Posterolateral Reconstruction Research Articles

Posterolateral instability of the knee joint

The posterolateral corner of the knee is composed of amultilayered complex of ligamentous, musculotendinous, and capsular structures, which interact in asynergistic stabilizing manner with the central structures, particularly the posterior cruciate ligament. Injuries of the posterolateral corner are generally accompanied by rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament. Depending on the injured structures, injuries of the posterolateral corner result in posterolateral rotational instability alone (FanelliA) or with lateral instability (FanelliB/C). For rotational instability alone, isolated popliteus bypass is an effective procedure; with concomitant lateral instability in flexion, additional stabilization of the lateral collateral ligament is required. Most of the various available techniques are described as open reconstruction procedures. In recent years, arthroscopic techniques for posterolateral reconstruction have also been successfully developed.

Posterolateral Intra-/Extra-articular Tenodesis Technique: A Technique for Lateral Tenodesis of the Knee

Posterolateral tenodesis is necessary for restoring biomechanics in posterolateral instability of the knee. We propose a technique that provides the tenodesis effect to both intra- and extra-articular aspects of the knee. We call it the posterolateral intra-/extra-articular tenodesis technique, which is a technique for posterolateral reconstruction. This minimally invasive technique is particularly helpful in patients with high-grade posterolateral corner injury with the advantage of precise placement of the graft.

EXTRA-ARTICULAR KNEE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTIONS USING LIGAMENT AUGMENTATION AND RECONSTRUCTION SYSTEM (LARS) SYNTHETIC GRAFTS IN ELITE ATHLETES

IntroductionTo determine if elite athletes can return to professional sport after MCL or posterolateral (PLC) reconstruction using LARS ligaments. The secondary aims are to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of LARS by reporting sport longevity, subsequent surgeries, and complications.MethodsA retrospective review of all extra-articular knee ligament reconstructions, utilising a LARS synthetic ligament, by 3 sports knee surgeons between 2013 and 2020 was undertaken. All elite athletes aged over 16 years and a minimum of 2 years post reconstruction were included. No LARS were used for ACL reconstructions, and they were excluded if a LARS ligament was used for a PCL reconstruction. Return to play (RTP) was defined as competing at professional level or national/ international level in amateur sport.ResultsSixty-four (84.2%) MCL reconstructions and 12 (15.8%) PLC reconstructions were included. 52 (68.4%) underwent concomitant autograft cruciate(s) reconstruction including 6 (7.8%) bicruciate reconstructions. The mean age was 25.1 years (SD +/− 4.50). 35 (46.1%) were footballers and 35 (46.1%) were rugby players. Sixty-seven athletes (88.2%) returned to elite sport, 7 (9.2%) did not RTP and RTP status was unknown for 2 (2.6%) (Figure 1). 65 out of 67 (97.0%) RTP at the same/higher Tegner level. 56 (83.6%) and 20 (57.1%) were still playing at 2- and 5-years post-surgery Six (7.9%) players required further surgery due to irritation from the metal fixation implants. One had an inflammation adjacent to the synthetic material at the femoral end and the other cases involved the tibial staples. All six cases were able to RTP. One athlete, following bicruciate /MCL surgery had the LARS removed due to laxity. There was one MCL re-rupture, sustained while jumping, 4 years after returning to football.ConclusionsUtilising LARS in extra-articular knee ligament reconstructions allows 88.2% of athletes with a variety of knee ligament injuries to return to elite sport. The results compare well regarding RTP, complication, and revision rates with the published evidence for other types of MCL and PLC grafts. This, coupled with 57% of athletes still playing 5 years post-surgery suggests the LARS is safe and effective in these cases.For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly.

