Outcome of the treatment of chronic isolated and combined posterolateral corner knee injuries with 2- to 6-year follow-up

Introduction: Injuries of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee are rare. They are difficult to diagnose and can cause severe disability. This study presents the 20- to 70-month clinical and radiological outcomes of the anatomical reconstruction technique of LaPrade et al. Materials and methods Twenty-one patients with chronic PLC injuries underwent anatomical PLC reconstruction. The anatomical locations of the popliteus tendon, fibular collateral ligament, and popliteofibular ligament were reconstructed using a 2-graft technique. The patients were evaluated subjectively with the Tegner, Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee scores and objectively with the IKDC objective scores; additionally, varus stress radiographs were taken to evaluate knee stability. Results: Significant (p\0.05) improvements were observed in the postoperative Lysholm, IKDC-s, and Tegner scores compared with preoperatively. The IKDC objective subscores (lateral joint opening at 20_______________of knee extension, external rotation at 30_______________and 90_______________, and the reverse pivot-shift test) had improved significantly at the time of the final 40.9 ± 13.7-month follow-up.Lateralcompartment opening on the varus stress radiographs had decreased significantly in the postoperative period. However, there was still a significant difference compared with the uninjured knee. There was no significant improvement in the IKDC-s, Lysholm, or Tegner scores between the nine patients with isolated PLC injuries and twelve with multiligament injuries. Conclusions: Significant improvement in the objective knee stability scores and clinical outcomes with anatomical reconstruction showed that this technique can be used to treat patients with chronic PLC injured knees. However, longer-term multicentre studies and studies with larger groups comparing multiple techniques are required to determine the best treatment method for PLC injuries.

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Comparative Biomechanical Study Between Minimally Invasive Popliteus and LCL Reconstruction Versus LaPrade Technique

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00091 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (5_suppl5) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0009

Author(s):

Bancha Chernchujit ◽

Arrisna Artha ◽

Panin Anilabol

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Posterolateral Corner ◽

Reconstruction Technique ◽

Popliteus Tendon ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Popliteofibular Ligament ◽

Less Invasive ◽

Stress Radiographs ◽

Varus Stress ◽

Grade Iii

Background: Many aspects of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee have been extensively studied within the past 20 years. Quantitative anatomic and biomechanical studies have demonstrated the importance of the 3 static stabilizers of the lateral side of the knee: the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. There are various methods of reconstruction. However, currently, there is no consensus on the preferred reconstruction technique for treating patients with chronic PLC injuries. We have developed a new reconstructive technique for PLC based on tibiofibular-based technique, similar to LaPrade, and this technique is less invasive than the previous techniques. Hypothesis: There is no difference between minimally invasive popliteus and LCL reconstruction and LaPrade’s method in restoring the posterolateral stability of knees Methods: Six paired fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were assessed in the intact state and then dissected to simulate a grade III posterolateral knee injury. By using a “Blocked randomization”, each paired knee was randomized into 2 groups (1) reconstruction via LaPrade’s method, (2) minimally invasive popliteus and LCL reconstruction. Biomechanical testing using varus stress radiographs was performed to compare knee stability between 2 groups. Results: This study included six paired knees, three males and three females. The mean age of the cadaver was 70.8 years (range 57-85 years). No difference was found in the demographic data (sex distribution, lateral opening gap of intact knee and side-to-side difference of lateral opening gap of sectioned knee) between the 2 groups. The side-to-side difference in lateral joint opening on the varus stress radiographs significantly improved after PLC reconstruction in both groups (p <0.001, p <0.001), However, there were no differences between the 2 groups in side-to-side difference of lateral opening gap after reconstruction (Mean difference=-0.05 (95%CI, -0.46 to 0.36); p- value=0.039). Conclusion: Biomechanically, minimally invasive popliteus and LCL reconstruction is equivalent to LaPrade’s technique in restoring the stability of knees in case of grade III PLC injury. Additionally, this technique is less invasive than all traditional open technique of PLC reconstruction. The minimally invasive popliteus and LCL reconstruction technique may be a treatment option for grade III PLC injury. Keywords: posterolateral corner; ligament reconstruction; popliteus tendon; lateral collateral ligament; popliteofibular ligament; knee biomechanics; minimally invasive surgery

