Simultaneous reconstruction of ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and medial patellofemoral ligament with ipsilateral quadriceps grafts.

Abstract

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is a well-known entity and causes anteroposterior and rotational instability of an injured knee. Rupture of the medial patellofemoral ligament is less frequent, and its insufficiency causes patellar instability. Several techniques have been described for the reconstruction of each ligament. The 2 lesions and following instabilities can coexist, and both ligaments can be reconstructed simultaneously. We report on 2 cases, 1 recreational sportswoman and 1 high-level sportswoman, with coexisting lesions treated surgically by a single-step procedure using ipsilateral graft of the quadriceps tendon for reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament. The advantage of this procedure is that there is only 1 donor site, and thus lower donor-site morbidity, while the strength of either neoligament is not sacrificed. The technique is described here.