Although the incidence of PL injury is unknown (owing to misdiagnosis or failure to detect the injury), the consequences of untreated PL ruptures are readily apparent. Chronic deficiency of the PL structures may be a factor in the failure of cruciate reconstructions ^34,^36,⁴² and may also play a role in the development of gait abnormalities and giving-way.^43,^45,⁵¹ The detection and proper treatment of these problems is critical, because failure to properly treat all of the abnormalities may result in a poor outcome. The patient will complain of a varus type of instability with LJO during stance phase and show either a neutral or a valgus alignment. The abnormal LJO during stance phase is always greater than that detected on the varus stress test. The patient may demonstrate the abnormal LJO by producing a varus loading at the knee joint while standing.

Knees that fulfill the double or triple varus diagnosis criteria (varus osseous malalignment with increased LJO, external tibial rotation, varus recurvatum, and knee hyperextension [see Chapter 31, Primary, Double, and Triple Varus Knee Syndrome: Diagnosis, Osteotomy Techniques, and Clinical Outcomes])⁴⁰ require high tibial osteotomy (HTO) first, followed approximately 6 months later with an appropriate PL reconstruction. In many instances, an ACL or PCL deficiency also exists, which is corrected at the time of the PL reconstruction.

Different surgical options are available for acute knee injuries, dislocated knees with multiple ligament ruptures, chronic knees, and revision knees. The decision making process for determining the appropriate PL procedure is discussed in detail under “Operative Treatment of Acute PL Ruptures” and “Operative Treatment of Chronic PL Ruptures” later in this chapter.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindications to PL reconstruction are findings of less than 5 mm of increased lateral tibiofemoral joint opening and less than 10° of increased external tibial rotation. These findings are frequently noted in knees with associated varus osseous malalignment (double varus knees) that are candidates for HTO (see Chapter 31, Primary, Double, and Triple Varus Knee Syndromes: Diagnosis, Osteotomy Techniques, and Clinical Outcomes).³³ Correction of the varus malalignment promotes physiologic remodeling and shortening of the PL structures, decreasing the abnormal LJO and external tibial rotation and thus negating the need for a PL operative procedure.

Patients with varus malalignment who do not undergo HTO and have associated chronic insufficiency of the PL structures are not candidates for a PL procedure. Untreated varus osseous malalignment is a cause of failure of PL reconstructions.³⁹ In many cases, a knee hyperextension gait abnormality also exists that must be corrected before surgery with a specific gait-retraining program described in Chapter 34, Correction of Hyperextension Gait Abnormalities: Preoperative and Postoperative Techniques.⁴³ Failure to correct a hyperextension gait abnormality places PL reconstructions at risk for failure owing to the excessively high tensile forces placed on the PL soft tissues upon weight-bearing after surgery. Gait retraining usually decreases abnormally high knee extension and adduction moments to normal values.⁴³

Patients with a history of prior joint infection or who are obese (body mass index > 30) are not candidates for PL reconstruction. Patients with muscle atrophy of the lower extremity undergo preoperative rehabilitation before PL reconstruction.

Knees that demonstrate a loss of lateral tibiofemoral compartment joint space, with less than 2 mm remaining on 45° posteroanterior (PA) weight-bearing radiographs, are usually not candidates for PL reconstruction.

CLINICAL EVALUATION

The PL structures are injured when excessive varus, external tibial rotation, and hyperextension forces are applied to the lower extremity. A blow to the anteromedial tibia during sports participation appears to be one of the most common injury mechanisms. These injuries frequently involve rupture of other knee ligament structures, complicating the diagnosis. An isolated complete PL rupture is rare because, usually, the injury is accompanied by an ACL or PCL rupture. In some cases, the PL structures are only partially disrupted and do not require surgical restoration. It is important to correctly determine the increases in LJO, external tibial rotation, and knee hyperextension of the injured knee (compared with the contralateral knee) preoperatively and intraoperatively. The decision of whether surgical restoration of the PL structures is indicated is based on the abnormal knee motion limits, joint subluxations, and the tissue disruption.

Critical Points CLINICAL EVALUATION

History

• Common injury mechanism blow to anteromedial tibia causing excessive knee hyperextension, external tibial rotation, lateral tibiofemoral joint opening.

• Most PL injuries occur with ACL or PCL ruptures.

