To compare and contrast the various evaluation scoring systems after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

In a prospective study we evaluated with eight established scoring systems 56 patients who received a Leeds-Keio ligament as an anterior cruciate ligament replacement. The systems were compared based upon their total results, as well as their subjective, objective and functional criteria. It was found that the diversity of both the results and criteria within the systems made valid comparisons impossible. From this investigation it was concluded that the use of an internationally standardized evaluation system would provide the best possibility for comparison of surgical results. As a result, we recommend the IKDC Score system together with a visual analogue scale to evaluate subjective knee complaints.