• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2003

Purpose : To analyze the anterior stability and functional results after the arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and meniscectomy based on meniscus status at the time of surgery. Materials and Methods : From October 1997 to October 2002, 78 patients (male 64 female 14) were treated by arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and meniscectomy and followed more than 12 months (range, $12\~72$ months, average: 32 months). Average age was 32 years old (range, $18\~57$ years old). We divided the patients into 4 groups; Both menisci was intact (BMI, control group), lateral meniscus removed (LMR), medial meniscus removed (MMR) and both menisci removed (BMR). Anterior passive displacement (objective stability) was estimated using KT-2000 arthrometer under the loading of 15lb,20lb and 30lb and evaluated anterior drawer test, Lachman test, range of motion, thigh circumference. Functional evaluation system of IKDC, OAK and Lysholm knee score was used. Results : Average anterior displacement under the loading of 30lb were 2.47 mm, 2.96 mm, 2.96 mm and 3.57 mm in each group(BMI, LMR, MMR, BMR) and it was statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There is no statistically significant difference in average anterior displacement under the loading of 15lb and 20lb in each group but it has showed decreasing tendency in meniscal removed groups. The mean anterior displacement was within 3 mm in 21 cases, 15 cases, 24 cases and 12 cases (total 72 cases, $94\%$) under the loading of 15lb and 20 cases, 15 cases, 24 cases and 11 cases (total 70 cases, $91\%$) under the loading 20lb of in each group and postoperative knee joint stability has showed increasing tendency (p>0.05). The mean score was 94.5, 93.2, 92.2 and 90.4 points in each group and 71 cases $(91\%)$ were more than excellent or good with a OAK score and fair results were noted 4 cases in both meniscal removed group. There were 65 cases $(83\%)$ with a Lysholm knee score more than excellent or good, and IKDC grading were more than normal or nearly normal in 74 cases $(95\%)$ except 4 cases (2 cases in MMR group and 2 cases in BMR group). Conclusion : Long-term anterior stability and functional results of a successful ACL reconstruction affected by tile status of the menisci at the time of surgery and KT-2000 arthrometer was good for estimation of objective follow up.