Tunnel collision during simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner reconstruction

Clinical Outcome of Bicruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Multiple-Ligament Knee Injuries: Comparison With Bicruciate Reconstruction and Collateral Ligament Surgery

Background

Several procedures for combined rupture of both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in multiple-ligament knee injuries (MLKIs) have been reported. However, the clinical outcome of these treatments remains controversial.

Hypothesis

Postoperative knee stability and clinical outcomes in patients who underwent simultaneous bicruciate reconstruction would be comparable with those that underwent bicruciate reconstruction with collateral ligament surgery.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted with 41 patients (41 knees) who sustained unilateral MLKI with combined ACL and PCL rupture. Fifteen cases required simultaneous ACL and PCL reconstruction, and the others had additional surgical treatment as follows: At the time of cruciate ligament reconstruction, 14 cases required posteromedial corner (PMC) reconstruction and 8 cases required posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction. Five cases were treated with an initial PMC or PLC before the cruciate ligament reconstruction. One of these underwent PMC reconstruction at the second stage for residual valgus laxity. Then, the authors divided the cases into 2 groups based on surgical procedure: in group 1, 15 patients underwent only bicruciate reconstruction. In group 2, 26 patients underwent bicruciate and PMC or PLC reconstruction/repair. The patients were examined at ≥2 years after surgery.

Results

The side-to-side difference in the total anteroposterior translation, and the relative position on the anterior and posterior stress radiographs significantly improved postoperatively in both groups (group 1: P = .0115, P = .0007; group 2: P = .0004, P < .0001). In the valgus and varus stress tests, the medial and lateral joint opening significantly improved postoperatively in group 2 (P < .0001; P = .0093). Anterior, posterior, valgus, and varus stress radiographs showed no significant differences in comparison with that in the uninjured knee. There were no significant differences in the postoperative anteroposterior laxity and the medial and lateral joint opening between the groups. The Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation, all subscales of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Tegner score, and the isokinetic peak torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscles significantly improved postoperatively in both groups (P < .0003). Each clinical parameter did not differ between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in the knee stability and clinical results after bicruciate reconstruction between those with and those without collateral ligament surgery. Reconstruction of bicruciate MLKIs with repair or reconstruction of associated collateral ligament injuries improves clinical outcomes.

3D printing technology is a more accurate tool than an experienced surgeon in performing femoral bone tunnels in multi-ligament knee injuries

Purpose

Current surgical methods for multi-ligament knee reconstruction involve the creation of several reconstruction tunnels in the distal femur. However, the limited bone mass in the knee increases the risk of tunnel convergence. Increasing the accuracy of tunnel direction can minimize tunnel collision during anatomical reconstruction. 3D-printed patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has gained prominence in orthopaedic surgery due to its precision. This study aims to compare the accuracy of PSI with that of the 'freehand' approach by an experienced surgeon for drilling the medial and lateral femoral tunnels while adhering to the recommended angulations for multi-ligament knee injuries.

Methods

Ten cadaveric knees underwent computerized tomography (CT) scans to identify anatomical femoral attachments of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteal tendon (PT), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL). Using Materialise Mimics Medical v25.0 software, virtual planning of a bone tunnel for each ligament was performed, and a total of four tunnels per knee were obtained. Ten PSIs were designed for five knees: five for the medial side and five for the lateral side. The first five knees were operated on via PSI, and the other five knees were operated on by an experienced surgeon using freehand drilling based on preoperative plans. The angular deviation and entry point were assessed by overlaying post-operative CT images onto preoperative CT images.

Results

In the freehand group, the median angular deviation was 22.3°, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 17.6-25.2°. The PSI group presented a significantly greater accuracy in angular deviation for femoral tunnels of 5.7°, with an IQR of 4-8.2° (p < 0.001). Compared with that in the preoperative planning group, the median entry point distance in the freehand group was 5.5 mm, with an IQR of 2.6-8.8 mm. The PSI group had a median entry point distance of 4.2 mm, with an IQR of 3.6-5.7 mm (p = n.s).

