Extra-articular lateral reconstruction technique.

This article describes an anterolateral reconstruction procedure that, when used in combination with an intra-articular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, restores rotary and anterior knee stability. We believe that failing to recognize lateral instabilities and to perform an extra-articular reconstruction is an under-recognized cause of failure of ACL reconstruction. We also describe the indications, medical histories, and physical examination tests used to determine when an anterolateral reconstruction is needed. One should suspect a compromise of the lateral structures when presented with a failed ACL reconstruction in which the tunnels, the graft, and the rehabilitation all seem to have been done properly, or when a prior lateral procedure has been attempted and failed. In our experience, if a second ACL reconstruction is undertaken without the benefit of a lateral reconstruction, it may fail as well.     

膝关节前外侧韧带损伤的诊治进展

尽管在前交叉韧带损伤中,前外侧稳定结构的稳定作用许多年前就已被认识到。但大多术者在进行前交叉韧带重建时并没有将前外侧结构考虑进去。虽然对前交韧带进行解剖单束或解剖双束重建可明显提高膝关节的稳定性,但仍有部分患者残留前后和旋转不稳。由此很多学者开始关注前外侧结构,特别是前外侧韧带。目前对在何种情况下需要进行前交叉韧带联合前外侧韧带重建术缺少统一标准,运用何种技术重建也缺乏循证医学支持,期待以后更多随机对照研究来验证。     

Editorial Commentary: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Alone Is Not Sufficient in Anterolateral Complex Injury: Extra-Articular Augmentation (Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis [LET] or Anterolateral Ligament [ALL] Reconstruction) Allows Surgeons to Indicate Tight (LET) or Just Right (ALL) on a Case-by-Case Basis

Extra-articular augmentation has become an essential consideration in contemporary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) surgery. The verdict is still out on the extra-articular augmentation procedure of choice to accompany ACL surgery in the treatment of anterolateral rotatory instability. Anterolateral ligament reconstruction and lateral extra-articular tenodesis) are 2 common methods with clinical outcome data to support their use. Both procedures have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in reducing the rate of recurrent ACL tear/recurrent knee instability. Biomechanics studies to date have reached varied conclusions; however, a growing body of research including the study discussed here suggests both procedures enhance stability in the setting of surgical treatment of anterolateral rotatory instability, whereas ACL reconstruction alone is not sufficient in the setting of anterolateral complex injury. I suggest surgeons carefully consider when to augment ACL surgery with an extra-articular procedure and feel there is a place for both procedures. When extra constraint is indicated, I recommend lateral extra-articular tenodesis. When patient athletic demands may be lesser and a less-invasive procedure is indicated, anterolateral ligament augmentation of ACL reconstruction is my preference.     

Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Lateral Extra-Articular Reconstruction

The anterolateral complex (ALC) of the knee has received renewed research interest because of the potential role of this anatomic region in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear biomechanics and surgical treatment outcomes. The primary structures of the ALC include the iliotibial band deep (Kaplan) fibers, the anterolateral ligament (ALL), and the capsulo-osseous layer (COL) of the iliotibial band, although there remains disagreement on the precise anatomic locations and biomechanical relevance of these structures. Sectioning studies in the ACL-deficient knee have revealed a contribution of the ALC in restraining tibial internal rotation and anterior translation. Biomechanical studies have revealed a potential role for lateral extra-articular reconstruction as an augmentation to ACL reconstruction in knees with combined ACL and ALC sectioning. Clinical studies have reported a reduced ACL reconstruction failure rate with both ALL reconstruction and lateral extra-articular tenodesis procedures.     

Editorial Commentary: During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction,Lateral Extra-Articular Procedures Have Risks and Should be Reserved for Proper Indications: Do Not LET ALL Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions Be the Same

Recently, there has been renewed interest in performing a lateral extra-articular procedure (LEAP), either an anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction or a LET (lateral extra-articular tenodesis) to address a deficiency of the anterolateral complex (ALC) of the knee during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The ALC consists of the superficial and deep aspects of the iliotibial band with its Kaplan fiber attachments on the distal femur, along with the ALL, a structure within the anterolateral capsule. The ALC functions to provide anterolateral rotatory stability as a secondary stabilizer of the ACL. The evidence to date is that the addition of a LEAP to a revision ACL reconstruction may reduce the risk of repeat graft failure and rotatory laxity. However, in some cases, performing a LEAP may not confer any additional benefit and add unwarranted risk including lateral pain, reduced quadriceps strength, longer time to recovery, and overconstraint of the lateral compartment with associated cartilage damage. Perhaps LEAP is best indicated for high-risk patients (young, active in pivoting sports, high-grade pivot-shift, generalized ligamentous laxity or knee hyperextension, Segond fracture, chronic ACL lesion, lateral femoral notch sign, lateral coronal plane laxity, concurrent meniscus repair, or ALC injury on magnetic resonance imaging). Other modifiable risk factors should not be ignored (graft choice, graft size, tunnel position, graft fixation, associated injuries such as a lateral meniscal root tear, or anatomic factors such as an increased posterior tibial slope). Do not LET ALL revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions be the same! A lateral extra-articular procedure may sometimes, but not always, reduce the risk of further failure.     