One frequent patient presentation is a failed ACL or PCL reconstruction owing to untreated PL insufficiency. Another patient presentation is a chronic varus osseous malalignment and underlying ACL insufficiency in which, over time, interstitial stretching and slackening of the PL structures occurred.^33,⁴⁰ In these cases, HTO unloads the PL soft tissues to the extent at which physiologic remodeling and shortening occur and PL reconstruction is not required.⁴⁰

A comprehensive physical examination is required, including assessment of knee flexion and extension, patellofemoral indices, tibiofemoral crepitus, tibiofemoral joint line pain, and gait abnormalities. Pain in the medial tibiofemoral compartment occurs owing to increased compressive forces related to varus osseous malalignment. Pain in the PL soft tissues may occur from increased soft tissue tensile forces due to a varus thrusting gait pattern. The abnormal knee hyperextension involves increased extension in the sagittal plane and is often accompanied by a varus alignment in the coronal plane, which has been described as a varus recurvatum alignment. Together with a varus osseous malalignment, this is referred to as a triple varus knee (see Chapter 31, Primary, Double, and Triple Varus Knee Syndromes: Diagnosis, Osteotomy Techniques, and Clinical Outcomes). Patients with chronic PL insufficiency have varying amounts of altered gait mechanics and knee hyperextension. Some individuals may present with a markedly abnormal gait that is severely disabling and limits ambulation. Other patients may have a less noticeable alteration because the abnormal knee hyperextension occurs only after prolonged walking and muscle fatigue. The abnormal gait pattern is characterized by excessive knee hyperextension during the stance phase, which does respond to gait retraining that initiates normal stance phase flexion (see Chapter 34, Correction of Hyperextension Gait Abnormalities: Preoperative and Postoperative Techniques). Subjective complaints of giving-way during routine daily activities, along with severe quadriceps atrophy, often accompany this gait abnormality.

The surgeon must determine all of the abnormal translations and rotations in the knee joint. The ligament injuries that result in knee hyperextension and varus recurvatum frequently involve not only the PL structures but also other ligament and capsular structures. The biomechanical and kinematic studies that form the basis for the interpretation and diagnosis of the manual stress tests are described in Chapter 20, Function of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterolateral Ligament Structures.

The increases in LJO and external tibial rotation shown in Table 22-1 are only approximations of what would be expected with clinical injury to the PL structures. Importantly, an increase of only a few millimeters (2–5 mm) in LJO occurs with complete rupture of the FCL, whereas an increase of 5 to 9 mm occurs with complete rupture of all the PL structures (FCL, PMTL, PFL). These values are based on biomechanical studies discussed in Chapter 20, Function of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterolateral Ligament Structures, under moderate varus loads (20 Nm). LaPrade and colleagues²⁰ conducted a cadaveric study in which lateral stress radiography was applied at 12 Nm (on an experimental apparatus) and the increase in LJO over the intact state was compared with that measured during a clinician-applied load after an isolated FCL rupture and a combined FCL, PMTL, PFL rupture. Compared with the intact state, LJO induced by the clinician-applied load increased by 2.7 mm (isolated FCL rupture) and 4.0 mm (combined PL rupture). However, the mean values showed a wide standard deviation and variation between specimens, making extrapolation to the clinical setting difficult. In addition, the lateral joint space measurement showed wide confidence intervals. For an isolated FCL rupture, the mean lateral gap distance was 10.99 mm (confidence interval [CI], 7.8–14.3 mm) and for the combined PL rupture, the mean distance was 12.2 mm (CI, 9.3–15.2 mm). This amount of overlap indicates that it would not be possible to accurately separate an FCL rupture alone from a combined PL injury. The measurements are important and useful in providing the clinician with a baseline in interpreting lateral stress radiographs. The gap test measurement at arthroscopy described extensively in this book is based also on these types of approximations. The gap test is based on the joint separation between articular cartilage seen at arthroscopy, and not the cortical separation on a stress radiograph. Even so, the measurements are somewhat equivalent as to the increase in the amount of millimeters with PL injuries. For example, Figure 22-2 shows an approximately normal lateral gap of 4 mm at the closest point of the lateral compartment at arthroscopy. An increase of only 6 mm results in 10 mm of absolute opening at the closest point, or 12 mm at the periphery, which is viewed as a positive gap test and indicative of injury to the PL structures. Fortunately, in most knees, these are the lesser values and it is more common that the lateral gap exceeds these measurements, indicating that concurrent PL reconstruction is necessary.

TABLE 22-1 Comprehensive Knee Examination

FIGURE 22-2 The gap test. A, The amount of lateral tibiofemoral joint opening is measured with the knee at 25° of flexion. Knees with insufficiency of the PL structures will demonstrate 12 mm of joint opening at the periphery of the lateral tibiofemoral compartment, 10 mm at the midportion of the compartment, and 8 mm at the innermost medial edge. B, Normal gap test. C, Abnormal gap test.

An increase in external tibial rotation may occur with anterior subluxation of the medial tibial plateau, posterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau, or a combination of both subluxations. The dial or spin rotation test, which the senior author developed, allows a diagnosis of tibial rotatory subluxations of the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments at 30° and 90° of knee flexion (see Table 22-1). Other variations of this test have been described.^6,^44,⁵⁵

The position of the medial and lateral tibial plateau is assessed at the starting position (neutral tibial rotation) with the knee flexed to 30° and 90° and at the final position with the tibia in maximal external rotation. The examiner palpates the position of the medial and lateral tibial plateau, which is compared with the normal knee to assess whether a subluxation (anterior or posterior) of the medial or lateral tibial plateau is present. An increase in internal tibial rotation occurs with medial ligament and PCL disruption (see Chapter 20, Function of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterolateral Ligament Structures). The axis of tibial rotation is observed in the involved knee and compared with the normal knee to detect a shift in the medial or lateral tibiofemoral compartment during tibial rotation. It is not recommended that this test be performed in the prone position because the tibiofemoral joint cannot be accurately palpated to distinguish an anteromedial from a PL tibial subluxation.

