Polylactate-coated carbon fiber in extra-articular reconstruction of the unstable knee.

Fascia lata and carbon fiber were used in identical operations for the correction of a clearly defined knee instability in cases with a follow-up period of about one year. The early results suggest an improvement of the results in the carbon group, but free carbon has been found within the joint despite careful extra-articular implantation. The long-term consequences of this await evaluation.