We performed a follow-up study of forty consecutive combined
Jones-Ellison anterior-cruciate reconstructions in a young, athletic
population. The mean interval from injury to operation was 2.7 years.
Preoperatively, all patients had a 3+ or 4+ pivot shift and instability.
All but five patients had a meniscal tear, and thirty patients had
arthritic changes in the knee at the time of operation. Postoperatively
only four of the patients had any complaints of giving-way. Although thirty
of the patients returned to their previous sports activities, only eight
achieved the preinjury level of performance. Arthritic symptoms were
present at operation in thirty patients, while thirty-four had no
postoperative objective signs of pivot shift or instability.