It is not usually possible to determine the actual millimeters of translation of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus in reference to the femoral condyle. Thus, a qualitative determination of whether the reference tibial plateau is anteriorly or posteriorly subluxated from the lateral or medial femoral condyle is performed. The extent of lateral deviation of the tibial tubercle compared with the opposite knee with external tibial rotation may be increased.

The use of the dial test in knees with PCL ruptures requires maintenance of a normal anatomic tibiofemoral position. This is accomplished by applying a gentle anterior translation, loading the ACL in both limbs, during the external tibial rotation. It is still necessary to use the supine position so that the examiner can palpate the tibiofemoral position.⁵² The dial test is less accurate with a PCL rupture, because it is difficult to compare limbs, and other tests to be described (LJO, gap test at arthroscopy, varus recurvatum) for the integrity of the PL structures need to be carefully assessed.

When a posterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau is positively identified by the tibiofemoral rotation test, additional tests must be conducted to determine the integrity of other ligament structures. The amount of LJO at 5° and 20° of knee flexion should be determined to further assess the integrity of the FCL and other secondary ligament restraints. The posterior tibial subluxation of the central tibial and medial tibiofemoral joint determines the amount of increased translation due to a PCL injury, which adds to the maximum posterior subluxation to the lateral compartment with external tibial rotation.

The presence of a varus recurvatum in both the supine and the standing positions must be carefully assessed. Often, the varus recurvatum reaches its maximum position when the patient is standing and asked to maximally hyperextend both knees.

The appropriate tests to determine the integrity of the ACL and PCL are performed, including KT-2000 arthrometer testing at 20° of flexion (134 N) to quantify total anteroposterior (AP) displacement. The pivot shift test is recorded on a scale of 0 to III (grade 0, no pivot shift; grade I, slip or glide; grade II, jerk or clunk; grade III, gross subluxation with impingement of the PL aspect of the tibial plateau against the femoral condyle). A misdiagnosis of a positive pivot shift test may occur with PL injuries as the lateral tibial plateau is brought to a reduced position (starting from a posterior subluxated position) with knee extension and then posteriorly subluxates with knee flexion (reverse pivot shift test). The medial posterior tibiofemoral step-off on the posterior drawer test is done at 90° of flexion.

Radiographs taken during the initial examination include AP, lateral at 30° of knee flexion, weight-bearing PA at 45° of knee flexion, and patellofemoral axial views. Lateral stress radiographs may be required of both knees (20° flexion, neutral tibial rotation, 67 N varus force). A comparison is made of the millimeters of lateral tibiofemoral compartment opening between knees.

A lateral radiograph is used to determine the approximate length required for FCL anatomic grafts. The distance from the anatomic femoral insertion site to the anatomic fibular insertion site is measured and adjusted for magnification. A measurement of the patellar tendon length is also made when a bone–patellar tendon–bone (B-PT-B) FCL autograft is planned.

Posterior stress radiographs are obtained in patients with PCL ruptures, especially those in which the distinction of a partial versus a complete PCL deficiency is difficult to determine on clinical examination.¹⁴ A lateral PCL stress radiograph is taken of each knee at 90° of flexion. The limb is placed in neutral rotation with the tibia unconstrained and the quadriceps relaxed, and 89 N force applied to the proximal tibia. Measurement is made of the millimeters of posterior tibial translation in both knees. Knees with 10 mm or more of increased posterior tibial translation are considered candidates for PCL reconstruction.

Full standing radiographs of both lower extremities, from the femoral heads to the ankle joints, are done in knees with varus lower extremity alignment. The mechanical axis and weight-bearing line are measured to determine whether HTO is indicated.¹⁰

Patients complete questionnaires and are interviewed for the assessment of symptoms, functional limitations, sports and occupational activity levels, and their perception of the overall knee condition according to the Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS; see Chapter 44, The Cincinnati Knee Rating System).²

CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF PARTIAL TO COMPLETE PL INJURIES

The classification and treatment of first-, second-, and third-degree acute PL injuries is detailed in Table 22-2. It is important to diagnose partial tears of the PL structures, with a mild to moderate increase in LJO and external tibial rotation, to allow protection and maintain lateral tibiofemoral joint closure in the initial 3 weeks to allow “stick-down” and healing of lateral soft tissues. This program is similar to that recommended for medial ligament ruptures (see Chapter 24, Medial and Posteromedial Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis, Operative Techniques, and Clinical Outcomes).

