Combined ACLR and lateral extra-articular tenodesis with a continuous iliotibial band autograft is a viable option in a population of athletes who participate in pivoting sports.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results, return to sport and complications after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) associated with lateral extra-articular tenodesis using continuous plasty with an iliotibial band. METHODS: This was a prospective multicentre study involving 186 patients who had surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Patients with multiligament ruptures and revision surgery were excluded from the study. All patients included were involved in pivoting sports and wished to resume their activity after surgery. Patients were assessed at a minimum 2-year follow-up using functional and psychological questionnaires (subjective International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Tegner, Lysholm and ACL-RSI scores), ligament assessment including instrumented laxity measurement (Rolimeter), Lachman test and pivot shift and isokinetic testing. Return to sport was assessed using a questionnaire, and complications and repeat surgeries were recorded. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 43.1 months, the subjective IKDC, Lysholm, ACL-RSI and objective IKDC scores were significantly improved (59.8 vs. 94.5 p < 0.0001, 75 vs. 99 p < 0.0001, 60 vs. 93 p < 0.0001, IKDC A 0% vs. 72%, B 12% vs. 27%, C 60% vs. 1% D 28% vs. 0% p < 0.0001). The Tegner activity level was 9 (3-10) before the accident and 9 (3-10) at the last review. Seventy-six percent of the patients had returned to sports at the same level. The differential laxity was 6.6 mm (±1.7) preoperatively and 1.1 mm (±1.4) postoperatively. Additionally, 97% were equal in pivot shift at the last follow-up. At the 6-month isokinetic assessment, the muscle strength recovery for the quadriceps and hamstring was over 85% compared with the healthy side for 79% and 70% of the patients, respectively. Ten patients had graft rupture (5.6%). Four (2.4%) patients had a contralateral ACL rupture, and seven (4%) underwent a reoperation with meniscectomy. CONCLUSION: Anterior ligament reconstruction with lateral extra-articular tenodesis using a continuous strip of iliotibial band enables 76% of patients in a population with a high demand for sports to resume their activities at the same level. The clinical results and complication rates, particularly reruptures (5.6%), were similar to those of other techniques involving lateral extra-articular tenodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Anatomic attachment of the ACL. Comparison between radiological and CT analysis.

PURPOSE: The following hypothesis was tested: the location of the tibial and femoral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) attachments will differ according to the measurement technique (plain radiographs or CT-scan) in relation to the anatomic frame of reference. METHODS: 10 gross specimens were studied. The location of metallic reference pins implanted around the tibial and femoral ACL attachments was recorded with reference to the bone contours with a caliper on the anatomic preparation, with standard plain AP and lateral radiographs and with a CT-scan. Results were compared with appropriate statistical tests at a 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: The mean ratio between the antero-posterior tibia measurement and the center of the ACL tibial attachment varied from 50 to 52%. The mean ratio between the medio-lateral tibia measurement and the center of the ACL tibial attachment varied from 49 to 51%. The mean ratio between the antero-posterior femur measurement and the center of the ACL femoral attachment varied from 74 to 80%. The results were significantly different between the three techniques (respectively P = 0.003, P = 0.02 and P = 0.045). DISCUSSION: The paired differences were small (3% at the tibia, 6% at the femur). There was a strong correlation and a good agreement between the three techniques. It is likely that the small differences on the tibia have few, if any, clinical relevance. CONCLUSION: Both radiographic and CT-scan measurement techniques used during the present study have the potential to be used as quality control after ACL replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study-investigating a diagnostic test. Development of diagnostic criteria in a consecutive series of patients and a universally applied "gold" standard, Level II.

Combined Anterior and Anterolateral Stabilization of the Knee With the Iliotibial Band.

Interest and knowledge on the anatomy, function, and biomechanical properties of the anterolateral ligament has led to the recognition of the importance of this structure in rotational control of the knee. This article describes a technique that allows for a combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral reconstruction, using an Iliotibial band (ITB) autograft. The graft is detached from the vastus lateralis from proximal to distal, at the center portion from ITB, preserving its distal insertion on the Gerdy tubercle. Its width is 1 cm for the distal part, used for the anterolateral ligament reconstruction, and 3 cm for the proximal part. An outside-in femoral tunnel is drilled respecting both the preferred favorable isometric femoral insertion site and the femoral ACL footprint. An ACL reconstruction combined with a lateral tenodesis with a continuous ITB graft respects the anatomical and isometric rules providing superior internal rotational control of the knee in comparison with a stand-alone ACL reconstruction.