Fibular Collateral Ligament Injuries Research Articles

Concomitant Anatomic PCL and FCL Reconstructions With Partial Lateral Meniscectomy

Background: Fibular collateral ligament (FCL) injuries commonly present in a multiligament knee injury pattern. These injuries are associated with significant instability leading to altered tibiofemoral biomechanics and therefore require surgical intervention. Similarly, grade 3 posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries may disrupt normal tibiofemoral and patellofemoral biomechanics and increase the risk of secondary osteoarthritis. Therefore, concomitant reconstruction of the FCL and PCL should be performed to decrease knee laxity and optimize functional outcomes. Indications: Early operative treatment is indicated for patients with combined grade 3 FCL injuries and complete PCL tears. Contraindications to this procedure include patients who have significant osteoarthritis, open knee dislocations, or medical comorbidities making them unfit for surgery. Technique Description: The fundamental idea behind this technique is a stepwise treatment starting with open aspects of the procedure and followed by arthroscopic work. The technique is initiated with a lateral approach, common peroneal neurolysis, fibular and femoral FCL reconstruction tunnel preparation, and a gracilis or semitendinosus tendon autograft harvest. After that, focus shifts to intra-articular work such as associated meniscal assessment and treatment, PCL femoral and tibial tunnel preparation, graft passage, and PCL femoral tunnel fixation. Final graft fixation order is as follows: anterolateral bundle of PCL, posteromedial bundle of PCL, and finally FCL. Results: Multiple studies have reported that an anatomic FCL reconstruction in the setting of multiligament injury results in improved patient outcomes. In a prospective study of 20 patients, LaPrade et al reported −0.4 mm difference in side-to-side lateral compartment gapping and significant postoperative improvement of symptom and functional scores at a minimum 2 year postoperative follow-up after anatomic reconstruction of the FCL. Similarly, Moulton et al reported significant improvement in the average Western Ontario and Lysholm scores at 2.7 years follow-up. LaPrade et al also reported significant improvement in function and objective outcome scores at 3 years’ follow-up from anatomic double-bundle PCL reconstruction. Discussion: Anatomic FCL and PCL reconstructions successfully restore near native knee objective stability and provide superior clinical outcomes when compared to nonanatomic-based FCL reconstructions that continue to be performed. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Anatomic Fibular Collateral Ligament and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Concomitant Biceps Femoris Avulsion Repair

Background: Injuries to the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) seldom occur in isolation and may present with a concomitant injury to the biceps femoris tendon and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Injuries to structures of the posterolateral corner (PLC) lead to varus and rotational instability of the knee, subjecting the cruciate ligaments to increased forces that may result in graft failure. Therefore, reconstruction of these structures should be performed concurrently with the ACL. Indications: Grade III FCL injuries heal poorly without operative treatment and often result in residual varus instability of the knee that increases medial knee compartment forces, and forces on both the native ACL and the graft status post ACL reconstruction. Therefore, preservation of biomechanical stability and long-term health of the knee are reliant on addressing injuries to the PLC surgically. Technique Description: A key concept of this surgical technique is a meticulous peroneal nerve neurolysis in the setting of altered biceps femoris anatomy, and the proper order of the surgical steps for tunnel creation, graft passage, and fixation and suture anchor insertion to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The described technique involves a lateral surgical approach, peroneal neurolysis, and preparation of fibular and femoral FCL tunnels, followed by a Bone-patellar tendon-bone graft (BTB) graft harvest. Attention is then turned to intra-articular work including the diagnostic arthroscopy, femoral and tibial tunnel preparation, passage of the ACL graft, and fixation of the grafts in femoral tunnels. Last, fixation is achieved in the following order: FCL graft on fibula, ACL graft on tibia, and biceps femoris tendon to fibular head. Results: Compared with the preoperative state, Moulton et al reported significant improvements in the average Lysholm and Western Ontario scores at 2.7 years postoperatively following anatomic FCL reconstrution. Furthermore, Thompson et al reported on primary suture anchor repair of distal biceps femoris in 22 elite athletes and reported that all patients had returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity at 2-year follow-up. Discussion: Anatomic reconstructions of the FCL and ACL, such as the one described in our technique, effectively restore near native knee biomechanics and offer superior clinical outcomes compared with nonanatomic-based FCL reconstructions. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Increased signal of the fibular collateral ligament of the knee on MRI, clinically significant?

