Consensus in orthopedics: Anterolateral complex of the knee

As in other medical specialties, scientific research in Orthopedics is essential to improve the treatment of disorders of the locomotor system. One aspect of this research is reflected in the creation of consensus groups, formed by orthopedic surgeons and researchers who try to reach an agreement on certain issues that are controversial. One of these controversies has been given for a few years due to the existence or not of the anterolateral ligament of the knee and the need to reconstruct it during the surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament. From Valencia, at Clínica Adler Orthopedic Centre, we follow the latest advances in our specialty.

A group of thirty-six outstanding surgeons and researchers in this field met to generate consensus regarding the anatomy and biomechanical properties of the anterolateral complex (ALC) of the knee, and they have published an article about their findings. They reached an agreement on thirteen key points, which include the anatomical description of the ALC and its function as a secondary stabilizer of the anterior cruciate ligament,  providing anterolateral rotational stability. There was no consensus on the existence of clinical evidence to support clear indications for lateral extra-articular surgical procedures. However, it is recognized that it may be useful in the following cases: revision surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament, high-grade pivot shift,  generalized ligamentous laxity and in young patients returning to pivoting activities.

At Clínica Adler Orthopedic Centre in Valencia, we have incorporated this technique into the treatment of revision and high-grade lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament, which in our opinion improves the effectiveness of this intervention.