Anatomic Popliteus Tendon and Tibiofibular Joint Reconstructions

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Knee Biomechanics

Background:

• The popliteus tendon is a key stabilizer of external knee rotation, often injured in posterolateral corner injuries.
• Isolated popliteus tendon injuries are rare, typically caused by rotatory mechanisms, leading to instability and pain.
• This case involved a concomitant injury to the proximal tibiofibular joint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a surgical technique for popliteus tendon and proximal tibiofibular joint reconstruction.
• To restore external rotation stability and overall knee function in patients with these specific injuries.

Main Methods:

• Preoperative examination under anesthesia to assess external rotation and pathology.
• Peroneal nerve neurolysis followed by semitendinosus and gracilis autograft harvest.
• Anatomical tunnel reaming and graft fixation for popliteus tendon and tibiofibular joint reconstruction, with anterior tibial traction.

Main Results:

• Anatomic popliteus tendon reconstruction significantly reduced external rotation laxity in a cadaveric study.
• The procedure also decreased varus laxity, anterior tibial translation, and internal rotation.

Conclusions:

• This technique effectively restores external rotation knee stability through anatomical reconstruction.
• Reconstruction of the popliteus tendon and proximal tibiofibular joint enhances static knee function and stability.