Intra-articular mechanical blocks and full extension in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture frequently present with a lack of full extension. Current literature is unclear whether arthroscopic debridement is necessary before reconstruction to achieve full extension postoperatively. This study examined the postoperative extension achieved in 153 knees that underwent ACL reconstruction within 12 weeks of index injury. All patients performed preoperative physical therapy to increase range of motion and control pain/swelling, regardless of presenting range of motion without prior aspiration or arthroscopy. Of the 153 knees, 103 had meniscal pathology, of which 73 were peripheral vertical tears; 96 of the 153 knees lacked >/=3 degrees extension preoperatively. Five of 96 knees had an intra-articular mechanical block to extension and all regained full extension after ACL reconstruction. This study documented that a true intra-articular mechanical block is unusual in primary ACL ruptures. Lack of full extension can be adequately dealt with during surgical reconstruction without a detrimental effect on knee extension postoperatively.     

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the lateral third of the ipsilateral patellar tendon after failure of a central-third graft: a preliminary report on 10 patients

Long-term outcomes were reported for 10 (77%) of 13 cases of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the lateral third of the ipsilateral patellar tendon as a graft. All primary ACL reconstructions were ipsilateral central-third bone-patellar tendon-bone graft procedures. Mean age at follow-up was 30.7 years, and mean time from revision ACL surgery to follow-up was 42.9 months. At follow-up, average KT-1000 difference between knees was 2.4 mm. All patients had a negative pivot shift, extension within 5 degrees of the contralateral knee, and flexion within 15 degrees. Mean bilateral comparison ratios for isokinetic strength and hop testing were: extension, 83.5%; flexion, 96%; and single-leg hop 96.9%. No patella fractures or tendon ruptures had occurred. All patients had returned to their previous work level, and 8 of the 10 patients could participate in at least "moderate" sports activities (e.g., skiing and tennis). The results were comparable to published outcome reports for both primary and revision ACL reconstruction. The lateral third of the ipsilateral patellar tendon is a good graft option for revision ACL reconstruction.     

关节镜下横杆式固定重建膝前十字韧带的中期疗效观察

目的 评价关节镜下自体腘绳肌腱移植、横杆式固定(transfix)重建膝关节前十字韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)的中期临床疗效.方法 自2002年8月至2003年12月对38例膝关节ACL断裂患者应用自体腘绳肌腱重建ACL、股骨端采用横杆式固定、胫骨端采用界面螺钉固定.男21例,女17例;年龄19～48岁,平均28.4岁;左膝24例,右膝14例.运动伤27例,交通伤2例,跌倒扭伤2例,余7例无明显外伤.急性损伤6例,陈旧性损伤32例.术前体检:前抽屉试验阳性35例,弱阳性1例,阴性2例;Lachman征阳性37例,弱阳性1例.以Lysholm评分评价中期临床疗效,以MRI及X线观察移植物以及骨隧道变化情况.结果 38例患者中36例获得随访(随访率94.7％),随访时间6.3～7.6年,平均6.8年.所有患者关节活动度正常,Lysholm评分由术前(64.4±4.52)分提高到(85.6±4.60)分,差异有统计学意义.X线及MRI发现3例股骨及胫骨隧道均扩大,5例股骨隧道扩大,3例胫骨隧道近端扩大.未见关节间隙变窄.1例患者在术后4年因外伤再次致ACL断裂,行关节镜下ACL翻修术,采用同种异体肌腱移植物,股骨端及胫骨端采用可吸收挤压钉固定.结论 应用腘绳肌腱、股骨侧横杆式、胫骨侧界面挤压螺钉固定重建膝关节ACL可以获得较为满意的关节活动度及关节稳定性,中期疗效佳.     

