Comparison of three surgical techniques of posterolateral knee reconstruction: A cadaver study

Injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee are often overlooked but, require reconstruction in order to restore stability in varus and external rotation. Among the many anatomic and non-anatomic PLC reconstruction techniques available, the modified Larson (mLR), LaPrade (LPR) and Versailles reconstruction (VR) procedures are widely used.

The hypothesis was that anatomic PLC reconstruction (VR and LPR procedures) provides better restoration and control of external rotation.

Fifteen fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were tested to compare the 3 procedures. Varus laxity on stress radiographs in full knee extension and external rotatory laxity on dial test at 30° flexion were quantified at 3 phases: intact knee, PLC sectioned and PLC reconstructed.

Mean varus laxity did not differ significantly between techniques in intact knees (p=.14), after PLC sectioning (p=.14) or after PLC reconstruction (p=.17). After PLC reconstruction, varus laxity was restored, with no statistical difference between mLR, VR and LPR compared to intact test values (respectively, -1.0, -1.3 and -1.5; p=.98). In all 3 groups, mean external rotation laxity on dial test at 30° flexion did not significantly differ between intact knees (p=.32) and after PLC sectioning (p=.15). After PLC reconstruction, the mLR technique was significantly less effective in restoring rotational stability than the VR and LPR techniques (p=.025).

The VR technique provided similar outcomes to LPR for restoring stability in varus and external rotation. The 2 "anatomic" reconstruction procedures (VR and LPR) were significantly more effective than the modified Larson technique for external rotation control, confirming the study hypothesis. Consequently, it remains preferable to use anatomic techniques in multiligament injuries involving the PLC.

IV, cadaver study.