Displaced anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures: Arthroscopic staple fixation

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion fracture is commonly associated with knee injuries and its management is controversial ranging from conservative treatment to arthroscopic fixation. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic staple fixation in the management of ACL avulsion fractures.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-two patients (17 males and 5 females) who underwent arthroscopic staple fixation for displaced ACL avulsion fractures were analysed. The mean age was 32.2 years (15-55 years) with a mean followup of 21 months (6-36 months). All patients were assessed clinically by calculating their Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and the radiological union was assessed in the followup radiographs.

Results:

The mean Lysholm score was 95.4(83-100) and the mean IKDC score was 91.1(77-100) at the final followup. In 20 patients anterior drawer''s test was negative at the end of final followup while two patients had grade I laxity. Associated knee injuries were found in seven cases. The final outcome was not greatly influenced by the presence of associated injuries when treated simultaneously. At final followup all the patients were able to return to their pre-injury occupation

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic staple fixation is a safe and reliable method for producing clinical and radiological outcome in displaced ACL avulsion fractures.     

Outcome of transtibial AperFix system in anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Background:

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilizing factor of the knee that resist anterior translation, valgus and varus forces. ACL is the most commonly ruptured ligament of the knee. The graft fixation to bone is considered to be the weakest link of the reconstruction. According to the parallel forces to the tibial drill hole and the quality of tibial metaphyseal bone is inferior to femoral bone stock, graft fixation to the tibia is more difficult to secure. AperFix system (Cayenne Medical, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, USA) which consists femoral and tibial component that includes bioinert polymer polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is one of the new choice for ACL reconstruction surgery. aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes and fixation durability of the AperFix (Cayenne Madical, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona, USA) system and to determine the effect of patient''s age in arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with symptomatic anterior cruciate ligament rupture underwent arthroscopic reconstruction. Patients were evaluated in terms of range of motion (ROM) values; Lysholm, Cincinati and Tegner activity scales; laxity testing and complications. Femoral tunnel widening was assessed by computer tomography scans. Early postoperative and last followup radiographs were compared.

Results:

Fifty one patients were evaluated with mean followup of 29 months (range 25–34 months). Mean age at the surgery was 26.5 ± 7.2 years. Lysholm, Cincinati and Tegner activity scales were significantly higher from preoperative scores (Lysholm scores: Preoperative: 51.4 ± 17.2, postoperative: 88.6 ± 7.7 [P < 0.001]; Tegner activity scores: Preoperative 3.3 ± 1.38, postoperative: 5.3 ± 1.6 [P < 0.001]; Cincinati scores: Preoperative: 44.3 ± 17, postoperative: 81.3 ± 13.9 [P < 0.001]). The mean femoral tunnel diameter increased significantly from 9.94 ± 0.79 mm postoperatively to 10.79 ± 0.95 mm (P < 0.05). The mean ROM deficit (involved vs. contra knee) was −7.2 ± 16 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference for knee score, ROM deficits (<30 years: −7.3 ± 15 and >30 years −7.06 ± 19) and femoral tunnel enlargement (<30 years: 0.83 ± 0.52 and >30 years 0.87 ± 0.43) of the patients with below and above 30 year. There was no significant difference for knee scores and femoral tunnel enlargement between patients with meniscal injuries and don’t have meniscus lesions.

Conclusion:

The AperFix system gives satisfactory clinical and radiological results with low complication rate. However, long term clinical and radiological results are needed to decide the ideal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction method.     

Kindliche kniegelenknahe Avulsionen

Background

Avulsion fractures around the knee in children and adolescents are rare injuries and usually occur during sport activities. This article describes the epidemiology, classification and current treatment strategies for these injuries.

Objective

This article gives an overview of the epidemiology, classification and current treatment concepts of pediatric avulsion fractures around the knee.

Results

The most frequent pediatric avulsion fractures around the knee affect the tibial tuberosity and both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. Bony avulsion of the cruciate ligaments can be classified according to Meyers and McKeever. In many cases there are indications for surgical treatment but non-dislocated fractures can be conservatively treated. Apophyseal fractures of the tibial tuberosity are as a rule repositioned by an open procedure followed by fixation with screws. The options for surgical treatment of bony avulsion of the cruciate ligaments are manifold, ranging from direct open screw fixation to bone anchoring and arthroscopic repositioning with suture cerclage. The advantages of arthroscopic procedures are the possibility to simultaneously treat unilateral accompanying injuries, such as meniscus ruptures.

