Arthroscopic-assisted posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon autograft: a technique for graft passage

During arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction, passage of the graft into the knee joint may be difficult, especially when using the patellar tendon. Because of the angle of passage, the bone block ends may become entangled or caught on the superior edge of the posterior tibial tunnel when passing the graft from the tibia to the femur. The use of a blunt trocar through the posteromedial portal avoids impingement of the bone block against the edge of the tibial tunnel. This method uses the pulley principle and permits the graft to pass freely into the knee. This method has been used successfully by the authors in more than 40 PCL arthroscopic reconstructions.     

Posterior trans-septal portal for arthroscopic surgery of the knee joint

Summary: The authors introduce a safe arthroscopic technique of making a portal through the posterior septum of the knee joint, posterior to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This posterior trans-septal portal makes it possible for the arthroscope or the working instruments inserted through the posteromedial portal to reach the posterolateral compartment. With this portal, complete arthroscopic visualization of the posterior compartment and easier arthroscopic procedures for the posterior compartment of the knee joints are possible, including the posterior and posterosuperior aspect of the both femoral condyles, the posterior horns of both menisci, the posterior and inferior portion of the PCL, the posterior meniscofemoral ligament, the posterior septum, and the posterior capsule. We have used this technique in more than 150 knees for arthroscopic total synovectomy for arthritis of various origins, arthroscopic PCL reconstructions, arthroscopic removal of encapsulated loose bodies or tumors located behind the PCL, arthroscopic repairs of tears in the posterior horns of the medial menisci using the all-inside technique, arthroscopic pullout suture fixation of the avulsion fracture of tibial attachment of PCL, and others. No complications such as injuries of the popliteal neurovascular structures have occurred in our experience.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 16, No 7 (October), 2000: pp 774–779     

Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the posterior trans-septal portal

We describe an arthroscopic technique for the reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), while preserving the remnant bundle of the original PCL and meniscofemoral ligament, using the posterior trans-septal portal. The posterior trans-septal portal provides an excellent visualization of the PCL tibial attachment and an easy access to the tibial tunnel without injuring any neurovascular structure. The remnant bundle of the original PCL and meniscofemoral ligament, which significantly contributes to the posterior stability of the knee joint, are preserved to be healed with a graft and subsequently form an integrated structure. We report a new arthroscopic technique for an effective reconstruction of the PCL, using the posterior trans-septal portal.     

Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament Using Tibial-Inlay and Double-Bundle Technique

Biomechanical research has suggested that the double-bundle and tibial inlay technique is superior to the single-bundle and the transtibial tunnel method for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. A combination the posterior tibial inlay and femoral double-bundle technique is thought to be an ideal method for PCL reconstruction. Recently, we successfully performed arthroscopic PCL reconstruction using the tibial-inlay and double-bundle technique. Achilles tendon–bone allograft is used and the bone plug for the arthroscopic tibial inlay fixation is designed in a cylindrical shape and perpendicular to the fiber texture of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendon is manually split into deep and superficial layers to reconstruct anterolateral and posteromedial bundles as the natural insertion of PCL. The intra-articular lengths of each bundle between tibial tunnel and 2 femoral tunnels are measured to achieve fixation of the graft to the original PCL attachment. After tibial bone plug fixation with an absorbable interference screw and additional suture anchoring, the anterolateral bundle is fixed in a reduction position with the knee in 90° of flexion and the posteromedial bundle is fixed nearly in extension. This procedure makes it possible not only to reproduce the original concept of PCL tibial inlay graft arthroscopically without posterior arthrotomy, but also to achieve a more anatomic PCL reconstruction of the 2 bundles.     

