[Homologous replacement of the cruciate ligament in the animal experiment].

A homologous cruciate ligament transplantation was effected in 20 Alsation dogs. Clinical, pathologico-anatomical and histological results were obtained from 16 animals after 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively, proving metaplasia of the transplant to endogenous body tissue. The clinical conclusion of this finding is that an anatomically optimally-structured ligament replacement can be inserted by means of a relatively uncomplicated operation--possibly even by using arthroscopy. The low amount of traumatization due to this type of surgery will be of advantage especially to sportsmen, who, as is well known, not only suffer from frequent cruciate ligament ruptures but also have remarkably long-term deficits by large operation wounds both in regaining their proprioceptive performance ability and their muscular power.