Purpose: To compare the biomechanical properties of a fibula cross-tunnel technique for posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction with those of intact knees. Methods: Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were tested while intact, after PLC tear, and after reconstruction. Testing of the parameters listed above was performed at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees of knee flexion. Reconstruction was performed using 2 independent tendon autografts. Afterward, the fibula and graft were loaded to failure. Results: Reconstruction restored external rotation (0 degrees : 11.75 degrees +/- 2.02 degrees to 9.81 degrees +/- 1.81 degrees, P = .57; 30 degrees : 17.91 degrees +/- 1.32 degrees to 13.96 degrees +/- 2.84 degrees, P = .12; 60 degrees : 15.86 degrees +/- 1.68 degrees to 13.26 degrees +/- 3.58 degrees, P = .41; 90 degrees : 15.53 degrees +/- 1.62 degrees to 14.07 degrees +/- 2.95 degrees, P = .54) to the intact state, and posterior translation (0 degrees : 3.66 +/- 0.85 mm to 3.31 +/- 0.89 mm, P = .87; 60 degrees : 3.15 +/- 0.45 mm to 2.96 +/- 0.45 mm, P = .73; 90 degrees : 2.74 +/- 0.33 mm to 3.05 +/- 0.41 mm, P = .41) and varus angulation (0 degrees : 0.92 degrees +/- 0.35 degrees to 1.98 degrees +/- 0.42 degrees, P = .55; 30 degrees : 2.65 degrees +/- 0.27 degrees to 1.09 degrees +/- 0.90 degrees, P = .37; 90 degrees : 4.29 degrees +/- 0.44 degrees to 2.53 degrees +/- 1.13 degrees, P = .19) under most conditions. During load to failure testing, the construct revealed properties similar to those of native structures (yield load: 330.4 +/- 45.8 N; ultimate load: 420.9 +/- 37.4 N). Conclusions: This technique restored external rotation to the intact state after PLC injury in all testing conditions, as well as posterior translation at 0 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees of flexion, and varus angulation under all conditions tested except 60 degrees of flexion.
展开▼