Arthroscopic Posterior Cruciate Ligament Augmentation Using an Autogenous Hamstring Tendon Graft and the Posterior-Posterior Triangulation Technique

We describe a modification of the currently practiced arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction techniques. We augmented the injured PCL with quadrupled autogenous hamstring tendon grafts using the arthroscopic posterior-posterior triangulation method and a single-incision transtibial approach. The tibial drill guide was introduced through the anteromedial portal and positioned onto the fossa for the PCL on the tibia under arthroscopic guidance from the posterolateral portal. The femoral tunnel was made 10 mm posterior to the articular cartilage of the medial femoral condyle by use of the anterior cruciate ligament Beath pin (Arthrex, Naples, FL) introduced through the far-inferior anterolateral portal. The tendon graft was positioned in the knee joint by use of the tibial and femoral double-folded silk loops that traversed the bony tunnels. The graft was fixed by use of bioabsorbable Intrafix screw systems (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA) at both the ends. The arthroscopic posterior-posterior triangulation method provides adequate exposure of the posterior knee compartment; this allows for convenient instrumentation and safe and accurate placement of the bony tunnels with preservation of the PCL remnants. We believe that retention of the remnant PCL fibers is biologic and contributes to earlier healing and strengthening of the tendon graft.     

Anatomic double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons

Recent biomechanical studies have shown that an anatomic double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is superior in restoring normal knee laxity compared with the conventional single-bundle isometric reconstruction. We describe a modification of an endoscopic PCL reconstruction technique using a double-bundle Y-shaped hamstring tendon graft. A double- or triple-bundle semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft is used and directly fixed with soft threaded biodegradable interference screws. In the medial femoral condyle, 2 femoral tunnels are created inside-out through a low anterolateral arthroscopic portal. First, in 80° of flexion, the double-stranded gracilis graft is fixed with an interference screw inside the lower femoral socket, representing the insertion site of the posteromedial bundle. In full extension the combined semitendinosus-gracilis graft is pretensioned and fixed inside the posterior aspect of the single tibial tunnel. The double- or triple-stranded semitendinosus tendon is inserted in the higher femoral tunnel, presenting the insertion site of the anterolateral bundle. Finally, pretension is applied to the semitendinosus bundle in 70° of flexion and a third screw is inserted. Using this technique, the stronger semitendinosus part of the double-bundle graft, which mimics the anterolateral bundle of the PCL, is fixed in flexion, whereas the smaller gracilis tendon part (posteromedial bundle) is fixed in full extension. Thus, a fully arthroscopic anatomic PCL reconstruction technique is available that may better restore normal knee kinematics as compared to the single-stranded isometric reconstruction.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 1 (January), 2001: pp 88–97     

Ankle Arthroscopy: Correct Portals and Noninvasive Distraction

Noninvasive ankle distraction technique is the standard of care for ankle arthroscopic surgery. Noninvasive distraction can be performed safely and with fewer complications when compared side-by-side with the nondistraction dorsiflexion technique. Moreover, distraction techniques allow a single surgeon to operate in the most convenient supine position and in a “hands-free” manner, with adequate space to avoid iatrogenic chondral damage. In addition, distraction allows for dedicated inflow and outflow portals to sufficiently irrigate the joint. Although the nondistraction technique allows excellent visualization of the anterior joint, it fails to provide appropriate visualization of the entire joint, using both anterior and posterior portals. Pathology that is best accessed from the posterior portal includes posterior osteochondral lesions, loose bodies, tears of the transverse ligament, acute ankle fractures, posterior tibial osteophytes, and occasionally an os trigonum. Fortunately, noninvasive distraction techniques plantarflex the ankle, also providing optimal access to the talus through the anterior approach. With the added use of posterolateral and occasionally posteromedial portals, near-universal access to lesions about the ankle can be obtained. In this infographic, the authors present the current indications for noninvasive ankle distraction arthroscopy and illustrate the importance of proper portal placement in obtaining the access and visualization necessary to easily and safely address pathology throughout the entire ankle and subtalar joint.     

