title: A new surgical technique for medial collateral ligament balancing: multiple needle puncturing.
abstract: In this article, we present our experience with a new technique for medial soft tissue balancing, where we make multiple punctures in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) using a 19-gauge needle, to progressively stretch the MCL until a correct ligament balance is achieved. Ligament status was evaluated both before and after the procedure using computer navigation and mediolateral stress testing. The procedure was considered successful when 2 to 4-mm mediolateral joint line opening was obtained in extension and 2 to 6 mm in flexion. In 34 of 35 cases, a progressive correction of medial tightness was achieved according to the above described criteria. One case was considered overreleased in extension. Needle puncturing is a new, effective, and safe technique for progressive correction of MCL tightness in the varus knee.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Pellenberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Weligerveld, Pellenberg, Belgium.
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bellemans
authors.forename: Hilde
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vandenneucker
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Lauwe
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Victor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D017888:Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods