Extra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: lateral procedures

Several extra-articular procedures have been shown to be successful in controlling anterolateral rotatory instability. These procedures are performed as an extra-articular reconstruction alone or are combined with an intra-articular reconstruction. The common goal of these extra-articular procedures is the control of the abnormal anterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau and, thus, the elimination of the lateral pivot shift phenomenon. This goal is achieved most readily by placing some portion of the iliotibial tract posterior to the transverse center of rotation of the knee in order to provide a check-rein effect on the lateral tibial plateau to prevent anterior subluxation as the knee approaches terminal extension.