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of signal hyperintensity in the proximal fibular collateral ligament (FCL) on coronal proton density (PD) fat-saturated (FS) MRI of the knee, a common finding. This study is unique in that it characterizes the FCL of a comprehensive, large cohort of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, which to our knowledge represents the first study with such broad inclusion criteria. MethodsA large case series was performed analyzing MRI of the knee of 250 patients from July 2021 through September 2021 and retrospectively reviewed. All studies were performed on 3-Tesla MRI scanners with a dedicated knee coil and in accordance with standard institutional knee MRI protocol. Signal in the proximal fibular collateral ligament was assessed on coronal PDFS and axial T2-weighted FS images. Increased signal was classified as none, mild, moderate, or severe. A corresponding chart review of clinic notes was performed to determine the presence or absence of lateral knee pain. An FCL sprain or injury was considered present if the medical record described tenderness on palpation of the lateral knee, positive finding against resistance to the leg (varus stress test) or reverse pivot shift, or any clinical suspicion for lateral complex sprain or posterolateral corner injury. ResultsThe majority (74%) of knee MRIs demonstrated the presence of increased signal in the proximal fibular collateral ligament on coronal PD FS images. <5% of these patients had associated clinical findings of fibular collateral ligament and/or lateral supporting structure injury. DiscussionAlthough increased signal in the proximal FCL of the knee is a common finding on coronal PDFS images, the majority are not associated with clinical symptoms. Thus, this increased signal is likely not a pathological finding in the absence of clinical findings of fibular collateral ligament sprain/injury. Our study emphasizes the importance of clinical correlation in identifying increased signal in the proximal FCL as pathologic.

Use of Biologics for Knee Collateral Ligament Injuries. Can We Heal Them Faster?

There is a relative paucity in the orthopaedic literature regarding the use of biologics for collateral ligament injuries. A majority of the existing literature on this topic is preclinical, and only considers the use of biologics in medial collateral ligament injury, with only 2 clinical case reports (level V evidence) that describe the use of platelet rich plasma in human medial collateral ligament injuries. Further, at this time there are no studies, clinical or preclinical, that examine the effects of biologics on fibular collateral ligament injuries. Considering this relative paucity, further research is needed to investigate the utility of biologic agents with respect to collateral ligament injuries. Promising science should not be blindly implemented without clinical trials demonstrating successful, reproducible outcomes.

Improved diagnostic accuracy of combined anterior cruciate ligament/fibular collateral ligament injuries utilizing a simple physical exam measure

Diagnosing injuries to the posterolateral corner are often challenging for the clinician, especially in the acute setting (1). Physical examination and imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has led to improved diagnostic strategies and treatments for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, in the event of concomitant ACL and fibular collateral ligament (FCL) injuries, FCL injuries may be missed or go undiagnosed due to lack of diagnostic sensitivity with MRI and potential for patient guarding during the clinical exam. This is particularly important in combined ACL and FCL injured patients, because unaddressed FCL tears have been shown to increase force on the ACL reconstruction graft (2). Therefore, identifying common injury patterns that may help increase the diagnostic accuracy of such combined injuries is warranted.

Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients

Fibular collateral ligament (FCL) injuries can present as lateral-sided knee pain with feelings of side-to-side instability during activity. Patients with FCL injuries can have accompanying symptoms related to irritation of the common peroneal nerve. Preoperative diagnosis is imperative and should include a thorough physical examination complemented with varus stress radiographs before surgical reconstruction is indicated. In the adolescent cohort, surgical planning can be complicated by the presence of open physes, and caution must be taken to avoid drilling through or placing screw fixation across the physes. Potential complications include growth arrest and limb length discrepancy. Therefore, the purpose of this Technical Note is to describe an anatomic FCL reconstruction technique in the skeletally immature adolescent patient.