TABLE 22-2 Diagnosis and Classification of Acute Posterolateral Injuries

PREOPERATIVE PLANNING: TIMING OF SURGERY

Acute Injuries

There is a distinct advantage for repairing completely disrupted PL structures and meniscal attachments in acute injuries (Fig. 22-3). At the time of surgery, extensive disruption of these structures is observed. Careful dissection is required to identify anatomic tissue planes and maintain an intact vascular and neural supply. The so-called golden period to perform an acute surgical repair is within 7 to 14 days of the injury. After this time, scar tissue will obliterate tissue planes and make the dissection and repair difficult.

FIGURE 22-3 Algorithm for treatment of acute injuries to the PL structures. B-PT-B, bone–patellar tendon–bone; FCL, fibular collateral ligament; PFL, popliteofibular ligament; POP, popliteus.

A lower extremity venous ultrasound is obtained before surgery in acute multiligament knee injuries that have swelling and soft tissue damage to detect occult venous thrombosis that requires urgent treatment and contraindicates surgery. An initial delay in surgery for 5 to 7 days allows for observation of the neurovascular status, soft tissue swelling, skin integrity, and some clearing of hemorrhage in soft tissues in the injured extremity.

Critical Points Preoperative Planning

Cruciate Reconstruction

• Ensure B-PT-B, Achilles tendon allografts available.

• Determine appropriate grafts for ACL or PCL reconstruction.

ACL, anterior cruciate ligament; B-PT-B, bone–patellar tendon–bone; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; PCL, posterior cruciate ligament; PL, posterolateral.

During this time, the lower extremity is supported in a soft hinged full-leg brace in extension with a well-padded compression dressing. In knees with extensive damage to the PL structures and PCL, a bivalved cylinder cast with a posterior plaster shell and posterior foam calf pad may be required to provide added stability and prevent posterior tibial subluxation. Reduction of the tibiofemoral joint is verified by a lateral radiograph. Lower limb elevation, ice, and compression are important. The physical therapist initiates early protected knee motion, patellar mobilization, active quadriceps function, and electrical muscle stimulation. Dislocated knees scheduled for surgery require vascular consultation, ankle/brachial studies (ankle/brachial index ≥ 90%), and possible arteriography to exclude arterial injuries, even when intact peripheral pulses are present.

Contraindications to acute surgical repair are excessive soft tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and edema that are frequently present in dislocated knees with multiple ligament ruptures. The operative procedure adds to the injury by increasing edema and soft tissue swelling, risk of infection, vascular problems (including compartment syndromes), and skin flap necrosis. In these cases, it is preferable to treat the acute injury and perform ligament reconstructive procedures later after tissue swelling is resolved and muscle function and knee motion have been restored.

In addition, there is a significant incidence of knee arthrofibrosis after acute surgical treatment of knee dislocations, which is lessened with a staged approach. In the authors’ experience, only approximately one in four dislocated knees with associated PL ruptures are candidates for acute surgical procedures. A delay in surgical reconstruction results in a decreased incidence of knee arthrofibrosis and markedly improves surgical outcomes. Other obvious contraindications include open wounds and skin abrasions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides important information regarding ligament ruptures, articular cartilage damage, and meniscus tears. Frequently, the sites of rupture to the FCL, popliteus muscle and tendon, PFL, and meniscal attachments may be identified before surgery. One note of caution is that the tendency exists, owing to edema and swelling in the PL tissues, to misinterpret the MRI and conclude that there is greater tissue damage and disruption than is actually encountered at surgery.

Chronic Injuries

Patients with chronic knee injuries that present with severe muscle atrophy require several months of preoperative rehabilitation. Patients with a hyperextension gait abnormality must complete a gait-retraining program,⁴³ described in detail in Chapter 34, Correction of Hyperextension Gait Abnormalities: Preoperative and Postoperative Techniques. This program is done in addition to lower extremity muscle strengthening exercises. In the authors’ experience, patients will convert to a more normal gait pattern after 4 to 6 weeks of training. More time is required for severe quadriceps atrophy before surgical intervention.

Varus osseous malalignment must be corrected before chronic PL reconstruction, as described previously. Failure to address this malalignment will greatly increase the risk of failure of any PL procedure (Fig. 22-4). In some cases in which the PL deficiency is due to interstitial stretching of the tissues and not a traumatic rupture, a simplified proximal advancement of the PL structures may be performed with the HTO. In anatomic PL reconstructions, the ligament surgery is staged after healing of the HTO. The indications for the various PL procedures are described in detail under the “Operative Treatment of Acute PL Ruptures” and “Operative Treatment of Chronic PL Ruptures” sections.

FIGURE 22-4 Standing anteroposterior (AP; A) and lateral (B) radiographs of a 28-year-old man referred to the authors’ center 14 months after failure of an acute repair of the PL structures and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) allograft reconstruction. The patient had underlying varus osseous malalignment, which likely was a factor in the failure of the ligament reconstructions. This malalignment requires correction before revision surgery.

(A and B, From Noyes, F. R.; Barber-Westin, S. D.: Posterior cruciate ligament revision reconstruction, part 1: causes of surgical failure in 52 consecutive operations. Am J Sports Med 33:646–654, 2005.)