Conclusion

Non-dislocated pediatric avulsion injuries near the knee can be treated conservatively under regular clinical and radiological follow-up control. Dislocated avulsions and non-dislocated avulsions with accompanying injuries are surgically treated. Arthroscopic procedures should be a standard procedure with respect to bony avulsion of the anterior cruciate ligament. In contrast, bony avulsion of the posterior cruciate ligament and injuries of the tibial tuberosity must be addressed rapidly and effectively with direct open repositioning.

     

关节镜下缝线8固定成人前交叉韧带胫骨止点骨折的疗效分析

目的探讨关节镜下缝线8字固定成人前交叉韧带（ACL）胫骨止点骨折的手术技术及疗效,为临床治疗提供参考。方法对2008年1月至2013年1月关节镜下采用缝线8字固定成人ACL胫骨止点骨折的33例患者进行回顾性分析,术后随访12-24个月（平均19个月）,对其进行临床评价,包括前抽屉试验、Lachman试验、轴移试验评价膝关节稳定性,Lysholm评分评价膝关节功能,术后X线片评价骨折复位愈合情况。结果术后X线片示骨折均为解剖复位或近解剖复位。患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合。患者前抽屉试验、Lachman试验及轴移试验均呈阴性。Lysholm评分由术前的（43.4±7.8）分,提高至末次随访时的（92.2±7.1）分,比较差异有统计学意义（t=22.3,P〈0.05）。结论关节镜下缝线8字固定成人ACL胫骨止点骨折具有操作简便易行,创伤小,复位佳,固定牢靠,康复快,功能恢复良好,同时避免二次手术,临床疗效满意。     

Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of bony avulsion of the posterior cruciate ligament of the tibia

Bony avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament of the tibia have commonly been treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the posterior approach. However, this approach, using the prone position, makes it difficult to investigate and treat other combined injuries of the knee joint. We report a case of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion of the tibia that was arthroscopically reduced and firmly fixed with two cannulated screws. The posterior sag was absent after the operation and the result was excellent. By arthroscopy, we got rigid fixation of the avulsed fragment for early rehabilitation, and detection of a concomitant injury was also possible.     

Arthroscopic anatomical double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective longitudinal study

Background:

Single bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been the current standard of treatment for ACL deficiency. However, a significant subset of patients continue to report residual symptoms of instability with a poor pivot control. Cadaveric biomechanical studies have shown double bundle (DB) ACL reconstructions to restore the knee kinematics better. This study evaluates the outcome of DB ACL reconstruction.

Materials and Methods:

30 consecutive patients who underwent anatomic DB ACL reconstruction were included in this prospective longitudinal study. There were all males with a mean age of 25 ± 7.45 years. All patients were prospectively evaluated using GeNouRoB (GNRB) arthrometer, functional knee scores (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] and Lysholm) and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for comparing the graft orientation and footprint of the reconstructed ACL with that of the normal knee.

Results:

The average followup was 36.2 months. At the time of final followup the mean Lysholm score was 93.13 ± 3.31. As per the objective IKDC score, 26 patients (86.6%) were in Group A while 4 patients (13.3%) were in Group B. The mean differential anterior tibial translation by GNRB, arthrometer was 1.07 ± 0.8 mm (range 0.1-2.3 mm). All cases had a negative pivot shift test. MRI scans of operated and the contralateral normal knee showed the mean sagittal ACL tibial angle coronal ACL tibial angle and tibial ACL footprint to be in accordance with the values of the contralateral, normal knee.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates that DB ACL reconstruction restores the ACL anatomically in terms of size and angle of orientation. However, long term studies are needed to further substantiate its role in decreasing the incidence of early osteoarthritic changes compared to the conventional single bundle reconstructions.     

