Description of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Technique with Mini-Lemaire Type Anterolateral Tenodesis through a Single Femoral Tunnel

Abstract

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury causes anteroposterior and rotational instability in the knee. Intra-articular reconstructions often fail to achieve satisfactory rotational control, leading to persistent complaints of instability and subjecting the neo-ligament to increased stress. Young patients with high athletic demands and grade 2 or 3 pivot-shift often have a higher risk of re-rupture after isolated ACL reconstruction. Over the years, various techniques have been developed to address such situations. Among the described techniques, one of the most commonly used is the modified or "mini-Lemaire" lateral extra-articular tenodesis. Biomechanical studies demonstrate the versatility of the technique due to its relatively isometric behavior in flexion angles of 0-60° when the graft is introduced deeply to the lateral collateral ligament. It offers the possibility of fixation at different anatomical positions on the lateral femoral condyle and at different degrees of flexion. The objective of this study is to describe an accessible, reproducible technique that relies on materials widely available in our environment.

Keywords
anterior cruciate ligament injuries; anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; tenodesis