International Classification:
A61F 208
Abstract:
In a process for surgically reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee to restore its normal stability, the damaged ligament is removed and holes are formed in both the tibia and the femur. The holes extend through the knee joint with their adjacent ends terminating approximately at the points of origin of the removed ligament. A strip is partially severed from the patellar tendon, except at its lower end where it remains attached to the tibia. The tendon strip is shaped and sutured into a tubular configuration and fitted into an open-ended, tubular sleeve of Dacron open mesh fabric. The composite Dacron fabric and the tendon segment is inserted into the hole provided in the tibia, fitted through the knee joint and then advanced upwardly through the hole in the femur. The upper end of the composite insert is fastened in place by means of a bone member fitted into the upper end of the hole in the femur to wedge the upper end of the insert in fixed position.