Analysis of 100 patients with anterolateral rotatory instability of the knee.

Of 100 consecutive patients with anterolateral rotatory instability analyzed, 84 were males and the average age was 27.4 years. Over 50 per cent were injured while participating in athletics and 40 per cent were injured during daily activities. The group averaged 1.2 operations prior to diagnosis. The most frequently performed procedures were medial meniscectomy, pes anserinus transfer and medial capsular reefings. Eighty-four of 100 patients underwent surgery during the study period. Seventy-one had combined rotatory instability and 13 had anterior lateral rotatory instability alone. Sixty-six patients had articular cartilage damage. Before treating the anterolateral rotatory instability, it is necessary to identify and treat other commonly associated abnormalities.