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.