内侧半月板后角Ramp损伤在前十字韧带损伤患者中的发生率及影响因素分析

 目的 研究前十字韧带损伤合并内侧半月板后角 Ramp(内侧半月板后角至后内侧关节 囊滑膜移行区域)损伤的发生率, 并分析其影响因素。方法 2002年 4月至 2007年 10月, 采用韧带重 建手术治疗并确诊为前十字韧带损伤的患者 868例, 男 609例, 女 259例;年龄 15~55岁, 平均 25.2岁。根据手术记录以及术中关节镜探查, 筛选其中存在内侧半月板后角 Ramp损伤的病例, 计算其发生率。 按照性别、年龄段及受伤至手术时间分组, 分析 Ramp损伤发生率的影响因素。结果 868例膝关节确诊为前十字韧带损伤并接受韧带重建手术的患者中, 内侧半月板后角 Ramp损伤的患者为 144例, 男 113例, 女 31例;平均年龄 24.7岁。受伤至手术时间平均 29.3个月。 Ramp损伤的发生率为 16.59% (144/868), 伤后 6周、3、6、12、24个月 Ramp损伤的发生率分别为 12.66%、13.51%、13.17%、14.49%、 15.92%;男性发生率为 18.56%(113/609), 女性为 11.97%(31/259), 两者比较差异有统计学意义;30岁以下的患者 Ramp损伤发生率为 21.59%(114/528), 30岁以上者为 8.82%(30/340), 两者比较差异有统 计学意义。结论 内侧半月板后角 Ramp损伤是前十字韧带断裂的常见合并损伤, 其发生率为 16.59%; 伤后 2年内, Ramp损伤的发生率随受伤时间延长明显增加;男性及 30岁以下患者 Ramp损伤发生率明 显增高。     

The effect of injury chronicity and progressive rehabilitation on single-incision arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We conducted a prospective study on 50 consecutive patients who received a single-incision arthroscopic patellar tendon autograft reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. The purposes were to determine if differences existed in results between patients with acute and chronic ACL ruptures, and if a progressive rehabilitation program could safely return patients to sports activities early without compromising knee stability. Forty-two patients (84%) returned for follow-up a mean of 31 months postoperatively. Twenty-one patients had acute ruptures, and 21, chronic ruptures. A progressive rehabilitation program was used by 28 patients (67%) who met strict criteria, which allowed early return to running and sports activities. The results were rated with the Cincinnati Knee Rating System. We found no effect of either injury chronicity or time to return to activity for 21 factors, including anterior-posterior displacement, patellofemoral crepitus, range of knee motion, quadriceps muscle strength, symptoms, functional limitations, or the patient rating of outcome. Using arthrometer and pivot-shift test data, 30 knees (71%) had a functional reconstruction; 8 knees (19%) had partial function; and 4 knees (10%) failed. Patients expressed satisfaction with the operation as follows: 23 (55%) rated their overall knee condition as normal; 16 (38%), very good; and 3 (7%), good. No patients rated their knee condition as fair or poor.Arthroscopy 1998 Jan-Feb;14(1):15-22     

Central third bone-patellar tendon-bone arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a 4-year follow-up

This prospective study reports the 4-year follow-up results of 56 patients (44 males and 12 females) who underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using a central third bone-patellar tendon-bone free autologous graft and assesses the mid-term effectiveness of this technique. Mean patient age was 30.2 years (range: 17-44 years). Sports injuries were the primary cause of ACL deficiency in 93% of patients. All knees had an isolated ACL tear, and 31 had associated meniscal or chondral lesions. Patients in the acute phase did not undergo surgery for 3-4 weeks. In patients with subacute and chronic ACL ruptures, the mean interval between injury and surgery was 62 weeks (range: 8-104 weeks). According to the International Knee Documentation Committee grading system, 53 (95%) knees were considered normal or nearly normal postoperatively. Improvement by at least 1 grade was noted in 12 knees, 30 knees had an improvement of at least 2 grades, 12 knees had a 3-grade improvement, and 1 had a grade that remained unchanged. One knee deteriorated from a grade C to a grade D, which was attributed to graft lysis 1 year postoperatively. For best results, subacute reconstruction between 3 and 5 weeks postinjury is recommended.     

膝内侧半月板“湾征”对内侧副韧带断裂的诊断意义

目的内侧副韧带损伤后,关节镜下可见内侧半月板上滑膜缘完全显示,类似海湾形状,称为"海湾全景征"(简称"湾征"),判断其作为诊断膝内侧副韧带断裂标志体征的可靠性及意义。方法 2007年3月-2011年3月,纳入59例MRI检查提示内侧副韧带断裂患者作为观察组,其中男38例,女21例;年龄16～39岁,平均23.2岁;单纯内侧副韧带断裂12例,合并外侧半月板损伤16例,前交叉韧带损伤27例,前、后交叉韧带损伤3例,髌骨脱位1例。68例MRI检查提示无内侧副韧带断裂患者作为对照组,其中男45例,女23例;年龄25～49岁,平均31.8岁;前交叉韧带损伤38例,前、后交叉韧带损伤4例,前交叉韧带合并外侧半月板损伤26例。两组治疗前后行关节镜探查比较"湾征"出现情况。结果观察组膝内侧副韧带修复重建前关节镜探查均见"湾征",明确内侧副韧带断裂;修复重建后"湾征"消失。对照组交叉韧带重建前后均未见"湾征"。结论 "湾征"可作为关节镜下膝内侧副韧带断裂的诊断指征,以及术中韧带修复重建成功与否的判断依据。     

Long-term results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison with non-operative treatment with a follow-up of 17–20 years

Purpose

The aim of our study was to review the clinical and radiological outcome of patients who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in comparison to a group of non-operatively treated patients.

