Surgical Technique

Open approaches for cruciate ligament reconstruction in knee dislocations: A technical note and case series

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, Orthopaedic Research Unit, University of Cape Town, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
² Knee Unit, Groote Schuur Hospital and Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, University of Cape Town, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa
³ Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, 87131-0001 NM, USA

^* Corresponding author: michael.held@uct.ac.za

Received: 15 September 2020
Accepted: 28 February 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Arthroscopic surgery is the gold standard for cruciate ligament reconstruction in multi-ligament knee injuries. However, hospitals in limited-resource settings often lack arthroscopic-trained surgeons or equipment. Open approaches for treating knee dislocations can overcome many of these limitations. Methodology: This study aims to describe techniques for open approaches in a supine patient to address the cruciate ligaments in multi-ligament knee injuries and to review associated complications and clinical outcomes in a retrospective case series. Results: Ten patients with multi-ligament knee injuries who had undergone open cruciate ligament reconstruction between July 2016 and November 2018 were retrospectively identified. Open approaches were performed owing to the extravasation of arthroscopy fluid into the posterior compartment (3) or a large traumatic arthrotomy (7). Complications and patient-reported outcomes were analysed. Eight of the 10 patients were followed up at 10 months postoperatively (range, 5–23 months). None had iatrogenic neurovascular damage. Median outcomes scores were: visual analogue scale, 45 (range, 0–100); Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short Form, 81.4 (range, 75–100); Lysholm, 85 (range, 67–92). Discussion: Open approaches were safe and useful in treating cruciate ligaments and should be considered in arthroscopy fluid extraversion and large traumatic arthrotomies.