Medial collateral ligament reconstruction using autogenous hamstring tendons: technique and results in initial cases.

BACKGROUND: Although various surgical procedures that attempt to restore the function of the medial collateral ligament have been reported, none have achieved consistently satisfactory results.

HYPOTHESIS: Our reconstructive procedure using autogenous semitendinosus and gracilis tendons yields improved results compared with conventional procedures.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series. Level of evidence, 4.

METHOD: In our surgical procedure, autogenous semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were used to anatomically reconstruct the anterior longitudinal component of the superficial medial collateral ligament. From April 1995 through December 2000, 27 patients with symptomatic medial instability underwent this surgical procedure. The majority of the subjects were diagnosed with combined cruciate ligament injuries, necessitating concomitant cruciate ligament reconstructions. Of these 27 patients, 24 were evaluated after a minimum period of 2 years, with a mean follow-up period of 27 months (range, 24-48 months).

RESULTS: At follow-up, medial stability, as well as postoperative range of motion in all patients, was graded as normal or nearly normal according to the International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation system. No significant postoperative complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION: Although this is a short-term follow-up study involving a small number of cases, we considered our procedure to be an effective method of surgically restoring the function of the medial collateral ligament.