Conclusions

Compared with the freehand technique performed by an experienced surgeon, PSI demonstrated significantly greater accuracy in terms of the mean angular deviation.

Level of Evidence

Level V.

Technology Update in Management of Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries

Introduction

Multi-ligament knee injuries present in various combinations of structures around the knee joint, with or without involvement of neurovascular structures, posing significant challenges to the treating physician and therapists. Accurate diagnosis with appropriate surgical intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation to restore function and stability is, therefore, paramount. This article looks at the recent advancements in technology that are aiding in the management of these injuries.

Method

An extensive search of literature was done in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar on this topic and the necessary information was derived from the relevant articles for this review. The progress made in the field of diagnosis, surgical management, rehabilitation and patient education tools were explored.

Discussion

A wide variety of diagnostic tools exists that are providing a more accurate evaluation of multi-ligament knee injuries both pre-operatively and post operatively. Advances in technology and techniques have aided in transforming their surgical management to a more minimally invasive approach. Patient-specific instrumentation, computer navigation and robotic-assisted surgery are in various stages of development offering enhanced precision and accuracy during ligament reconstruction procedures along with developments in digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

Advancements in technology have transformed the management of multi-ligament knee injuries, offering new tools and techniques that enhance diagnostic accuracy, surgical precision, and rehabilitation effectiveness. Artificial intelligence and its utility have widened the horizons, while at the same time bringing in the need for regulations necessary to monitor and develop these technologies.

Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis: The Onlay Technique

Tibial anterolateral rotary instability associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is a well-documented and difficult problem with a long history of solutions. The lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has undergone multiple refinements in technique, largely focusing on the femoral site insertion using either an interference screw versus a staple for adequate fixation. In this article, we present an improved technique using a suture anchor as an alternative to a staple or an interference screw with secure fixation to insert the LET graft onto the femur. This technique diminishes the chance of ACL tunnel-LET drilling convergence, minimizes the footprint required for adequate graft fixation, and allows the surgeon to dial in the correct tension necessary for adequate augmentation of an ACL reconstruction.

Tunnel Convergence Rate in Combined Anteromedial Portal Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Structure Reconstructions Is Influenced by Anterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Flexion Angle, Tunnel Position, and Direction

PURPOSE

The goal of the present study was to evaluate a potential tunnel convergence in combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the anteromedial portal technique and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET).

METHODS

Ten fresh frozen femora were dissected and a K-wires were inserted into the middle of the ACL stump, according to an ACL reconstruction at 110° and 140° knee flexion. ACL reconstruction at 120° and 130° was simulated. Seven K-wires with different femoral insertion sites and angulations were drilled into the lateral femoral condyle relative to the lateral epicondyle (E3: 8 mm proximal and 4 mm posterior; E1: 5 mm proximal and 5 mm anterior and E2: over-the-top position). Tunnel conflict rate was evaluated using a measuring arm and a metrology software.

RESULTS

Drilling the femoral ACL tunnel in low knee flexion (110°-120°) significantly (P < .001) reduced the tunnel conflict rate compared to the ACL drilled in high knee flexion (130°-140°). Changing the insertion point from proximal and posterior (E3) to proximal and anterior (E1) showed a reduced tunnel conflict rate from 40 ± 21.2% to 15 ± 26% and no tunnel conflict for an ACL drilled at 110°-130° knee flexion.

CONCLUSION

A possible tunnel conflict in simultaneous ACL reconstruction using the AMP technique and LET was dependent on ACL knee flexion angle, LET insertion site, and angulation. This posed the dilemma that no generally applicable LET configuration could be recommended to avoid a tunnel conflict. However, it appears that an insertion point located proximal and anterior to the lateral epicondyle results in less tunnel conflicts than an insertion point located proximal and posterior.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

An insertion point located proximal and anterior to the lateral epicondyle with a 30° proximal and 30° anterior angulation could reliably avoid a tunnel conflict when the ACL was drilled between 110 and 130° using a low anteromedial portal.

