Anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of fibularis longus tendon used for cruciate ligaments reconstruction

Abstract Introduction: Arthroscopic reconstruction of the cruciate ligament of the knee becomes routine with modern techniques and special instruments. However, the source of materials for this procedure has always been an eternal issue that affects the surgeons decision. The two peroneal tendons on the lateral side of the lower leg have the same function of plantar flexion and foot eversion. The fibularis longus tendon has been used for reconstruction such as the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle or the Achilles tendon. Patients and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study on twenty fresh cadavers were selected randomly for taking the fibularis longus tendon at the Department of Anatomy of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City from January to July, 2022. Specimens with intact leg to lower knee segment were not crushed, well preserved and had never been used in previous studies. Results: Fibularis longus tendon length was 29,25 ± 2,1cm; the distances from fibularis longus tendon to deep fibular nerve and superficial fibular nerve was 71.1±8.63mm respectively, no split (longitudinal tear) was observed, the maximum tensile strength was 1170,4 ±203N, the maximum length of rupture 14,29 ± 3,88 mm. Conclusion: There was no split of fibularis longus tendon. Also no sign of impact on adjacent anatomy structures was found. The maximum tensile strength was equivalent to other grafts, such as the Hamstrings and patellar tendons. Its a potential source for arthroscopic reconstruction of the cruciate ligament Keywords: knee arthroplasty, fibularis longus tendon, grafts, Hamstrings tendon