Patients who have undergone prior lateral meniscectomy and who demonstrate early tibiofemoral arthritis are considered for lateral meniscus transplantation.⁴¹

Cruciate Graft Reconstruction

The majority of patients who undergo PL reconstruction require a concomitant ACL or PCL reconstruction (Fig. 22-5). The appropriate grafts for the cruciate procedures should be determined; autogenous tissues with bony fixation are preferred. However, the surgeon should ensure that B-PT-B and Achilles tendon–bone (AT-B) allografts are available the day of surgery. These will be required if autogenous tissue is unavailable or not suitable for the PL or cruciate procedures.

FIGURE 22-5 Algorithm for treatment of chronic injuries to the PL structures. B-PT-B, bone–patellar tendon–bone; FCL, fibular collateral ligament; PFL, popliteofibular ligament.

INTRAOPERATIVE EVALUATION

All knee ligament tests are performed after the induction of anesthesia in both the injured and the contralateral limbs. The amount of increased anterior tibial translation, posterior tibial translation, LJO, and external tibial rotation is documented. A thorough arthroscopic examination is conducted, documenting articular cartilage surface abnormalities (see Chapter 47, Articular Cartilage Rating Systems) and the condition of the menisci.⁴⁶

The gap test is done during the arthroscopic examination.⁴⁰ The knee is flexed to 30° and a varus load applied. A calibrated nerve hook is used to measure the amount of lateral tibiofemoral compartment opening (see Fig. 22-2). Knees that have 12 mm or more of joint opening at the periphery of the lateral tibiofemoral compartment require a PL reconstructive procedure.

In knees that undergo ACL reconstruction, the millimeters of joint opening at the intercondylar area at the site of the ACL graft is the critical distance in the gap test. Increases in LJO will occur postoperatively, allowing increases in ACL graft length. This space is normally 3 to 5 mm under varus loading.

After the surgical exposure (see “Operative Treatment of Acute PL Ruptures” and Operative Treatment of Chronic PL Ruptures”), the FCL and its fibular head and femoral attachment sites, the PMTL, PL capsule, and PFL are inspected. The distal popliteal tibia and fibula attachments of the popliteus tendon are identified and inspected to determine the appropriate surgical treatment. All of the lateral and PL structures, including meniscus attachments, are inspected in a stepwise manner. The peroneal nerve is identified and protected at all times.

OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF ACUTE PL RUPTURES

Operative Setup and Patient Positioning

The patient is instructed to use a soap scrub of the operative limb (“toes to groin”) the evening before and the morning of surgery. Lower extremity hair is removed by clippers, not a shaver. Antibiotic infusion is begun 1 hour before surgery. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is given to the patient with a sip of water upon arising the morning of surgery (which is continued until the 5th postoperative day unless there are specific contraindications to the medicine). The use of a NSAID and a postoperative firm double-cotton, double-Ace compression dressing for 72 hours (cotton, Ace, cotton, Ace layered dressing) has proved very effective in diminishing soft tissue swelling and is used in all knee surgery cases. In complex multiligament surgery, the antibiotic is repeated at 4 hours and continued for 24 hours. A urinary indwelling catheter is not used unless there are specific indications. The patients’ urinary output and total fluids are carefully monitored during the procedure and in the recovery room. The knee skin area is initialed by both the patient and the surgeon before entering the operating room, with a nurse observing the procedure. The identification process is repeated with all operative personnel with a “time out” before surgery to verify the knee undergoing surgery, procedure, allergies, antibiotic infusion, and special precautions that apply. All personnel provide verbal agreement.

Critical Points OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF ACUTE POSTEROLATERAL RUPTURES: OPERATIVE SETUP AND PATIENT POSITIONING

• “Time out” before surgery: verify knee undergoing surgery, procedure, allergies, antibiotic infusion, special precautions.

• Complete examination of knee joint under anesthesia, compare with opposite knee.

• Acute dislocation or questionable vascular status: drape entire lower limb free to check anterior and posterior tibial pulses at the foot during procedure.

• Arthroscopic examination under low pressures with free or controlled open outflow to prevent fluid extravasation. Confirm damage to intra-articular structures, photograph injury.

• Place tourniquet at proximal thigh with appropriate padding. Inflate (275–300 mm Hg) during initial exploration, identify common peroneal nerve. Deflate for surgical repair, reconstruction

The patient is placed supine on the operative table and appropriately padded. The knee portion of the table is flexed 20°, and the table is tilted into a mild Trendelenburg position. A posterior thigh pad is placed behind the proximal thigh to suspend the knee joint at 20° to 30° of flexion. No pressure is exerted on the posterior popliteal space, allowing the posterior neurovascular tissues and popliteal tissues to drop posteriorly away from the operative approach. A common mistake is to place a posterior bolster in the popliteal space that pushes the posterior neurovascular structures into the operative dissection.

In cases of acute dislocation or any questionable vascular status, the entire lower limb is draped free to allow vascular checks of the anterior and posterior tibial pulses at the foot during the operative procedure.