“Basket weave technique” for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: Clinical outcome of a prospective study

Background:

Bone tunneling and implants with rigid fixations for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction are known to compromise results and are avoidable, especially in skeletally immature subjects. This study was to assess if these deficiencies were overcome with the technique devised by the author which avoids implants and bone tunnels. Results were assessed for complication rate and outcome.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty six knees of recurrent lateral patellar dislocation were treated in the past 49 months by MPFL reconstruction. Thirty nine were female and 17 male knees. The mean age was 20.6 years (range 9-48 years). Mean followup was 26 months. Five knees had previously failed stabilization procedures. Thirty one cases had Dejours Type A or B and 12 had Type C trochlear dysplasia. Arthroscopy was performed for associated injuries and loose bodies. Seven knees required loose body removal. Five knees underwent lateral retinacular release. Four knees had tibial tuberosity transfer. One knee had an associated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. An anatomical MPFL reconstruction was performed using hamstring autograft without the need for intraoperative fluoroscopy. Only soft tissue fixation was necessary with this newly devised technique and suturing. A rapid rehabilitation protocol was implemented with monthly followup until normalcy and 6 monthly thereafter.

Results:

All achieved full range of motion and normal mediolateral stability. There was no recurrence of dislocation. No major surgery related complications. One patella fracture at 8 months was due to a fall developed terminal restriction of flexion. Those in sports could return to their sporting activities (Tegner 1–9). Cases with osteochondral fractures had occasional pain that subsided in 1 year. Mean Kujala score improved from 64.3 to 99.69 with KOOS score near normal in all.

Conclusion:

This new method of MPFL reconstruction gives excellent results. It avoids complications related to bone tunneling and implants. It is a safe, effective, reliable and reproducible technique.     

Impact of Partial and complete rupture of anterior cruciate ligament on medial meniscus: A cadavaric study

Background:

The clinical relationship between medial meniscus tear and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture has been well documented. However, the mechanism of this clinical phenomenon is not exactly explained. Our aim is to investigate the biomechanical impact of partial and complete ACL rupture on different parts of medial meniscus.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve fresh human cadaveric knee specimens were divided into four groups: ACL intact (ACL-I), anteromedial bundle transection (AMB-T), posterolateral bundle transection (PLB-T), and ACL complete transection (ACL-T) group. Strain on the anterior horn, body part, and posterior horn of medial meniscus were measured under 200 N axial compressive tibial load at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion, respectively.

Results:

Compared with the control group (ACL-I), the ACL-T group had a higher strain on whole medial meniscus at 0°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. But at 30°, it had a higher strain on posterior horn of meniscus only. As to PLB-T group, strain on whole meniscus increased at full extension, while strain increased on posterior horn at 30° and on body of meniscus at 60°. However, AMB-T only brought about higher strain at 60° of flexion on body and posterior horn of meniscus.

Conclusions:

Similar to complete rupture, partial rupture of ACL can also trigger strain concentration on medial meniscus, especially posterior horn, which may be a more critical reason for meniscus injury associated with chronic ACL deficiency.     

Outcome of double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using crosspin and aperture fixation

Background:

Double bundle anterior cruciate ligament (DBACL) reconstruction is said to reproduce the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) anatomy better than single bundle anterior cruciate ligament, whether it leads to better functional results is debatable. Different fixation methods have been used for DBACL reconstruction, the most common being aperture fixation on tibial side and cortical suspensory fixation on the femoral side. We present the results of DBACL reconstruction technique, wherein on the femoral side anteromedial (AM) bundle is fixed with a crosspin and aperture fixation was done for the posterolateral (PL) bundle.

Materials and Methods:

Out of 157 isolated ACL injury patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, 100 were included in the prospective study. Arthroscopic DBACL reconstruction was done using ipsilateral hamstring autograft. AM bundle was fixed using Transfix (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) on the femoral side and bio interference screw (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) on the tibial side. PL bundle was fixed on femoral as well as on tibial side with a biointerference screw. Patients were evaluated using KT-1000 arthrometer, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Score and isokinetic muscle strength testing.