Accuracy of MRI and Varus Stress Radiographs in Diagnosing Fibular Collateral Ligament Injuries

Objectives:To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and varus stress radiographs for FCL tears, and compare these modalities to intraoperative findings.Methods:All patients who underwent an isolated FCL or combined ACL/FCL reconstruction by a single surgeon between 2010 and 2017 with preoperative varus stress radiographs and MRI were included in this study. A control group was comprised of patients with an MRI and intact ACL and FCL. Sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing FCL injuries on MRI were determined based on review by a fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist. The sensitivity of diagnosing an FCL injury based on varus stress radiographs was also determined. Furthermore, the ability of both imaging modalities to identify an FCL injury was stratified based on acute versus chronic etiology.Results:A total of 232 patients were included: 98 patients in the FCL tear group and 134 patients in the control group. Varus stress radiographs were determined to be more sensitive in diagnosing FCL injuries compared to MRI, with an overall sensitivity of 70% compared to 66%. Based on chronicity of the injuries, MRI was more accurate for detecting acute FCL injuries than chronic injuries (p=0.002), and varus stress radiographs were more accurate for detecting chronic FCL injuries than acute injuries (p=0.041).Conclusion:To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to directly compare the diagnostic accuracy of FCL tear detection utilizing MRI and varus stress radiographs in the same patient cohort. While varus stress radiographs appear to have a higher accuracy overall, the results from our study support the use of both varus stress radiographs and MRI in diagnosing FCL injuries, as MRI is more sensitive in diagnosing an acute FCL tear, and varus stress radiographs are more sensitive in diagnosing a chronic FCL tear.

Fibular Collateral Ligament: Varus Stress Radiographic Analysis Using 3 Different Clinical Techniques.

Background:Fibular collateral ligament (FCL) tears are challenging to diagnose. Left untreated, FCL tears lead to residual ligament instability and increased joint loading on the medial compartment of the knee. Additionally, when a concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is performed, increased forces on reconstruction grafts occur, which may lead to premature graft failure. Stress radiographs constitute a reliable and validated technique for the objective assessment of a complete grade III FCL tear.Purpose:To evaluate side-to-side difference (SSD) values of lateral compartment gapping on varus stress radiographs in patients with a grade III injury to the FCL. Additionally, to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of 3 different measurement techniques that used various radiographic reference points.Study Design:Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Inclusion criteria were patients who sustained an FCL with or without a concomitant ACL injury and underwent a combined FCL + ACL reconstruction between 2010 and 2016. Patients were excluded if they had a complete posterolateral corner injury, open physes, intra-articular fracture, meniscal root tear, other ligament injury, or prior surgery on either knee. All FCL tears were diagnosed with a clinical varus stress examination at 0° and 20° of knee flexion and varus stress radiographs at 20° of knee flexion measured in 3 different locations. The SSD for lateral compartment gapping was obtained from the varus stress radiographs and then statistically compared for interrater and intrarater reliability.Results:A total of 98 consecutive patients (50 males, 48 females; 13 isolated FCL injuries, 85 combined ACL + FCL injuries) with mean age 33.6 years (range, 18-69 years) were included. Measurement techniques 1, 2, and 3 had mean ± SD lateral compartment SSDs of 2.4 ± 0.20 mm, 2.2 ± 0.20 mm, and 2.0 ± 0.03 mm, respectively (no significant differences). Interrater reliabilities for the 3 measuring techniques were 0.83, 0.86, and 0.91, respectively, while intrarater reliabilities were 0.99, 0.77, and 0.99, respectively.Conclusion:This study demonstrated a lower SSD value of 2.2 mm to be consistent with a grade III FCL tear on clinician-applied varus stress radiographs in the clinical setting. Although all SSD measurement locations had excellent reliability, the method using the midpoint of the lateral tibial plateau was found to be the most reproducible.

The Heel Height Test: A Novel Tool for the Detection of Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Fibular Collateral Ligament Tears