An Analysis of the Femoral Drilling Angle to Avoid Tunnel Collision during Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction on the Knee

Concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction has been reported as an effective technique for providing rotational control of the knee. However, the intraoperative risk of collision with an ACL tunnel during the drilling for the femoral ALL tunnel has been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the various femoral drilling procedures to avoid tunnel collisions during combined double-bundle ACL and ALL reconstruction. Nine cadaveric knees were used in this study. ACL drilling was performed through the anteromedial portal to footprints of the posterolateral bundle at 120° (PL120) and 135° (PL135) knee flexion and the anteromedial bundle at 120° (AM120) and 135° (AM135) knee flexion. ALL drilling was performed at 0° (Cor0-ALL) and 30° (Cor30-ALL) coronal angles using a Kirschner wire (K-wire). The distance between the ALL footprint and ACL K-wire outlets, axial angles of ALL K-wires colliding with ACL K-wires, and distances from the ALL footprint to the collision point were measured. From these values, the safe zone, defined as the range of axial angles in which no collisions or penetrations occurred, was identified by simulation of tunnels utilized for reconstruction grafts in each drilling procedure. The point-to-point distance from the ALL footprint to the K-wire outlet was significantly greater in the AM120 than the AM135 (13.5 ± 3.1, 10.8 ± 3.2 mm; p = 0.048) and in the PL135 than the PL120 (18.3 ± 5.5, 16.1 ± 6.5 mm; p = 0.005) conditions, respectively. During an ACL drilling combination of PL135/AM120, a safe zone of > 45° in Cor30-ALL was identified. With a narrow safe zone during the PL135/AM120 combination only, the risk of femoral tunnel collisions in combined double-bundle ACL and ALL reconstruction is high. AM drilling at 120° and PL drilling at > 135° knee flexion, combined with ALL drilling at 30° coronal angle and > 45° axial angle, may reduce this risk.

Capsulo-osseous Layer Retensioning and Distal Kaplan Fiber Surgical Reconstruction: A Proposed Anatomical Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Approach

Anterior cruciate ligament intra-articular reconstruction may require extra-articular reinforcement in certain situations. As knee lateral region anatomical and biomechanical knowledge has increased with new research, it has been reported that the iliotibial band is important in the anterolateral stabilization of the knee. Possible indications for a "more anatomical" extra-articular tenodesis focusing on capsulo-osseous layer tensioning and distal Kaplan fibers reconstruction are reported, surgical approach details are described, and scientific data that gives support for this procedure are discussed.

Evaluating for Tunnel Convergence in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Modified Lemaire Tenodesis: What Is the Best Tunnel Angle to Decrease Risk?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan evaluations of patients who had undergone a combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and modified Lemaire anterolateral tenodesis (ALT) with femoral fixation through a bony tunnel.

METHODS

Postoperative CT scans of 52 patients who had undergone combined ACL and ALT were prospectively evaluated. ACL femoral tunnels were drilled through an anteromedial portal in the center of the native footprint. An ALT fixation tunnel was drilled 5 mm proximal to the lateral epicondyle, aiming at an inclination of 30° proximally and 30° anteriorly. Two independent observers evaluated the CT scans measuring any degree of collision, the shortest distance between the tunnels, and the inclination of the ALT tunnels. Measurements were carried out at both the cortical level and on a plane passing 1 cm deeper in the lateral condyle.

RESULTS

At the level of the cortex, no convergence of the tunnels was identified. In 14 of 52 cases (26.9%), the shortest distance between the tunnels was less than 5 mm. Tunnel collision occurred in 8 of 52 cases (15.4%), and the bone bridge between the tunnels was less than 5 mm in 11 cases (21.1%) when the measurements were made on the deeper plane. When the inclination on the axial plane was less than 15°, a collision always (P < .001) occurs. When it was more than 20°, no collision occurred (P < .001). No correlation between convergence and the inclination of the ALT tunnel on the coronal plane was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

To fix a modified Lemaire ALT through a femoral tunnel avoiding any interference with an anatomic femoral ACL tunnel, we recommend that the femoral tunnel be drilled with an inclination of at least 20° anteriorly.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, therapeutic case series.