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Arthroscopic Popliteus sling Reconstruction using the ‘Popliteus portal’ : An effective way to restore the Posterolateral corner stability A Case Series and Surgical Technique

10.21203/rs.2.13915/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Abey Thomas Babu ◽

Santosh Sahanand ◽

David Rajan

Keyword(s):

Surgical Technique ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Case Series ◽

Posterolateral Corner ◽

Anatomic Reconstruction ◽

Ligament Injury ◽

Reconstruction Technique ◽

Popliteus Tendon ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Fibular Collateral Ligament

Abstract Background: Posterolateral corner injuries can result in persistent varus and rotary instability. Many open/ arthroscopic procedures of reconstruction/ repair have been reported, but there is a paucity of literature on clinical outcomes. We follow an all arthroscopic reconstruction technique of the popliteus sling with the use of the ‘popliteus portal’ in cases of isolated popliteus injuries (intact fibular collateral ligament). Methodds: Prospective case study of 12 patients undergoing Arthroscopic Popliteus sling reconstruction with or without associated cruciate ligament reconstruction was peformed. We report our surgical technique and clinical outcomes. Results: All our patients had good to excellent knee function at final follow up (IKDC and Tegner Scores). We did not encounter any major complications intra or post – operatively. Conclusions: In cases of Popliteus tendon injury without fibular collateral ligament injury, an ‘all – arthroscopic’ Popliteus sling reconstruction is an effective and reproducible technique of restoring posterolateral stability of the knee. The advantages of our procedure are – an ‘all – arthroscopic Technique’, avoiding damage to the meniscotibial ligaments and a more ‘anatomic’ reconstruction of the popliteus sling. Keywords: Knee, Posterolateral corner injury, popliteus, Arthroscopy, Reconstruction

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Kinematics of the posterolateral corner of the knee: A human cadaveric cutting study.

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967117s00136 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (4_suppl4) ◽

pp. 2325967117S0013

Author(s):

Tobias Drenck ◽

Christoph Domnick ◽

Mirco Herbort ◽

Michael Raschke ◽

Karl-Heinz Frosch

Keyword(s):

Knee Flexion ◽

External Rotation ◽

Lateral Collateral Ligament ◽

Posterolateral Corner ◽

Clinical Diagnostics ◽

Popliteus Tendon ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

Intact State ◽

Posterior Tibial ◽

Intact Knee

Aims and Objectives: The posterolateral corner of the knee consists of different structures, which contribute to instability when damaged after injury or within surgery. Knowing the kinematic influences may help to improve clinical diagnostics and surgical techniques. The purpose was to determine static stabilizing effects of the posterolateral corner by dissecting stepwise all fibers and ligaments (the arcuat complex, AC) connected with the popliteus tendon (PLT) and the influence on lateral stability in the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) intact-state. Materials ans Methods: Kinematics were examined in 13 fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees using a robotic/UFS testing system with an optical tracking system. The knee kinematics were determined for 134 N anterior/posterior loads, 10 Nm valgus/varus loads and 5 Nm internal/external rotational loads in 0°, 20°, 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion. The posterolateral corner structures were consecutively dissected: The I.) intact knee joint, II.) with dissected posterior cruciate ligament, III.) meniscofibular/-tibial fibers, IV.) popliteofibular ligament, V.) popliteotibial fascicle (last structure of static AC), VI.) PLT and VII.) LCL. Results: The external rotation angle increased significantly by 2.6° to 7.9° (P<.05) in 0° to 90° of knee flexion and posterior tibial translation increased by 2.9 mm to 5.9 mm in 20° to 90° of knee flexion (P<.05) after cutting the AC/PLT structures (with intact LCL) in contrast to the PCL deficient knee. Differences between dissected static AC and dissected PLT were only found in 60° and 90° external rotation tests (by 2.1° and 3.1°; P<.05). In the other 28 kinematic tests, no significant differences between PLT and AC were found. Cutting the AC/PLT complex did not further decrease varus, valgus or anterior tibial stability in any flexion angle in comparison to the PCL dissected state. Conclusion: The arcuat complex is an important static stabilizer for external rotatory and posterior tibial loads of the knee, even in the lateral collateral ligament intact-state. After dissecting the major parts of the arcuat complex, the static stabilizing function of the popliteus tendon is lost. The arcuat complex has no varus-stabilizing function in the LCL-intact knee. The anatomy and function of these structures for external-rotational and posterior-translational stabilization should be considered for clinical diagnostics and when performing surgery in the posterolateral corner.

