Association of KT-1000 measurements with clinical tests of knee stability 1 year following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between KT-1000 measurements with an anterior translation force of 89 N and other measures of outcome (the Tegner activity score, the modified Lysholm score, subjective rating of instability, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test) 1 year following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. BACKGROUND: Health care professionals often use the side-to-side difference measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer to determine ACL integrity during passive motion. It has been postulated that a 5-mm or greater difference between impaired and nonimpaired knees represents a procedural failure. METHODS AND MEASURES: Ninety patients (46 men, 44 women) with a mean age of 30 +/- 8 years were examined 1 year after surgery. Patients were classified in 1 of 3 groups depending on the amount of laxity between the impaired knee and the nonimpaired knee. Seventy percent of the subjects had a side-to-side difference less than or equal to 3 mm (tight), 13% had a difference of between 3 and 5 mm (moderate), and 17% had a difference greater than or equal to 5 mm (loose) on examination using the KT-1000. RESULTS: Mean Lysholm and Tegner scores did not differ significantly among groups. Side-to-side differences in KT-1000 measurements at 89 N were not associated with the Lysholm score (r = -0.09) or Tegner score (r = 0.02). Lachman tests were related to involved-knee KT-1000 measurements (r = 0.39) but not to side-to-side differences in KT-1000 measurements (r = 0.15). Similarly, pivot-shift tests were related to involved-knee KT-1000 measurements (r = 0.26) but not to side-to-side differences (r = -0.08). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that side-to-side KT-1000 measurements obtained with an anterior translation force of 89 N should not be used in isolation to determine ACL reconstruction success or failure 1 year following surgery.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction stability with continuous passive motion. The role of isometric graft placement.

A comparison was made of the stability of isometric versus nonisometric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions when subjected to immediate postoperative continuous passive motion (CPM). Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were performed on 13 anatomic specimen knees using bone/patellar tendon/bone grafts. Nine ACL substitutions were considered isometric with maximum graft length changes of less than 1 mm. Four ACL substitutions were nonisometric with graft length changes of 3 mm or greater resulting from tightening in flexion. The specimens were subjected to CPM through 0 degrees-95 degrees knee flexion. Knee stability was remeasured with a knee arthrometer at three and 14 days after beginning CPM. All four nonisometric specimens had failed within three days, with increased anterior laxity of 2-9 mm in both the Lachman (20 degrees) and anterior drawer (90 degrees) positions. All nine isometric reconstructions successfully retained pre-CPM anterior stability within 1 mm after 14 days of CPM. This investigation illustrates the importance of isometric graft placement for ACL reconstruction success. Continuous passive motion does not appear to adversely affect immediate ACL-substitute integrity or fixation if graft placement is isometric (less than 1 mm of graft excursion through 0 degrees-110 degrees of knee motion). Continuous passive motion may cause graft deformation, fixation failure, or both, with resultant loss of knee stability if the graft is not isometrically positioned (greater than 3 mm of graft excursion resulting from tightening in flexion).     

The effect of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on symptoms of pain and instability in patients who have previously undergone meniscectomy: A prereconstruction and postreconstruction comparison

To determine the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on symptoms of pain and instability in patients with chronic ACL insufficiency who had previously undergone meniscectomy, we reviewed a series of 21 symptomatic, previously meniscectomized patients with chronic ACL deficiency (average age, 31 years). Arthroscopically assisted intra-articular ACL reconstruction using a middle, one-third patella-tendon autograft was performed in all cases. All patients had radiographic evidence of degenerative changes before ACL reconstruction. The average time from meniscectomy to ACL reconstruction was 6.6 years. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, stability, and subjective evaluations were compared. Follow-up averaged 37.4 months (range, 24 to 67 months). Physical examination and postoperative KT-1000 side-to-side measurements revealed three patients (14%) with pathological ligament laxity. One patient had a 2+ Lachman, a 2− pivot shift, and >5 mm difference on KT-1000 maximum manual test, and two patients had a 1+ Lachman and a 1+ pivot shift. Range of motion measurements taken at follow-up were not significantly different from preoperative measurements (extension, P = .14; flexion, P = .46). Subjectively, all items on a panel of 15 visual analog scales were improved, but intensity of pain and instability were significantly improved after statistical analysis (P < .05). This review suggests that symptoms of pain and instability in patients with chronic ACL deficiency who have previously undergone meniscectomy can be improved by ACL reconstruction if objective stability is obtained.     

