The anterior distal part of the iliotibial trace with attached bone
block from Gerdy's tubercle was used as an intra-articular graft fixed by a
screw to the tibia to control anterior instability (otherwise known as
anterior, anteromedial, or anterolateral laxity) in twenty-four knees which
were followed for two to four years. Concomitant single-plane 2+ to 4+
medial instability was present in eleven knees and was treated in five of
them by simple immobilization, by imbrication of the medial collateral
ligament, or by the Vigliani procedure. At follow-up, stability was
improved and the result was rated good or excellent in twenty-one (88 per
cent) of the twenty-four knees. The operation is applicable to the majority
of chronic laxities of the knee and, because no immobilization is
necessary, the postoperative care is much simplified and the rehabilitation
time is much shorter. The procedure is contraindicated where there is
posterior or single-plane lateral laxity.