Replacement of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament with a Polyethylene Prosthetic Ligament

Abstract

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 was necessary to remove the prosthetic ligament and in another patient the operation did not stabilize the knee. Half of the patients who still have a Polyflex ligament complained of pain. From the material-technical viewpoint, the Polyflex ligament is not yet satisfactorily developed. 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.