Operative Findings and Technique
The patient was positioned supine on the operating table with a bump
under the thigh. Preoperative antibiotics and general anesthesia with a
peripheral nerve block were administered. After all bony landmarks were
identified, a 4-cm curvilinear incision was made over the proximal
fibula [Figure 1]. Careful dissection was taken down to the level of
the biceps femoris tendon using Metzenbaum scissors and electrocautery.
The self-retaining retractors were used to better visualize the
insertion of the tendon. Care was taken to protect the common peroneal
nerve and other neurovascular structures in this case. The tendon was
inspected and a thick band was visualized inserting on the anterolateral
tibia [Figure 2]. The knee was then flexed to recreate the snapping
and it was apparent that this band was the source of the snapping.
[Video 1]. Upon further inspection, the direct band of the biceps
femoris tendon was revealed. At this point, it was decided to dissect
the anomalous insertion from the tibia [Figure 3] and repair this
tendon down to the direct biceps femoris insertion on the posterior head
of the fibula. A No. 2 Ethibond suture was used to secure the released
tendon down on the direct band of the tendon [Figure 4]. The
released anomalous insertion of biceps femoris tendon was successfully
repaired down to the direct band of the tendon[Figure 5]. The knee
was tested with flexion to ensure that there were no structures snapping
at this time [Video 1].
At his first post operative appointment, snapping at the lateral knee
was visually confirmed to have been resolved. The patient was non-weight
bearing on the operative leg for one month after surgery and was
counseled to regularly perform passive range of motion exercises to
prevent stiffness. After one month, he transitioned to being full weight
bearing and began physical therapy to regain full range of motion. At
his two month follow up, the patient’s pain had completely resolved and
had full range of motion. He was able to resume his normal activities.