ACL and Posterolateral Corner Injuries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The importance of the posterolateral corner (PLC) with respect to knee stability, particularly in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency, has become more apparent in recent years. The purposes of this article are to review the current concepts of PLC injuries and to address their role in the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knee.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature demonstrates that a single staged, combined reconstruction is optimal. Studies further provide more thorough insight into avoidance of tunnel collision during the multiligament reconstruction. In total, reconstruction procedures have demonstrated successful outcomes in over 90% of patients. In summary, we report that in the setting of suspected concomitant PLC and ACL injury, it is essential to address both injuries; appreciating the local anatomy, diagnostic modalities, and surgical techniques are each crucial to achieving desirable clinical outcomes.

High Risk of Tunnel Convergence in Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis

BACKGROUND

Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is being increasingly added to primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to address residual anterolateral rotatory instability. However, currently there is a lack of knowledge on how close the femoral tunnels are when combining these procedures.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESES

To assess the risk of tunnel convergence in combined ACL and LET procedures using 2 different surgical techniques (Lemaire and MacIntosh). It was hypothesized that the risk of tunnel convergence would be greater when using the more distally located Lemaire position. The authors further hypothesized that tunnel proximity would be influenced by knee size.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were used for this study. In each specimen, an anatomic ACL femoral tunnel and 2 LET tunnels were drilled using the Lemaire and MacIntosh positions, respectively. After knee dissection, minimal distances between each ACL and LET tunnel were directly measured on the lateral femoral cortex. Furthermore, computed tomography scans were obtained to measure intertunnel convergence and lateral femoral condyle (LFC) width. On the basis of the average LFC width, knees were divided into large and small knees to determine a relationship between knee size and tunnel convergence.

RESULTS

Convergence of ACL and LET tunnels occurred in 7 of 10 cases (70%) using the Lemaire attachment position. All tunnel collisions occurred directly on the lateral femoral cortex, while intertunnel (intramedullary) conflicts were not observed. Collisions emerged in both small (n = 4) and large (n = 3) knees. Critical tunnel convergence did not occur using the MacIntosh position. The mean minimal distance between the LET and ACL tunnel using the Lemaire and MacIntosh positions was 3.1 ± 4.6 mm and 9.8 ± 5.4 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Tunnel convergence was more frequently observed in combined ACL and LET reconstruction using the Lemaire technique, independent of the knee size. LET femoral tunnel positioning according to the MacIntosh reconstruction was not associated with tunnel collision.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings help to raise the awareness for the risk of tunnel convergence in combined ACL and LET procedures. Surgeons may contemplate adjustments on the ACL femoral tunnel drilling technique or fixation device when applying an additional Lemaire procedure. However, in the absence of clinical outcome studies comparing different LET techniques, it remains unclear which technique is superior in a clinical setting.

High risk of tunnel convergence during combined anterior cruciate ligament and anterolateral ligament reconstruction

PURPOSE

To assess the risk of femoral tunnel convergence in combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstructions. The hypothesis was that a more proximal and anterior orientation of the ALL femoral tunnel should reduce the risk of convergence with the ACL femoral tunnel.

METHODS

15 fresh-frozen cadaver knees were examined. An anatomic ACL femoral tunnel was drilled arthroscopically in each specimen and ALL tunnels were made in two directions: (1) 0° coronal angulation and 20° axial angulation, (2) 30° coronal angulation and 30° axial angulation. Computed tomography scans were performed to investigate tunnel convergence and to measure the minimal distance between tunnels, tunnel length and the LFC width.

RESULTS

Tunnel convergence occurred in 20 of 30 cases (67%). Convergence was significantly reduced when tunnels were drilled at 30° coronal and 30° axial angulation (p < 0.05). The mean length of the ALL tunnel was 15.9 mm [95% CI (13.6; 18.1)] and was independent of ALL tunnel angulation. The mean minimal distance between the ALL and ACL tunnel was 3.1 mm [95% CI (2.1; 4.1)]. The odds ratio for tunnel convergence was 3.5 for small LFC, relative to large LFC (n.s.) CONCLUSION: A high risk of tunnel convergence was observed when performing combined ACL and ALL reconstructions. The clinical relevance of this work is that the occurrence of tunnel conflicts can be reduced by aiming the ALL tunnel in a more proximal and anterior direction. Surgeons should be aware of this, since tunnel convergence could jeopardize the ACL reconstruction and fixation.

