Abstract
Intraarticular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by transferring the distal aspect and insertion of the iliotibial band has been clinically successful. Our surgical technique theoretically retains normal neurovascular supply, and thus, the potential for dy namic repair exists. Thirty-five patients, 28 men and 7 women, underwent this reconstruction. The average age was 24 years, with a range from 18 to 46. There were 27 chronic and 8 acute injuries.
Pathological findings included an absent anterior cruciate (14 knees), severe stretching (13), failed reconstruction or repair (4), midportion tears (3), and avulsion (1).
Postoperative patients were evaluated according to the Kennedy criteria. An anterior drawer of 2+ was not observed in any patient. There were no cases of 2+ rotary instability, and no pivot shifts. The possibil ity of a dynamic or proprioceptive repair was assessed by electromyography. While no evidence of electrical activity was recorded on the gluteus maximus on 60 normal knee examinations, all 10 tested postoperative iliotibial band patients had electrical activity. The failed results of the series showed no evidence of activity.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.