Measurement of anterior-posterior knee laxity: a comparison of three techniques.

Several non-invasive techniques have been developed to assess anterior-posterior (A-P) laxity of the knee, however, their accuracy remains unclear. Roentgen Stereophotogrammetry Analysis (RSA) is a three-dimensional motion analysis method that has been shown to be an accurate tool for evaluating joint kinematics. Thus. RSA provides a means that can be used to evaluate other less invasive techniques. The objectives of this study were to compare A-P laxity values as measured using the KT-1000 Knee Arthrometer, planar stress radiography and RSA, and to determine if they detect similar changes in A-P laxity over time in 15 subjects following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autografts. The A-P laxity values of the injured knee were measured immediately following surgery and at their 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. A-P laxity was defined as the A-P translation of the tibia relative to the femur that occurred between the posterior and anterior shear load limits of -90 to +130 N, respectively. The values of A-P laxity across all time points were 11.4 +/- 3.0, 10.2 +/- 3.3, and 6.9 +/- 3.0 mm (mean +/- standard deviation) for the KT-1000, planar stress radiography and the RSA methods, respectively. These values were significantly different from each other (p < 0.001). The two-dimensional analyses techniques (planar stress radiography and the KT-1000) consistently over-estimated the true laxity values that were obtained using the three-dimensional RSA technique. Significant increases in A-P laxity values over time were also detected with the KT-1000 (p = 0.04) and the RSA technique (p = 0.04). However, this increase was not evident when using planar stress radiography (p = 0.89). This study determined that the KT-1000 and RSA document temporal changes in A-P laxity following ACL reconstruction that were not documented by planar stress radiography.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and physiological joint laxity: earliest changes in joint stability and stiffness after reconstruction

Physiological joint laxity is an important element of normal knee joint function, providing smooth joint movement. However, the objective evaluation of post-operative results after knee ligament surgery is usually based primarily on stability and range of motion, and joint laxity has been ignored. In this study, we measured the joint stiffness of 82 knees undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament, before the operation, immediately after the operation, and finally when the full range of motion was achieved postoperatively; changes in joint laxity after the ACL reconstruction were investigated. Before the operation, joint laxity was greater than that of the normal side (P < 0.01), but immediately after the operation it diminished compared not only with that observed preoperatively, but also with that of the normal side. When the full range of motion was achieved, joint laxity was lower than that observed immediately after the operation (P < 0.01), but still remained higher than that of the normal side (P < 0.01). In other words, stability was achieved, but joint laxity was diminished through the operation. In this series, a stiffer artificial ligament than the natural ACL was used, and maximum tension was applied during the operation, aiming at better stability, but this may cause diminution of joint laxity. Received for publication on Sept. 1998; accepted on Dec. 2, 1998     

Self-reported oral contraceptive use and peripheral joint laxity

STUDY DESIGN: A masked, single-factor, posttest-only control group design. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between reported oral contraceptive use and peripheral joint laxity. BACKGROUND: Studies have found an association between increased ligamentous laxity and changes in serum levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin. Two of these hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are present in most oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptive users, therefore, provide a population for studying the effects of these hormones on the degree of ligamentous laxity. METHODS AND MEASURES: Fifty-five women between the ages of 20 and 25 years participated in this study. Thirty users of oral contraceptives were a test group and 25 nonusers of oral contraceptives were controls. The KT-1000 Arthrometer was used to measure passive anterior translation of the tibia in relation to the femur in both knees. Passive abduction and adduction of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the second digit of the nondominant hand and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint hyperextension of the fifth digit of the nondominant hand were measured using a goniometer. A subjective measurement of passive second PIP joint motion was also assessed and a value of minimum, moderate, or maximum laxity was assigned. Independent sample t tests were performed to compare the measurements of the oral contraceptive user and nonuser groups for each joint. A chi-square test compared the subjective PIP joint data between the 2 groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in laxity measurements at the knee or hand were found between the 2 groups. Average knee laxity varied between 5.7-7.9 mm of anterior displacement for both groups. Average PIP abduction and adduction varied between 6.5-6.7 degrees for both groups and DIP hyperextension was 28.6-29.9 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that self-reported oral contraceptive use was not associated with peripheral joint laxity.     