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Healing Status of Meniscal Ramp Lesion Affects Anterior Knee Stability After ACL Reconstruction

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120917674 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 232596712091767 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kazuhisa Hatayama ◽

Masanori Terauchi ◽

Kenichi Saito ◽

Ryota Takase ◽

Hiroshi Higuchi

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Pivot Shift ◽

Pivot Shift Test ◽

Knee Stability ◽

Ramp Lesion ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Mri Scans ◽

The Mean ◽

Postoperative Knee

Background: Although the biomechanical importance of the ramp lesion in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee has been demonstrated, there is no clear consensus on the appropriate treatment for ramp lesions during ACL reconstruction. Purpose: To compare the postoperative outcomes for ramp lesions between patients treated with all-inside repair through the posteromedial portal and those whose ramp lesions were left in situ without repair during ACL reconstruction. We also determined whether ramp lesion healing status affected postoperative knee stability. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 57 patients who underwent anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction between August 2011 and December 2017 had attendant ramp lesions. Of these, 25 ramp lesions that were considered stable were left in situ without repair (Nonrepaired group), and 25 ramp lesions, including 21 stable and 4 unstable lesions, were treated using all-inside repair through the posteromedial portal (Repaired group). We evaluated the side-to-side difference (SSD) in anterior tibial translation on stress radiographs and rotational stability by using the pivot-shift test 2 years after surgery, and healing status of the ramp lesions was evaluated on 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans 1 year after surgery. Results: The mean SSDs in anterior translation were 2.4 ± 1.6 mm for the Nonrepaired group and 1.9 ± 1.6 mm for the Repaired group, with no significant differences. The positive ratios on the pivot-shift test were not significantly different between groups. Healing rates of ramp lesions on MRI scans showed a significant difference between the Nonrepaired group (60%) and the Repaired group (100%) ( P = .001). The mean SSDs for knees in which the ramp lesion had healed as shown on MRI scans and those in which it had not healed were 1.9 ± 1.6 mm and 3.2 ± 1.1 mm, respectively, which was a significant difference ( P = .02). Conclusion: Healing rates of ramp lesions were significantly better in the Repaired group than in the Nonrepaired group, although postoperative knee stability was not significantly different between groups. Anterior laxity in the knees in which the ramp lesion was unhealed was significantly greater compared with the knees in which the ramp lesion healed. All-inside repair through the posteromedial portal was a reliable surgical procedure to heal ramp lesions.

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Biomechanical Analysis of a Combined Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546504268039 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 360-369 ◽

Cited By ~ 70

Author(s):

Jon K. Sekiya ◽

Marcus J. Haemmerle ◽

Kathryne J. Stabile ◽

Tracy M. Vogrin ◽

Christopher D. Harner

Keyword(s):

Posterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

External Rotation ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Double Bundle ◽

