Lateral Knee Compartment Portals: A Cadaveric Study Defining a Posterolateral Viewing Safety Zone

Abstract

Purpose: This study attempted to define a reproducible "safe zone" based on extra- and intra-articular knee anatomy for placing one or 2 accessory portals in the lateral tibiofemoral compartment for posterolateral region viewing.

Methods: Standard portals were created in 10 cadaveric knees to enable posterolateral region arthroscopic lateral tibiofemoral joint compartment viewing. After identifying the lateral knee surface tissue "soft spot," an accessory posterolateral portal (A) was created using an 18-gauge spinal needle and 4-mm cannula under direct visualization of a 70° arthroscope through the anteromedial portal. A second accessory portal (B) was then created 1 cm posterior and 1 cm superior to portal A. Accessory portal locations were measured relative to capsular fold and popliteus tendon locations. Distances from the peroneal nerve, lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and the biceps tendon were determined. Statistical analysis compared portal location differences from key anatomical structures (P < .05).

Results: Accessory portal A (mean ± 95% confidence interval) was located 8.8 ± 2.7 mm from the popliteus tendon, 11.6 ± 2.7 mm from the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), 26.8 ± 2.3 mm from the peroneal nerve, and 4.9 ± 2.5 mm from the biceps tendon. Accessory portal B was located 17.3 ± 2.8 mm from the popliteus tendon, 20 ± 2.8 mm from the LCL, 30.3 ± 3.3 mm from the peroneal nerve, and 7.0 ± 4.8 mm from the biceps tendon. Accessory portal B was located a greater distance from the LCL and the popliteus tendon than portal A (P < .0001).

Conclusions: Using intra- and extra-articular anatomic landmarks, both accessory portals could be safely placed in the lateral tibiofemoral joint compartment to enable posterolateral region viewing. Accessory portals used individually or in combination may enable easier posterolateral region viewing for arthroscopic repair of lateral tibiofemoral compartment structures.

Clinical relevance: Lateral tibiofemoral compartment portals can be safely created to enable improved visibility for complex arthroscopic procedures in the posterolateral viewing region.