An initial arthroscopic examination is performed under low-pressure conditions with a free or controlled open outflow to prevent fluid extravasation. The arthroscopic examination confirms damage to intra-articular structures and allows photographic documentation of the injury. Appropriate meniscus surgery is performed as required with the exception that lateral meniscus repairs are done after the open exposure. If a leg holder is used, it is removed for the open surgery.

The tourniquet is placed at the proximal portion of the thigh with appropriate padding. The tourniquet is inflated (275–300 mm Hg) during the initial exploration of the ligamentous injury and identification of the common peroneal nerve (CPN). The tourniquet is deflated for the remainder of the procedure. The surgeon may elect to be seated, directly facing the lateral aspect of the knee, with a headlight in place that allows for careful dissection of the lateral soft tissues including the CPN.

Identification of Ligament and Soft Tissue Rupture Pattern

A 10- to 12-cm skin incision is made in a straight line centered over the joint line and 1 cm posterior to the iliotibial band (ITB) attachment at the tibia (Fig. 22-6A). After careful mobilization of the skin flaps, the ITB, biceps tendon, and lateral structures are encountered.

FIGURE 22-6 PL surgical technique. A, Site for the skin incision. B, Incision site in the interval between the posterior edge of the iliotibial band (ITB) and the anterior edge of the biceps tendon. C, In chronic cases with severe scarring, it may be necessary to add an anterior incision and displace the ITB posteriorly during the reconstructive procedure to allow better exposure. D, With the ITB retracted anteriorly, the interval between the lateral head of the gastrocnemius and the PL aspect of the capsule is opened bluntly, just proximal to the fibular head, without entering the joint capsule proximally.

Prior to dissection of the lateral aspect of the knee, the location of the CPN must be identified. If the CPN cannot be easily palpated and its course determined, then it is necessary at this point to expose and identify the nerve, which is discussed in the next section.

In the majority of knees, the ITB will be intact or demonstrate only partial tearing. In select cases, the ITB will be completely disrupted at the joint line or avulsed off its tibial attachment at Gerdy’s tubercle. Posteriorly, there are capsular attachments of the ITB, including fascial attachments to the short head of the biceps femoris, which are identified for later repair if torn. If the ITB is intact, an incision is made along its posterior border to allow visualization of all of the underlying structures (see Fig. 22-6B).

The lateral capsular tissues and meniscal attachments are the next structures visualized. A vertical incision is made into the anterior third of the capsule and extended to the lateral meniscus just anterior to the popliteus tendon attachment. The popliteus tendon and meniscus attachments at the femoral popliteal recess are identified. Frequently, it is necessary to repair the superior and inferior meniscal fasciculi (Fig. 22-7) to restore meniscal attachments to the lateral meniscus. Careful varus stress is placed on the knee joint to allow inspection of the lateral meniscus attachments and tibiofemoral articular cartilage. On occasion, an additional anterior incision is required for visualization of underlying anatomy (see Fig. 22-6C).

FIGURE 22-7 Illustration of the popliteus tendon and its surrounding popliteomeniscal fascicles and lateral meniscus attachments that are frequently disrupted, requiring repair.

Critical Points OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF ACUTE POSTEROLATERAL RUPTURES: IDENTIFICATION OF LIGAMENT AND SOFT TISSUE RUPTURE PATTERN

• Skin incision straight line 10–12 cm in length, centered over joint line, 1 cm posterior to the ITB attachment at tibia.

• Intact ITB: incision along its posterior border to allow anterior displacement, visualize all underlying structures.

• Small bursa located superficial and anterolateral to distal portion of FCL: open to allow better exposure of FCL attachment.

• Proximal one third of posterior capsule attaches to proximal portion of gastrocnemius muscle and fabellum.

• Interval between posterior capsule and gastrocnemius tendon entered just above fibula.

Exposes PL structures, popliteus muscle tibial attachments, popliteus muscle tendon junction, PFL, popliteus tendon attachment at the femur, fabellofibular ligament.

FCL, fibular collateral ligament; ITB, iliotibial band; PFL, popliteofibular ligament; PL, posterolateral.

The fibular head and attachments of the biceps femoris short and long head are the next structures visualized, which have been described in detail in Chapter 2, Lateral, Posterior, and Cruciate Knee Anatomy. The two tendinous components (direct and anterior arms) and one of the fascial components (lateral aponeurotic expansion) make up the key portion of the long head anatomy. The other fascial components are the reflected arm and the anterior aponeurotic expansion.

The most proximal component is the reflected arm. It originates just proximal to the fibular head and ascends anteriorly to insert on the posterior edge of the ITB. The direct arm inserts onto the PL edge of the fibula just distal to the tip of the styloid. A portion of the anterior arm inserts onto the lateral aspect of the fibular head, and the rest continues distally just lateral to the FCL. Portions of the anterior arm ascend anteriorly forming the lateral aponeurotic expansion that attach to the posterior and lateral aspects of the FCL. Here, a small bursa separates the anterior arm from the distal fourth of the FCL. The anterior arm thus forms the lateral wall of this bursa (see Fig. 2-12). This is an important surgical landmark, because a small horizontal incision can be made here, 1 cm proximal to the fibular head, to enter this bursa and locate the insertion of the FCL into the fibular head. The anterior arm then continues distally over the FCL, forming the anterior aponeurosis, which covers the anterior compartment of the leg. The primary areas of injury are tendon avulsions off of the fibula, which often have a major osseous component that can be repaired. In addition, the fascial extensions anteriorly and laterally are repaired.