Methods:

Out of 157 isolated ACL injury patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, 100 were included in the prospective study. Arthroscopic DBACL reconstruction was done using ipsilateral hamstring autograft. AM bundle was fixed using Transfix (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) on the femoral side and bio interference screw (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) on the tibial side. PL bundle was fixed on femoral as well as on tibial side with a biointerference screw. Patients were evaluated using KT-1000 arthrometer, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Score and isokinetic muscle strength testing.

Results:

The KT-1000 results were evaluated using paired t test with the P value set at 0.001. At the end of 1 year, the anteroposterior side to side translation difference (KT-1000 manual maximum) showed mean improvement from 5.1 mm ± 1.5 preoperatively to 1.6 mm ± 1.2 (P < 0.001) postoperatively. The Lysholm score too showed statistically significant (P < 0.001) improvement from 52.4 ± 15.2 (range: 32-76) preoperatively to a postoperative score of 89.1 ± 3.2 (range 67-100). According to the IKDC score 90% patients had normal results (Category A and B). The AM femoral tunnel initial posterior blow out was seen in 4 patients and confluence in the intraarticular part of the femoral tunnels was seen in 6 patients intraoperatively. The quadriceps strength on isokinetic testing had an average deficit of 10.3% while the hamstrings had a 5.2% deficit at the end of 1 year as compared with the normal side.

Conclusion:

Our study revealed that the DBACL reconstruction using crosspin fixation for AM bundle and aperture fixation for PL bundle on the femoral side resulted in significant improvement in KT 1000, Lysholm and IKDC scores.     

Effect of partial and complete posterior cruciate ligament transection on medial meniscus: A biomechanical evaluation in a cadaveric model

Background:

The relationship between medial meniscus tear and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury has not been exactly explained. We studied to investigate the biomechanical effect of partial and complete PCL transection on different parts of medial meniscus at different flexion angles under static loading conditions.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve fresh human cadaveric knee specimens were divided into four groups: PCL intact (PCL-I), anterolateral bundle transection (ALB-T), posteromedial bundle transection (PMB-T) and PCL complete transection (PCL-T) group. Strain on the anterior horn, body part and posterior horn of medial meniscus were measured under different axial compressive tibial loads (200-800 N) at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° knee flexion in each groups respectively.

Results:

Compared with the PCL-I group, the PCL-T group had a higher strain on whole medial meniscus at 30°, 60° and 90° flexion in all loading conditions and at 0° flexion with 400, 600 and 800 N loads. In ALB-T group, strain on whole meniscus increased at 30°, 60° and 90° flexion under all loading conditions and at 0° flexion with 800 N only. PMB-T exihibited higher strain at 0° flexion with 400 N, 600 N and 800 N, while at 30° and 60° flexion with 800 N and at 90° flexion under all loading conditions.

Conclusions:

Partial PCL transection triggers strain concentration on medial meniscus and the effect is more pronounced with higher loading conditions at higher flexion angles.     

The Surgeon’s Role in Relative Success of PCL-Retaining and PCL-Substituting Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

The orthopedic literature has not shown a universal and replicated difference, outside of flexion, in clinical results between posterior cruciate ligament retention and posterior cruciate ligament substitution in total knee arthroplasty.

Questions/Purposes

This study was performed to compare the restoration of flexion and knee function in a large series of cruciate-retaining and cruciate-substituting total knee arthroplasties (TKRs). In addition, we aimed to study how other variables, such as those unique to each surgeon, may have affected the results.

Patients and Methods

The current study evaluated 8,607 total knee arthroplasties in 5,594 patients performed by six surgeons, each using one of four prosthesis designs (two posterior cruciate ligament retaining, two posterior cruciate ligament substituting). Knees were compared at the level of cruciate-retaining and cruciate-substituting knees, at the level of the four prostheses, and at the level of surgeon-implant combinations. Least squared means scores were obtained through multiple linear regression, analysis of variance, and the maximum likelihood method.

Results

At the level of posterior cruciate ligament treatment, posterior cruciate ligament substitution as a whole showed 3.2° greater flexion than posterior cruciate ligament retention. At the prosthesis level, cruciate-substituting models provided greater flexion and cruciate-retaining models provided higher function scores. In the surgeon-implant combinations, surgeons provided mixed results that often did not reflect findings from other levels; one surgeon's use of a posterior cruciate ligament retaining prosthesis achieved 14.7° greater flexion than the surgeon's use of a corresponding posterior cruciate ligament substituting design.

