Posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner reconstruction in patient with multiple ligament injury of the knee: a case report

The treatment of posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries has always been a challenging topic due to the low healing capacity of PLC injuries. Authors performed posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon graft and reconstruction procedure of PLC using free gracilis tendon graft with LaPrade technique in a patient with multiple ligament injury of the knee. A 36-years-old male patient complained of pain on his right knee. On physical examination, the posterior drawer test, dial test, and varus stress test were positive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on right knee showed that the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament, and popliteofibular ligament were injured but the popliteus tendon was still intact. A semitendinosus tendon was harvested from the ipsilateral pes anserinus region for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Posterolateral corner reconstruction was done by grafting two gracilis tendons from ipsilateral and contralateral sides using LaPrade technique. The semitendinosus tendon graft had been used for PCL reconstruction in some cases besides the hamstring tendon graft and provides a clinically evident reduction in symptoms and restores satisfactory stability. The LaPrade technique for PLC reconstruction was one of the earliest descriptions of a surgical option to recreate the anatomy of the three main static stabilizers of the PLC.  We reported a reconstructive procedure for PCL and PLC injury of the knee by using semitendinosus and gracilis tendon graft with LaPrade technique.

Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy Associated with Multiple Knee Ligament Injury / 대한스포츠의학회지

Common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury associated with multiple-ligament knee injury is relatively rare. A 38-year-old male presented with left knee pain occurred during ssireum (Korean wrestling). The patient exhibited positive Lachman, grade 3 varus stress, and also positive dial testing at 30°. Sensory loss of some area of left foot and foot drop were observed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and posterolateral corner (PLC) injury. Motor nerve conduction velocity indicated left CPN palsy. ACL and PLC reconstructions were performed 10 days after injury and nerve exploration was done simultaneously. Neurolysis and primary repair were also performed. At 26 months after injury, muscle power of the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus improved to grade 3, and sensation in CPN area recovered to about 60%. There was good stability in injured knee. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing CPN palsy with multiple-ligament knee injury during ssireum.

Reconstrucción mínimamente invasiva de la esquina posterolateral con sustitución simultánea del ligamento cruzado anterior para lesiones ligamentarias complejas de rodilla / Minimally invasive reconstruction of the posterolateral corner with simultaneous replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament for complex knee ligament injuries

Resumen: Introducción: Es importante conocer la efectividad del uso de técnicas combinadas para el tratamiento de las lesiones ligamentarias complejas de la rodilla, su evolución y las estrategias utilizadas para su desarrollo. Objetivo: Evaluar y describir los resultados de reconstruir de manera simultánea con una técnica mínimamente invasiva el complejo posterolateral (CPL) y el ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). Material y métodos: Se realizó la reconstrucción del LCA y el CPL en siete pacientes, mediante la técnica descrita, en el período de Marzo a Noviembre de 2012. Todos los pacientes se evaluaron a los seis meses del procedimiento a través del uso de pruebas subjetivas IKDC, IKSS. Se valoró su retorno a actividades laborales y su índice de satisfacción. Resultados: Seis pacientes fueron del sexo masculino y solo uno del femenino, con rangos de edad entre los 26 y 46 años. La mayoría de las lesiones fueron causadas por accidentes asociados al deporte. Todos los participantes eran personas en la etapa productiva de la vida que requirieron un período promedio de tres meses de incapacidad. A los seis meses, conforme a la escala de IKDC, obtuvimos un paciente con IKDC de A, cuatro con un IKDC de B, uno de C y uno de D. En la escala subjetiva de IKSS, 80% promedió estabilidad de la rodilla por arriba de los 90 puntos, un paciente tuvo escala de 100 puntos y otro de 70 puntos.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate and describe the results of a simultaneous reconstruction with minimally invasive technique of the posterolateral complex (PLC) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Material and methods: ACL and PLC reconstruction was performed in seven patients using the technique described, in the period from March to November 2012. All patients were evaluated at six months after the procedure using IKDC and IKSS subjective tests. Their return to work activities and their level of satisfaction were assessed. Results: Six male and one female patients ranging in age between 26 and 46 years were evaluated. The injuries were mostly caused by sports related accidents. All patients were economically active and required an average period of three months of disability. The assessment and outcomes at six months, according to the IKDC scale, were: one patient with IKDC A, four with IKDC B, one patient with C, and one with D. In the subjective scale IKSS, 80% averaged a knee stability of over 90 points, a patient had a 100-point scale and another, of 70 points.

Principios biomecánicos en inestabilidad crónica posterolateral de rodilla / Biomechanical principles of chronic posterolateral knee instability

La inestabilidad crónica posterolateral de rodilla continúa siendo un tema desafiante desde la evaluación clínica hasta la resolución definitiva. La comprensión de la anatomía, biomecánica articular y las adaptaciones evolutivas de la rodilla para su complejo funcionamiento, son esenciales para el razonamiento diagnóstico y terapéutico de esas lesiones.