Is There a Disadvantage to Early Physical Therapy After Multiligament Surgery for Knee Dislocation? A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Multiligament knee injuries, though rare, can be profoundly disabling. Surgeons disagree about when to initiate rehabilitation after surgical reconstruction due to the conflicting priorities of postoperative stability and motion. (1) Does early or late initiation of physical therapy after multiligament knee surgery result in fewer postoperative manipulations? (2) Does early versus late physical therapy compromise stability postoperatively? (3) Does early initiation of physical therapy result in improved patient-reported outcomes, as measured by the Multi-ligament Quality of Life (ML-QOL) score? Between 2011 and 2016, 36 adults undergoing multiligament repair or reconstruction were prospectively enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and randomized 1:1 to either early rehabilitation or late rehabilitation after surgery. Eligibility included those with an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and at least one other ligament, as well as the ability to participate in early rehabilitation. Patients who were obtunded or unable to adhere to the protocols for other reasons were excluded. Early rehabilitation consisted of initiating a standardized physical therapy protocol on postoperative day 1 involving removal of the extension splint for quadriceps activation and ROM exercises. Late rehabilitation consisted of full-time immobilization in an extension splint for 3 weeks. Following this 3-week period, both groups engaged in the same standardized physical therapy protocol. All surgical reconstructions were performed at a single center by one of two fellowship-trained sports orthopaedic surgeons, and all involved allograft Achilles tendon PCL reconstruction. When possible, hamstring autograft was used for ACL and medial collateral ligament reconstructions, whereas lateral collateral ligament and posterolateral reconstruction was performed primarily with allograft. The primary outcome was the number of patients undergoing manipulation during the first 6 months. Additional outcomes added after trial registration were patient-reported quality of life scores (ML-QOL) at 1 year and an objective assessment of laxity through a physical examination and stress radiographs at 1 year. One patient from each group was not assessed for laxity or ROM at 1 year, and one patient from each group did not complete the ML-QOL questionnaires. No patient crossover was observed. With the numbers available, there was no difference in the use of knee manipulation during the first 6 months between the rehabilitation groups: 1 of 18 patients in the early group and 4 of 18 patients in the late group (p = 0.34). Similarly, there were no differences in knee ROM, stability, or patient-reported quality of life (ML-QOL) between the groups at 1 year. With the numbers available in this study, we were unable to demonstrate a difference between early and late knee rehabilitation with regard to knee stiffness, laxity, or patient-reported quality of life outcomes. The results of this small, randomized pilot study suggest a potential role for early rehabilitation after multiligament reconstruction for knee dislocation, which should be further explored in larger multi-institutional studies. Level II, therapeutic study.

The anatomical relationship of the common peroneal nerve to the proximal fibula and its clinical significance when performing fibular-based posterolateral reconstructions.

The common peroneal nerve (CPN) can be injured during fibular-based posterolateral reconstructions due to its close relationship to the neck of the fibula. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to observe the course of the CPN and its branches around the fibular head and neck and quantify the position in relation to relevant bony landmarks and observe the relation between tunnel drilling for posterolateral corner reconstruction and both the tunnel entry and exit at the proximal fibula and the CPN and its branches was observed. In 101 (mean age = 70.6 ± 16years) embalmed cadaver knees, the relationship between bony landmarks (tibial tuberosity, styloid process of fibula (APR)) and the CPN and its branches were established and 8 (M1-M8) distances from these landmarks measured; mean, SD and 95% CI were recorded. In 21 of these knees, a fibula tunnel was drilled as in PLC reconstruction and the association of the CPN and its branches to the tunnel entry and exit were judged by two independent observers. Fisher's exact test of independence was used to determine significant differences between genders. Tunnel intersection was analysed in a binary yes/no fashion and was described in frequencies and percentages. The mean distance from the APR to where the CPN reaches the fibula neck (M1) was 31.4 ± 8.9mm (CI:29.8-33.0); from the apex of the styloid process (APR) to where the CPN passes posterior to the broadest point of the fibular head (M3) was 21.7 ± 12.6mm (CI:19.4-24.0); from the apex of the APR to the most proximal point of the CPN/CPN first branch in the midline of the fibular head (M2) was 37.0 ± 6.7mm (CI: 35.4-37.7). Out of the 21 randomly selected knees for drilling, the first branch of the CPN was damaged at the tunnel entry point in 7 (33%), and in 5 knees (24%), the CPN was damaged at the tunnel exit. In one knee, at both the tunnel entry and exit, the first branch of the CPN and the CPN were intersected, respectively. The results of this study strongly suggest that the CPN is at risk when drilling the fibula tunnel performing fibula-based posterolateral corner reconstructions. The total injury rate was 57% with a 33% incidence of injury to the first branch of the nerve at the tunnel entry and 24% to the CPN at the tunnel exit. Due to the high incidence of injury, percutaneous placement of guide pins and tunnel drilling is not recommended. The nerve should be visualized and protected by either a traditional open approach or minimally invasive techniques. With a minimally invasive approach, the nerve should be identified at the fibula neck and then followed ante- and retrograde.