跨膝关节后纵隔入路的建立及临床应用

目的 探讨跨膝关节后纵隔入路（ATS）的建立方法及临床应用效果。方法 10具新鲜防腐膝关节标本进行后纵隔的大体解剖,65例行后室关节镜镜下观察,包括类风湿关节炎、色素绒毛结节性滑膜炎、骨性关节炎、后室游离体或异物、后交叉韧带（PCL）损伤或撕脱骨折、半月板后角损伤、不明原因关节肿痛积液、剥脱性骨软骨炎、化脓性关节炎、痛风。2002年1月—2005年6月,我们共采用ATS入路进行关节镜检查和治疗22例。先建立前外侧入路,关节镜监视下建立后外侧入路。同法建立前内侧与后内侧入路。把关节镜置于后内侧入路,从前内侧入路进入刨刀逐步刨除PCL表面的滑膜组织,再把关节镜置于前内侧入路,从后内侧入路引入钝头转换棒,指向PCL后缘中份处的后纵隔,向外侧轻柔地推顶后纵隔。把关节镜置于后外侧入路,镜视下引导穿出钝头转换棒建立ATS。结果后纵隔位于膝关节后室正中,在矢状面上呈幕布状,在横断面上呈三明治样结构。关节镜下见后纵隔表面被覆盖滑膜组织。22例均成功建立ATS入路,占同期膝关节后室治疗的34％（22／65）。行膝关节后室滑膜切除术7例,游离体取出6例,PCL重建术4例,PCL撕脱骨折复位固定2例。骨性关节炎6例中,分别行镜下软骨成形、炎性滑膜切除、半月板成形术。所有病例均未发生血管神经损伤。所有病例临床随访4～45个月,平均20个月,9例患者仍有轻微疼痛或关节肿胀,2例患者疼痛剧烈,已推荐行全膝关节置换术,其余11例患者未见关节肿痛症状复发。结论 ATS入路在镜下视野无盲区,能够跨后纵隔进行手术操作,是一种安全有效诊治膝关节后室疾病的方法。从内侧向外侧建立ATS比较可靠,后交叉韧带可以作为建立ATS时的内标志物。     

A direct lateral approach for diagnosis and treatment of subtalar and posterior ankle pathology

The direct lateral approach to the subtalar joint through the IFT portal provides safe and speedy access to reach the posterior aspect of the subtalar joint and the ankle joint. This viewing portal allows for excellent visualization that extend from the posteromedial corner to the lateral joint space and anterolateral corner of the subtalar joint. Two working portals comprising of the posterolateral and sinus tarsi portals are safely made to enable visualization from the IFT portal. These portals are also useful to observe the CFL and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament.     

Posterior approach for arthroscopic reduction and antegrade fixation of avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament from the tibia with cannulated screw and washer

Avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a rare condition, and arthroscopically assisted reattachment of the surgical fixation of the fragment is not always an easy task. Only a few reports describe techniques for arthroscopic fixation of avulsion of the PCL.We report on a case treated arthroscopically with reduction and antegrade fixation of an avulsion fracture of the tibial attachment of the PCL with a cannulated screw and washer through an additional posterolateral portal. Postoperative morbidity was reduced, and rehabilitation was accelerated. Fixation with a cannulated screw and washer is technically simple and allows for stable fixation and immediate postoperative mobilization and pain-limited weight-bearing, even in cases of a comminuted fragment. The safe zone for an additional posterolateral portal and the technique for placing instruments and a guidewire to avoid neurovascular structures is defined.     

Arthroscopic suture fixation for bony avulsion of the posterior cruciate ligament

We describe a new arthroscopic technique for suture fixation of a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture from the tibia. This technique is indicated when the size of the avulsed fragment is small and fixation with a screw or pins is inadequate. Three portals are used: a parapatellar anteromedial portal, a high posteromedial portal, and a posterolateral portal. Using a PCL tibial guide, 2 bone tunnels are made from the anterior cortex of the tibia to the medial and lateral border of the avulsed site. One or 2 strands of 23-gauge wire or multiple nonabsorbable sutures are used for fixation through the tunnels. If the bony fragment is small or comminuted, fixation with wires or sutures leads to rigid fixation and early rehabilitation.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 7 (September), 2001: pp 776–780     

Fixation of a Posteromedial Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus Using a Three-Portal Posterior Arthroscopic Technique

Fixation of a large osteochondral fragment on the posteromedial talus can be performed using medial malleolar osteotomy or an arthroscopic technique with a transmalleolar portal. However, osteotomy can be associated with some morbidity, such as longstanding pain and tenderness at the osteotomy site. Also, it requires longer immobilization. However, the transmalleolar portal damages the tibial articular cartilage, which can later cause pain. In young patients, it can injure the epiphyseal plate. We describe a posterior arthroscopic technique using 3 posterior portals that allow access to a posteromedial osteochondral lesion of the talus and fixation of the osteochondral fragment without malleolar osteotomy or transmalleolar drilling.     