Chronic posterolateral knee instability continues to be a challenging issue from clinical evaluation to final resolution. The understanding of anatomy, joint biomechanics and evolutionary adaptations of the knee for its complex functioning are essential for the diagnostic and therapeutic reasoning of these injuries.

Razonamiento quirúrgico en inestabilidad crónica posterolateral de rodilla / Surgical rationale in chronic posterolateral knee injury

Los pacientes con mal alineamiento en varo pueden ser difíciles de tratar cuando tienen una lesión crónica de la esquina posterolateral (EPL), resultando en doble o triple varo y subsecuentemente varus thrust durante la marcha. Una osteotomía tibial alta es un procedimiento útil y necesario particularmente en el estadío crónico. Este artículo revisa los fundamentos de la planificación preoperatoria en una lesión crónica de la EPL.

Patients with varus malalignment can be difficult to manage when they have a chronic injury to the posterolateral corner (PLC), resulting in double or triple varus and subsequent varus thrust during gait. A high tibial osteotomy is a useful and necessary procedure particularly in the chronic setting. This article reviews the basics of preoperative planning in a chronic injury of the PLC.

The Impact of the Anteromedial Impingement Fracture of Tibial Plateau in Posterolateral Corner Injuries / 中国运动医学杂志

Objective To identify the incidence of the anteromedial impingement fracture of tibial plateau in the posterolateral corner injuries,and to confirm the relationship between the extent of the anteromedial tibial impingement fracture and the severity of the posterolateral instability of the knee joint.Methods The radiographic images of the posterolateral corner injuries were reviewed retrospectively to identify the incidence of the anteromedial impingement fracture of the tibial plateau.A matched group of the posterolateral corner injury patients without the anteromedial impingement fracture was compared with the anteromedial impingement fracture group for the posterior instability and varus instability.And the anteromedial impingement fracture group was subdivided into a marginal fracture group and a compression fracture group based on the size of the fracture,and the posterior instability and medial instability were compared between the two groups.Results From January 2007 to January 2017,there were 266 patients with posterolateral corner injuries admitted,with 19 (7.1％) combined with the anteromedial impingement fractures of the tibial plateau.The posterior instability was significantly severer in the fracture group than the control group (P=0.030),while there were no significant differences in the varus instability between them (P=0.800).Similarly,the posterior instability was significantly severer in the marginal group compared to the compression group (P=0.026),but without significant differences in the varus instability (P=0.397).However,the compression fracture group had a higher risk to have neurovascular injuries (of the popliteal artery and the common peroneal nerve) compared with the marginal fracture group.Conclusion The incidence of the anteromedial impingement fracture of the tibial plateau in posterolateral corner injuries was 7.1％.The anteromedial impingement fracture of the tibial plateau may indicate more severe posterior instability,and a compression fracture may suggest more severe posterior instability compared with the marginal fracture.If there is a compression type fracture,the neurovascular status must be carefully evaluated in addition to the examination of the posterolateral and posterior instability.

Remnant Preservation is Helpful to Obtain Good Clinical Results in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Comparison of Clinical Results of Three Techniques

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical results of 3 posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques according to the time from injury to surgery and remnant PCL status and to evaluate the efficiency of each technique. METHODS: The records of 89 patients who underwent primary PCL reconstructions with a posterolateral corner sling were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty-four patients were treated by anterolateral bundle (ALB) reconstruction with preservation of the remnant PCL using a transtibial tunnel technique in the acute and subacute stages of injury (group 1). Forty patients were treated with remnant PCL tensioning and an ALB reconstruction using the modified inlay technique in the chronic stage (group 2), and fifteen patients were treated with double-bundle reconstruction using the modified inlay technique (group 3). The double-bundle reconstruction was performed if there was a very weak or no PCL remnant. RESULTS: The mean side-to-side differences in posterior tibial translation on the stress radiographs were reduced from 10.1 +/- 2.5 mm in group 1, 10.6 +/- 2.4 mm in group 2, and 12.8 +/- 3.2 mm in group 3 preoperatively to 2.3 +/- 1.4 mm in group 1, 2.3 +/- 1.5 mm in group 2, and 4.0 +/- 2.5 mm in group 3 at the last follow-up (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Statistical analyses revealed that group 1 and group 2 were similar in terms of side-to-side difference changes in posterior tibial translation on the stress radiographs; however, group 3 was inferior to group 1 and group 2 at the last follow-up (p = 0.022). The clinical results were not significantly different among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent posterior stability and good clinical results were achieved with ALB reconstruction preserving the injured remnant PCL in the acute and subacute stages and remnant PCL tensioning with ALB reconstruction in the chronic stage. The PCL injuries could be surgically corrected with different techniques depending on both the remnant PCL status and the interval between the knee trauma and operation.

