[Intermediate results of the replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament with 3 types of dacron prostheses].

We have replaced the anterior cruciate ligament in 92 patients using Dacron prostheses. There were 52 Stryker implants, 25 Leeds-Keio and 15 Proflex. The majority of the patients were active sportsmen. A similar operative technique and postoperative programme was used in each patient. Seventy patients have been re-examined, and a further 9 answered a postal questionnaire. Forty Stryker ligament repairs have been followed up for an average of 28 months; 15 had broken or were otherwise inadequate. Ten patients had symptoms and there were 4 re-operations. Of the Leeds-Keio repairs 20 have been reviewed, of which 7 were either ruptured or mechanically inadequate. Three patients had symptoms and 1 had undergone further operation. Of 14 Proflex ligaments, 1 had failed, but the patient was asymptomatic. The authors consider that the Stryker and Leeds-Keio ligaments should not be used, and that the Proflex prosthesis shows promise but requires long term assessment.