Editorial Commentary: Filling the Void in Translational Research for Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Are We Saturated With Biomechanical Studies?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure rates remain unacceptably high in certain populations, and researchers are examining the effect that the anterolateral ligament (ALL) has on knee stability following ACL reconstruction. Currently, most available research examining the ALL has focused on cadaveric biomechanical kinematic studies, including the effect of surgical techniques for ALL reconstruction/lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). However, it is critical for ongoing and future research to focus on clinical outcome measures relating to individuals who have had ALL reconstruction or LET along with their ACL reconstructions. This is what will benefit clinicians most as to the appropriate indications for when to perform an extra-articular stabilization procedure in combination with ACL reconstruction.     

Double-bundle reconstruction cannot restore intact knee kinematics in the ACL/LCL-deficient knee

Introduction  

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of single-bundle (SB) and anatomic double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on the resulting knee kinematics in a simulated clinical setting with ACL rupture and associated extra-articular damage to the lateral structures. It was hypothesized that anatomic DB ACL reconstruction restores the intact knee kinematics in ACL/LCL-deficient knees, whereas SB ACL reconstruction fails to restore the intact knee kinematics.     

Editorial Commentary: Anterolateral Ligament Augmentation for the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Knee Debate—The Proof Is in the Pudding

The highly debatable and contentious anterolateral ligament (ALL) and its use as an augmentation for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee during ACL reconstruction continue to flourish in the literature, but the proof will be in the clinical outcome. Despite the ALL controversy, what clearly stands out from authors on either side of the debate is that there is much more going on than just the ACL in the ACL-deficient knee. Techniques of ALL augmentation or lateral extra-articular tenodesis continue to show promise that the lateral soft-tissue structures may provide the answer for the residual pivot and for better outcomes, higher return-to-sport rates, and lower rupture rates. Many authors and researchers believe that this may be a critical adjunct in high-risk situations during ACL reconstruction. But the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.     

Minimally Invasive Extra-articular Anterolateral Reinforcement: A New Technique

Degenerative changes that occur after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction most often are due to poor rotary control with the use of usually 1-bundle intra-articular techniques. For this reason, double-bundle procedures were developed; however, they must be evaluated. The other solution designed to improve rotational stability, which was initiated by MacIntosh in the 1980s, involves extra-articular lateral reinforcement during intra-articular ACL reconstruction. This surgical combination is invasive because of the need for long grafts from the extensor apparatus or the fascia lata, and because anterolateral anatomic stabilizing structures must be dissected. In response to these criticisms, our technique uses the semitendinosus for the usual intra-articular reconstruction procedure and the gracilis in an effort to enhance the original minimally invasive procedure by performing an extra-articular lateral reinforcement procedure. The gracilis is folded to create a free 10-cm-long graft. Interference screws inside bone tunnels are used for femoral and tibial fixation of the graft. The site of fixation adheres to the best isometric principles of Krackow and Draganish. Drilling of the tunnels, insertion of the graft, and its fixation with interference screws are performed through two 1.5-cm-long incisions. Between them, the graft application is completed through Blount dissection under the fascia lata through the distal incision with a pincer.     

Extra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: lateral procedures

Several extra-articular procedures have been shown to be successful in controlling anterolateral rotatory instability. These procedures are performed as an extra-articular reconstruction alone or are combined with an intra-articular reconstruction. The common goal of these extra-articular procedures is the control of the abnormal anterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau and, thus, the elimination of the lateral pivot shift phenomenon. This goal is achieved most readily by placing some portion of the iliotibial tract posterior to the transverse center of rotation of the knee in order to provide a check-rein effect on the lateral tibial plateau to prevent anterior subluxation as the knee approaches terminal extension.     

Isolated lateral extra-articular tenodesis enhance better rotatory knee joint stability post-primary ACL repair: Four cases report and literature review

Introduction and importanceResidual rotatory instability has been reported to occur after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The anterolateral ligament complex of the knee has gained attention for its role in rotational instability of the knee, especially in association with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The role of an isolated lateral extra-articular tenodesis procedure among those patients presenting with residual rotatory instability after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has not been reported on.Case presentationFour patients (Tegner level 4) presenting with residual rotatory instability after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction without signs of graft failure, underwent an isolated lateral extra-articular tenodesis with modified Lemaire procedure. Pre- and postoperative outcome scores were assessed. At one-year follow-up, all patients reported functional knee stability. Pivot shift tests were negative and postoperative Lysholm scores were increased with a mean of 19.75 points. Tegner scores equaled the preinjury level.Clinical discussionThis case report showed that our four patients where successfully treated with an isolated secondary modified Lemaire procedure for residual anterolateral rotatory instability after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.ConclusionAn isolated secondary lateral extra-articular tenodesis procedure can be a valuable treatment option for moderate active patients with residual rotatory instability after a primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction without signs of graft failure.     

Editorial Commentary: This Is the Way: Extra-Articular Augmentation Is an Essential Consideration in Contemporary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

Since the rediscovery of the anterolateral ligament, extra-articular augmentation (EA) has evolved from controversial to an essential consideration in contemporary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction and lateral extra-articular tenodesis are 2 common methods. Indications among early adopters pioneering anterolateral ligament reconstruction at anterior cruciate ligament surgery included revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) case, chronic ACL tear, high-grade pivot shift, and patients with hyperlax, hypermobile knees. Newer indications include young patient age, pivoting sport/high-demand/high-risk athlete, and concurrent medial meniscus repair. Questions remain regarding best practices as indications continue to evolve regarding technique, graft choice, angle/position of reconstruction fixation, and whether EA should be reconstructed routinely. This fast-moving surgical evolution serves as a reminder of 2 key concepts; first, that anterior cruciate ligament tears occur more fundamentally in the setting of anterolateral rotatory instability, in which concurrent soft tissue injuries are common, and, second, that even our best “anatomic” reconstructions do not fully recapitulate the native ACL, both of which give impetus to reconstructing the ALL.     

Editorial Commentary: Return to Sport Following Extra-Articular Augmentation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction—Let the LET (Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis) Games Commence!

The debate around extra-articular augmentation (EA) of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction continues to provide a rich source of research articles that we ultimately hope will improve patient outcomes. When combined with ACL reconstruction, anterolateral ligament reconstruction or lateral extra-articular tenodesis procedures reduce graft failure and persistent rotatory laxity. An important metric of ACL reconstruction outcome is return to play (RTP). RTP rates are also excellent when EA procedures are used in both primary and revision ACL reconstruction. However, when it comes to RTP, EA augmentation has yet to show significant improvement over isolated ACL reconstruction.     

Editorial Commentary: Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Requires Reconstruction Plus Lateral Tenodesis to Control Rotational Instability: Additional Technical Complexity May Result in Complications Without Improved Outcomes

How to restore native knee kinematics following complex knee injuries is still debated and under investigation. To better reproduce the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), surgeons have a host of different options, including graft choice, technique, fixation method, and single-, double-, and triple-bundle techniques, etc. Isolated ACL reconstruction alone is not effective in controlling complex instability patterns, especially regarding internal and external rotations. Several techniques have been described to address such instabilities, like single- or double- bundle ACL reconstruction plus lateral extra-articular tenodesis. In truth, chronic ACL injury requires reconstruction plus lateral tenodesis to control rotational instability. Additional technical complexity may result in complications without improved outcomes. Neither single-bundle nor double-bundle techniques are “truly” anatomic. Keep it simple; keep it safe.     

Editorial Commentary: The Epic Saga of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Complex of the Knee—Loyal Sidekick May Provide Protection Without Constraint

There is a vast amount of conflicting literature evaluating the anatomic, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes of combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral complex injury. This has become—and remains—one of the most controversial topics in the ACL-deficient knee literature, thus requiring further inquiry with clear and systematic approaches to biomechanical analysis, indications, graft selection, surgical technique, and clinical outcome evaluation. The considerable variety of procedures to address anterolateral rotatory instability in the setting of ACL deficiency described in the literature strongly suggests the lack of a reliable and reproducible technique. Anterolateral complex reconstruction may provide protection to the ACL-reconstructed knee without detrimental overconstraint.     

Endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a four strand hamstring tendon construct

Disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may result in recurrent episodes of giving way of the knee with the risk of concomitant damage to the menisci and chondral surfaces. Surgical reconstruction for ACL ligament deficiency is aimed at restoring normal knee kinematics, thereby, allowing for return to pre-injury function. Endoscopic reconstruction of the ACL using a four-strand tendon autograft is a well documented, prospectively evaluated methodology. This article outlines the authors' technique and identifies key points of the surgical procedure.     

Measurement of changes in distance between the femoral and the tibial drill holes for the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We have developed an experimental system in which a new Gallium-Indium containing transducer can continuously measure the changes of separation distances between the femoral and tibial points. The measurements provides information for the attachment location in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and used for various combinations of extra-articular and intra-articular methods. At the first experiment, the distance between each pair of points at the level of the capsule for fifteen combinations during simple flexion-extension knee motion were measured on six cadaveric knees. At the next experiment, in an ACL-deficient knee the distances of ten combinations in the intra-articular method were measured. These results indicated that for an isometric placement the combination of the center of tibial insertion and the postero-proximal of the femoral origin of the ACL appeared to furnish a better location for intraarticular reconstruction. No combination was recommended for extraarticular reconstruction.     

Editorial Commentary: What to Reinforce When You Have a Small Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft? Focus on the Anterolateral Side!

Many surgeons performing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have encountered the problem of harvesting small hamstring grafts. For this situation, several options are available such as harvesting contralateral hamstring tendons, reinforce the ACL graft with allografts, take a bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadriceps graft or add an anterolateral ligament reconstruction or lateral extra-articular tenodesis. Recent studies have shown that the presence of a lateral extra-articular procedure might be more important than the thickness of an isolated ACL graft, which is reassuring news. Current evidence suggests that both anterolateral ligament reconstruction and modified Lemaire tenodesis are similar biomechanically and clinically and could solve the problem of small-diameter hamstring ACL autografts.