Posterolateral Corner ◽

Biomechanical Analysis ◽

Popliteus Tendon ◽

Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction ◽

Intact Knee

Background Failure to address both components of a combined posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner injury has been implicated as a reason for abnormal biomechanics and inferior clinical results. Hypothesis Combined double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner reconstruction restores the kinematics and in situ forces of the intact knee ligaments. Study Design Controlled laboratory study Methods Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were tested using a robotic testing system through sequential cutting and reconstructing of the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner. The knees were subjected to a 134-N posterior tibial load and a 5-N.m external tibial torque at multiple flexion angles. The double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed using Achilles and semitendinosus tendons. The posterolateral corner reconstruction consisted of reattaching the popliteus tendon to its femoral origin and reconstructing the popliteofibular ligament with a gracilis tendon. Results Under the posterior load, the combined reconstruction reduced posterior translation to within 1.2 - 1.5 mm of the intact knee. The in situ forces in the posterior cruciate ligament grafts were significantly less than those in the native posterior cruciate ligament at all angles except full extension. Conversely, the forces in the posterolateral corner grafts were significantly higher than those in the native structures at all angles. Under the external torque with the combined reconstruction, external rotation as well as in situ forces in the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner grafts were not different from the intact knee. Conclusions A combined posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner reconstruction can restore intact knee kinematics at time zero. In situ forces in the intact posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner were not reproduced by the reconstruction; however, the posterolateral corner reconstruction reduced the loads experienced by the posterior cruciate ligament grafts. Clinical Relevance By addressing both structures of this combined injury, this technique restores native kinematics under the applied loads at fixed flexion angles and demonstrates load sharing among the grafts creating a potentially protective effect against early failure of the posterior cruciate ligament grafts but with increased force in the posterolateral corner construct.

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Anatomic Lateral Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Graft Options: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Autograft versus Allograft

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00474 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0047

Author(s):

William Schairer ◽

William Grantham ◽

Nicholas DePhillipo ◽

Zachary Aman ◽

Robert LaPrade ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Lateral Collateral Ligament ◽

Collateral Ligament ◽

X Ray ◽

Stress Radiographs ◽

Radiographic Outcomes ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Varus Stress

Objectives: As awareness of lateral knee pathology has increased, surgical outcomes for lateral collateral ligament (LCL) reconstruction and posterolateral corner reconstructions have improved. Despite reliable improvement in results, no study to date has compared the radiographic or clinical outcome of lateral knee reconstruction procedures when comparing autograft versus allograft reconstruction options. To evaluate patient reported outcomes and radiographic outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with isolated LCL anatomic reconstruction, comparing the use of autografts versus allografts for LCL reconstruction. The null hypothesis was that there would be no significant differences in clinical outcomes at 2-year follow up and no differences in LCL insufficiency as defined by a side-to-side difference of greater than 2.1mm in varus stress radiographs at minimum of 6-month follow up. Methods: All patients who underwent primary ACLR with concomitant isolated LCL reconstruction from 2010 to 2017 by a single surgeon were retrospectively identified; clinical characteristics and graft choice for LCL reconstruction was collected. Patients with minimum 2-year follow up clinical outcome scores and 6-month bilateral varus stress radiographs were included. Patients with any other ligamentous procedure or revision ACL reconstruction were excluded. An a priori power analysis demonstrated a minimum group size of 18 patients per group to detect a difference in LCL insufficiency. Results: There were 58 primary ACLR with concomitant LCL reconstruction patients identified that met inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine patients underwent LCL reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft compared to 19 patients with allograft (16 semitendinosus and 3 tibialis anterior). At a minimum 6-month radiographic varus stress x-ray follow-up, there was no significant difference in LCL graft reconstruction failure (>2.1 mm) between autograft and allograft (autograft 0/39 vs allograft 0/19). There was also no absolute side-to-side difference of stress x-ray gapping between the two cohorts (allograft= 0.49 mm and autograft= 0.15 mm, p= 0.22). Furthermore, there was no difference when comparing the autograft to allograft group at minimum 2-year clinical outcome follow-up for SF-12 Mental Component Score (MCS) and Physical Component Score (PCS), WOMAC (Total, pain, stiffness, activity), Tegner, and Lysholm scores. Lastly, patient satisfaction between allograft and autograft groups showed no significant difference at average follow-up of 3.6 years. There were no significant differences in clinical knee stability between groups at final follow-up (p >0.05). Conclusion: In the largest reported series comparing autograft and allograft lateral collateral ligament reconstructions, we found that both autograft and allograft LCL reconstructions offer reliable and similar radiographic and clinical results. As a result, surgeons may discuss the risks and benefits of both graft options with the patient and come to a decision through a shared decision-making process knowing that both grafts will provide reliable outcomes.

