Surgical technique: development of an anatomic medial knee reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The main static stabilizers of the medial knee are the superficial medial collateral and posterior oblique ligaments. A number of reconstructive techniques have been advocated including one we describe here. However, whether these reconstructions restore function and stability is unclear. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE: This anatomic reconstruction technique consisted of reconstruction of the proximal and distal divisions of the superficial medial collateral and the posterior oblique ligament using two separate grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively followed all 28 patients (19 male, nine females) who had this new reconstruction between 2007 and 2009. The average age was 32.4 years (range, 16-56 years). There were eight acute and 20 chronic injuries. All patients presented with side-to-side instability with activities of daily living and other higher level activities. Minimum followup was 6 months (average, 1.5 years; range, 0.5-3 years). No patients were lost to followup.
RESULTS: Preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee subjective outcome scores averaged 43.5 (range, 14-66) and final postoperative values averaged 76.2 (range, 54-88). Preoperative valgus stress radiographs averaged 6.2 mm of medial compartment gapping compared with the contralateral normal knee, whereas postoperative stress radiographs averaged 1.3 mm.
CONCLUSIONS: Early observations suggest this anatomic reconstruction technique improves overall patient function and restores valgus instability.