The Popliteus Bypass provides superior biomechanical properties compared to the Larson technique in the reconstruction of combined posterolateral corner and posterior cruciate ligament injury

This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of the popliteus bypass against the Larson technique for the reconstruction of a combined posterolateral corner and posterior cruciate ligament injury. In 18 human cadaver knees, the kinematics for 134N posterior loads, 10Nm varus loads, and 5Nm external rotational loads in 0°, 20°, 30°, 60,° and 90° of knee flexion were measured using a robotic and optical tracking system. The (1) posterior cruciate ligament, (2) meniscofibular/-tibial fibers, (3) popliteofibular ligament (PFL), (4) popliteotibial fascicle, (5) popliteus tendon, and (6) lateral collateral ligament were cut, and the measurements were repeated. The knees underwent posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and were randomized into two groups. Group PB (Popliteus Bypass; n = 9) underwent a lateral collateral ligament and popliteus bypass reconstruction and was compared to Group FS (Fibular Sling; n = 9) which underwent the Larson technique. Varus angulation, posterior translation, and external rotation increased after dissection (p < 0.01). The varus angulation was effectively reduced in both groups and did not significantly differ from the intact knee. No significant differences were found between the groups. Posterior translation was reduced by both techniques (p < 0.01), but none of the groups had restored stability to the intact state (p < 0.02), with the exception of group PB at 0°. No significant differences were found between the two groups. The two techniques revealed major differences in their abilities to reduce external rotational instability. Group PB had less external rotational instability compared to Group FS (p < 0.03). Only Group PB had restored rotational instability compared to the state of the intact knee (p < 0.04) at all degrees of flexion. The popliteus bypass for posterolateral reconstruction has superior biomechanical properties related to external rotational stability compared to the Larson technique. Therefore, the popliteus bypass may have a positive influence on the clinical outcome. This needs to be proven through clinical trials.

Biceps femoris tenodesis revisited A prospective cohort study of concurrent anterior cruciate and postero-lateral corner reconstruction

PurposeWhen tendon allograft is not an option, knee posterolateral corner reconstruction by biceps femoris tenodesis gains increasing interest. This study investigated such question; “Does biceps femoris tenodesis result in clinical and functional outcomes comparable to Larsen fibular-based sling in concurrent posterolateral corner and anterior cruciate reconstruction? Patients & MethodsFrom October 2014 till December 2018, 19 patients of concurrent anterior cruciate and posterolateral corner injury were prospectively categorized according to posterolateral reconstruction technique into group-(A) of 10 patients managed by Larsen sling and group-(B) of 9 patients managed by biceps femoris tenodesis. Patients were evaluated for preoperative and 2-year postoperative knee range of motion, varus stress and prone dial tests, Lysholm and IKDC scores, return to work, and instability recurrence. ResultsStatistical analysis revealed matched demographics between groups. At mean of 29months postoperatively, average knee flexion was 146°; while extension loss didn't exceed 1° in both groups. There was no significant difference between groups in Lysholm and IKDC scores; (P-value= 0.710 and 0.210 respectively). ConclusionDespite it is non-anatomic technique, biceps femoris tenodesis can achieve clinical and functional outcomes comparable to Larsen fibular-based sling in concurrent posterolateral corner and anterior cruciate reconstruction; while offering advantages of simplicity and quickness and overcoming tendon graft unavailability.

PE33 - Improving continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Surgical and functional outcomes of modified postero-lateral reconstruction technique

PE33 - Improving continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Surgical and functional outcomes of modified postero-lateral reconstruction technique

Posterolateral reconstruction combined with one-stage tibial valgus osteotomy: Technical considerations and functional results

BackgroundTo report the functional outcomes and complications from reconstructing the knee posterolateral complex (PLC), associated with one-stage opening-wedge tibial valgus osteotomy, and discuss the technical feasibility of this procedure. MethodsFive patients with chronic PLC injuries and varus deviation of the mechanical axis, associated with central pivot injuries or not, underwent medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy combined with PLC reconstruction. The lateral collateral ligament, popliteal tendon, and popliteofibular ligament were reconstructed using a single femoral tunnel. Patients were assessed on physical examination, range-of-motion and functional scales, and radiographs. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS) were determined. ResultsFive patients were evaluated: four presented with central pivot injury, and one had an isolated PLC injury. The mean time between injury and surgery was 40 ± 6.5 months (± is indicating standard deviation value). Four patients had minimal residual instability on physical examination, with a lateral opening at varus stress of ±3+ at 30° flexion. The means of the IKDC score, Lysholm score, and KOOS were 67.8 ± 9.2, 83.0 ± 9.3, and 79.2 ± 5.9, respectively. All patients showed satisfactory consolidation of osteotomy in 2.6 ± 0.9 months. ConclusionsThe results of this series indicate that one-stage PLC ligament reconstruction associated with medial opening-wedge valgus osteotomy is feasible and shows satisfactory functional results with a low rate of complications. A one-stage procedure might be indicated for young patients with high functionality and more pronounced posterolateral instabilities.

