Clinical Experience Using the SurgiGATE System

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction occurs most commonly in the young and active patient 13,10,20]. The frequency of ACL injuries has increased because recreational activities and more risky sports became very popular. Frank and Jackson reported of 50,000 ACL reconstructions per annum in the USA in 1997. With the introduction of less invasive arthroscopic surgery in the 80s and 90s,ACL surgery is generally considered as a procedure with little risks. Open knee surgery becomes a method of the past lowering problems such as reduced proprioception and stability. When treated conservatively, knee joint instability after ACL tears has to be considered as a pre-arthritic condition leading to considerable cartilage and meniscus degeneration as reported by Schippinger et al. [18]. In a large follow-up study McDaniel and Dameron [12] recognized degenerative radiographic changes in over 8o% of conservatively treated ACL injuries. Sutures of torn ACL show frustrating results with regards to blood supply and knee joint stability.