Full-thickness peroneus longus tendon autograft for anterior cruciate reconstruction in multi-ligament injury and revision cases: outcomes and donor site morbidity

Peroneus Longus Graft Harvest Does Not Affect Ankle Biomechanics: A Narrative Review

The peroneus longus graft has gained much attention in recent years as a reliable autograft for primary ACL surgery. Critics have voiced concerns related to its impact on ankle biomechanics. The current review aims to synthesize the available literature on ankle biomechanics after peroneus harvest. The quantum of evidence available shows that PL harvest does not significantly impact ankle eversion or plantarflexion strength. Its impact on gait needs to be studied more deeply before any significant conclusions can be drawn.

The Efficacy of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Peroneus Longus Tendon and its Impact on Ankle Joint Function

OBJECTIVE

Peroneus Longus Tendon (PLT), a viable anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft, shares similar biomechanics, making it suitable for reconstruction. Controversy exists over whether PLT transplants affects the donor ankle joint. The purpose of this study was to examine the recovery of knee joint function following arthroscopic ACL restoration using autologous PLT and its influence on the donor ankle joint.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 65 patients with ACL rupture who underwent PLT graft reconstruction in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2021. A three-dimensional gait analysis of the bilateral knee and ankle joints was performed postoperatively using an Opti_Knee three-dimensional motion measurement and analysis system-Yidong Medical Infrared Motion Gait Analyzer. Knee function scores and changes in the range of motion of the bilateral knee and ankle joints were collected. The analysis of preoperative and postoperative joint function scores, bilateral knee and ankle mobility was performed by t-tests.

RESULTS

One year after surgery, the patients' International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOSs), and Lysholm scores were significantly improved compared to preoperative scores, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of the donor ankle joint before and after surgery (p > 0.05). During different gait cycles, there was no statistical difference in knee joint mobility between the affected and healthy sides (p > 0.05), but there was a statistical difference in the inversion and eversion angle of the donor ankle joint during the support phase (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ACL reconstruction using the PLT can yield satisfactory knee joint function. However, it does affect inversion and eversion in the donor ankle joint, necessitating postoperative exercises. Similar subjective function ratings for both operated and non-operated feet, despite increased inversion-eversion motion in the operated foot, may be influenced by the subjective nature and margin of error in the AOFAS Ankle-hindfoot score, along with the relatively small variation in ankle inversion-eversion angles.

Peroneus longus tendon autograft versus allograft in revision ACLR: A retrospective comparison

PURPOSE

The use of peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autografts in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has increased recently, but there is a lack of research on its use in revision ACLR. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between revision ACLR using allografts and PLT autografts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine patients who underwent arthroscopic revision of ACLR with complete clinical follow-ups between 2012 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Allograft was used in 44 of these patients, and PLT autograft was used in 15 of them. Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, Lachman, and anterior drawer tests were performed after a mean follow-up of 60months (range: 19-116). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale was used to evaluate the donor ankle functions. Clinical outcomes and complications were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significantly improved functional outcomes compared to their preoperative assessments. However, both groups had similar clinical results at the final follow-up, including Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, knee range of motion, return to sports, time to return to daily activities, and rate of re-rupture. No major complications were seen in any of the patients. The AOFAS score was 99.13±2.64 in the PLT autograft group without loss of ankle muscle strength, deformity, instability, and permanent iatrogenic neurovascular injuries. The cumulative cost of the allograft group was significantly higher than the PLT autograft group.

CONCLUSIONS

The PLT autograft might be an alternative autograft option to allografts due to similar clinical outcomes, low donor site morbidity, and reduced cost in ACLR revisions, especially if the primary ACLR was performed using grafts harvested around the knee.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; retrospective comparative study.

Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft May Present a Viable Alternative for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To examine the available literature to better understand the objective and patient-reported outcomes using peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft compared with more commonly used autografts, such as the quadrupled hamstring tendons (HT), in patients undergoing primary for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

METHODS

A comprehensive search of published literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and EMBASE databases was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria included patients undergoing ACLR with PLT autograft, inclusion of patient-recorded outcome measures, and availability in English language. Publications that included only biomechanical analysis or ACLR with use of allograft or combination grafts were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies (Level of Evidence range: I-IV) met inclusion criteria, with follow-up ranging from 3 months to 5 years. In the available case series, patient-reported outcomes ranged from Lysholm = 80.7 to 95.1, International Knee Documentation Committee 78.1 to 95.7. In prospective cohorts and randomized controlled trials, PLT performance was comparable with HT autografts (PLT/HT: Lysholm = 88.3-95.1/86.5-94.9, International Knee Documentation Committee = 78.2-92.5/87.4-93.4). The majority of PLT grafts diameters were equal or greater than HT counterparts with a mean of >8 mm (PLT/HT: 7.0-9.0 mm/7.65-8.5 mm). There was minimal donor-site morbidity associated with PLT harvest.

