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