Percutaneous isometric reconstruction of medial collateral and posterior oblique ligaments offers similar outcomes to open techniques with reduced complication rates at a medium-term follow-up: A retrospective comparative study

Background: Knee Injuries involving the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL) can cause severe instability. The open surgical technique involves larger incisions. A percutaneous technique may offer similar outcomes with reduced morbidity and a shorter recovery time. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of percutaneous and open reconstruction using isometric allografts.

Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted on 21 patients between 2010 and 2021. Eleven patients underwent open surgery, while 10 underwent percutaneous surgery. The subjective IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores, and valgus laxity were evaluated. Complications were also recorded.

Results: Both the groups demonstrated significant improvements in functional scores and a reduction in valgus laxity postoperatively, with no significant differences. The mean improvements were 32.3 for the IKDC score and 37.9 for the Lysholm score. The average reduction in the Tegner score was 1.1 points. Postoperative radiographic measurements of medial joint opening were < 2 mm in all patients. The percutaneous group had fewer complications, with arthrofibrosis being significantly less frequent (0 vs. 4 in the open group). The mean follow-up was 3.5 years.

Conclusion: Percutaneous reconstruction of the medial side of the knee with an isometric technique is a safe and effective procedure that provides results similar to those of open reconstruction. The advantages of percutaneous reconstruction include smaller incisions, less pain and scarring, shorter recovery time, and lower risk of complications. Allografts are preferred over autografts to avoid donor site morbidity and weakening of the medial stabilizers.