Replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament with a polyethylene prosthetic ligament.

The results of insertion of the Richards Polyflex ligament in 9 patients to replace the anterior cruciate ligament are reported. In 3 of these 9 patients it had been necessary to remove the prosthetic ligament and in another patient the operation had not stabilized the knee. Half of the patients who still have a Polyflex ligament complained of pain. It is concluded that from the material-technical point of view the Polyflex ligament has not yet been satisfactorily developed, and the operation poses a great many technical problems. Technically and functionally this system must still be considered to be in the experimental stages and not yet properly developed for general use.