Effects of femoral tunnel placement on the isometry of grafts in PLC reconstruction / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore the influence of femoral tunnel placement on the isometry of grafts in the reconstruction of posterolateral corner of the knee (PLC). Method Knee specimens from 9 frozen human cadavers were used in the study. Five points of femoral attachment sites, including the central, proximal, distal, anterior and posterior points, were selected as femoral test points for both lateral collateral ligament（LCL）and popliteus tendon（PT）. The fibular/tibial attachment sites of LCL, PT and popliteofibular ligament（PFL） were connected to the corresponding 5 test points using the brass wire, respectively. Changes in distance between each pair of fibular/tibial and femoral points were measured during the passive knee flexion extension test (0°~90°). Results The maximal changes of distances between the LCL’s anterior, distal points and LCL’s fibular attachment site were not greater than 3 mm, and there was no significant difference between these two points; the maximal change of distance between the PT’s anterior point and PFL’s fibular attachment site were not greater than 3 mm. All of the maximal changes of distances between the PT’s 5 test points and tibial point of musculotendionous junction were greater than 3 mm. Conclusions Under the condition of fibular tunnels locating at center points of LCL and PFL attachment site, the femoral tunnel should be located at the anterior edge of LCL’s attachment site (anterior point) for LCL reconstruction, and at the anterior edge of PT’s attachment site (anterior point) for PFL reconstruction.

Treatment of Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Knee

Injury of posterolateral corner is unusual, but it can cause disability due to severe instability and cartilage damage. However, the anatomical structures, diagnosis and treatment have not defined clearly yet. Posterolateral corner injury is regarded as the one of main factor to the results of failure in cruciate ligament reconstcution if it was undiagnosed and untreated. Diagnosis of postetolateral corner injury is consists of physical exam, radiographic finding, MRI, and arthroscopic findings. The treatment method of of postetolateral corner injury depends on the time and severity of injury. Anatomical reconstruction of posterolateral corner shows the better clinical outcome than non anatomical reconstructions, but the clinical results of long term follow up is still needed. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review the recent literature and to organize diagnosis and treatment of posterolateral corner injury

Gait Analysis after Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction / 中国运动医学杂志

Purpose To analyze the gait of patients following reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) and posterolateral corner(PLC).Methods Between March 2007 and April 2008,16 patients with combined PCL and PLC injuries-deficient knee underwent the reconstruction with allograft.Dial test were performed before surgery,and gait analysis and dial test were assessed 1 year after reconstruction.Sixteen healthy volunteers were used as controls.Results There are no differences in the time-distance factors and kinematics between patients and controls(P>0.05).The torque of knee extension revealed significant difference between patients and controls(P<0.01).Mean abtorsion angle of the patients increased 16.5°±6.2° before surgery;whereas the angle increased-4.4°±7.8° 1 year after surgery(P<0.01).The maximal mean abtorsion angnlation from gait analysis was 14.1°±15.7° and from dial test was 29.7°±1 5.2°,respectively.There was a strong linear correlation(r=0.9671,P<0.05)between the outcomes from dial test and gait analysis.Conclusion After reconstruction of the PCL and PLC,the gait of patients became almost normal 1 year after operation,except the torque of knee extension.

Heterotopic Bone Formation in Patient who Underwent a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using the Inlay Method and Posterolateral Corner Sling with a Tibia Tunnel: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We describe a case of posterolateral capsular heterotopic ossification requiring a surgical excision after a PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction using the modified inlay method and PLCS (posterolateral corner sling) with a tibia tunnel. A 21-year-old female patient had suffered a blunt proximal tibial direct trauma 6 months earlier. She did not experience limb ischemia or a pulse deficit before she visited our out patient clinic. She had not suffered any trauma in other sites, and showed a range of motion of 0 to 30degrees at 4 months after surgery. There was no specific finding on the X-ray images. Arthroscopic adhesiolysis was performed and her range of motion increased to 0 to 120degrees. However, 6 months after the initial operation, she showed ankylosis and heterotopic ossification at the posterior aspect, which was surgically removed at 12 months postoperatively. After the second surgery, there was no recurrence and she showed a 0 to 140degrees range of motion at postoperative 42 months.