A new device to measure knee laxity during weightbearing and non-weightbearing conditions.

The Vermont knee laxity device (VKLD) was developed to evaluate anterior-posterior (A-P) displacement of the tibia relative to the femur (A-P laxity) during weightbearing and non-weightbearing conditions. The purposes of this study were to determine the repeatability and reliability of the VKLD measurements of A-P laxity and to compare them with two devices currently in clinical use: the KT-1000 knee arthrometer and planar stress radiography. Two independent examiners tested six subjects with no history of knee injury. A-P laxity was measured on three separate days with the KT-1000 and the VKLD. With the VKLD, A-P laxity was measured in the weightbearing and non-weightbearing conditions. In addition, one examiner measured A P laxity in each subject on each day using a planar stress radiography technique. Similar A-P laxity values were obtained with the KT-1000 and the VKLD; however, the planar stress radiography technique measured less A-P laxity compared to the VKLD (9.2+/-2.2 mm versus 13.3+/-2.9 mm, P = 0.0004). None of the three devices showed significant differences in measuring A-P laxity between days. During weightbearing, A-P laxity was reduced by 65-70% compared to the non-weightbearing condition (P = 0.0001). Future investigations will use the VKLD to study subjects that have suffered injury to the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.     

Comparative study of knee anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with or without fluoroscopic assistance: a prospective study of 73 cases

INTRODUCTION: Correct placement of both tibial and femoral tunnels is one of the main factors for a favorable clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We used an original system of computer assisted surgery (CAS). The system, based on fluoroscopic guidance combined with special graphical software of image analyzing, showed to the surgeon, before drilling, the recommended placement of tibial and femoral tunnel centers. We compared the first anatomical and clinical results of this procedure to the usual one single incision technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study on 73 patients; 37 patients were operated on with CAS and 36 without CAS, by the same senior surgeon. The mean age was 27 years for both groups. Every patient was reviewed at an average of 2.2 years (range 1-4.5) by an independent observer, using IKDC scoring system, KT-1000, and passive stress radiographs. RESULTS: Time between ACL rupture and reconstruction averaged 30 months for both groups. CAS needed 9.3 min extra surgery time. Clinical evaluation was graded from A to C as per the IKDC scoring system: 67.6% A, 29.7% B, 2.7% C with CAS; and 60% A, 37.1% B, 2.9% C without CAS. IKDC subjective knee evaluation score averaged 89.7 with CAS and 89.5 without CAS. Pre operative KT-1000 maxi manual differential laxity averaged 7. At revision time, all the patients after CAS had a differential laxity less than 2 and 97.7% without CAS. Stress X-rays differential laxity averaged 2.4 mm with CAS and 3 mm without CAS. The area of dispersion of the tunnels' center was smaller on the femoral side using the CAS method. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups using IKDC score, KT-1000 and passive stress radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: The CAS method provided a more accurate and reproducible tunnels placement without clinical significant effect.     

Does the peak torque of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles affect the knee laxity measurements in male patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture?