Surgical Management of the Multiple-Ligament Knee Injury

The management of multiligament knee injury is a complex process starting with the adequate identification of the injury. A detailed physical and radiographic examination with a thorough understanding of knee anatomy is crucial to assess all damaged structures: anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, posteromedial corner including the medial collateral ligament, and posterolateral corner including the lateral collateral ligament. Several surgical techniques have been developed throughout the years to adequately address these ligament insufficiencies. In this surgical technique description, we describe a reproducible method for the assessment and surgical management of a knee dislocation (KDIV) injury. Our approach includes using anatomic single-bundle cruciate ligament reconstructions with modified Bosworth technique for medial-side injuries and a combination of Müller popliteal bypass and Larson figure-of-8 techniques for posterolateral corner injuries. The orders of surgical steps is described concisely, and technical controversies such as graft choice, tunnel positioning, and sequence of graft fixation are discussed in detail.

Multiple Ligament Reconstruction Femoral Tunnels: Intertunnel Relationships and Guidelines to Avoid Convergence

BACKGROUND

Knee dislocations often require multiple concurrent ligament reconstructions, which involve creating several tunnels in the distal femur. Therefore, the risk of tunnel convergence is increased because of the limited bone volume within the distal aspect of the femur.

PURPOSE

To assess the risk of tunnel convergence and determine the optimal reconstruction tunnel orientations for multiple ligament reconstructions in the femur.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

Three-dimensional knee models were developed from computed tomography scans of 21 patients. Medical image processing software was used to create tunnels for each of the primary ligamentous structures, replicating a surgical approach that would be used in multiple ligament reconstructions. Thereafter, the tunnel orientation was varied in surgically relevant directions to determine orientations that minimized the risk of tunnel convergence. The orientation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tunnels was held constant throughout the study, while the orientation of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), popliteus tendon (PLT), superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL), and posterior oblique ligament (POL) tunnels was varied to avoid convergence.

RESULTS

A high risk of tunnel convergence was observed between the FCL and ACL tunnels when the FCL tunnel was aimed at 0° in the axial and coronal planes. Aiming the FCL tunnel 35° anteriorly minimized convergence with the ACL tunnel. No tunnel convergence was observed for the PLT tunnel aimed 35° anteriorly and parallel to the FCL tunnel. To avoid convergence between the sMCL and PCL tunnels, the sMCL tunnels should be aimed 40° proximally in the coronal plane and 20° to 40° anteriorly. During concomitant POL reconstruction, the sMCL should be aimed 40° proximally and anteriorly and the POL 20° proximally and anteriorly. The PLT and POL tunnels aimed at 0° in both the coronal and axial planes had an increased risk of violating the intercondylar notch.

CONCLUSION

Femoral tunnel orientations during multiple ligament reconstructions need to be adjusted to avoid tunnel convergence. On the lateral side, aiming the FCL and PLT tunnels 35° anteriorly eliminated convergence with the ACL tunnel. On the medial side, tunnel convergence was avoided by orienting the sMCL tunnel 40° proximally and anteriorly and the POL tunnel 20° proximally and anteriorly. The POL and PLT tunnels aimed at 0° in the axial plane had an increased risk of violating the intercondylar notch.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The risk of tunnel convergence with the ACL and PCL femoral tunnels can be reduced by adjusting the orientation of the FCL and PLT tunnels and the sMCL and POL tunnels, respectively.

Morphology of the fibular insertion of the posterolateral corner and biceps femoris tendon

PURPOSE

To clarify the fibular head insertion of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), popliteofibular ligament (PFL), and biceps femoris tendon and related osseous landmarks on three-dimensional (3-D) images.

