Experience with open lavsanoplasty of the tibial collateral ligament

Abstract

Introduction The tibial collateral ligament (TCL) is one of the major ligaments of the knee and designed to counteract valgus forces. Tibial collateral ligament injury can be treated conservatively with prolonged immobilization and limited weight-bearing on the injured limb. Clinical experience and a high complication rate after conservative treatment indicate the need for surgical intervention to restore the integrity of the TCL. The purpose is to demonstrate a successful management of a patient with ruptured TCL of the right knee joint and substantiate the priority of surgical treatment in the case. Material and methods A clinical case is reported and a brief literature analysis on the topic provided. The experience with open lavsanoplasty used for a patient with rupture of the TCL resulting from dislocated tibia is presented. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed radiologically and physically for the limb functionality and ROM in the knee joint. Results and discussion Open lavsanoplasty performed for the TCL injury resulted in complete restoration of the limb function and anatomical integrity of the ligament. The good result persisted after the removal of the metal construct. The method allowed us to avoid complications being typical for conservative treatment: medial instability of the knee joint and deforming arthritis, and showed the advantages over other surgical treatments used to regain the integrity of the TCL. Conclusion Open lavsanoplasty of the TCL used as the patented technique facilitated complete recovery the injured limb, the functionality, less risk of complications providing a good clinical result.

Keywords

• tibial collateral ligament
• lavsanoplasty
• knee injury
• trauma
• stability