OBJECTIVETo analyze the management principle of revision after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and the factors contributing to its result.

METHODSThe data of 12 patients who received revision after ACL reconstructions from November 2001 to July 2006 were studied retrospectively. The indication of the operation, the management during the procedure and the clinical results were analyzed.

RESULTSAll the patients had pathological instability after primary ACL reconstructions. In this group, 2 cases received primary bone transplantation. The other 10 cases received primary ACL revision. Among them, 4 cases were reconstructed with STG obtained from the same lateral, 4 cases were obtained from the opposite lateral, 1 case was reconstructed with bone-patellar tendon-bone (B-PT-B) obtained from the same lateral, and 1 case was reconstructed with iliotibial tractus. One year later, the mean side-to-side difference of KT-2000 examination were 1.6 mm and 3.1 mm at 90 degrees and 30 degrees. The mean IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores were 72.8, 78.3 and 4.9.

CONCLUSIONSThe functional results and objective stability could be obtained through revision ACL reconstruction. However, outcomes are less favorable than those with primary reconstructions, which might be related to the factors including deficiency of previous surgery and impact of revision procedure.