Fibular collateral ligament anatomical reconstructions: a prospective outcomes study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Knee ligament reconstruction

Background:

• Anatomical reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) using a semitendinosus graft has been developed and biomechanically validated.
• This technique is now being applied clinically for treating knee injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of anatomical FCL reconstruction using a semitendinosus graft in patients with grade III FCL tears.
• To assess the restoration of lateral compartment stability and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case series of 20 patients (average age, 24 years) undergoing anatomical FCL reconstruction with a semitendinosus graft.
• Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using the modified Cincinnati and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores, IKDC objective subscores for stability, and varus stress radiographs.
• Average follow-up was 2 years.

Main Results:

• Sixteen patients completed the follow-up. Preoperative modified Cincinnati and IKDC subjective scores showed significant improvement postoperatively (from 28.2 to 88.5 and 34.7 to 88.1, respectively).
• Symptom and functional subscores also improved significantly. Varus stress radiographs indicated restoration of lateral compartment stability, with a postoperative differential of -0.4 mm compared to a preoperative differential of 3.9 mm.

Conclusions:

• Anatomical FCL reconstruction with a semitendinosus graft is effective for grade III injuries.
• The procedure leads to improved patient outcomes and near-normal lateral compartment stability.