Superficial and Deep Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction for Chronic Medial Instability of the Knee

Abstract

There are several surgical techniques for medial collateral ligament reconstruction, including anatomic or nonanatomic medial knee reconstruction. Although the medial collateral ligament consists of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL), surgical procedures have only been described for reconstruction of the sMCL alone or reconstruction of the sMCL and posterior oblique ligament. The dMCL assists the knee in rotational stability, primarily in extension, moving into early flexion. We describe sMCL and dMCL reconstruction with semitendinosus and gracilis autografts using adjustable-length loop suspensory fixation devices for tibial fixation. By use of our technique, it is possible to provide good stability and satisfactory results for medial instability of the knee.