全镜下后正中入路固定后交叉韧带下止点撕脱骨折的临床研究

目的介绍全关节镜下采用附加后正中入路及交换棒技术治疗后交叉韧带下止点撕脱骨折的手术方法。方法 2008年1月至2009年10月,采用后正中入路交换棒技术治疗后交叉韧带下止点撕脱骨折12例,于关节镜下常规探查后,通过后内、后外入路将骨块修整、新鲜化后,附加后正中入路,并采用切口平移与交换棒技术,通过交换棒及套管将加压螺钉导入并直接垂直加压复位固定骨折块,固定方法与切开复位完全相同。术后在改良支具保护下早期开始康复训练。结果本组患者术后显示骨折解剖复位、愈合良好,固定螺钉位置与骨折线垂直。术后4例失访,8例得到随访,时间为6～12个月。术后2周内膝关节屈曲可达90°,术后4周伸屈恢复正常,术后6周行走正常。术后无血管、神经并发症发生,平均3个月骨折愈合。Lysholm评分中位数97.9分,IKDC评分7/8例达到正常水平;KT2000检测中位数0.83mm。8例患者均恢复术前运动水平。结论膝后正中入路与交换棒技术,能直接对后交叉韧带下止点撕脱骨折复位、硬固定,不需直视下操作,不需打骨道,骨块固定稳固,达到了切开直视下骨折直接复位固定的效果,手术快捷,利于术后早期康复锻炼。     

New Posteromedial Portal for Ankle Arthroscopy

We describe a new posteromedial portal through the bed of the posterior tibial tendon. It can be made easily with a 0.5-inch posteromedial skin incision along the course of the posterior tibial tendon just behind the posterior colliculus of the medial malleolus. After the flexor retinaculum is incised and the posterior tibial tendon is retracted anteriorly, a small bulging area of capsule can be seen as a result of saline inflation. The new posteromedial portal can then be made easily through this inflated capsule. This portal allows good access to the posterior joint surface and has a minimal risk of injury to the medial neurovascular bundle.     

Versorgung kn?cherner hinterer Kreuzbandausrisse über einen minimal-invasiven dorsalen Zugang

Objective

Reduction and fixation of bony avulsions of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) through a minimally invasive dorsal approach to restore stability of the knee joint. Prevention of soft tissue damage through a minimally invasive procedure and achieving early functional rehabilitation by stable osteosynthesis.

Indications

Bony tibial avulsions of the PCL and simple posteromedial tibial fractures.

Contraindications

Infections in or around the knee, critical soft tissue conditions and lack of patient compliance.

Operation technique

Supine position, skin incision mediodorsal over the head of the medial gastrocnemius muscle. After dissection of soft tissue and superficial fascia the medial gasteocnemius muscle is retracted to the lateral side, nerves and vessels of the popliteal fossa are thereby protected. Incision of the posterior capsule from the tibial attachment, exposure of the fracture and the PCL, reduction of the fracture, fixation with two drill wires and definitive fixation with two cannulated screws. In case of multifragment fracture a suture anchor is used for fixation.

Postoperative management

Partial weight bearing of 10–20?kg for 4–6 weeks and limitation of knee flexion up to 90° for 4 weeks.

Results

Between November 2010 and November 2011 three patients were treated with the new minimally invasive posteromedial approach to fix bony avulsions of the PCL. In two cases an osteosynthesis with two screws was performed and in the other patient a comminuted avulsion fracture was fixed with a suture anchor. In the latter patient the posterolateral corner was additionally augmented according to Larson with an autologous semitendinosus tendon. No intraoperative or postoperative complications could be observed. In all three patients an excellent fracture reduction without steps or gaps could be achieved. In two cases an early functional treatment protocol and in one case (suture anchor fixation plus augmentation of the posterolateral corner) a special postoperative PCL rehabilitation protocol was used. Good clinical results with stable knee joints could be achieved in all cases. The minimally invasive dorsal approach for the treatment of bony avulsions of the PCL was demonstrated to be safe and simple with a low complication rate.     

