Minimally Invasive Ultrasound-Guided Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction With Autologous 2-Strand Gracilis Graft

Abstract

We describe an ultrasound-guided anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction technique that uses the gracilis tendon and can be added to any anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction technique. Preoperative ultrasound imaging is used to view the ruptured ALL and confirm the location of bony landmarks. Two minimally invasive incisions are made: one posterior to the lateral epicondyle and one posterior to the Gerdy tubercle. After anterior cruciate ligament graft fixation, the 2-strand gracilis tendon is introduced from the tibial incision, under the fascia lata, toward the femoral incision. The ALL graft is secured to the femur with a 5.5-mm anchor, positioned posteriorly and proximally to the lateral epicondyle. The distal end of the graft is tightened in full extension and fixed to the tibia with a ligament staple posterior to the Gerdy tubercle. This ALL technique requires no graft preparation.