Objective: To early diagnose and treat acute rupture of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Methods: 23 patients with acute rupture of ACL were examined and treated by early arthroscopy.
Results: The preoperative diagnosis of ACL rupture was similar to that of in 18 patients. Three patients were confirmed by early arthroscopy and 2 patients were found to have ACL rupture, 16 patients were combined with meniscus injuries and 6 patients with cartilaginous injuries. Patholanatomical type of ACL were rupture of parenchymal part (21 patients) and avulsion rupture of attachment point (2 patients). In 6 patients ACL was reconstructed under arthroscope.
Conclusions: Early arthroscopy in the treatment of acute ACL rupture has advantages of minor injury, correct diagnosis, visible location of injury or combined injury and timely treatment. Early arthroscopy for acute ACL rupture is an important measure for diagnosis, treatment, and stabilization of the knee joint.