Antegrade Tibial Tunnel Technique for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction remains a difficult procedure even in experienced hands0 because there is a lack of consensus regarding the most reliable and least technically challenging technique. The commonly used retrograde anteromedial tibial tunnel leads to excessive angulation at the posterior tibia and risks catastrophic neurovascular complications. We present a technique of drilling the transtibial PCL tunnel in an antegrade fashion through a posteromedial portal. This technique offers the advantage of an anterolateral route to reduce graft angulation, as well as drilling away from the important posterior neurovascular structures.     

Pure Varus Injury to the Knee Joint

A 30-year-old male was involved in a car accident. Radiographs revealed a depressed marginal fracture of the medial tibial plateau and an avulsion fracture of the fibular head. Magnetic resonance imaging showed avulsion fracture of Gerdy''s tubercle, injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), posterior horn of the medial meniscus, and the attachments of the lateral collateral ligament and the biceps femoris tendon. The depressed fracture of the medial tibial plateau was elevated and stabilized using a cannulated screw and washer. The injured lateral and posterolateral corner (PLC) structures were repaired and augmented by PLC reconstruction. However, the avulsion fracture of Gerdy''s tubercle was not fixed because it was minimally displaced and the torn PCL was also not repaired or reconstructed. We present a unique case of pure varus injury to the knee joint. This case contributes to our understanding of the mechanism of knee injury and provides insight regarding appropriate treatment plans for this type of injury.     

Arthroscopic treatment of a PCL avulsion fracture in a skeletally immature patient

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsions from the tibial attachment site in children are rare. Six cases have been reported in the English literature since 1975. Osteochondral avulsions of the PCL can be easily missed on plain radiographs in skeletally immature patients because of the rarity of these injuries and open proximal tibial physis. To properly recognize and treat the condition, careful physical examination and adequate imaging studies are crucial. Few case reports demonstrate successful surgical treatment of the injury using screw fixation. This article presents a case of a 13-year-old girl with tibial avulsion of the PCL treated by arthroscopic reduction and pull-out suture, sparing the epiphyseal plate using a posterior transseptal portal. The proximal substance of the avulsed PCL was grasped with a suture hook introduced from posterolateral to posteromedial rather than through the small, fragmented bony portion. The suture material was passed and retrieved through the bony tunnel from posterior to anterior above the epiphyseal plate. Although it has not been proven yet in terms of biomechanical benefit, we believe this alternative treatment to PCL avulsion injuries in skeletally immature patients will provide sufficient strength to maintain ligament tension during the healing process and avoid physeal injury.     

The Accessory Posteromedial Portal Revisited: Utility for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a technically challenging procedure. Accessory arthroscopic portals have been described that allow for optimal suture anchor placement, suture management, and knot tying. We describe here the usefulness of an accessory posteromedial portal that facilitates direct suture retrieval through the posterior aspect of a rotator cuff tear. This portal is created approximately 4 to 5 cm medial to the posterolateral corner of the acromion and 2 cm inferior to the scapular spine. The accessory posteromedial portal is especially useful when a retracted tear of the infraspinatus or teres minor is encountered. Because these tendons retract in a posterior and medial direction, the accessory posteromedial portal places the tendon-penetrating device in an ideal position for suture passage through the posterior portion of the rotator cuff tear. This portal also allows placement of margin convergence sutures for large U-shaped or L-shaped tears by permitting a direct “hand-off” of the suture to or from a second penetrating device that is placed through a standard anterior portal. If multiple suture anchors are required (as in the case of large or massive cuff tears, or when double-row fixation is employed), sutures can be pulled out through the accessory posteromedial portal to facilitate suture management.     

关节镜下空心螺钉固定治疗后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折

目的探讨关节镜下后内侧入路中空螺钉固定治疗后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱性骨折的手术技巧及疗效。方法对15例后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱性骨折行关节镜下复位经后内侧入路,克氏针临时固定,经克氏针置入单枚带垫片直径4.5 mm中空钛质螺钉固定。结果手术时间40～82 min,平均55 min。随访6～24个月,平均15个月。术后6周,所有骨折均获愈合,未出现骨折移位。无窝部神经、血管损伤并发症。所有患者均无屈伸膝活动受限,仅1例患者后抽屉试验弱阳性。术后半年Lysholm膝关节功能评分89～96分,平均92.5分。结论关节镜下通过后内侧入路带垫片中空螺钉治疗后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱性骨折,操作方便、安全,效果可靠。