Reconstruction of the ligamentous-tendinous complex of the knee joint, ensuring its varus stability

Abstract

А new technique for anatomical reconstruction of the ligamenttendon complex of the knee joint, which restores its varus stability, in patients with multiligament injury is substantiated. The technical feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of the proposed technique were evaluated in an anatomical experiment. The study was performed on eight lower extremities of four unfixed corpses. After simulating the varus instability of the knee joint, the plasty of the ligamenttendon complex providing the varus stability of the knee joint was performed according to the proposed technique. The essence of the proposed technique is the simultaneous restoration of the peroneal collateral ligament, popliteal tendon, and poplitealperoneal ligament using a single autograft of a semitendinosus muscle. After simulating the surgical procedure on anatomical specimens, the varus stability of the knee joint was evaluated based on the results of functional radiography. The safety of the experimental procedure was evaluated based on the results of the applied morphometric study of the distance from the reconstructed elements of the posterolateral corner of the knee joint to the popliteal artery and the common peroneal nerve in the 90-degree flexion position in the knee joint. Accordingly, the formed bone tunnels for a single autograft were located at a safe distance from the elements of the neurovascular bundle of the popliteal fossa. The technical possibility of reconstruction of the collateral peroneal ligament, popliteal tendon, and poplitealperoneal ligament according to the proposed technique. After simulating the reconstruction of elements of the posterolateral corner of the knee joint, varus stability was objectified by a series of functional X-ray studies of the anatomical specimens. The results indicate the technical feasibility, effectiveness, and relative safety of the proposed method of reconstruction of the ligamenttendon complex of the posterolateral corner of the knee joint providing the varus stability of the knee joint in patients with multiligament injury.