The aim of the study was to examine whether the peak torque of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles affects the anterior knee laxity measurements in male patients. The study comprised 45 male patients who had a chronic unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Preoperatively, one experienced physiotherapist performed all the KT-1000 examinations. The anterior displacement was registered at 89 Newton. Immediately after the KT-1000 examination, an isokinetic concentric peak torque measurement was performed at 60°/s for both the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. The anterior displacement was significantly larger in the ACL-ruptured knees compared with the noninjured knees (p < 0.001). Patients with strong hamstring muscles on the injured side displayed significantly less knee laxity compared with patients with less strength (p = 0.018). There was an inverse correlation between the peak torque of the hamstring muscles and the KT-1000 anterior laxity measurements in the ACL-ruptured knees (rho = −0.37, p = 0.01). We conclude that male patients with strong hamstring muscles display smaller KT-1000 laxity measurements than patients with less strength. Received: 22 January 2001/Accepted: 24 January 2001     

关节镜下保留残端五重折股薄肌腱重建前交叉韧带的疗效分析

目的 介绍一种单独应用股薄肌腱重建前交叉韧带(ACL)的方法,并评估其疗效.方法 2003年4月至2008年5月,前瞻性研究采用保留ACL胫骨侧残留部分单独应用股薄肌腱重建ACL的方法治疗40例ACL损伤患者,其中男22例,女18例;年龄17～43岁,平均30.7岁.急性损伤33例,陈旧性损伤7例.受伤至手术时间平均3.4周(1～12周).术中评价所取股簿肌腱的长度,移植腱的长度及直径.术后评价包括KT-2000的前方不稳定性患健差,膝关节活动度,屈膝肌力的患健差,手术前后的IKDC评分及VAS评分.结果 所取股薄肌腱的长度平均为239 mm;移植腱直径为7.6 mm,长度为41.4 mm.KT-2000的前方不稳定性患健差术前平均为5 mm,术后平均为1 mm,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).膝关节活动度与健侧最大相差不到5°,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).术后6个月患膝在60°/s伸膝时扭矩恢复到健侧的89%,术后1年恢复到92%,术后2年恢复剑95%;术后6个月患膝在90°/s屈膝时扭矩恢复到健侧的85%,术后1年恢复到86%,术后2年恢复到89%.术前IKDC评分平均为49.3分,术后2年平均为95.0分;VAS评分术前平均为30.3分,术后2年平均为85.4分,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 单独廊用股薄肌腱重建ACL,屈膝肌力恢复满意.保留残留韧带可促进重建韧带的血运和本体感觉的恢复,加速患者的康复.     

Double-bundle versus single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions: a prospective,randomized study with 2-year follow-up

This prospective, randomized study was conducted to compare the short-term results of arthroscopic double-bundle with single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. One hundred and eight patients with a symptomatic ACL rupture were randomized to either double-bundle (Group DB) or single-bundle (Group SB) ACL reconstruction. Follow-up was conducted at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively. At the 24-month follow-up, 94 of the 108 patients (87 %) were available for evaluation. The rotational stability, as evaluated by pivot shift test, was significantly superior in the Group DB to that in the Group SB. No significant difference with regard to ACL revisions, total flexion work, mean peak flexion torque and extension work between the groups was detected. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the Tegner activity score, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score, the Lysholm functional score, anterior knee pain or mobility, subjective knee function. In addition, no significant difference in laxity on the Lachman test or the KT-1000 maximum manual force test was investigated. All the results were significantly more satisfactory at each follow-up period than preoperatively, in both groups. Both SB- and DB-ACL reconstruction resulted in satisfactory subjective outcome and objective stability. Both these techniques can therefore be considered as suitable alternatives for ACL reconstruction. Moreover, as it seems to be according to the pivot shift test, the risk for the development of degenerative changes of the knee joint in a long run could be smaller in the Group DB.     

