Simultaneous Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Medial Collateral Ligament in Patients With Chronic ACL-MCL Lesions

Abstract

Background:

In cases of chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–medial collateral ligament (MCL) lesions, nonoperative treatment of the MCL lesion may lead to chronic valgus instability and rotatory instability. The optimal management for patients who have combined ACL-MCL injuries remains controversial.

Purpose:

To present a case series of 21 patients who underwent simultaneous ACL-MCL reconstruction with a 2- to 5-year follow-up.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

From October 2007 to December 2010, a total of 21 patients with chronic ACL-MCL injuries, for which the 2 ligaments were reconstructed during the same surgical procedure, were studied. All patients were available for follow-up for at least 2 years. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee scores, valgus and sagittal stability, anteromedial rotatory stability, range of motion, and complications were assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results:

At follow-up, valgus and sagittal laxity were not observed in any of the patients. The mean medial knee opening was significantly reduced to 0.80 ± 0.96 mm (range, –1.2 to 2.6 mm) postoperatively compared with 8.0 ± 1.3 mm (range, 6.1 to 10.7 mm) preoperatively (P < .01). The mean postoperative side-to-side difference measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer was reduced to 0.8 ± 0.9 mm (range, –1.2 to 2.3 mm) compared with 8.4 ± 1.6 mm (range, 6.2 to 13.2 mm) preoperatively (P < .01). Preoperative anteromedial instability was seen in 71% of patients (15/21), whereas none of the patients had anteromedial rotatory instability at the last follow-up. The mean IKDC subjective score improved overall from 45.3 ± 12.0 (range, 28.7-69.0) preoperatively to 87.7 ± 8.2 (range, 65.5-100.0) at the last follow-up (P < .01). Most patients (20/21) had normal or nearly normal range of motion of the knee joint; only 1 patient (5%) had a limitation of flexion of 15° compared with the contralateral knee at the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

In patients with chronic ACL-MCL lesions, simultaneous reconstruction of the ACL and MCL can significantly improve the medial, sagittal, and rotatory stability of the knee at short-term follow-up.