Biceps tenodesis versus allograft reconstruction for varus instability

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanics
• Sports medicine

Background:

• Fibular-based reconstructions for varus laxity, like figure-of-8, can be complex and require grafts.
• Biceps rerouting presents a graft-free alternative with potentially fewer complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of biceps tenodesis versus figure-of-8 allograft reconstruction in restoring varus stability.
• To evaluate biceps tenodesis for isolated lateral collateral ligament (LCL) ruptures.

Main Methods:

• Nine knees were tested under varus load (10 N-m) at 0 and 30 degrees of flexion.
• Knee stability was assessed in intact, LCL-sectioned, and post-reconstruction states for both procedures.

Main Results:

• Both biceps tenodesis and figure-of-8 reconstruction successfully restored varus stability to baseline levels.
• Biceps tenodesis demonstrated significantly lower normalized displacement at both 0 and 30 degrees compared to allograft reconstruction (p=0.04).

Conclusions:

• Biceps tenodesis is a viable and effective surgical option for addressing isolated varus laxity caused by LCL rupture.
• This technique provides robust stability restoration without the need for allograft or autograft tissues.