METHODS

Twenty-one non-paired, formalin-fixed human cadaveric knees were evaluated in this study. The fibular head insertions of the FCL, PFL and biceps femoris tendon were identified and marked. 3-D images were created, and the surface area, location, positional relationships, and morphology of the fibular insertions of the FCL, PFL, and biceps femoris tendon and related osseous structures were analysed.

RESULTS

The fibular head had a unique pyramidal shape, and the relationships of the fibular insertion of the FCL, PFL, and biceps femoris tendon were consistent. The fibular head consists of three aspects: lateral aspect, posterior aspect, and proximal tibiofibular facet. The insertions of the FCL, PFL, and biceps femoris tendon were attached to the centre from the distal side of the lateral aspects of the fibular head, posterior aspect of the fibular styloid process, and lateral aspect surrounding the FCL, respectively. The mean surface areas of the FCL and PFL fibular insertions were 100.1 ± 29.5 and 18.5 ± 7.2 mm², respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the relationships between the characteristic features of the fibular head and insertions of the FCL, PFL, and biceps femoris tendon were consistent. The clinical relevance of this study is that it improves understanding of the anatomy of the insertions of the PLC and biceps femoris tendon.

Biomechanical study of strength and stiffness of the knee anterolateral ligament

BACKGROUND

Recent studies clearly characterize the anatomical parameters of the knee anterolateral ligament (ALL). The potential clinical importance of this ligament is exemplified by some patients with possible combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and ALL rupture who do not progress satisfactorily following isolated ACL reconstruction. Previous biomechanical studies have assessed the resistance parameters of the ALL in order to address potential reconstruction strategies; however, these have reported conflicting results. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the linear resistance of the ALL by means of a biomechanical study in cadaveric knees.

METHODS

Fourteen cadaveric knees were used. The ALL was dissected, and all structures that connect the femur and the tibia, except for the ALL, were sectioned. The ALL was subjected to a tensile test with the knee around 30 to 40 degrees, in a way that the ALL was aligned with the machine. The strength at the maximum resistance limit, deformation and stiffness of the ALL were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean maximum strength of the ALL was 204.8 +/- 114.9 N. The stiffness was 41.9 +/- 25.7 N/mm and the deformation 10.3 +/- 3.5 mm.

CONCLUSION

The ALL has a mean ultimate tensile strength of 204.8 N. This suggests that simple bands of all autologous or homologous grafts commonly used in clinical practice for ligament reconstruction around the knee possess the required biomechanical resistance characteristics for ALL reconstruction.

Outcomes following anatomic fibular (lateral) collateral ligament reconstruction

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes following anatomic fibular (lateral) collateral ligament (FCL) reconstruction. It was hypothesized that anatomic FCL reconstruction would result in improved subjective clinical outcomes and a high patient satisfaction with outcome.

METHODS

All patients 18 years or older who underwent FCL reconstruction from April 2010 to January 2013 with no other posterolateral corner pathology were included in this study. Patient subjective outcome scores were collected preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were 43 patients (22 males, 21 females, median age = 28.3 years, range 18.7-68.8) included in this study. The median time from injury to surgery was 22 days. Follow-up was obtained for 88 % of patients (n = 36) with a mean follow-up of 2.7 years. The mean Lysholm score significantly improved from 49 (range 11-100) to 84 (range 55-100) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean WOMAC score significantly improved from 37 (range 3-96) to 8 (range 0-46) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The median SF-12 physical component subscale score significantly improved from 35 (range 22-58) to 56 (range 24-62) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The median SF-12 mental component subscale score did not show significant change preoperatively 54 (range 29-69) to postoperatively 55 (range 25-62). The median preoperative Tegner activity scale improved from 2 (range 0-10) to 6 (range 2-10) postoperatively (p < 0.001). The median patient satisfaction with outcome was 8 (range 1-10). Postoperative patient-reported outcome scores were not significantly different for patients who underwent concomitant ACL reconstruction compared to patients without ACL reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

An anatomic FCL reconstruction with a semitendinosus graft significantly improved patient function and yielded high patient satisfaction in the 43 patients. Additionally, there was no significant difference in patient-reported outcomes when accounting for concomitant ACL reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.