CONCLUSIONS

Although limitations exist within the available literature, existing evidence suggests that PLT autograft routinely produces adequately sized grafts with comparable early outcomes to HT autograft and low risk of donor-site morbidity. However, the PLT autograft is yet to demonstrate superiority to any of the more-traditional autograft selections.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level I-IV studies.

The role of peroneus longus (PL) autograft in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): A comprehensive narrative review

Background

Peroneus longus tendon (PLT) is a known graft utilised in the ligamentous reconstructions of knee. The current review was performed to analyze the available evidence regarding PLT in the arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

A comprehensive search of literature was performed on March 1, 2023 using 5 databases (for manuscripts published between 2010 and 2023). All studies reporting ACL reconstruction with PL graft in adults ≥18 years were considered; and final studies were shortlisted based on specific exclusion criteria.

Results

The search identified 684 articles, among which 26 manuscripts were finally selected. PLT has been used in primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR), revision ACLR, ACLR in multiligamentous injuries and those at risk for anterior knee pain. The full-thickness PLT graft is variable in its dimensions with the mean size ranging between 7 and 8.8 mm (half-PLT grafts ≤8.1 mm). The ultimate strength of doubled PLT graft is significantly higher than native ACL and comparable to the quadrupled hamstring.There was statistically insignificant difference in the laxity and functional outcome of knee following ACLR with PLT, as compared with other autografts (p > 0.05). PLT harvest is associated with satisfactory clinical foot and ankle outcomes, as well as excellent regenerative ability. Overall, studies have demonstrated lower complications with PLT (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The dimensions of harvested PLT graft are more consistent than HT. It has similar functional outcome and survival, as compared to other autografts. It also has lower risk for donor-site morbidity and lower complications than HT. PLT is a promising, alternative autograft choice in patients undergoing ACLR.

Complications of peroneus longus tendon harvesting: a retrospective review of 82 cases

OBJECTIVE

Peroneus longus tendon (PLT) has become a reliable autologous graft option for various ligament reconstructions. But there are potential risks and complications associated with its use as a graft. This retrospective study aimed to examine the complications and donor site morbidity following PLT harvesting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on an institutional digital patient database, and all patients who underwent ligament reconstruction using PLT autograft were identified. Intraoperative, early, and late complications were reviewed using digital patient notes and patients underwent a complete physical examination during their final follow-up. Ankle function was assessed using the AOFAS score, and manual ankle muscle testing was performed on both sides. Sural nerve iatrogenic injury was evaluated with a dermatomal light touch examination. Cosmetic satisfaction due to incision scar and footwear complaints were also assessed.

RESULTS

82 patients (74 male, eight female) with a mean age of 31.9 ± 10.4 years (range, 16-66) were included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up time was 46.6 ± 30.3 months (range, 6-109). The mean AOFAS score for the donor side was 98.7 ± 3.3 (range, 87-100), and the contralateral side score was 100, with manual muscle testing graded as 5 in all movements and similar to the contralateral side. Fifteen patients (18.3%) had hypoesthesia over the dorsolateral aspect of the foot distal to the incision scar, two patients (2.4%) had hyperalgesia over the distal incision scar, and one patient (1.2%) had mild ankle instability. There were two cases (2.4%) of compartment syndrome, both of which were treated with fasciotomy and had complete regression of symptoms after 5 days. One patient (1.2%) had a transient peroneal nerve injury and foot drop that resolved in the sixth month.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this retrospective study suggest that harvesting the PLT is associated with a high rate of complications and donor site morbidity. The most common complication was hypoesthesia around the lateral side of the foot, although the ankle functions were not affected significantly. Two cases of compartment syndrome and one transient peroneal nerve injury were observed. Care should be taken while harvesting PLT autograft, and it should be kept in mind that peroneal nerve injury might occur.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Anatomical and Biomechanical Characteristics of Peroneus Longus Tendon: Applications in Knee Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Introduction

The peroneus longus tendon is used in many orthopedic surgeries to regenerate the external ligaments of the knee. This study aims to evaluate some anatomical, biomechanical, and load-bearing properties of the peroneus longus tendon for use in cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Materials and Methods

The study design is a cross-sectional description. The study subjects were 20 samples of the peroneus longus tendon from fresh carcasses. The leg is still intact, not crushed, is well preserved, and it has never been used in research.