The short head of the biceps courses just deep (or medial) and anterior to the long head tendon, sending a majority of its proximal muscular fibers to the long head tendon itself.⁵³ It has six distal attachments, described in detail in Chapter 2, Lateral, Posterior, and Cruciate Knee Anatomy. The most important attachments are that of the direct arm, the anterior arm, and the capsular arm.

The capsular arm originates just prior to the short head reaching the fibula and continues deep to the FCL to insert onto the PL knee capsule and fabella. Here the fibers of the capsular arm continue distally as the fabellofibular ligament. Just distal to the capsular arm, a capsulo-osseous layer forms a fascial confluence with the ITB (the biceps–capsulo-osseous iliotibial tract confluent). The direct arm of the short head inserts onto the fibular head just posterior and proximal to the direct arm of the long head tendon. The anterior arm then continues medial or deep to the FCL, partially blends with the anterior tibiofibular ligament, and inserts onto the tibia 1 cm posterior to Gerdy’s tubercle. This site is also the attachment of the midthird lateral knee capsule. The lateral aponeurotic expansion of the short head inserts onto the medial aspect of the FCL. The FCL may be torn at its femoral attachment or within its substance or avulsed along with the biceps attachment at the fibula.

Proceeding posteriorly, the next structure encountered is the lateral gastrocnemius muscle tendinous attachment to the femur. The proximal third of the posterior capsule attaches to the proximal portion of the gastrocnemius muscle and fabellum (osseous or cartilagenous analog).

The interval between the posterior capsule and the gastrocnemius tendon is entered just above the fibula, similar to the exposure for a lateral meniscus repair. This exposes the popliteus muscle tibial attachments, popliteus muscle-tendon junction, PFL, popliteus tendon attachment at the femur, and fabellofibular ligament (extension of short head biceps attachments) (see Fig. 22-6D).

In dissection studies, LaPrade and coworkers ¹⁹ described a fabellum (osseous or cartilagenous) present in all specimens. This structure forms an attachment for the oblique popliteal ligament and fabellofibular ligament, which along with the posterior capsule, are important restraints for limiting knee hyperextension. Although individual capsular components and structures are difficult to discern with extensive capsular ruptures, it is important to repair disrupted posterior capsular tissues after completion of the initial dissection.

Peroneal Nerve Identification

It is important at the initial stages of the dissection to palpate and determine the location of the CPN. To expose the CPN, it is safest to begin in the proximal aspect of the operative exposure. A large retractor is used to elevate the muscular portion of the biceps femoris, placing the fascial tissues beneath the biceps muscle under gentle tension. This gentle upward displacement of the biceps muscle is key to visualize and dissect the CPN, because its normal curviform undulations are removed and it assumes a straighter appearance (Fig. 22-8A). The investing crural fascia is incised over the CPN to the fibula.

FIGURE 22-8 Exposure of the common peroneal nerve (CPN). A, Proximal exposure of the CPN inferior to the long head of the biceps tendon. B, The superficial fascia over the peroneus longus is incised. C, The peroneus longus muscle at the fibular neck is partially incised adjacent to the CPN. D, Complete exposure of the CPN entering into the anterolateral compartment. In this knee, the CPN is shown to be distinctly abnormal and edematous at this site. The CPN is not displaced from its normal anatomic site to protect the vascular supply.

The CPN and its branches are not removed from their normal anatomic position to avoid damaging the delicate blood supply, particularly in the region where the CPN approaches and then passes around the fibular neck. Kadiyala and associates ¹⁶ reported measurements in cadaveric specimens of the blood supply to the CPN in the popliteal fossa and fibular neck region. These authors hypothesized that the susceptibility of the CPN to injury or lack of a response to operative treatment when injured may be related to deficiencies in intraneural and extraneural vascular supply and anastomoses.

The most common source of blood supply to the proximal portion of the CPN is a direct branch of the popliteal artery. This branch divides into proximal and distal anastomotic vessels that run in the connective tissue sheath of the nerve and anastomoses with the anterior recurrent tibial artery. The vessels, located in the epineurium, give rise to many small vessels of fine caliber, which extend 20 to 30 mm within the substance of CPN. It is important not to disturb this blood supply. Kadiyala and associates ¹⁶ noted that the blood supply of the CPN was somewhat sparse with poor vascularization. A connection of the vasa nervorum was not found from the geniculate arteries, but occasional contributions from muscular branches were recognized (Fig. 22-9).