Rotational instability of the knee: internal tibial rotation under a simulated pivot shift test

Introduction  Recently, several publications investigated the rotational instability of the human knee joint under pivot shift examinations and reported the internal tibial rotation as measurement for instrumented knee laxity measurements. We hypothesize that ACL deficiency leads to increased internal tibial rotation under a simulated pivot shift test. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that anatomic single bundle ACL reconstruction significantly reduces the internal tibial rotation under a simulated pivot shift test when compared to the ACL-deficient knee. Methods  In seven human cadaveric knees, the kinematics of the intact knee, ACL-deficient knee, and anatomic single bundle ACL reconstructed knee were determined in response to a 134 N anterior tibial load and a combined rotatory load of 10 N m valgus and 4 N m internal tibial rotation using a robotic/UFS testing system. Statistical analyses were performed using a two-way ANOVA test. Results  Single bundle ACL reconstruction reduced the anterior tibial translation under a simulated KT-1000 test significantly compared to the ACL-deficient knee (P < 0.05). After reconstruction, there was a statistical significant difference to the intact knee at 30° of knee flexion. Under a simulated pivot shift test, anatomic single bundle ACL reconstruction could restore the intact knee kinematics. Internal tibial rotation under a simulated pivot shift showed no significant difference in the ACL-intact, ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knee. Conclusion  In conclusion, ACL deficiency does not increase the internal tibial rotation under a simulated pivot shift test. For objective measurements of the rotational instability of the knee using instrumented knee laxity devices under pivot shift mechanisms, the anterior tibial translation should be rather evaluated than the internal tibial rotation. This study was supported in part by a grant of the German Speaking Association of Arthroscopy (AGA).     

The effect of ketorolac on anteroposterior knee laxity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

This study investigated the effect of ketorolac on anteroposterior laxity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total of 168 ACL reconstructions performed between July 2003 and November 2004 were reviewed. The 6-week KT-1000 manual maximum differences between the ACL-reconstructed knee and nonoperative knee were compared for patients who received ketorolac and those who did not. Mean manual maximum difference in anterior displacement was 0.6 mm in the ketorolac group and -0.6 mm in the non-ketorolac group (P=.03). When bone-patellar tendon grafts were analyzed as a separate group, mean manual maximum difference was 0.5 mm in the ketorolac group and -1.4 mm in the non-ketorolac group (P=.007). When hamstring grafts were analyzed separately, mean manual maximum difference was 0.7 mm in the ketorolac group and 0.4 mm in the non-ketorolac group (P=.59). The use of ketorolac during bone-patellar tendon autograft ACL reconstruction was associated with increased AP laxity at 6 weeks postoperatively. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.     

膝关节持续被动活动对兔重建前交叉韧带腱骨愈合的影响

目的 通过兔半腱肌腱腱后固定方法重建前交叉韧带(ACL)实验动物模型,研究持续被动活动(CPM)对移植物隧道内腱骨界面的组织学转归影响.方法 对12只雄性新西兰大白兔右侧后肢膝关节行自体双股半腱肌腱移植重建ACL.术后随机分为两组:CPM组(n=6)术后第2天开始早期CPM康复6周;自由活动组(n=6)笼养.分别于术后第6、12、24周取材,采用HE和甲苯胺蓝染色观察腱骨愈合过程.结果 前侧腱骨界面纤维组织较多且较后侧腱骨界面宽;后侧腱骨界面的成骨细胞和类软骨细胞较多,新骨沉积较多.在骨道内口(关节腔入口),破骨细胞较多.与自由活动组比较,CPM组界面组织改建塑形更成熟、胶原排列更有序,潮线结构出现较早,类软骨细胞、成骨细胞和类似潮线的结构较多.结论 腱骨界面前侧张力较大,纤维较多;腱骨界面后侧压力较大,软骨较多.半腱肌腱重建ACL术后早期CPM加快移植物止点潮线结构恢复,增强移植物与骨组织之间整合.     