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Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Autografts Versus Hamstring Autografts Using the Same Suspensory Fixations in ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119885314 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. 232596711988531 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Wenbo Chen ◽

Hong Li ◽

Yuzhou Chen ◽

Fangyi Jiang ◽

Yang Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Graft Failure ◽

Pivot Shift ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Pivot Shift Test ◽

Knee Stability ◽

Lachman Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Suspensory Fixation ◽

Bone Patellar Tendon

Background: Bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPB) autografts and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts are 2 popular choices for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Although existing meta-analyses have explored the clinical outcomes between BPB and HT autografts, none have based their analysis on studies with just femoral suspensory fixation methods. Purpose: To evaluate and compare clinical outcomes, particularly graft failure and knee stability, of ACLR with BPB or HT autografts with suspensory femoral fixation. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A literature search was conducted of studies reporting single-bundle ACLR with BPB autografts and HT autografts with suspensory fixation with a minimum 24-month follow-up. Graft failure rate, knee stability, and clinical outcomes were compared for BPB versus HT autografts. Knee stability was measured with the Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000/2000 arthrometer side-to-side difference (SSD). Clinical outcomes were measured with Lysholm scores and the Tegner activity scale, as well as rate of return to preinjury sports. Donor site morbidity among included studies was reviewed. A random-effects model was used for calculations of summary estimates. Subgroup, sensitivity, and trial sequential analyses were conducted. Results: Five studies were included. Graft failure was seen more often in the HT group than the BPB group, and this was statistically significant ( P = .03). However, the trial sequential analysis outcome indicated that the included sample size was not large enough to support a solid positive finding. The analysis showed no significant difference in SSD, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, rate of return to sports, Lysholm score, or Tegner score between groups. Subgroup analyses found no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated no significant differences in knee stability and knee functional outcomes between BPB and HT autografts with suspensory fixation. More evidence is needed to prove the lower risk of failure with use of BTB autograft with suspensory fixation.

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Comparison of Clinical Results of Anatomic Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction for Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Knee With or Without Popliteal Tendon Reconstruction

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546511415656 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 39 (11) ◽

pp. 2421-2428 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Kyoung Ho Yoon ◽

Jung Hwan Lee ◽

Dae Kyung Bae ◽

Sang Jun Song ◽

Kee Yun Chung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Stress Test ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Posterolateral Corner ◽

Anatomic Reconstruction ◽

Tendon Reconstruction ◽

Stress Radiographs ◽

Varus Stress ◽

Dial Test ◽

Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction

Background: It is unknown whether popliteal tendon reconstruction is necessary in anatomic posterolateral corner reconstruction, although the tendon has function in the varus and rotatory stability of the knee joint. Hypothesis: Anatomic reconstructions of the posterolateral corner with the popliteal tendon reconstructed will present better clinical and radiographic results than cases with the popliteal tendon not reconstructed. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed 32 cases of anatomic posterolateral corner reconstruction with a minimum 2-year follow-up. There were 17 cases of anatomic reconstruction with popliteal tendon reconstruction and 15 cases without popliteal tendon reconstruction. The authors compared preoperative and postoperative range of motion, varus instability by varus stress test, lateral joint opening on varus stress radiographs, posterolateral rotatory instability by dial test, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation form and knee examination form between the 2 groups. They also compared posterior translation on posterior stress radiographs in cases with posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Results: There was no difference in range of motion, varus stress test, dial test, Tegner score, Lysholm score, or the score by IKDC subjective knee evaluation form. The side-to-side difference in lateral joint opening on the varus stress radiographs significantly improved after anatomic reconstruction in both groups ( P < .001, P = .001), but there was no preoperative or postoperative differences between the groups. No difference was found in the grade distribution on the IKDC examination form. In the cases with posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, there was also no difference in posterior translation between the groups on posterior stress radiographs at the last follow-up. Conclusion: No effect of popliteal tendon reconstruction was found in anatomic posterolateral corner reconstruction on the stability and clinical results.