Conclusions

Posterior cruciate ligament treatment is confounded by other variables, including the operating surgeon. The arthroplasty surgeon should choose a prosthesis based, not only on outside results, but also on personal experience and comfort.     

Patellar tendon or hamstring graft anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions in patients aged above 50 years

Background:

The treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury consists of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon or hamstring graft. Satisfactory results have been reported so far in the younger age group. Dilemma arises regarding the suitability of ACL reconstruction in patients aged 50 years and above. This retrospective analyses the outcome of ACL reconstruction in patients aged 50 years and above.

Materials and Methods:

55 patients aged 50 years and above presented to our institution with symptomatic ACL tear and were managed with arthroscopic reconstruction with patellar tendon/hamstring graft. 22 patients underwent ACL reconstruction with bone- patellar tendon-bone graft and the remaining 33 with a hamstring graft. Evaluation of functional outcome was performed using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scoring in the preoperative period, at the end of 1 year and at the final followup. Radiographic evaluation was performed using the Kellgren–Lawrence grading system.

Results:

The mean preoperative IKDC score was 39.7 ± 3.3. At the end of 1-year following the operation, the mean IKDC score was 73.6 ± 4.9 and at the final followup was 67.8 ± 7.7. The mean preoperative Lysholm score was 40.4 ± 10.3. At the end of 1-year following the intervention, the mean Lysholm score was 89.7 ± 2.1 and at final followup was 85.3 ± 2.5. Overall, 14 out of 42 patients who underwent radiographic assessment showed progression of osteoarthritis changes at the final followup after the intervention.

Conclusion:

In our study, there was a statistically significant improvement in the IKDC and Lysholm scores following the intervention. There was a slight deterioration in the scores at the final followup but the overall rate of satisfaction was still high and most of the patients were able to do their routine chores and light exercises suitable for their age group. Around one-third of patients show progression of radiographic changes in the postoperative period and this requires long term evaluation.     

Arthroscopic management of mucoid degeneration of anterior cruciate ligament

Background:

Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a less understood entity. The purpose of this study was to diagnose mucoid degeneration of anterior cruciate ligament and to assess the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment in these patients.

Materials and Methods:

Between December 2007 and November 2011, 20 patients were diagnosed to be suffering from mucoid degeneration of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histopathology, and arthroscopy findings. 12 patients were males and 8 patients were females, with mean age of 42.2 years for males (range 28-52 years) and 39.4 years for females (range 30–54 years). They presented with pain on terminal extension (n=10) and on terminal flexion (n=2) without history of significant preceding trauma. MRI showed an increased signal in the substance of the ACL both in the T1- and T2-weighted images, with a mass-like configuration that was reported as a partial or complete tear of the ACL by the radiologist. At arthroscopy, the ACL was homogenous, bulbous, hypertrophied, and taut, occupying the entire intercondylar notch. A debulking of the ACL was performed by a judicious excision of the degenerated mucoid tissue, taking care to leave behind as much of the intact ACL as possible. Releasing it and performing a notchplasty treated impingement of the ACL to the roof and lateral wall. In one patient, we had to replace ACL due to insufficient tissue left behind to support the knee.

Results:

Good to excellent pain relief on terminal flexion–extension was obtained in 19 of 20 knees. The extension deficit was normalized in all knees. Lachman and anterior drawer test showed a firm endpoint in all, and 85% (n=17) showed good to excellent subjective satisfaction.

Conclusions:

Mucoid hypertrophy of the ACL should be suspected in elderly persons presenting pain on terminal extension or flexion without preceding trauma, especially when there is no associated meniscal lesion or ligamentous insufficiency. They respond well to a judicious arthroscopic release of the ACL with notchplasty.     

