Long-Term Assessment of Peroneus Longus Tendon Graft Site Morbidity in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Objective

To evaluate donor-site morbidity and functional outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using the peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft of the ipsilateral site. The main aim of the study was to assess the ankle function, its stability, foot arch assessment, knee stability, and patient satisfaction after graft harvestion. Methodology: A long-term observational cohort study of 42 patients (30 males and 12 females) who underwent ACLR using PLT autografts was conducted. Quantitative assessment included demographic data, ankle eversion and plantarflexion strength (measured with a handheld dynamometer), range of motion (ROM), and functional scoring using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), and Lysholm Knee Score. Foot arch assessment is checked by using wet foot printing method calculating the foot arch index. Qualitative evaluation was based on semi-structured patient interviews exploring perceived weakness, discomfort, cosmetic satisfaction, and return to activity. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests with significance of p value set to be p < 0.05.