Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of a modified Laprade technique in the treatment of lateral multi-ligament injuries of knee by anatomical reconstruction of posterolateral complex (PLC) and anterior lateral ligament (ALL). METHODS: Between June 2013 and July 2015, 13 cases of lateral multi-ligament injuries of knee were treated. There were 9 males and 4 females with an average age of 38 years (range, 23-49 years). The injury was caused by traffic accident in 7 cases, falling from height in 4 cases, and sport injury in 2 cases. The time between injury and operation was 18-92 days (mean, 43 days). The results of anterior and posterior drawer tests and Lachmann test were positive, and all cases complicated by varus and external rotation instability. The Lysholm score of the knee was 38.4±7.7. According to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring, all were rated as grade D. According to Fanelli classification criteria, all were classified as type C. Anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, PLC, and ALL were reconstructed simultaneously with autogenous tendon. RESULTS: All incisions healed at stage I and no complication occurred. All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 19 months). At last follow-up, the results of anterior and posterior drawer tests and Lachmann test were negative; 2 cases had varus instability, and 1 cases had external rotation instability. There was no anterior external rotation instability. The Lysholm score of the knee was 88.6 ±12.7, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score ( t=13.852, P=0.000). According to IKDC scoring, 8 cases were rated as grade A, 4 as grade B, and 1 as grade C; significant difference was found when compared with preoperative value ( Z=3.182, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of lateral multi-ligament injuries knee, anatomical reconstruction of PLC and ALL with a modified Laprade technique can obtain good short-term effectiveness.