To determine the exact value of side-to-side difference (SSD) in heel height that was associated with combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and fibular collateral ligament (FCL) tears (compared with an isolated ACL tear) and determine the clinical utility of heel height SSD in the assessment of this injury pattern. Two patient groups were identified: (1) patients with isolated ACL tears and (2) patients with combined ACL-FCL tears but without additional collateral or cruciate ligament injuries. Determination of the amount of the heel height SSD was determined during the outpatient clinic visit. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic tests by plotting the true-positive (sensitivity) rate against the false-positive (1-specificity) rate at various thresholds. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports were reviewed to calculate the sensitivity of MRI for the detection of FCL injury. MRI sensitivity was then compared with the sensitivity of the heel height examination. One hundred and fifty-eight patients (71 men, 87 women) in the isolated ACL tear patient group and 117 patients (60 men, 57 women) in the combined ACL-FCL tear patient group were reviewed. A 3-cm or greater SSD was found in 13 of the 158 (8.2%) isolated ACL tear patients and 84 of the 117 (72%) ACL-FCL tear patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the heel height test were 72%, 92%, 86%, and 86%, respectively. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was found to be 0.876. After review of all preoperative MRI musculoskeletal radiology reports for patients in the ACL-FCL patient group, a sensitivity of 48% was found. The clinical heel height test resulted in high sensitivity and excellent specificity for the diagnosis of combined ACL-FCL tears compared with the sensitivity and specificity of the MRI detection of FCL injury. The information presented in the current study will improve diagnostic ability through a simple physical examination and avoid missed injuries that are known to compromise surgical outcomes. Level III, cross-sectional.

Anatomic Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Fibular collateral ligament (FCL) injuries can lead to varus instability of the knee, causing a varus thrust gait and resulting in increased forces on the medial compartment of the knee. In the long term, this can result in meniscal injuries and medial compartment osteoarthritis. Varus instability is also reported to increase forces on the cruciate ligaments, which can lead to overload and failure of these reconstructions in cases of nonrecognized combined injuries. Historically, both repair and reconstruction have been used for grade III injuries to the FCL. However, repair has been reported to lead to a higher reoperation rate. The hereby presented reconstruction technique is used for FCL injuries that do not involve other structures of the posterolateral corner, but can be used in combination with other knee ligament reconstructions including the posterior cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, and medial collateral ligament. The purpose of this surgical technique article was to describe the biomechanically validated anatomic reconstruction of the FCL using a semitendinosus graft.

Anatomic Reconstruction of the Proximal Tibiofibular Joint

Proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) instability can be easily missed or confused for other, more common lateral knee pathologies such as meniscal tears, fibular collateral ligament injury, biceps femoris pathology, or iliotibial band syndrome. Because of this confusion, some authors believe that PTFJ instability is more common than initially appreciated. Patients with PTFJ subluxation may have no history of inciting trauma or injury, and it is not uncommon for these patients to have bilateral symptoms and generalized ligamentous laxity. Currently, the optimal surgical treatment for patients with chronic PTFJ instability is unknown. Historically, a variety of surgical treatments have been reported. Initially, joint arthrodesis and fibular head resection were recommended. More recently, temporary screw fixation, nonanatomic reconstruction with strips of the biceps femoris tendon or iliotibial band, and reconstruction with free hamstring autograft have been described. The purpose of this report is to present our surgical technique for treatment of chronic PTFJ instability using an anatomic reconstruction of the posterior ligamentous structures of the PTFJ with a semitendinosus autograft.

Isolated fibular collateral ligament injuries in athletes.

Isolated injuries to the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) are rare. Although recent data suggest that operative and nonoperative treatment can both result in good functional outcomes, limited data exist on return to play for nonoperative treatment of FCL injuries and the value of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting prognosis. In this article, we present a review of the current literature and present a focused review regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of FCL injuries, as well as the senior authors experience and a cohort of National Football League players. Magnetic resonance imaging can be useful to predict the length of disability in isolated FCL injuries, and both operative and nonoperative management of isolated FCL injuries successfully resulted in return to play in all players in several series of elite athletes; however, nonoperative management may result in faster return to play. Evaluation of potential concomitant injury is imperative in treatment of FCL injuries.

Morphometry of the fibular collateral ligament: anatomic study with comprehensive review of the literature.

There is no consensus in the literature related to the morphology, bony attachments, and variations of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) of the knee. Our purpose was to investigate FCL morphology and to review reports in the literature regarding this structure. Seventy knees from formalin-fixed, adult cadavers were dissected and a digital caliper was used to measure FCL length, width, distance from proximal attachment to articular surface (PA→AS), and distance from distal attachment to articular surface (DA→AS). The mean (SE) length and width of all FCLs was 48.3 (1.1) mm and 4 (0.16) mm, respectively. The mean (SE) PA→AS and DA→AS of all FCLs was 22 (0.8) mm and 24.8 (1) mm, respectively. We found a direct relationship between the PA→AS and DA→AS distances (Spearman rho = 0.527, P = 0.002) and this association was independent of age and sex. Two FCL variations were found: a bifurcate ligament with two distal bands and a trifurcate ligament with three distal bands, all of which attached to the fibular head. Our literature review revealed that only 2/10 cadaveric FCL morphology studies reported variations similar to the current study. Further, there was variability in the reported location of the FCL proximal attachment. When combining our data with these studies, 105/219 FCLs directly attached to the apex of the lateral epicondyle (LE), 10/219 to a fovea posterior to the LE, and 104/219 posterior and proximal to the LE. These data may have implications related to FCL injury and repair.

