Collagen meniscal implants with an associated tear of the anterior cruciate ligament

Abstract Purpose To analyze the clinical results of collagen meniscal implants (CMIs) combined with tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Materials and methods 37 males and 1 female were followed up, with ages ranging between 22 and 50, who were subjected to an arthroscopic implantation of a CMI in the medial compartment of the knee associated with repair of the anterior cruciate ligament and the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons in 35 cases; in 3 cases an allograft was used. Ten of the patients presented with an injury in the lateral meniscus of the same knee. Time elapsed between injury to the ACL and surgery ranged between three weeks and six months. All patients were evaluated on the IKDC scale, as well as weight-bearing X-rays and NMRi. Follow-up was between 24 and 84 months. Results The IKDC score was normal in 19 patients (A), almost normal in 14 (B), abnormal in 4 (C) and severely abnormal in one (D). Range of motion was normal in 26 patients and near-to-normal in 12. KT-1000 was normal in 30 patients, near-to-normal in 5, abnormal in 1 and severely abnormal in 2. The weight-bearing X-ray study was normal in 24 patients, near-to-normal in 7 and abnormal in 7. As regards complications, 8 implants had reabsorbed at 6 months; there were 7 dysesthesias in the area of the saphenous nerve, one failed repair, one loss of a CMI and two instances of stiffness that required mobilization under anesthesia. Conclusions CMI is a functional alternative for young patients with severe meniscal lesions who also have an ACL tear. However, further study is necessary before it can be considered a generalized technique.