Error estimates in novice and expert raters for the KT-1000 arthrometer

STUDY DESIGN: Single group repeated measures with multiple raters. OBJECTIVES: To determine the inter-rater reliability of KT-1000 measurements of novice and experienced raters and to provide error estimates for these raters. BACKGROUND: The KT-1000 arthrometer is often used clinically to quantify anterior tibial displacement. Few data have been documented, however, about the relative reliability of KT-1000 measurements obtained by novice compared with experienced users. METHODS AND MEASURES: Two novice and two experienced KT-1000 users performed measurements on 29 knees of 25 patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction or with a diagnosis of ACL deficiency. Measurements were performed at 131 N. Interrater and intertrial reliability coefficients (interclass correlation coefficient; ICC) and the standard error of measurement were calculated for expert and novice raters. RESULTS: The interrater ICC for novices was 0.65 and the interrate error was +/- 3.52 mm (90% confidence interval [CI]). The interrater ICC for experts was 0.79 and the interrater error was +/- 2.94 mm (90% CI). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that experience in using the KT-1000 is related to the interrater error of measurements and that training is an important consideration when using the KT-1000 arthrometer.     

Primary ACL reconstruction with fresh-frozen patellar versus Achilles tendon allografts

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been an interest in the use of allografts as an alternative graft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to reduce potential donor-site morbidity resulting from the harvest of autogenous tissue. Nevertheless, in the literature, the use of allografts for primary ACL reconstruction is controversial due to a higher failure rate and the potential risk of disease transmission. METHOD: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical outcome of 251 fresh-frozen patellar vs Achilles tendon allografts for primary ACL reconstruction. Patients (average age 39 years) were operated on between 1993 and 1998, and the mean follow-up was 37.7 months (range 24-74 months). We were able to follow up 225 patients (89.6%). According to the different types of allograft, we divided the patients into two groups: group P with patellar bone-tendon-bone allograft (BTB; n=183) and group A with Achilles bone-tendon allograft ( n=42). Clinical evaluation consisted of a history, an examination, IKDC Score, Cincinnati Knee Score (CKS), Cincinnati Sports Activity Scale (CSAS), KT-1000 testing, and standardized X-rays. RESULTS: According to the IKDC, the outcome was normal or nearly normal in 75.3% in group P and 76.2% in group A. Overall rating according to the CKS was an average of 85 in group P and 82.9 in group A. CSAS was 79.6 in group P and 84.8 in group A. The objective stability measured with the KT-1000 showed an average side-to-side difference of 2.1 mm in group P and 2.0 mm in group A. 4.4% of group P and 2.5% of group A were considered a laxity failure, and 10.4% of group P and 4.8% of group A re-ruptured the reconstructed ACL. In summary, there was a significantly higher failure rate ( p<0.001) in group P compared with group A. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory clinical results can be achieved with the use of allografts for primary ACL reconstruction. Comparing Achilles tendon and patellar BTB allografts, the Achilles tendon-bone allograft seems to be advantageous for ACL reconstruction as the failure rate was significantly lower. Nevertheless, the total failure rate appears to be much higher compared with autogenous ACL reconstruction, indicating that the use of an allograft for routine uncomplicated primary ACL reconstruction offers few advantages. Therefore, autograft tissue remains our graft of first choice for this procedure. We advise reserving allografts for revision procedures where suitable autogenous tissues have been previously compromised, where a contraindication for autogenous tissue harvest exists, or for multiple ligament surgery.     

A minimally invasive technique ("healing response") to treat proximal ACL injuries in skeletally immature athletes

This study documents outcomes of athletically active, skeletally immature patients with proximal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears treated with a non-reconstructive technique to promote healing ("healing response"). Between 1992 and 1998, 13 skeletally immature athletes with proximal ACL tears underwent a healing response procedure. Patients with previous ACL injury, other concurrent ligament pathology, and/or complete mid-substance ACL tears were excluded. Average preoperative KT-1000 arthrometer manual maximum difference for all patients was 5 mm (range: 3-10 mm). Preoperatively, all patients had a 1+ or 2+ pivot shift, and all patients reported knee function as abnormal or severely abnormal. Patients were followed prospectively with clinical examinations, KT-1000 testing, and subjective questionnaires. Three (23%) patients had a re-injury 30 to 55 months after the healing response and underwent subsequent ACL reconstruction. Subjective follow-up on the remaining 10 patients at an average of 69 months (range: 26-113 months) postoperatively indicated no patients experienced pain or giving way, and all considered their knee function normal. Average Lysholm score was 96, Tegner score was 8.5 (range: 7-10), and patient satisfaction at follow-up was 9.9 (1=very dissatisfied and 10=very satisfied). Clinical examination at least one year postoperatively was performed on 7 of 10 patients at 35 months (range: 12-63 months). Five patients had a negative pivot shift and 2 had a 1+ pivot shift. KT-1000 measurements improved to 2 mm (range: 0-3 mm). In the athletically active, skeletally immature patient, the healing response procedure can restore stability and knee function, with proper patient selection. In this study group, patients were very satisfied with the procedure and returned to a high level of sports and activities.     

