[Results of follow-up of untreated anterior cruciate ligament rupture].

A series of 90 patients, 85 males and 5 females, all with ACL-ruptures had a follow up between 5 and 12 years. All of them had a primary arthrotomy with or without meniscectomy but in no case an operative repair of the ACL-rupture was done. The most concomitant injury was a torn medial meniscus in 76.3%, a damaged lateral meniscus was found in 17.1%, chondromalacia was seen in 53%, either of tibia, femur or patella. Nearly 60% of the patients could resume their former sports activities in some cases on a lower level, whereas 33% had to change their sport or even had to give up any sport. 75%-80% of the patients with partial or total meniscectomy and 90% of those without meniscectomy estimated the outcome as good or fair. In contrast to this 61% rsp. 86% of the patients with partial or total meniscectomy had an osteoarthritis of grade III and IV, patients without meniscectomy in only 23%.