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Midterm outcomes following anatomic-based popliteus tendon reconstructions

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to document subjective outcomes following anatomic-based reconstruction of the popliteus tendon when the popliteus tendon was the only injured posterolateral knee structure. It was hypothesized that popliteus tendon reconstruction would result in improved patient outcomes after surgery regardless of the concurrent ligamentous or intra articular pathology.

Methods

A consecutive series of 5 patients with a median age of 23 years (range, 22–36 years) who underwent anatomic popliteus tendon reconstruction along with concomitant ligament reconstruction or meniscus repair (if needed) were included in this study. All patients completed pre-operative and post-operative subjective questionnaires, which included the Lysholm score to document function, the Tegner activity scale to document activity level, and a patient satisfaction with outcome question.

Results

All patients were available for a final follow-up at a median time of 2.8 years (range, 2–3.9 years) following the index surgery. Three patients had a combined popliteus tendon and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Two of the three PCL reconstructions were revision procedures. The Lysholm score improved to from 53 (range, 34–90) to 91 (range, 44–100) at post-operative follow-up. The median pre-operative Tegner activity scale improved from 3 (range, 0–9) to a median score of 4.8 (range, 2–7) at post-operative follow-up. The median patient satisfaction with outcome was 9 (range, 7–10). The dial test at 30° and 90° improved in all patients following surgery.

Conclusions

Anatomic-based popliteus tendon reconstructions resulted in improved outcomes and a high patient satisfaction in patients with a complete tear of the popliteus tendon and symptomatic knee instability.

Level of evidence

IV, case series.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO, USA

    Jorge Chahla, Evan W. James, Mark E. Cinque & Robert F. LaPrade

  2. The Steadman Clinic, 181 W. Meadow Dr., Suite 400, Vail, CO, 81657, USA

    Robert F. LaPrade

Authors
  1. Jorge Chahla
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  2. Evan W. James
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  3. Mark E. Cinque
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  4. Robert F. LaPrade
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert F. LaPrade.

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Conflict of interest

Robert F. LaPrade receives royalties from Arthrex Inc., Ossur, and Smith & Nephew; is a paid consultant for Arthrex Inc., Ossur, and Smith & Nephew; and receives research support from Arthrex Inc., Smith & Nephew, Ossur, and Linvatec. Robert F. LaPrade is also on the editorial/governing board for AJSM and KSSTA, and has member/committee appointments for AOSSM, ISAKOS, AANA, and ESSKA.

Funding

No funding was received during the preparation or execution of this study.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by Vail Valley Medical Center Institutional Review Board (IRB# 2002-03).

Informed consent

Patients gave informed consent prior to study inclusion.

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Chahla, J., James, E.W., Cinque, M.E. et al. Midterm outcomes following anatomic-based popliteus tendon reconstructions. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 26, 812–818 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4382-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4382-9

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