Posterolateral Rotatory Knee Instability-MRI Evaluation of Anatomic Landmarks for Tibial Drill Tunnel Placement in Open and Arthroscopic Popliteus Tendon Reconstruction.

Anatomic reconstruction of the popliteus tendon and arcuate complex results in superior functional and a biomechanically more stable outcome compared with extra-anatomic techniques in posterolateral rotatory knee instability. Although specific characteristics of the femoral and fibular footprint of the anatomic posterolateral reconstruction have been described, data for tibial tunnel placement while popliteus tendon reconstruction do not exist. The purpose of this study was to quantify reasonable parameters, which could be used in arthroscopy, fluoroscopy, or open surgery to determine the anatomic tibial drill tunnel position in popliteus tendon reconstruction. Thirty magnetic resonance images of 30 patients with an intact posterolateral corner (PLC) were analyzed to specify the ideal point for tibial fixation of a popliteus tendon graft with respect to 17 bony, cartilaginous, and ligamentous anatomic landmarks. The ideal point for tibial fixation was defined as the musculotendinous junction of the popliteus tendon near to the insertion of the popliteofibular ligament. In the coronal plane, the ideal tibial fixation was located at the crossing of a tangent to the fibular head, parallel to the joint line with a tangent to the medial border of the fibular head, and vertical to the joint line with a deviation of less than 1 mm. It was located 0.26 (±1.91) mm superior to the distal edge and 11.75 (±2.66) mm lateral to the lateral edge of the tibial posterior cruciate ligament footprint and only 8.68 (±2.81) mm lateral to the lateral edge of the neurovascular bundle. Interrater reliability to detect the correct position of the popliteus tendon graft footprint was almost perfect. The position for tibial drill tunnel placement in anatomic popliteus tendon reconstruction showed low interindividual differences. The present findings of the quantified anatomic landmarks might improve open, fluoroscopy, or arthroscopy guided PLC reconstruction.

The Popliteus Bypass Graft is biomechanically superior to the isometric Larson Technique for posterolateral instabilities of the knee

Aims and Objectives: Injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are most often accompanied by injuries of the posterolateral corner (PLC) and the ligamentum collaterale fibulare (LCL). This leads to a combined dorsal- and external rotational instability. In Germany most of these types of injuries are treated by an arthroscopic reconstruction of the PCL and combined posterolateral augmentation in the way, of an isometric “Larson-Procedure”. Techniques, which reconstruct the LCL and PLC in a more anatomic way provide better clinical results according to current literature. Comparative studies of these two types of reconstructions do not exist, biomechanical studies are inhomogeneous and the isometric Larson-technique has not been adequately tested so far. In this study the isometric (extra anatomic) Larson-technique was tested against a more anatomic reconstruction of the LCL and PLC with a popliteus bypass graft. Materials and Methods: 20 human knee specimen were divided into Group A and B. The PCL, as well as the PLC and LCL were dissected and kinematic measurements were determined using a robotic and optical tracking system. The knee kinematics were determined for 134 N posterior loads, 10 Nm varus loads and 5 Nm external rotational loads in 0°, 20°, 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion. All specimens underwent a double bundle PCL reconstruction. In Group A the reconstruction of the PLC was accomplished by a popliteus bypass graft and an additional anatomic LCL graft. In Group B the reconstruction was performed using a Larson-technique with a single femoral tunnel and a sling through the head of the fibular. The protocol was repeated and the differences in the two groups where analyzed (2W-Anova and t-Test, p=0,05) Results: Both groups gained a significant increase of instability after dissecting the ligamentous structures (deficient) in all algorithms tested. Postoperatively both groups achieved a significant improvement in all these parameters. Group A with the popliteus bypass technique revealed significant 37±8% less external rotational instability compared to group B (p<0,03). In contrast to group A, group B presents a remaining increase of external rotation compared to the intact knee. The popliteus bypass in group A reduced the external rotational instability to less than 1,3 degree difference compared to the intact state on average. No significant results were found between the two groups in terms of varus instability and posterior loads. Conclusion: In this study we showed for the first time, that the most frequently used posterolateral reconstruction technique (isometric Larson) has limited biomechanical properties compared to a more anatomic reconstruction (popliteus bypass) in terms of reducing external rotation. Whether this is the cause of the remaining posterolateral instability in patients treated with the Larson technique and whether it can be prevented by using a popliteus bypass graft is subject of future clinical studies.

