THE GORE-TEX ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT PROSTHESIS - A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

The GORE-TEX anterior cruciate ligament prosthesis has been implanted in 268 patients at our institution since April of 1984. Follow-up for this study was available on 70% of these patients (1 88). Eighty-one percent (152) of these had the ligament for chronic injuries, 14% (26) for acute, and 5% (10) for subacute injuries. The patient population had an average age of 27.6 years (SD = 8.4) and a Tegner activity score of 6.05 (SD = 1.53). Prior procedures had been performed on 56% (105) of the patients. Concomitant procedures were performed in 73% (137) and included iliotibial band tenodesis, partial meniscectomy, posterior oblique ligament advancement, or meniscal repair. Followup averaged 48 months (range, 24 to 68). Evaluation included a questionnaire, physical examination, radiographs, KT-1000 arthrometer testing, and an activity score. Results were graded as excellent, good, fair, and poor. Acceptable results (good and excellent) were obtained in 83 patients (44%). Fifty-eight patients (32%) were rated excellent and 25 (13%) were rated good. Unacceptable results (fair and poor) were obtained in 105 patients (56%). Twenty-five patients (13%) were rated fair and 80 (42%) were rated poor. Subjective improvement was indicated by 166 patients (88%). Activity levels postoperatively as rated by the Tegner Scale improved in 2 (1%), remained the same in 167 (89%), and decreased in 19 patients (10%). Effusions occurred in 63 patients (34%) and caused an unacceptable result in 22 (12%). Rupture occurred in 23 patients (12%). Loosening greater than 3 mm occurred in 64 patients (34%) and led to unacceptable results in 37 (20%). Infection occurred in 5 patients (2.7%). Excellent results had a statistically significantly higher age and lower activity score than the poor results (P = 0.045 and 0.012, respectively). The patients with previous intraarticular reconstructions had a 76% unacceptable rating (16 of 21).