Objective To evaluate the short-term effectiveness after static anatomical reconstruction of posterolateral complex (PLC) in the treatment of traumatic multi-ligament injury of the knee. Methods Between June 2007 and July 2011, 23 cases of multi-ligament injury of the knee were treated. There were 15 males and 8 females with an average age of 41 years (range, 19-56 years). The injury was caused by traffic accident in 9 cases, sprain in 7 cases, bruise in 3 cases, and falling from height in 4 cases. The time between injury and operation was 13-78 days (mean, 32 days). The results of posterior drawer test and Lachman test were positive, and all cases complicated by varus and external rotation instability. The Lysholm score of the knee was 43.4 ± 5.7. According to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring, all were rated as grade D. According to Fanelli typing, all were classified as type C. The X-ray films showed that load-induced posterior motion of the knee was (13.3 ± 4.2) mm; the lateral joint space was (15.1 ± 2.4) mm. Anterior cruciate ligament/posterior cruciate ligament and PLC were reconstructed simultaneously with auto-semitendinosus, gracilis tendon, and allogeneic tendon. Results All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication occurred. All patients were followed up 12-56 months (mean, 28 months). At last follow-up, the results of posterior drawer test and Lachman test were negative; 3 cases had varus instability, and 2 cases had external rotation instability. The Lysholm score of the knee was 85.6 ± 16.7, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=11.469, P=0.000). According to IKDC scoring, 7 cases were rated as grade A, 12 as grade B, and 4 as grade C; significant difference was found when compared with preoperative value (Z=4.285, P=0.000). The load-induced posterior motion of the knee was (5.1 ± 4.4) mm, the lateral joint space was (3.2 ± 2.8) mm, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion In the treatment of traumatic multi-ligament injury of the knee, the anatomical reconstruction of the PLC using auto-semitendinosus, gracilis tendon, or allogeneic tendon can obtain good short-term effectiveness.
Objective To establish the three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the knee joint including posterolateral complex (PLC), and to simulate the reconstruction biomechanical analysis in this model. Methods The knee of a 26-year-old healthy man was scanned by MRI to obtain the image data of the knee in the coronal, sagittal, and axial position. First, Mimics10.01 and Hyperworks 8.0 softwares were used to extract each slice profile data of the knee joint in a two-dimensional image data respectively and to establish 3D geometric model of bone, meniscus, articular cartilage, and ligament. Second, Unigraphics software NX 4.0 was used to establish a 3D finite element model of knee joint, which had the functions of Mesh, material properties, component connection, and contact definition. Third, displacement measurement on the model and reconstructing biomechanical analysis for PLC simulation were performed. Results The 3D finite element model of the knee joint including PLC was established successfully. Under 134 N forward force, the tibia forward displacement was 4.83 mm. PLC simulation reconstruction biomechanical analysis of the 3D finite element model of the knee joint showed that under 10 N·m varus and external rotation torque conditions, the knee varus and external rotation angles of simulation reconstruction were greater than those of the intact knee, and less than those of PLC missing. Conclusion The 3D finite element model of the knee joint including PLC can be established by the reverse engineering, and it is valid and can be used as the basis for the biomechanical properties to analog reconstruction of PLC.
Objective To provide the anatomic evidences and the choice of tendon graft for anatomic reconstruction of posterolateral complex through the morphological and biomechanical study on posterolateral structures of the knee in normal adult cadavers. Methods Twenty-three fresh lower l imb specimens from voluntary donators and 9 lower l imbs soaked by Formal in were selected for anatomic study on the posterolateral complex of the knee. Six fresh specimens were appl ied to measure the maximum load, intensity of popl iteus tendon, lateral collateral l igament, and popl iteofibular l igament, which were key components of the posterolateral complex. Results Popl iteus musculotendinous junction was located at 7.02-11.52 mm beneath lateral tibial plateau and 8.22-13.94 mm medially to fibular styloid process. The distances from femoral insertion of popl iteus tendon to the lower border of femoral condyle and to posterior edge of femoral condyle were 10.52-14.38 mm and 14.24-26.18 mm, respectively. Popl iteofibular l igament originated from popl iteus musculotendinous junction and ended at fibular styloid process. Lateral collateral l igament was located at 10.54-16.48 mm inferior to fibular styloid process, and the distances from femoral insertion to the lower border of femoral condyle and to posterior edge of femoral condyle were 14.92-19.62 mm and 14.66-27.08 mm, respectively. The maximum load and intensity were 579.60-888.40 N and 20.50-43.70 MPa for popl iteus tendon, were 673.80-1 003.20 N and 24.30-56.40 MPa for lateral collateral l igament, and were 101.56-567.35 N and 8.94-36.16 MPa for popl iteofibular l igament, respectively. Conclusion During anatomical reconstruction of posterolateral complex, the bony tunnel of the key components should be located according to the insertion mentioned above. On the basis of this study, the maximum load and intensity of selectable grafts should exceed 833 N and 36 MPa.