Posterolateral Reconstruction of the Knee: Two-Tailed Surgical Techniques.

Reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee using two-tailed techniques involved grafts originating from the femur and inserting on the proximal tibia and fibular head. This method reconstructs the fibular collateral ligament, popliteofibular ligament, and popliteus tendon using anatomically placed grafts. This article describes the history, anatomy, indications, and authors' preferred technique for a two-tailed posterolateral corner reconstruction. In addition, biomechanical and clinical outcomes of this technique will be compared.

Fibular Head-Based Posterolateral Reconstruction of the Knee: Surgical Technique and Outcomes

The purpose of this article is to present the author's experience with fibular head-based surgical procedures for the treatment of posterolateral instability of the knee. The surgical techniques presented are the biceps tendon transfer procedures and the fibular head-based figure of eight posterolateral reconstruction using free grafts. Each of these techniques is combined with capsular repair and/or posterolateral capsular shift procedures in all cases. The decision points for surgical technique selection, the surgical technique itself, the postoperative rehabilitation, and the outcomes of these surgical procedures are presented, including a comparison of the biceps tendon procedures with the free graft procedure.

Fibular Head–Based Posterolateral Reconstruction of the Knee

The purpose of this article is to present the author׳s experience with fibular head−based surgical procedures for the treatment of posterolateral instability of the knee. The surgical techniques presented are the biceps tendon transfer procedures, and the fibular head−based figure of 8 posterolateral reconstruction using free grafts. Each of these techniques is combined with capsular repair or posterolateral capsular shift or both procedures in all cases. The decision points for surgical technique selection, the surgical technique itself, the postoperative rehabilitation, and the outcomes of these surgical procedures are presented, including a comparison of the biceps tendon procedures with the free graft procedure.

Posterolateral Reconstruction of the Knee: Surgical Technique with 2 Grafts

Many aspects of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee have been extensively studied within the past 20 years. Quantitative anatomic and biomechanical studies have demonstrated the importance of the 3 static stabilizers of the lateral side of the knee: the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. Biomechanically, a 2-graft anatomic PLC reconstruction has been reported to restore varus and external rotational stability to the knee and clinical outcome studies have demonstrated that the anatomic technique leads to improved patient outcomes. A 2-graft anatomic PLC reconstruction also allows passive range of motion exercises early in the postoperative rehabilitation program, decreasing the risk of postoperative arthrofibrosis without compromising clinical results. This article presents a summary of the biomechanical basis of a 2-graft anatomic PLC reconstruction and provides a degraft description of the surgical technique. Additionally, a description of the postoperative rehabilitation program is presented and clinical outcomes of treating acute and chronic PLC injuries are summarized.

Posterolateral Reconstruction of the Knee: Capsular Procedures

It is well recognized that significant morbidity can result from undiagnosed and untreated components of posterolateral instability of the knee. Restoration of normal knee anatomy is crucial to obtain a good surgical outcome. During direct capsular repairs, a comprehensive understanding of this anatomy allows surgeons to repair the injured structures with the aim of restoring function to both the static and the dynamic components of the region. Compared with the direct approach, an osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle often permits superior visualization of the injured structures. These include the attachments of the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteal tendon, the popliteofibular ligament, and the lateral meniscus and its attachment, as well as the deeper structures. The osteotomy permits not only enhanced visualization, but also the proper positioning of sutures in the posterior capsule; this in turn allows a capsular shift to tighten and repair the injured structures following their direct repair. The extensile exposure provided by the osteotomy allows the deep structures to be repaired with subsequent reattachment of the bone block and attached structures without appreciably affecting the anatomical isometry. Although an osteotomy is not needed in every case of capsular posterolateral knee reconstruction, it does allow for excellent visualization of the deeper structures when needed. The capsular shift can be done alone or in combination with other reconstructive procedures for the treatment of the injured posterolateral corner.

Fibular head-based posterolateral reconstruction of the knee combined with capsular shift procedure.

