To evaluate the clinical stability and function after an arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.

Fifty-nine patients could be evaluated and the mean follow-up period was 47 months (24-75 months). The evaluation included a detailed history, a physical examination, a KT-1000 arthrometer measurement, and the rating systems of Lysholm, IKDC and Shelbourne.

Fifty-four patients (92%) had a negative pivot shift. Forty-five patients (77%) had a negative Lachman test. Forty-eight patients (82%) had less than a 3 mm difference of maximal manual difference by KT-1000 arthrometer. The prone heel height difference was less than 1 cm in 37 patients (63%). The mean Lysholm score was 89.5. Forty-five patients (76%) were normal or nearly normal for the measured parameters. Patello-femoral pain was not a significant problem for most of the patients who had a mean Shelbourne score of 88.5.

Reconstruction of the ACL with a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft resulted in a reliable and predictable outcome without having significant patello-femoral pain after 2 to 6 years'follow-up.