Comparing the Stiffness of Peroneus Longus Tendon Versus Hamstrings in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Study

Background: The use of autografts originating from either hamstring tendons or peroneus longus tendons is a surgical option in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Objectives: This research aimed to compare the tensile strength between the hamstring tendon and the peroneus longus tendon in ACL reconstruction. The hypothesis of this study was: Peroneus longus grafts have tensile strength equal to hamstring grafts based on living donor patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was a biomechanical study examining means and standard deviations (SD) by comparing the tensile strength of peroneus longus tendons and hamstring tendons when used as autograft donors in ACL reconstruction. Results: In this study, 51 patients with reconstructive ACL were enrolled. The mean diameter of the hamstring tendon was 7.86 with SD ± 0.69, while the mean diameter of peroneus longus tendon was 7.67 with SD ± 0.63. The mean diameter of the peroneus longus graft was not significantly different. The mean displacement on the hamstring tendon was 2.44 with SD ± 0.42, while the peroneus longus tendon was 2.06 with SD ± 0.14. The peroneus longus tendon had significantly more tensile strength compared to the hamstring tendon. Conclusions: Diameter of the peroneus longus graft was not significantly different from the hamstring graft. However, the peroneus longus graft had more tensile strength than the hamstring graft based on living donor patients.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SINGLE BUNDLE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION USING THE PERONEUS LONGUS TENDON AUTOGRAFT VERSUS HAMSTRING TENDON AUTOGRAFT

Introduction: Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be performed using autograft from various sources namely bone patellar tendon bone graft, hamstring graft, or peroneus longus tendon. Purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome and donor site morbidity of ACL reconstruction with peroneus longus tendon versus hamstring tendon autograft in patients with an isolated ACL injury. Methods: Patients who undervent isolated single bundle ACL reconstruction were allocated in peroneus and hamstring groups and observed prospectively. Functional score (IKDC, & Modified Cincinnati score) was recorded preoperatively and 1 year post-operatively. Graft diameter was measured intra-operatively. Donor site morbidity were assessed with thigh circumference measurments and ankle scoring by MRC grading and FADI Score. Results: 56 patients (28-Hamstring and 28-peroneus group) met the inclusion criteria. The average Peroneus longus graft diameter (8.8±0.8) was significantly larger than the Hamstring graft diameter (8.1±0.9). In terms of 1-year postoperative outcomes statistically there is very little comparable difference between both these grafts when used for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Conclusion: Our study brings forth the superior efficacy and quality of double stranded peroneus longus tendon autograft in term of good functional score (IKDC, & Modified Cincinnati score), larger graft diameter, less thigh hypotrophy, and excellent ankle function based on FADI Score. Prospective cohort study, level II. Abbreviations: ACL- Anterior cruciate ligament BPTB- Bone-patellar tendon-bone IKDC – International knee documentation committee FADI- Foot and ankle disability index.

Functional Outcome of Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Reconstruction Using Peroneus Longus Tendon Graft According to AOFAS and IKDC Score: A Case Series

Introduction: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial ligament structure of the knee that plays a significant role in knee joint stability and competitive sports performance. In order to reestablish knee stability, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in the presence of rupture has been recognized as the most common surgical management procedure. Case: This study reported six cases of chronic ACL rupture reconstruction using peroneus longus tendon graft. All patients underwent an arthroscopic ACL repair procedure in Sanglah Hospital Bali. In terms of functional outcome, all patients were assessed using the scoring of AOFAS for the ankle and IKDC for the knee. Result: The functional outcomes of the IKDC and AOFAS score were good from all six patients who already underwent ACL reconstruction using peroneus longus graft with a minimum follow-up of one year. Discussion: Chronic ACL ruptures were successfully treated using the peroneus longus tendon graft. Intraoperatively, there were no significant problems from the harvested peroneus longus tendon graft and ACL reconstruction with the graft. All patients showed no complications, including the local infection following the operation. Rehabilitation procedure post-ACL reconstruction was performed at the Rehabilitation Unit in Sanglah General Hospital. Conclusion: Peroneus longus tendon graft is considered a suitable choice of graft for ACL reconstruction. It presented satisfactory results, effectiveness, and safety based on the AOFAS and IKDC scores.

Higher Rate of Patellofemoral Problems After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using Hamstring Autograft

Background: Patellofemoral problems are not uncommon among post-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction patients. Hamstring autograft harvesting-related factor is one of the suspected causes. A lack of tibiofemoral internal rotation force due to strength deficit causes the patella tends to shift laterally. Purposes: Peroneus longus tendon has been proposed as an alternative graft source due to its adequate tensile strength and minimal donor site morbidity to the knee biomechanics, including the patellofemoral joint. This tendon does not cross the knee joint and thus does not affect patellofemoral alignment and biomechanics. This study aims to compare patellofemoral problems between hamstring and peroneus longus autograft harvested-patients following ACL reconstruction. Material and methods: Thirty-one subjects who underwent primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction between September 2018 and September 2019 and met the inclusion criteria were grouped into the hamstring group (n=16) and peroneus longus group (n=15). Both groups were evaluated retrospectively. The follow-up assessment was conducted on the phase II rehabilitation program. The assessed variables were pain, crepitus, and the Indonesian-validated Kujala score. Results: No significant differences in pain and crepitus were found between both groups. There were significant differences in the Kujala score between both groups (P < .001). The peroneus longus group reported an averagely higher score than the hamstring group. Conclusion: Single bundle ACL reconstruction using peroneus longus tendon autograft produces less patellofemoral symptoms and functional limitation than using hamstring tendon autograft.

Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft: A Promising Graft for ACL Reconstruction

Background: With the increasing use of hamstring tendon as an autograft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, some shortcomings have been found on the donor site. Therefore, an alternative autograft option with adequate strength and less donor site morbidity will be very valuable. Peroneus longus tendon has been found to be a promising option. Indication: Primary ACL reconstruction. Technique Description: Peroneus longus tendon graft is harvested with a longitudinal skin incision at 2 to 3 cm (2 finger-breadths) above and 1 cm (1 finger-breadth) behind the lateral malleolus, followed by superficial fascia incision in line with skin incision. The peroneus longus and peroneus brevis tendons were then identified. The tendon division location was marked at 2 to 3 cm above the level of the lateral malleolus. After that, an end-to-side suture was performed between the distal part of the peroneus longus tendon and peroneus brevis tendon. The peroneus longus tendon was stripped proximally with a tendon stripper to at least 5 cm from the fibular head to prevent peroneal nerve injury. Graft preparation was performed with a standard procedure to obtain the suitable graft size. In routine arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, peroneus longus tendon graft fixation can be performed with a cortical suspension device, bioabsorbable screws, or a combined technique. Results: Recent studies showed that peroneus longus autograft had a comparable outcome with hamstring tendon autograft in primary ACL reconstruction at a 1-year follow-up. The use of peroneus longus tendon autograft resulted in larger graft diameter and less thigh hypotrophy. The mean (±SD) for the AOFAS-Hindfoot Score in the peroneus longus group was 97.3 ± 4.2, while the mean FADI score was 98 ± 3.4, both of which were considered excellent results. Discussion/Conclusion: The use of peroneus longus autograft in primary ACL reconstruction is a safe procedure with an excellent outcome. Peroneus longus tendon autograft can be recommended as an alternative graft in single-bundle ACL reconstruction. Further study of the functional outcome and knee stability evaluation is recommended.

Anterior Half of the Peroneus Longus Tendon Combined with Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendons for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Athlete Case Report

In clinical practice, it is observed that the hamstring tendon graft, despite being first choice in knee ligament reconstruction, may not present adequate size. Therefore, it becomes necessary to search for other graft alternatives. In this context, the peroneus longus tendon arises as an option to replace or complement other grafts. The surgeon can opt to use the tendon in its totality or only its anterior half, presenting adequate length, diameter, and biomechanics, without major repercussions for the donor site. In this study, we report a case of an athlete in which the autologous hamstring tendon graft did not present the adequate diameter for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. It was, then, necessary to use the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon.

All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using an Anterior Half of the Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft

Background: The peroneus longus tendon (PLT) has been used as a graft in many orthopaedic surgical procedures because of its comparable biomechanical strength with the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Despite its potential, few studies have been performed to investigate the clinical reliability of ACL reconstruction using a PLT autograft. Purpose: To assess the clinical outcomes and donor-site morbidity of ACL reconstruction using an anterior half of the PLT (AHPLT) autograft in patients with an isolated ACL injury. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between January 2016 and January 2017, a total of 21 patients with an isolated ACL injury underwent all-inside single-bundle ACL reconstruction using an AHPLT autograft. Knee stability was assessed using the Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-2000 arthrometer (side-to-side difference) with 134-N anterior force and at 30° of knee flexion. Knee function was evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score. Donor-site morbidity was assessed using ankle eversion and plantarflexion strength as well as the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scoring system and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index. Results: At a mean final follow-up of 40.1 months (range, 36-48 months), the KT-2000 arthrometer side-to-side difference was significantly lower compared with preoperatively (1.1 ± 0.62 vs 7.0 ± 2.18 mm, respectively; P < .001). The mean preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores were 52.0 ± 8.27, 50.9 ± 8.50, and 1.8 ± 0.87, respectively, increasing significantly to 94.2 ± 2.61, 95.2 ± 2.64, and 6.8 ± 1.50, respectively, at final follow-up ( P < .001 for all). All patients had grade 5 muscle strength in ankle eversion and plantarflexion at the donor site, with mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society and Foot and Ankle Disability Index scores of 96.8 and 97.6, respectively. No complications or reoperations occurred. Conclusion: All-inside ACL reconstruction using an AHPLT autograft produced good functional scores and stability without obvious ankle-site morbidity.