胫骨平台外侧缘撕脱骨折的特点及临床诊治分析

目的 :探讨膝关节损伤中胫骨平台外侧缘撕脱骨折的特点及临床诊治。方法 :自2011年1月至2015年12月运用关节镜技术微创治疗关节内损伤结合双锚钉内固定胫骨平台外侧缘撕脱骨折29例,男17例,女12例;年龄27~62岁,平均41岁。20例合并前交叉韧带断裂(包含前交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折),3例合并后交叉韧带断裂,1例同时合并前交叉韧带和后交叉韧带断裂,3例合并侧副韧带撕裂,2例合并胫骨平台骨折(内侧平台骨折和外侧平台骨折各1例)。术前均行X线、CT及MRI检查明确诊断,在受伤后5~14 d进行手术,平均7 d。采用Lysholm膝关节评分对膝关节术前、术后功能进行评价。结果:手术时间40~125 min,平均85 min;出血量10~30 ml,平均15 ml。术后所有患者获随访,时间12~18个月,平均14个月。Lysholm膝关节评分由术前的52.0±4.2明显提高至术后1年的91.9±1.4(t=-49.24,P0.05)。抽屉试验、Lachman试验及侧方应力试验均阴性,骨折均骨性愈合。结论 :胫骨平台外侧缘撕脱骨折提示合并有膝关节静力稳定结构(关节韧带、关节囊、半月板等)的损伤,甚至关节内骨折。常规要行CT和MRI检查,建议行关节镜探查,防止漏诊,以使患者能得到及时、全面的治疗,为膝关节功能最大限度恢复创造有利条件。     

小切口锚钉缝线内固定治疗后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折

目的探讨小切口锚钉缝线内固定治疗后交叉韧带（PCL）胫骨止点撕脱骨折临床疗效。方法对27例PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折患者经膝后内侧小切口锚钉缝线内固定。结果患者均获得随访,时间6～24（12.5±4.1）个月。术后6周膝关节活动度为90～132（117.6±6.1）,°6个月为121～148（139.1±5.3）°,较健侧减少2～6（3.1±1.2）°。采用Lyscholm膝关节评分法评估疗效：优25例,良2例。结论小切口锚钉缝线内固定治疗PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折方法简单,固定可靠,效果良好。     

Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament: Management and outcome

Background:

Mucoid degeneration (MD) is a rare pathological affection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Mucinous material within the substance of ACL produces pain and limited motion in the knee. This series describes the clinicoradiological presentation of patients with mucoid ACL, partial arthroscopic debridement of ACL and outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

During a period of 3 years, 11 patients were included based upon the clinical suspicion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, arthroscopic features and histopathologic confirmation of MD of ACL.

Result:

Six patients were male and five were female with median age of 40 years (range 21-59 years). All patients complained of knee pain with median duration of 5 months (range 1-24 months). All patients had painful deep flexion with 63.6% (N = 7) reporting trivial trauma before the onset of symptoms. MRI revealed MD of ACL in all with associated cyst in three patients. Partial debridement of ACL was done in ten and complete in one patient. None of them required notchplasty. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis in all of them. At the mean followup of 13.81 months (range 6-28 months), all patients regained complete flexion and none complained of instability.

Conclusion:

Prior knowledge of condition with high index of suspicion and careful interpretation of MRI can establish the diagnosis preoperatively. It responds well to partial debridement of ACL and mucinous material without development of instability.     

关节镜下掌骨钢板结合不可吸收缝线固定治疗前交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折

目的探讨关节镜下掌骨钢板结合不可吸收缝线固定治疗前交叉韧带（ACL）止点撕脱骨折的临床效果。方法对16例有明显移位的ACL止点撕脱骨折在关节镜下进行复位,使用掌骨钢板结合不可吸收Ethieon缝线进行固定。术后进行积极康复训练。结果16例获随访0．5～2．5年,术后所有骨折均获得愈合,无骨折移位出现。术后3个月,无膝关节松弛或者不稳定发生,所有患者膝关节活动度均恢复至伤前水平。末次随访时IKDC主观膝关节功能评分平均（95．1±2．8）分。结论关节镜下利用掌骨钢板和不可吸收缝线固定治疗ACL止点撕脱骨折复位和固定效果好、创伤小,可早期进行膝关节康复训练,能够尽快恢复膝关节功能。     

Anterior tibial plateau fracture: An often missed injury

Background:

In most classifications of tibial plateau fractures, including one used most widely-Schatzker classification, fractures are described as a combination of medial and lateral condyle, primarily in the sagittal plane. Coronal component of these fractures, affecting the posterior tibial condyle is now well recognized. What is not described is anterior coronal component of the fracture, what we are calling “anterior tibial condyle fracture”. These fractures are often missed on routine antero-posterior and lateral knee X-rays due to an overlap between the fracture and the normal bone.