FIGURE 22-9 A, Gross dissection of the popliteal fossa of the right leg. The vessel branching from the popliteal artery gives rise to vasa nervorum to the tibial nerve and CPN and a branch that bifurcates into a vessel accompanying the sural nerve and the epineurial vessel running with the CPN. B, The major vascular arrangements supplying the CPN in the popliteal fossa.

(A and B, Adapted from Kadiyala, R. K.; Ramirez, A.; Taylor, A. E.; et al.: The blood supply of the common peroneal nerve in the popliteal fossa. J Bone Joint Surg Br 87:337–342, 2005.)

Bottomley and colleagues ³ reviewed the anatomic position of the CPN in 54 patients who had damage to the PL structures. The CPN was noted to be displaced out of its normal position in 16 of 18 patients who had biceps avulsions or associated fibular head fractures. These authors advised that the surgeon should expect an abnormal nerve position on surgical exploration in knees with bone or soft tissue avulsion from the fibular head and the potential for iatrogenic damage.

Critical Points OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF ACUTE POSTEROLATERAL RUPTURES: COMMON PERONEAL NERVE IDENTIFICATION

• Initial dissection: proximal aspect operative exposure, palpate, determine location CPN.

• Gently displace, elevate biceps muscle to visualize, dissect fascial covering over CPN.

• CPN and its branches are not removed from normal anatomic position to avoid damaging delicate blood supply.

• Most common source of blood supply to proximal portion of CPN from direct branch popliteal artery. Branch divides into proximal and distal anastomotic vessels.

• The vessels, located in the epineurium, give rise to many small vessels of fine caliber, within CPN. Do not disturb this blood supply.

• Gerdy’s safe zone: area where CPN and anterior recurrent branch define an arc with an average radius of 45 mm.

• Region advantageous for surgical exploration, damage to peroneal nerve and its branches avoided.

• In cases of partial to complete peroneal nerve injury, avoid added trauma to neural tissues.

• CPN passage into the lateral and anterolateral compartment at the entrance of the peroneal longus muscle at the fibular neck potential area for nerve compression. Requires identification, division of variant fascial tissue bands. Further CPN dissection avoided.

CPN, common peroneal nerve.

Rubel and coworkers ⁴⁹ conducted an anatomic investigation of the CPN in 31 cadaveric limbs by dissecting the CPN to its intramuscular branches. The authors described Gerdy’s safe zone as the area where the CPN and anterior recurrent branch defined an arc with an average radius of 45 mm. The distance between the fibular head and Gerdy’s tubercle was used to determine the radius of the safe zone. Therefore, this region in the proximal aspect of the tibia is advantageous for surgical exploration, because damage to the peroneal nerve and its branches is avoided (Fig. 22-10). The CPN divides into three branches as it enters the anterolateral musculature, with the anterior recurrent branch more proximal to the superficial and deep peroneal branches.

FIGURE 22-10 A, Cadaveric dissection of a fresh tissue specimen shows the circumferential area free of neural structures at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia. The center of this circumference is located at Gerdy’s tubercle with an average radius (and standard deviation) of 45.32 ± 2.6 mm. d II, distance from the most prominent aspect of Gerdy’s tubercle to the starting point of the superficial branch of the CPN; d III, distance from the most prominent aspect of Gerdy’s tubercle to the anterior recurrent branch of the nerve. B, Gerdy’s safe zone marked preoperatively. Note how the marking follows the contour of the surface in a three-dimensional fashion on the lateral (B) and frontal (C) photographs.

(A–C, From Rubel, I. F.; Schwarzbard, I.; Leonard, A.; Cece, D.: Anatomic location of the peroneal nerve at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia: Gerdy’s safe zone. J Bone Joint Surg Am 86:1625–1628, 2004.)

Dellon and associates ⁹ reported on the anatomic variations of the CPN at the fibular head in 29 cadavers (bilaterally) and 65 patients treated with a CPN decompression for symptoms. Three possible anatomic variants were described that require attention and decompression in chronic neuropathies for a successful outcome. First, the superficial fascia of the superficial head of the peroneus longus muscle is divided by a proximal and distal transection of the fascia (found in 30% of cadavers and 78% of patients; see Fig. 22-8B). Second, when the peroneus longus muscle at the fibular neck is partially incised adjacent and superior to the CPN and the peroneus muscle lifted anteriorly, a fibrous band may be found that requires release (soft tissue restriction found in 43% of cadavers and 20% of patients; see Fig. 22-8C). Third, there may be a fibrous connection between the peroneus longus and the soleus muscle requiring division (found in 9% of cadavers and 6% of patients). These authors advise that after CPN decompression, the surgeon’s index finger should be able to gently pass along the CPN and into the anterolateral compartment (see Fig. 22-8D).

In cases of partial to complete peroneal nerve injury, it is important that added trauma to neural tissues be avoided. The goal is to identify the nerve pathway to avoid further damage during the ligament reconstructive procedure. The CPN passage into the lateral and anterolateral compartment at the entrance of the peroneal longus muscle at the fibular neck is a potential area for nerve compression. This area requires identification and division of variant fascial tissue bands, as previously described. Further CPN dissection is avoided.

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