Arthroscopy assisted anatomical posterolateral corner reconstruction technique

Abstract

Objectiye To introduce the surgical technique of arthroscopy assisted anatomical posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction,including popliteal ligament,popliteofibular ligament and lateral collateral ligament,and evaluate the results of this technique.Methods From August 2008 to April 2010,34arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and PLC reconstruction surgeries were performed.The average age of the patients was 34.1 (15-52) years.There were 32 males and 2 females.The average time period from injury to surgery was 10.7 months.All patients were chronic injuries and combined ligament injuries,including PCL and PLC injuries.Some cases had other ligament injury,including 6 patients of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (17.6%),2 of ACL combined medial cruciate ligament (MCL) injuries (5.9%),and 5 of MCL injuries (14.7%).According to Fanellis classification,for type A posterolateral rotation instability,we performed arthroscopic popliteal ligament reconstruction or popliteal ligament combined popliteofibular ligament reconstruction.For type C posterolateral instability,we performed arthroscopic PLC anatomical reconstruction.Results During the follow-up period,14 patients had undergone a second look arthroscopic examination and removal of hardware.The average follow-up time was 18.5 months (13-25 months).At the final follow-up,physical examination,stability evaluation with KT-1000 and Telos stress view,and dial test were performed.The posterior displacement of the knee had decreased from 15.56 mm preoperatively to 5.16mm postoperatively.The external rotation instability had decreased from 14.92° preoperatively to -0.22°postoperatively.The average limitation of knee flexion was 4.23° and no knee extension was limited.Conclusion With the surgical technique of arthroscopy assisted anatomical PLC reconstruction,we can restore the external rotation stability of knee.This technique can be performed combine with PCL reconstruction. Key words: Arthroscopy; Knee injuries; Ligaments; Treatment outcome