Results

The average length of the peroneus longus tendon was 29.25 ± 2.1 cm, and the average distance from the peroneus longus tendon to the deep peroneal nerve was 71.1 ± 8.63 mm. The peroneus longus tendon did not have an accessory ligament, the maximum tension of the peroneus longus tendon was 1170.4 ± 203 N, and the maximum length at break was 14.29 ± 3.88 mm.

Conclusion

Removing the peroneus longus tendon will not affect the surrounding anatomical components. The maximum breaking force and the diameter of the peroneus longus tendon are similar to other graft materials, such as the hamstring tendon and patellar tendon.

Minimizing risk of iatrogenic nerve injury during peroneus longus tendon autograft harvest: a cadaveric study at different ankle or knee positions

PURPOSE

To evaluate the distances using ultrasound between the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) and sural nerve along the peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft harvest path at different ankle or knee positions in order to minimize risk of iatrogenic nerve injury during PLT autograft harvest.

METHODS

Twenty-four fresh-frozen human cadaveric lower extremities were used to harvest a full-thickness PLT autograft with a tendon stripper. Four specimens were utilized to validate correct identification of nerves under ultrasound. Sonographically guided perineural injections were performed at the start point and end point of the PLT harvest path using coloured latex, followed by dissection with gross inspection. Using ultrasound, the distance from the peroneus brevis muscle to the sural nerve at different ankle positions (20° dorsiflexion, neutral, and 20° plantarflexion) was measured, and the distance from the end of the tendon stripper to the SPN at different knee positions (full extension and 90° flexion) was also measured. Measurements were performed by two separate observers using ImageJ software.

RESULTS

Cadaveric dissection showed the presence of latex around nerves in all four specimens. The average distance from the brevis muscle to the sural nerve increased significantly from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion. The shortest distance from the tenodesis site to the sural nerve was 5.8 ± 1.7 mm. There was no significant difference from the end of the tendon stripper to the SPN between full extension or 90° flexion of the knee.

CONCLUSION

When harvesting the PLT, it is recommended to place the ankle at plantarflexion. The knee at full extension or 90° flexion had no effect. Joint positions at the time of graft harvest should be monitored to reduce risks of iatrogenic nerve injury.

Joint awareness and return to pre-injury level of activities after ACL reconstruction in athletes vs non-athletes

PURPOSE

The outcome of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in the non-athlete population is under-reported. The study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of ACLR in the non-athlete and athlete population by patient reported outcome measures (PROMs)- International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC), Lysholm knee scoring scale, Forgotten joint score (FJS-12) and return to pre-injury activity level. The study also correlated the FJS-12 score with other commonly used PROM's (IKDC and Lysholm).

METHODS

This was a prospective comparative study including patients undergoing ACLR. Patients were divided into two groups. Group-1 (non-athletes) and Group-2 (athletes, defined as those with pre-injury Tegner activity level > 5). Demographic profile, management of associated meniscal injury, perioperative and midterm complications were noted. All patients had 24 months follow-up. Knee laxity assessment by pivot shift test, functional outcome scores (Lysholm and IKDC) and FJS-12 were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 12 and 24 months.

RESULTS

Group 1 and 2 included 69 and 47 participants, respectively, (total 116 patients). The mean age of group 1 was significantly higher than group 2 (33.1 ± 8.0 vs 25.0 ± 4.9 years; p < 0.005). There was no statistically significant difference in PROMs and FJS-12 scores between the groups at any follow-up. Return to pre-injury Tegner activity level post-ACLR was 88.4% (n = 61) and 46.8% (n = 22) in group 1 and 2, respectively (p). The ceiling effect in FJS-12, IKDC, and Lysholm scores were achieved by 9.3%, 19.5%, and 34.7% of patients (n = 116), respectively, at 2-year follow-up. The ceiling effect of FJS-12, Lysholm, and IKDC scores between the groups at final follow-up was not statistically significant (p = 1, p = .524, p = .09, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The functional outcome of ACLR was comparable between athletes and non-athletes. FJS-12 has a lower ceiling effect and better discriminatory power than Lysholm and IKDC scores. FJS-12 score can be satisfactorily used in ACLR to observe and monitor changes in patient satisfaction and outcome.

LEVEL OF STUDY

II, Prospective comparative study.