Abstract:

This article reviews the surgical decision-making considerations when preparing to undertake an anatomic ligament repair with augmentation using the InternalBrace™. Lateral ankle ligament stabilization of the Broström variety and ACL repair in particular are used to illustrate its application. The InternalBrace™ supports early mobilization of the repaired ligament and allows the natural tissues to progressively strengthen. The principle established by this experience has resulted in its successful application to other distal extremity ligaments including the deltoid, spring, and syndesmosis complex. Knee ligament augmentation with the InternalBrace™ has been successfully applied to all knee ligaments including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), anterolateral ligament (ALL), and patellofemoral ligament (PFL). The surgical technique and early results will be reviewed including multi-ligament presentations. Upper limb experience with acromioclavicular (AC) joint augmentation and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair of the elbow with the InternalBrace™ will also be discussed. This article points to a change in orthopaedic practice positioning reconstruction as a salvage procedure that has additional surgical morbidity and should be indicated only if the tissues fail to heal adequately after augmentation and repair.

Authors:

Gordon M. Mackay, MD, FRCS, FFSEM, Professor, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, Mark J.G. Blyth, MBChB, FRCS, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, Iain Anthony, PhD, Clinical Research Manager, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, Graeme P. Hopper, MBChB, MSc, MRCS, Specialty Registrar, West of Scotland Orthopaedics, Glasgow, Scotland, William J. Ribbans, PhD, FRCS, FFSEM, Professor, University of Northampton, Northampton, England

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