Ligament reconstruction/advancement for management of instability due to ligament insufficiency during total knee arthroplasty: a viable alternative to constrained implant

Background

We aimed to assess the results of ligament reconstruction/advancement for the management of ligament insufficiency during total knee arthroplasty.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed the results of ligament reconstruction/advancement for management of instability due to ligament insufficiency during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Between January 2001 and January 2008 collateral ligament reconstruction/advancement was done in 15 patients. Wherever ligament advancement was not possible (mid-substance tear) ligament reconstruction was done using the hamstring tendon. Knee society scores were calculated and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was done.

Results

Average follow-up was 6.2 years. No patient developed instability until the last follow-up, except one patient who required revision due to instability at six years after primary surgery.

Conclusion

We concluded from this study that ligament reconstruction/advancement during TKA is a viable option to address instability due to ligament insufficiency.