Arthroscopic treatment of medial collateral ligament femoral insertion tears with concomitant cruciate ligament injuries: A novel technical report

This study introduces a novel technique for medial collateral ligament (MCL) repair that utilizes the incision made during hamstring tendon harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction, thereby minimizing the risk of nerve injury and avoiding additional surgical incisions. The method involves creating a surgical space along the MCL surface through blunt dissection, allowing for arthroscopic visualization and repair of the MCL without the need for traditional open surgery. After completing ACL or PCL reconstruction, the MCL is repaired by inserting an arthroscope through the created space, making a small incision at the medial femoral epicondyle, and securing the MCL with a suture anchor. This technique reduces the risk of injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) by forming an anatomical tunnel through the tendon incision, offering a minimally invasive approach to MCL repair. While promising in theory, further long-term studies and clinical experience are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this method.