Materials and Methods:

Eight cases of anterior tibial condyle fractures with posterior subluxation of the tibia, six of which were missed by the initial surgeon and two referred to us early, are described. Two of the six late cases and both the early ones were operated. Reconstruction of the anterior condyle and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was done. Primary outcome measures such as union of the fracture, residual flexion deformity, range of motion and stability were studied at the end of 6 months.

Results:

All operated fractures united. There was no posterior sag in any. In those presenting late and were operated, the flexion deformity got corrected in all (average from 15° to 0°) and mean flexion achieved was 100° (range: 80-120°). In those presenting early and were operated, there was no flexion deformity at 6 months and a mean flexion achieved was 115° (range: 100-130°). None of the operated patients had instability.

Conclusion:

This article attempts to highlight that this injury is often missed. They should be suspected, diagnosed early and treated by reconstruction of anterior condyle, posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.     

Results of a modified posterolateral approach for the isolated posterolateral tibial plateau fracture

Background:

There are few posterolateral approaches that do not require the common peroneal nerve (CPN) dissection. With the nerve exposure, it would pose a great challenge and sometimes iatrogenic damage over the surgical course. The purpose was to present a case series of patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures treated by direct exposure and plate fixation through a modified posterolateral approach without exposing the common peroneal nerve (CPN).

Materials and Methods:

9 consecutive cases of isolated posterior fractures of the posterolateral tibial plateau were operated by open reduction and plate fixation through the modified posterolateral approach without exposing the CPN between June 2009 and January 2012. Articular reduction quality was assessment according to the immediate postoperative radiographs. At 24 month followup, all patients had radiographs and were asked to complete a validated outcome measure and the modified Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Scale.

Results:

All patients were followedup, with a mean period of 29 months (range 25–40 months). Bony union was achieved in all patients. In six cases, the reduction was graded as best and in three cases the reduction was graded as middle according to the immediate postoperative radiographs by the rank order system. The average range of motion arc was 127° (range 110°–134°) and the mean postoperative HSS was 93 (range 85–97) at 24 months followup. None of the patients sustained neurovascular complication.

Conclusions:

The modified posterolateral approach through a long skin incision without exposing the CPN could help to expand the surgical options for an optimal treatment of this kind of fracture, and plating of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures would result in restoration and maintenance of alignment. This approach demands precise knowledge of the anatomic structures of this region.     

Ultrasonographic test for complete anterior cruciate ligament injury

Background:

Although ultrasound (US) has a wide range of applications in orthopedic diagnostics, sonographic evaluation of traumatic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency is still inadequate. There is a growing need for diagnostic tests that allow for simple and reliable assessment of ACL instability. This investigation aims to evaluate feasibility of sonographic technique for diagnosing complete ACL insufficiency.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty three consecutive patients suspected of ACL injury were examined with sonographic, dynamic test of anterior instability. The translation of the intercondylar eminence against the patellar tendon was measured in the injured and opposite (injured) knee. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging was performed on all patients. Forty-seven of them underwent a further arthroscopy. Five patients have been examined for the 2^nd time to evaluate interclass and intraclass agreement and bias.

Results:

Complete ACL insufficiency has been confirmed in 37 patients. In those individuals, the total anterior knee translation and the difference between two joints (side-to-side difference) were significantly increased (8.67 mm standard deviation [SD] 2.65 mm in the affected knee versus 2.88 mm SD 1.26 mm in uninjured joint; P < 0.001). Based on a threshold of 2.0 mm for the side-to-side difference and 5.0 mm for the absolute translation, the sonographic test was found to have a sensitivity and specificity of 91.9% and 95.6%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The present technique supports the clinician with additional fast and noninvasive diagnostic procedure that can facilitate the evaluation of anterior knee instability.