Osteoarthritis of the knee following ligamentous injury.

The pattern of knee surgery has changed dramatically in the past eight years as a result of arthroscopy and an appreciation of the possible devastating effects in the knee in which the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is lost. The magnitude of the problem has not been clearly defined, and the long-term benefits and liabilities with reconstructive surgery are unknown. The records of 284 patients treated by reconstructive surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee were reviewed to determine the incidence of ligament injury. In approximately 8%, a significant ligament injury had occurred that possibly could be implicated in the subsequent osteoarthritis.