Anterolateral Extra-articular Soft Tissue Reconstruction in Anterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Knee

Anterolateral rotatory instability (ALRI) occurs after injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the anterolateral structures of the knee. We present a technique for anterolateral extra-articular soft-tissue (ALES) reconstruction of the knee that can be used in revision ACL reconstruction cases, cases of persistent ALRI after adequate ACL reconstruction, and cases with severe ALRI after primary ACL rupture. The surgeon performs ALES reconstruction with a strip of iliotibial tract autograft while respecting the anatomic origin and insertion of the anterolateral ligament. The purpose of this reconstruction is to restore the normal anterolateral rotatory stability of the knee in ALES-deficient patients.