary surgical procedure.

We report a case of recurring femoral hydatid disease in a trisomic-21 patient 5 years after a primary surgery. The patient presented a thigh abscess with a lateral supracondylar area fistula. The workup demonstrated massive osteolysis involving the proximal, diaphyseal,and distal femur as well as multiple soft tissue cystic masses but no metastases. Treatment consisted in cystic masses debridment, extensive bony-curettage of the intraosseous cystic zones, temporary weight-bearing suppression, and albendazole. The patient remains under follow-up and cannot be considered definitely cured.

Six weeks antibiotic therapy for all bone infections: results of a cohort study.

There is no consensus on the antibiotic therapy for bone infection due to the heterogeneous spectrum of diseases. Most authors suggest different durations of treatment based on pathophysiological considerations. However, adverse effects are related, at least in part, to the duration of treatment. We, therefore, investigated a 6 weeks antibiotic combination therapy for all cases of bone infection. Herewith, we report the results of this therapeutic approach. This is a cohort study including all patients presenting with bone infection, regardless of the mechanism involved. The diagnosis was based on bone biopsy obtained through invasive procedures. Chronic bone infection was defined as a history of disease of over 1 month duration. The duration of clinical follow-up following treatment discontinuation was at least 6 months. Cured bone infection was defined as the absence of relapse after antibiotic discontinuation. One hundred and eighteen patients were included between July 2005 and March 2009; 61 presented with bone infection following prosthetic implant (52%) and the 57 remaining patients had bone infection without foreign material (48%). Surgery was required for 80 patients (68%). Microbial agents were identified in 116/118 patients, with 24 patients presenting with polymicrobial sepsis (20%). The mean duration of antibiotic treatment was 42 +/- 0.2 days and the mean clinical follow-up was 27 +/- 14 months. The treatment success rate was 91.5% (108/118). Six weeks of antimicrobial therapy appears to be effective for nearly all bone infections, regardless of the pathophysiology. These results encourage us to pursue attempts to simplify the management of bone infection without obvious prejudice to the patient.

Dislocation and bicruciate lesions of the knee: epidemiology and acute stage assessment in a prospective series.

INTRODUCTION: Knee dislocation and bicruciate lesions are rare. Assessments of results from retrospective series carry an insufficient level of evidence. A prospective multicenter study was therefore set up, under the auspices of the French Society of Orthopedic Surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The inclusion period covered the whole of 2007. Clinical, imaging (dynamic X-ray and MRI) and vascular (angioscan and arteriography) assessment was performed systematically. In patients over the age of 60 years, ligament lesions were always managed non-surgically; in those under the age of 60 years, surgery was considered in the absence of associated vascular lesion or open dislocation and if there was frontal laxity exceeding 15 degrees or a posterior drawer test greater than 10mm. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and peripheral ligament tears were repaired or reinforced under arthroscopy or by arthrotomy. The anterior cruciate ligament was never operated on. In all other cases, management was conservative. RESULTS: Sixty-seven knees were included (55 male, 11 female; mean age: 37 years). Fifteen patients (25.4%) had bicruciate lesion, and 44 (74.6%) knee dislocation. Mean trauma-to-reduction interval was 3 hrs 50 min. Only one of the nine cases of popliteal artery lesion exhibited discernible distal pulse wave. Only three of these patients underwent vascular surgical repair. Twelve knees (five bicruciate lesions, seven dislocations) had isolated common peroneal nerve damage. DISCUSSION: This prospective study detailed the epidemiology and treatment of the lesions encountered, with the option of PCL and peripheral ligament reconstruction. The results, however, still require long-term analysis.

Bicruciate ligament lesions and dislocation of the knee: mechanisms and classification.

Knowledge of the mechanisms of bicruciate lesions and dislocation of the knee enables analysis and classification in terms of injuries' location and type, guiding surgery and facilitating assessment. Careful history taking and clinical examination shed light on the mechanism involved, but exact identification of the lesion further requires examination under anesthesia and static and dynamic X-rays and MRI, which together enable precise determination of lesion type and location. There are two types of mechanism: gaping, causing ligament tear; and translation, causing detachment. When a single mechanism is involved, the lesion is said to be "simple". Simple gaping causes bicruciate lesions without medial, lateral or posterior dislocation. Simple translation causes pure anterior or posterior dislocation. Gaping and translation may also occur in combination, causing dislocation with peripheral tearing. There are two types of classification: descriptive, based on X-ray findings--i.e., static classification; and physiopathological, based on clinical and dynamic X-ray findings. MRI further explores ligament detachment and bone lesions that are inaccessible to clinical and conventional X-ray examination. Physiopathological assessment-based techniques enable surgical procedure to be refined, defining the surgical approach according to lesion location and differentiating between lesions requiring repair (tears) and those with a good likelihood of spontaneous healing (capsuloperiosteal detachment). The classification advocated here is largely inspired by that of Neyret and Rongieras, extended to include dislocation with single bicruciate ligament lesion. It covers peripheral lesions completely, specifying type (tear or detachment) and including all bicruciate lesions as well as dislocations.

Four-strand hamstring tendon autograft for ACL reconstruction in patients aged 50 years or older.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using a four-strand hamstring tendon autograft in symptomatic patients aged 50 years or older is an accepted treatment option. HYPOTHESIS: Four-strand hamstring tendon autograft although not universally utilized in patients who are at least 50 years old is an efficient procedure to control knee instability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective, we analyzed the clinical outcomes of 18 patients treated from September 1998 to September 2003. Criteria for inclusion were the following: age above 50 years at surgery, chronic anterior laxity associated or not with meniscal damage; one or more episodes of knee instability and no prior ligament surgery on the involved knee. A same operative technique (arthroscopic single-bundle four-strand hamstring reconstruction, blind femoral tunnel, through anteromedial portals), a same fixation type (absorbable interference screws in femur and tibia) and a same rehabilitation protocol were used for all these knees. The IKDC 93 scores were determined pre- and postoperatively combined with anteroposterior and lateral views, single leg stance, 30 degrees flexion stance, and passive Lachman test (Telos) postoperatively. RESULTS: At mean 30 month-follow-up (range 12-59 months), there were no graft failure and no loss of extension for any of these knees. Three patients complained of hypoesthesia in the medial saphenous nerve territory and one patient experienced posterior knee pain. All patients graded their knee as normal or nearly normal, all were satisfied or very satisfied with their operation. None of the patients reported instability. The Lachman-Trillat test was noted "firm end point" in 14 knees and "delayed firm end point" in four. The pivot-shift test was negative in 16 knees and mild positive in two. The mean residual differential laxity was 3.1 mm (0 to +6 mm) for the passive Lachman test. At last follow-up, the overall IKDC score was 7A, 7B, 3C, and 1 D. Patients with preserved meniscus (nine patients) reported a lesser degree of pain and a better residual laxity control compared with patients who had undergone a meniscectomy. CONCLUSION: Age over 50 years is not a contraindication to select a hamstring tendon autograft for ACL reconstruction. This surgery can restore knee stability but does not modify the pain pattern in patients, who had a medial meniscectomy prior to the ACL reconstruction.