Combined posterior cruciate ligament with posterolateral corner injuries of the knee / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To explore the clinical characteristic of combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries,and evaluate the technique and outcome of arthroscopic single bundle reconstruction of PCL and reconstruction of PLC with posterior half of biceps femoris tendon.[Method]From Dec. 2001 to Dec. 2004,14 patients (14 knees) with severe posterior and posterolateral rotatory instability were treated surgically in our department,all of them presented III degree positive results of posterior drawer test,positive varus stress test and more than 10 degree of external rotation of the affected knees compared with the intact knees.PCL tear and abnormal opening of posterolateral compartment were seen in all of the 14 knees under arthroscopy.Of them,2 knee were combined with common peroneal nerve injury.All the damaged PCLs were reconstructed with single bundle of autogenous quadrupled hamstring tendons under arthroscopy,and PLCs were reconstructed with the posterior half of biceps femoris tendon tenodesis.[Result]No severe complications occurred in early stage after operation in the 14 patients.All of them were followed up from 12 to 33 months with an average of 21.14?7.26 months.Posterior stabilities were recovered significantly,varus stress test was negative at 30 degree of flexion and full extension,less than 10 degree of external rotation compared with the intact knee in all of the patients.Lysholm score was remarkable improved from 40~60 (mean 47.1?8.25) preoperatively to 70~95 ( mean 86.79?7.23) at follow up(P

The Anatomy of the Posterior and Posterolateral Corner of the Knee / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To confirm the complex structures of the deep layer of posterolateral corner and the safe range of the posterior capsule incision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven cadaveric knees were obtained ranging in age from 39 to 55 years and male to female ratio was 5 to 2. RESULTS: The lateral collateral ligament was inserted on 18.3 mm inferiolateral part of the fibular head. The popliteofibular ligament was identified in all cases and 6 of the 7 ligaments were separated into anterior and posterior fascicle. Popliteomeniscal fascicles were divided superoinferiorly and could be identified in all cases. The direct attachment of the popliteal tendon to the tibia was not identified.Safe range of the posterior capsular incision to protect the oblique popliteal ligment and popliteal muscle was 18.7 mm in average. CONCLUSION: Covering with thick fibrous tissue, the third layer of the posterolateral ligament should be dissected with sharp blade.Lateral collateral ligament was inserted on anteroinferior portion of the fibular head and popliteofibular ligament was inserted on posterosuperior medial portion of the fibula. The direct attachment of the popliteal tendon to the tibia could not be identified. Careful protection of popliteal muscle would be needed in posterior capsular approach.

Two Bundle Anatomical Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee Using Auto-Harmstring / 中国运动医学杂志

Objective To introduce the method of two bundle anatomical reconstruction of the posterolateral corner(PLC) of the knee using auto-harmstring,and to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes.Methods Using auto-harmstring,23 knees of 21 cases with acute or chronic posterolateral complex injuries were anatomically reconstructed from March 2003 to November 2005.There were 20 male and 1 female patients(mean age:32.3 years,ranging from 17 to 47 years)in this study with follow-up of at least 12 months(average:26.7 months,ranging from 12 to 31 months.Tow cases had isolated PLC injuries,21 knees had multiligamentous injuries,and 5 cases associated with meniscus injuries.The technique used includes:(1)an autogenous semitendinosus placed through trastibial bone tunnel from posterior to anterior and then turned to transfibulur bone tunnel to reconstruct the popliteus and popliteofibular ligament;(2)an autogenous gracilis tendon placed through transfibulur bone tunnel to reconstruct the fibulocolateral ligament(FCL).The transplanted grafts were secured to the femoral insertion of the popliteus and FCL respectively with metal or bioabsorbable interference screw.All patients were followed-up prospectively with clinical examinations and Lysholm knee scores.Results There was no varus knee instability in full extension,and one-grade varus instability with firm endpoint was found in 2 cases at 30? flexion.There was no increased external rotation in all of the 23 knees at 30? flexions(in prone position).Mean Lysholm knee scores were 89.2(range from 88 to 100).Conclusions Two bundle anatomical reconstruction of the PLC of the knee using auto-harmstring yields a stable knee with excellent function,mini-trauma,and reliable fixation of grafts,this technique is an ideal method for the treatment of PLC injuries.

Treatment of acute posterolateral corner injury of the knee / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To summarize the managements for acute injury of kne e posterolateral corner structure, and to evaluate the clinical results. Methods 27 cases of acute posterolateral corner injury of the knee were treated by eith er repair or reconstruction, according to the type of injury. The posterolateral stability of the knee was evaluated after follow-up of more than one year. Res ults One year after operation, there was no varus knee instability in full exten sion. At 30-degree flexion, one-degree varus instability was found in one case , but with firm endpoint. No varus instability was found in other cases. Compare d with the uninjured side, leg external rotation slightly increased in three cas es, remained the same in sixteen cases, and decreased in eight cases. Conclusio n First stage treatment of acute posterolateral corner injury of the knee is rel iable for the restoration of stability.