Anatomic, Arthroscopically Assisted, Mini-Open Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Background: The fibular collateral ligament (FCL) is the primary restraint to varus rotation of the knee joint. Arthroscopic techniques are widely used and minimally invasive, but anatomic arthroscopic reconstruction of an isolated FCL injury has not been reported. Hypothesis: Anatomic reconstruction of an isolated FCL injury can be performed arthroscopically and will restore the knee to near-normal stability. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 12 nonpaired, fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were biomechanically subjected to a 10-N·m varus moment and 5-N·m external and internal rotation torques at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of knee flexion, respectively (0° only for varus loading). Testing was performed with an intact and sectioned FCL and also after an anatomic reconstruction of the FCL by arthroscopic technique. Kinematics of each knee under various loading conditions was determined with a robotic universal force/moment sensor testing system. Results: After sectioning, significant increases were found in varus rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of knee flexion; in external rotation at 15°, 30°, and 60° of knee flexion; and in internal rotation at 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. After reconstruction, full recovery of knee stability was observed in varus rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 60°; in external rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°; and in internal rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°. When the sectioned and intact FCL knee conditions were compared, significant increases of 3.4° at 90° of flexion and 3.4° at 120° of flexion were found (P < .001, both conditions); when the reconstructed and sectioned FCL knee conditions were compared, significant decreases of 1.7° at 90° of flexion and 1.7° at 120° of knee flexion were found (P = .033 and .043, respectively). Conclusion: An anatomic reconstruction of the FCL can be performed by an arthroscopically assisted mini-open technique with an isolated FCL injury, and near-normal stability of the knee can be restored. Clinical Relevance: Anatomic reconstruction of the FCL by an arthroscopically assisted mini-open technique is a viable, less invasive option to treat nonrepairable isolated FCL injury.

Avoiding tunnel collisions between fibular collateral ligament and ACL posterolateral bundle reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of tunnel collisions of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) and posterolateral bundle anterior cruciate ligament (PLB-ACL) tunnels during a combined FCL and double-dundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Thirty-six 4th-generation synthetic femurs (Sawbones, Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA) were utilized, and two different femur sizes were used. A FCL tunnel and a PLB-ACL tunnel were reamed on each femur. The tunnels of synthetic specimens that did not have a collision were filled with an epoxy resin augmented with BaSO(4) and radiographic evaluation, and Multidetector CT exams of the specimens were performed. The rate of tunnel collision when the FCL tunnel was reamed to a depth of 30mm was 75 and 69.4% for the 25mm depth. There was a significantly increased risk of tunnel collision when the FCL tunnel was reamed proximally with coronal angulations of 20° and 40°. No collisions were noted when the FCL tunnel was reamed parallel to the distal condylar line and with axial angulations of 20° and 40°. This study provides new insight into tunnel positioning during a combined FCL and DB-ACL reconstruction. The results show that a concomitant FCL injury do not represent a contraindication to perform a DB-ACL reconstruction as long as the FCL tunnel is reamed with no proximal angulation and is directed anteriorly with an axial angulation between 20° and 40°.

The Reproducibility and Repeatability of Varus Stress Radiographs in the Assessment of Isolated Fibular Collateral Ligament and Grade-III Posterolateral Knee Injuries