The effect of bracing on proprioception of knees with anterior cruciate ligament injury.

This paper is a comprehensive review on the effect of bandaging, bracing, and neoprene sleeves on knee proprioception following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction with a focus on studies that have measured joint position sense and threshold to detection of passive knee motion. Disruption of the ACL does not appear to alter joint position sense soon after injury, although there is evidence that in some subjects deterioration may occur over time. An ACL tear creates a deficit in the threshold to detection of passive knee motion soon after injury and in those with chronic tears. The magnitude of worsening is less then 1.0 degree of movement in flexion-extension and of questionable concern from a clinical and functional perspective. Application of a functional brace or neoprene sleeve to the ACL-deficient limb does not improve the threshold to detection of passive knee motion; however, application of an elastic bandage to a knee with an ACL tear improves joint position sense. Reconstruction of a torn ACL is associated with a deficit in the threshold to detection of passive knee motion, and during the first year of healing the use of a neoprene sleeve provides improvement. Two years following ACL reconstruction there is no deficit in the threshold to detection of passive knee motion and the use of a brace has no effect on this outcome.     

Bioabsorbable polyglyconate interference screw fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective computed tomography-controlled study.

PURPOSE: It was the purpose of the study to evaluate a new polyglyconate bioabsorbable interference screw for graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective randomized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients who underwent endoscopic ACL reconstruction were included in the study and randomized intraoperatively. Group A consisted of 20 patients (6 women, 14 men; mean age, 29.6 years) who had femoral bone block fixation with a bioabsorbable interference screw and tibial fixation with a titanium interference screw. Group B included 20 patients (5 women, 15 men; mean age 29.6 years) who had fixation of both femoral and tibial bone blocks with titanium interference screws. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to age, gender, height, weight, time from injury to surgery, activity level, and concomitant injuries. RESULTS: Clinical results (using IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner scores) of the 2 groups as well as instrumented laxity measurements (KT-1000) did not show significant (P >.05) differences at any stage of follow-up. No complications with respect to graft fixation could be found. Computed tomography scans, performed within the first postoperative week, at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively revealed a uniform picture for all patients within the groups, showing completed screw degradation at 12 months in group A. CONCLUSION: Polyglyconate interference screw fixation for patellar tendon grafts has not been found to be associated with increased clinical complications or significant osteolysis. It provided equivalent fixation and clinical results compared with titanium screws. However, replacement of the screw with bone did not take place for up to 3 years postoperatively.     

Bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft versus LARS artificial ligament for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The optimized graft for use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is still in controversy. The bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autograft has been accepted as the gold standard for ACL reconstruction. However, donor site morbidities cannot be avoided after this treatment. The artificial ligament of ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) has been recommended for ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to compare the midterm outcome of ACL reconstruction using BPTB autografts or LARS ligaments. Between July 2004 and March 2006, the ACL reconstruction using BPTB autografts in 30 patients and LARS ligaments in 32 patients was performed. All patients were followed up for at least 4 years and evaluated using the Lysholm knee score, Tegner score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and KT-1000 arthrometer test. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the data of Lysholm scores, Tegner scores, IKDC scores, and KT-1000 arthrometer test at the latest follow-up. Our study demonstrates that the similarly good clinical results are obtained after ACL reconstruction using BPTB autografts or LARS ligaments at midterm follow-up. In addition to BPTB autografts, the LARS ligament may be a satisfactory treatment option for ACL rupture.