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A Biomechanical Comparison of the Arciero and LaPrade Reconstruction for Posterolateral Corner Knee Injuries

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119838251 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 232596711983825 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Gehron P. Treme ◽

Christina Salas ◽

Gabriel Ortiz ◽

George Keith Gill ◽

Paul J. Johnson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

External Rotation ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Posterolateral Corner ◽

Reconstruction Technique ◽

Proximal Tibiofibular Joint ◽

Phase 3 ◽

Varus Angulation ◽

Tibiofibular Joint ◽

Anterior Cruciate

Background: Injury to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee requires reconstruction to restore coronal and rotary stability. Two commonly used procedures are the Arciero reconstruction technique (ART) and the LaPrade reconstruction technique (LRT). To the authors’ knowledge, these techniques have not been biomechanically compared against one another. Purpose: To identify if one of these reconstruction techniques better restores stability to a PLC-deficient knee and if concomitant injury to the proximal tibiofibular joint or anterior cruciate ligament affects these results. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight matched-paired cadaveric specimens from the midfemur to toes were used. Each specimen was tested in 4 phases: intact PLC (phase 1), PLC sectioned (phase 2), PLC reconstructed (ART or LRT) (phase 3), and tibiofibular (phase 4A) or anterior cruciate ligament (phase 4B) sectioning with PLC reconstructed. Varus angulation and external rotation at 0º, 20º, 30º, 60º, and 90º of knee flexion were quantified at each phase. Results: In phase 3, both reconstructions were effective at restoring laxity back to the intact state. However, in phase 4A, both reconstructions were ineffective at stabilizing the joint owing to tibiofibular instability. In phase 4B, both reconstructions had the potential to restrict varus angulation motion. There were no statistically significant differences found between reconstruction techniques for varus angulation or external rotation at any degree of flexion in phase 3 or 4. Conclusion: The LRT and ART are equally effective at restoring stability to knees with PLC injuries. Neither reconstruction technique fully restores stability to knees with combined PLC and proximal tibiofibular joint injuries. Clinical Relevance: Given these findings, surgeons may select their reconstruction technique based on their experience and training and the specific needs of their patients.

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Reliability of Navigated Knee Stability Examination

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546507300821 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 35 (8) ◽

pp. 1315-1320 ◽

Cited By ~ 92

Author(s):

Andrew D. Pearle ◽

Daniel J. Solomon ◽

Tony Wanich ◽

Alexandre Moreau-Gaudry ◽

Carinne C. Granchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ◽

Navigation System ◽

Surgical Navigation ◽

External Rotation ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Popliteus Tendon ◽

Knee Stability ◽

Stability Examination ◽

Motion Paths

Background Clinical examination remains empirical and may be confusing in the setting of rotatory knee instabilities. Computerized navigation systems provide the ability to visualize and quantify coupled knee motions during knee stability examination. Hypothesis An image-free navigation system can reliably register and collect multiplanar knee kinematics during knee stability examination. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Coupled knee motions were determined by a robotic/UFS testing system and by an image-free navigation system in 6 cadaveric knees that were subjected to (1) isolated varus stress and (2) combined varus and external rotation force at 0°, 30°, and 60°. This protocol was performed in intact knees and after complete sectioning of the posterolateral corner (lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament). The correlation between data from the surgical navigation system and the robotic positional sensor was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The 3-dimensional motion paths of the intact and sectioned knees were assessed qualitatively using the navigation display system. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients between the robotic sensor and the navigation system for varus and external rotation at 0°, 30°, and 60° were all statistically significant at P < .01. The overall intraclass correlation coefficient for all tests was 0.9976 (P < .0001). Real-time visualization of the coupled motions was possible with the navigation system. Post hoc analysis of the knee motion paths during loading distinguished distinct rotatory patterns. Conclusion Surgical navigation is a precise intraoperative tool to quantify knee stability examination and may help delineate pathologic multiplanar or coupled knee motions, particularly in the setting of complex rotatory instability patterns. Repeatability of load application during clinical stability testing remains problematic. Clinical Relevance Surgical navigation may refine the diagnostic evaluation of knee instability.

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