Posterolateral instability (PLI) is common with posterior cruciate ligament tears, is less common with anterior cruciate ligament tears, and isolated PLI is rare. There are varying degrees of PLI with respect to pathologic external tibial rotation and varus laxity. Surgical treatment of PLI must address all components of the PLI (popliteus tendon, popliteofibular ligament, lateral collateral ligament, and the lateral-posterolateral capsule), the abnormal planes of motion, as well as other structural injuries. Successful posterior cruciate ligament and anterior cruciate ligament surgery depends upon recognition and treatment of posterolateral corner injuries.

Posterolateral reconstruction of the knee using capsular procedures for evaluation and treatment of posterolateral instability of the knee.

Posterolateral rotatory instability of the knee causes significant morbidity if unrecognized and left untreated. With both acute and chronic injuries, restoration of the normal anatomy is crucial for a good outcome. During capsular repairs, detailed knowledge of the anatomy will help the surgeon repair the pathoanatomy. To complement the direct approach, an osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle that includes the attachments of the fibular collateral ligament and popliteal tendon allows superior visualization of the lateral meniscus and its attachments, as well as the associated deep structures. The osteotomy also permits placement of posterior capsular sutures that allow the capsular shift to tighten the injured structures. Fine-tuning the tension of these structures may be accomplished by slightly adjusting the position of the bone block as it is reattached without significantly affecting isometry. The osteotomy is not required for all reconstructions; however, it provides excellent access to the deep structures of the posterolateral corner. The capsular shift can complement the direct repair of structures and may be done as an isolated or staged procedure or in combination with other reconstructive treatment options.

Combined anterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral reconstruction of the knee using allograft tissue in chronic knee injuries.

Combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterolateral injury of the knee can result in significant functional instability for the affected individual. Both components of the instability must be treated to maximize the probability of success for the surgical procedure. Higher failure rates of the ACL reconstruction have been reported when the posterolateral instability has been left untreated. The purpose of this article is to describe our surgical technique, and present the results of 34 chronic combined ACL posterolateral reconstructions in 34 knees using allograft tissue, and evaluating these patient outcomes with KT 1000 knee ligament arthrometer, Lysholm, Tegner, and Hospital for Special Surgery knee ligament rating scales. In addition, observations regarding patient demographics with combined ACL posterolateral instability, postoperative range of motion loss, postinjury degenerative joint disease, infection rate, return to function, and the use of radiated and nonirradiated allograft tissues will be presented.

Posterolateral Knee Repair Versus Reconstruction

Objectives:Our goal was to compare clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes of posterolateral knee injuries treated with repair versus reconstruction. In addition, we compared varus stress radiographs of these patients with controls.Methods:A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients that underwent posterolateral knee reconstruction or repair from January 1, 2000 to March 1, 2012. Patients were asked to return for a clinical exam and varus stress radiographs, as well as fill out IKDC and Lysholm knee scales. Patients that could not return to clinic were assessed via phone interviews. Chart reviews were performed on patients that could not be contacted.Further, we compared varus stress radiographs of 20 control knees, with no history of knee trauma, to both posterolateral knee repair and reconstruction groups.Results:We identified 61 knees in 60 patients who underwent posterolateral knee reconstruction or repair. 26 knees in 25 patients (17 reconstructions and 9 repairs) were evaluated at mean of 41.86 months postoperatively (range: 6-108). Average IKDC scores for reconstruction and repair were 68.23 and 71.30, respectively. Average Lysholm scores for these groups were 83.11 for reconstructions and 83.30 for repairs. There were no statistically significant differences in IKDC or Lysholm scores between the repair and reconstruction groups. Average varus gapping with the knee at zero degrees was 8.21 and 8.84 millimeters (mm) for reconstructions and repairs, respectively. Average varus gapping at 20 degrees knee flexion was 11.25 mm for reconstructions and 10.34 mm for repairs. No statistically significant differences were observed in varus gapping between the two groups. Control knee measurements, 20 knees in 20 different controls, showed average varus gapping of 5.27 mm at zero degrees and 6.55 mm at 20 degrees knee flexion. There was a statistically significant difference in varus gapping when comparing the operatively treated knees to the control group. On review of all 61 knees, there were five failures: three failed reconstructions, two failed repairs. The other complication included one small wound dehiscence in the reconstruction group that resolved without intervention.Conclusion:Unlike previous studies, we did not find statistical differences in our posterolateral knee patients treated with reconstruction versus repair. We did find statistically significant differences in varus gapping, at both 0 and 20 degrees of knee flexion, between control knees and the operatively treated groups. However, this did not correlate to poor clinical outcomes in either group..