Objective To study the anatomic reconstruction method of posterolateral complex (PLC) in combination injury of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and PLC of knee, and explore its early clinical effect. Methods A total of 16 patients (10 males and 6 females) with PCL and PLC injuries admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between January 2017 and January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The PCL was reconstructed with artificial ligament under arthroscopy, and autologous semitendinosus and gracilis muscles were used to reconstruct the PLC using the modified Laprade procedure. We measured the tibia posterior displacement on stress radiographs, lateral compartment gapping on varus stress radiographs, external rotation angle of tibia, and range of motion (ROM) of knee before and after operation, observed and recorded the postoperative complications, and evaluated the joint function according to the score of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm Knee score before and after operation. Results All the 16 patients were followed up for 12 to 25 months, with an average of 17 months. The stress radiographs at the last follow-up showed that the tibia posterior displacement [(18.42±4.93) vs. (3.63±2.37) mm], lateral compartment gapping [(13.70±3.19) vs. (3.28±1.89) mm], external tibial rotation at 30° and 90° of flexion [30°: (14.75±2.84) vs. (2.44±2.06)°; 90°: (15.94±2.52) vs. (2.72±2.14)°] were significantly reduced compared with those before surgery. Lysholm score (45.42±10.94 vs. 85.19±7.11) and IKDC grade were obviously improved compared with those before surgery. All the above indicators showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The postoperative ROMs of knees of 13 patients returned to normal, and 0-10° flexural function was limited in 3 patients. None of the patients suffered from infection, loose internal fixation, nerve injury, or other complications. Conclusion Modified Laprade PLC reconstruction combined with arthroscopic reconstruction of PCL can effectively restore the posterior and posterolateral rotatory stability of the knee, and is worthy of clinical promotion.
Objective To investigate the surgical technique and effectiveness of anatomical posterolateral complex (PLC) reconstruction in treating severe posterolateral knee instability using Y-shaped allogeneic Achilles tendon. Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with Fanelli type C chronic PLC injury with severe posterolateral knee instability who met the selection criteria between June 2013 and August 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 3 females, with a median age of 34.5 years (range, 18-57 years). The average time from injury to surgery was 10.5 months (range, 3-24 months). All of them were multi-ligament injuries and were treated with anatomical reconstruction of Y-shaped allogeneic Achilles tendon. The posterior and varus stress X-ray films were used to measure and calculate the difference of posterior displacement of tibia and difference of lateral joint opening distance between bilateral knees to evaluate the backward stability of LCL and knee joint; the knee flexion 30° tibial external rotation test was used to calculate the difference of tibial external rotation angle between bilateral knees to evaluate the stability of knee external rotation. The knee function was evaluated by the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 subjective and objective scores. ResultsThe operation successfully completed in 12 patients, and there was no vascular and nerve injury during operation. The operation time was 2.5-3.5 hours, with an average of 2.7 hours; the intraoperative blood loss was 20-100 mL, with an average of 55 mL. All patients were followed up 13-41 months, with an average of 28.1 months. At last follow-up, the difference of posterior displacement of tibia, the difference of lateral joint opening, the difference of tibial external rotation angle between bilateral knees, and the IKDC2000 subjective score, the objective scores of tibial external rotation and knee varus significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The knee joint of 1 patient with anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, and PLC reconstruction was stiff at 15 months after operation, and the range of motion of the knee joint was 10°-80°. After arthroscopic release, the range of motion of the knee joint was 5°-120°, the reconstructed ligament was stable. In the other patients, the knee flexion angle was normal in 2 cases; 9 cases had knee flexion limitation of 5°-10°, with an average of 6.4°; no knee extension was limited. ConclusionAnatomical PLC reconstruction using Y-shaped allogeneic Achilles tendon can effectively treat Fanelli type C chronic PLC injury with severe posterolateral knee instability and improve the knee joint stability.