To evaluate clinical and radiological results and to analyse the parapatellar complications after endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using central one-third bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts.

66 cases among 158 consecutive cases from Feb 1990 to May 1996 were reviewed and evaluated with regard to patellofemoral pain, crepitus, quadriceps atrophy, graft donor site complication, Lysholm knee scoring system and radiological assessment. The average period of follow up was 23 months (range, 12-57 months) and the average age at operation was 31 years old (range, 18-58 years).

The average Lysholmn knee score improved from 57.5 points preoperatively to 91.3 points at follow up. The instrumented anterior laxity test showed that excellent anterior stability was regained in most patients. There were many cases of parapatellar complications, 7 cases (10.6%) of anterior knee pain, 21 cases (32.8%) of crepitus, 43 cases (65.1%) of quadriceps weakness, 29 cases (45.3%) of graft donor site paresthesia and 15 cases (23.4%) of pain on kneeling.

Although endoscopic ACL reconstruction using central one-third bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts had good clinical results, many parapatellar complications were noted. In order to prevent these complications, different reconstruction techniques and graft materials should be considered