Biomechanics of knee ligament reconstruction

The goal of knee ligament repair or reconstruction is restoration of static and dynamic stability in the flexed knee since this is the usual position of function. The anatomic structures which are available for reconstructive procedures vary considerably from case to case depending upon the original injury and subsequent healing. Certain biomechanical principles are surgically applicable but the final choice of procedure remains with the operator and often depends upon his assessment of the situation at the time of surgery in addition to his preoperative evaluation. This makes it difficult to always employ a standardized procedure for a given type of instability. With continued biomechanics investigation of ligament function, the "art" of the ligament reconstruction is becoming somewhat more of a science and lending itself to more standardized procedures, which will eliminate some of the confusion evident at the present time.