Medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly injured ligament in knee. The majority of MCL tears can be managed conservatively, and reconstruction or augmentation is required in few selected cases. Anatomic MCL and posterior oblique ligament reconstruction have good functional outcome, but it requires 2 tunnels each in the tibia and femur, which may be a limitation in cases in which multiligament reconstruction is required. Several studies report the use of semitendinosus tendon with intact tibial attachment for MCL reconstruction. Since the attachment of semitendinosus is anterior to MCL footprint, it is non-anatomic and anisometric, which may lead to increased laxity of the reconstructed ligament in due course of time. To prevent the laxity in long term, the reconstruction has to be isometric and anatomic. We, hereby, are reporting our unique technique of MCL and posterior oblique ligament reconstruction using intact semitendinosus at tibial attachment and re-routing to the MCL which makes the reconstruction anatomic and isometric. A supplemental video demonstration of the technique is attached with this article.
Meniscal tears are commonly encountered conditions of the knee. In the past, torn menisci were treated by excision of the loose flap. A better understanding of the meniscus anatomy and its biomechanical characteristics has led to the concept of meniscus preservation in eligible cases. Several suture-based repair techniques have been described in literature, including the outside-in technique. Although the outside-in technique of meniscus repair is commonly indicated for the anterior two-thirds of the meniscus, it can be used to repair the posterior part of the meniscus as well. Several modifications of this technique have been described in the literature. We hereby describe our modification of the outside-in technique of meniscus repair with the help of an epidural needle and highstrength sutures that is readily available in operating rooms. The advantages of our technique are that no large incision is required around knee joint, it's inexpensive, it can be performed with basic instruments, and even the tear of meniscus extending up to the posterior horn can be repaired. A supplemental video demonstration of the technique is included with this article.
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