Objective measures to quantitate the amount of lateral compartment opening for patients with lateral and posterolateral knee injuries have not been well documented. The purpose of the present study was to measure lateral compartment opening secondary to applied varus stresses following posterolateral corner structure sectioning and to develop radiographic guidelines to quantify the amount of lateral compartment gapping seen with these injuries.Ten nonpaired fresh-frozen cadaver lower extremities were used. Two varus loads, a 12-Nm moment and a clinician-applied varus stress, were applied to the intact knees and after sequential sectioning of the fibular collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, popliteofibular ligament, and anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments to simulate degrees of posterolateral knee and associated combined cruciate ligament injuries. The shortest distance between the most distal subchondral bone surface of the lateral femoral condyle and the corresponding lateral tibial plateau was measured to quantify lateral compartment opening and was analyzed on digital radiographs. Three observers were used to determine interobserver reproducibility and intraobserver repeatability.In the intact knee, the mean lateral compartment gapping due to a 12-Nm moment and a clinician-applied varus stress was 8.9 and 9.7 mm, respectively. Lateral gapping significantly increased by 2.1 and 2.7 mm in association with sectioning of the fibular collateral ligament and by 3.4 and 4.0 mm in knees with a simulated posterolateral corner injury for each respective load-application technique (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Intraobserver repeatability was high, with all observers independently obtaining an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99, whereas the analysis of interobserver reproducibility demonstrated an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.97.Measurements with use of current clinical digital imaging systems can be used to quantify the amount of lateral compartment knee opening. Clinicians should suspect an isolated fibular collateral ligament injury if opening on clinician-applied varus stress radiographs increases by approximately 2.7 mm and a grade-III posterolateral corner injury if values increase by approximately 4.0 mm.Varus stress radiographs appear to provide an objective and reproducible measure of lateral compartment gapping that should prove useful for the diagnosis, management, and postoperative follow-up of patients with fibular collateral ligament and posterolateral knee injuries.

Biomechanical Analysis of an Isolated Fibular (Lateral) Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using an Autogenous Semitendinosus Graft

Background The fibular collateral ligament is the primary stabilizer to varus instability of the knee. Untreated fibular collateral ligament injuries can lead to residual knee instability and can increase the risk of concurrent cruciate ligament reconstruction graft failures. Anatomic reconstructions of the fibular collateral ligament have not been biomechanically validated. Purpose To describe an anatomic fibular collateral ligament reconstruction using an autogenous semitendinosus graft and to test the hypothesis that using this reconstruction technique to treat an isolated fibular collateral ligament injury will restore the knee to near normal stability. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Ten nonpaired, fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were biomechanically subjected to a 10 N·m varus moment and 5 N·m external and internal rotation torques at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. Testing was performed with an intact and sectioned fibular collateral ligament, and also after an anatomic reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament with an autogenous semitendinosus graft. Motion changes were assessed with a 6 degree of freedom electromagnetic motion analysis system. Results After sectioning, we found significant increases in varus rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, external rotation at 60° and 90°, and internal rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. After reconstruction, there were significant decreases in motion in varus rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, external rotation at 60° and 90°, and internal rotation at 0°, 15°, and 30° of knee flexion. In addition, we observed a full recovery of knee stability in varus rotation at 0°, 60°, and 90°, external rotation at 60° and 90°, and internal rotation at 0° and 30° of knee flexion. Conclusion An anatomic fibular collateral ligament reconstruction restores varus, external, and internal rotation to near normal stability in a knee with an isolated fibular collateral ligament injury. Clinical Significance An anatomic reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament with an autogenous semitendinosus graft is a viable option to treat nonrepairable acute or chronic fibular collateral ligament tears in patients with varus instability.

Relationship between bone contusion and ACL injury of knee joint

目的 探讨膝关节骨挫伤与前交叉韧带损伤的相关性.方法经两名高年资MR诊断医师与一位MR专家对12例X线检查阴性、MR检查骨挫伤并前交叉韧带损伤的MRI资料进行回顾性分析.结果 12例病例中前交叉韧带断裂的4例,挫伤8例,合并有后交叉韧带损伤3例,内侧副韧带损伤3例,外侧副韧带损伤的3例,内侧半月板损伤的1例,外侧半月板损伤的1例,出现膝关节股骨与胫骨内侧对吻性骨挫伤3例,外前侧对吻性骨挫伤3例,胫腓骨上段对吻性骨挫伤3例.所有病例中:股骨内髁前部骨挫伤5例,后部骨挫伤3例,股骨外髁前部4例,后部骨挫伤2例,胫骨平台内侧前部8例,后部4例,胫骨平台外侧前部7例,后部3例,腓骨2例,共计挫伤数目为38个.结论 对吻性骨挫伤和交通伤致胫、股骨前部骨挫伤高度提示前交叉韧带损伤。