Extra-articular stabilization of the knee joint for anterior instability.

The results after one year or longer were evaluated in 76 patients with extra-articular reconstruction for functionally disabling anterior instability of the knee joint. The reconstruction was performed by a modification of the Ellison procedure for treatment of anterolateral rotatory instability. The various superimposed components of knee instability were managed by a variety of methods. Postoperatively,objective stability correlated well with subjective improvement. Patients with 2+ or greater anterior instability preoperatively had disappointing results in both subjective symptoms and objective signs. although extra-articular reconstruction may be sufficient for lesser grades of functionally disabling instability, knees with grade 2-3+ instability may require direct anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in addition to the extra-articular surgical procedure.