Primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using full-thickness peroneus longus tendon autograft

Abstract

Introduction
Many grafts have been described for ACL reconstruction; however, disagreements regarding globally accepted gold standard graft choice persist. Recently, the peroneus longus tendon (PLT) Autograft has been used in the field of ACL reconstruction as an alternative autograft. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the peroneus longus tendon as a graft for primary ACL reconstruction and to study its possible effects on foot and ankle function.


Patients and methods
This was a prospective study that included patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using Peroneus longus tendon autograft. Results were assessed via physical examination. Donor site morbidity of the foot and ankle was assessed using Medical American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Postoperative knee function was evaluated by the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner-Lysholm score.


Results
Thirty patients were included in the study with a mean age of 28 years old. Peroneus longus graft diameter was 8.5 ± 0.7 mm. There was a significant difference between pre and postoperative functional scores in IKDC and Tegner-Lysholm score. Ankle scores were excellent. The mean of AOFAS was 97.7 ± 3.1 and FADI was 98.5 ± 0.5.


Conclusion
The peroneus longus tendon is an appropriate autograft source for ACL reconstruction. Its use in primary ACL reconstruction is very encouraging with minimal donor site morbidity.