Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee Using LaPrade and Modified Larson Technique: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries of the knee are often overlooked for its complex anatomy, and frequent association with cruciate ligament injuries. Overlooked injuries lead to reconstruction failure of cruciate ligaments, chronic knee pain and early arthritic changes. Many reconstruction methods are described, but the best treatment still remains elusive. In this study, we have treated grade-III PLC injuries by the 'anatomic LaPrade' technique and the 'fibula-based Modified Larson' technique, and evaluated their outcomes. Our hypothesis was that both the groups will have similar improvements after surgery.
METHODS: An open-label prospective comparative study was done with a total of 28 patients from August 2013 to July 2019. Patients were treated alternatively by LaPrade or Modified Larson technique using hamstring autografts. Follow-up visits were done at sixth week and subsequently at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively. Outcomes were measured by Dial Test, side-to-side difference in lateral opening on varus stress radiographs, Lysholm score and IKDC subjective score.
RESULTS: During analysis, we considered 25 patients only as three patients were lost to follow-up. Both the groups had comparable improvements in rotational stability, lateral opening on varus stress, Lysholm score and IKDC subjective score.
CONCLUSION: Both LaPrade and Modified Larson technique showed good clinical results in restoring varus and rotational stability of knee in grade-III posterolateral corner injury of the knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II (prospective, comparative study). © Indian Orthopaedics Association 2021.