Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Knee

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most common knee injuries, and multiple reconstructive techniques have been described. However, studies frequently report an inability to duplicate native, dynamic knee function, particularly rotationally. This residual joint laxity that occasionally follows an ACL reconstruction can cause further problems post surgical intervention, including meniscal tears and especially late osteoarthritic change. Additionally, ACL graft retears are a concern, particularly in young patients. Although these undesired sequelae of ACL reconstruction could be a by-product of insufficient ACL reconstruction methods related to either graft placement or problems with graft healing and biology, it is also possible that failure to additionally address lateral extra-articular structures after ACL injury could play a role in the residual knee laxity of the affected knee. The purpose of this article is to show a minimally invasive technique for extra-articular anterolateral ligament reconstruction.