Methods

In a retrospective study we compared ACL reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft with a non-operatively treated group of patients 17–20 years later. Fifty-four patients that met the inclusion criteria, with arthroscopically proven ACL rupture, were treated between 1989 and 1991. Thirty-three patients underwent ACL reconstruction, forming group one. Eighteen non-reconstructed patients continued with rehabilitation and modification of activities (group two). The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective evaluation forms and the Lysholm and Tegner scale were used to assess the knees at follow-up. Radiographic assessment was performed using the IKDC grading scale.

Results

Follow-up results showed that 83% of reconstructed patients had stable knees and normal or nearly normal IKDC grade. Patients in the non-reconstructed group had unstable knees with 84% having abnormal or severe laxity. The subjective IKDC score was significantly in favour of group one: 83.15 compared to 64.6 in group two. The Lysholm and Tegner score was also significantly better in group one. Conservatively treated patients all had unstable knees and worse scores. The rate of osteoarthritis showed more severe changes in non-reconstructed patients with additional meniscus injury.

Conclusions

We can conclude that 94% of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction had stable knees after 15–20 years and there was a significantly lower percentage of osteoarthritis in comparison to conservatively treated patients.     

Assessment of osteoarthritis after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: a study using single-photon emission computed tomography at ten years

We used single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to determine the long-term risk of degenerative change after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Our study population was a prospective series of 31 patients with a mean age at injury of 27.8 years (18 to 47) and a mean follow-up of ten years (9 to 13) after bone-patellar tendon-bone reconstruction of the ACL. The contralateral normal knee was used as a control. All knees were clinically stable with high clinical scores (mean Lysholm score, 93; mean Tegner activity score, 6). Fifteen patients had undergone a partial meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction at or before reconstruction of their ACL. In the group with an intact meniscus, clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) were found in only one patient (7%), who was also the only patient with marked isotope uptake on the SPECT scan compatible with OA. In the group which underwent a partial meniscectomy, clinical symptoms of OA were found in two patients (13%), who were among five (31%) with isotope uptake compatible with OA. Only one patient (7%) in this group had evidence of advanced OA on plain radiographs. The risk of developing OA after ACL reconstruction in this series is very low and lower than published figures for untreated ACL-deficient knees. There is a significant increase (p < 0.05) in degenerative change in patients who had a reconstruction of their ACL and a partial meniscectomy compared with those who had a reconstruction of their ACL alone.     

关节镜下RetroButton-同种异体肌腱-界面螺钉重建前交叉韧带的近期疗效

目的探讨关节镜下应用RetroButton-同种异体肌腱-界面螺钉重建前交叉韧带的手术方法与近期疗效。方法 2009年6月-10月,于关节镜下采用RetroButton-同种异体肌腱-界面螺钉重建23例前交叉韧带损伤。男15例,女8例;年龄19～46岁,平均32.5岁。左膝17例,右膝6例。致伤原因:运动伤13例,交通事故伤8例,坠落伤2例。急性损伤(<6周)7例,慢性损伤(>6周)16例。合并单纯内侧半月板损伤11例,单纯外侧半月板损伤6例,内、外侧半月板同时损伤3例,关节软骨损伤5例。患者均无后交叉韧带、内外侧副韧带或后外侧结构损伤。受伤至手术时间3周～32个月。按照Lysholm评分和国际膝关节评分委员会(IKDC)膝关节评分标准进行主观评估;采用Lachman试验和KT-1000关节测量仪检查进行客观评估。结果术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,患膝关节失稳症状明显改善。无高热、感染或明显排斥反应。1例患者术后发生顽固性滑膜炎,关节内反复积液,3周内经关节腔灌洗7次后稳定。患者均获随访,随访时间10～17个月,平均14.7个月。末次随访时IKDC评分、Lysholm评分、Lachman试验及KT-1000检测与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论关节镜下应用RetroButton-同种异体肌腱-界面螺钉重建前交叉韧带手术操作安全、简便,近期疗效满意。     

关节镜下自体半腱肌腱重建膝关节前交叉韧带的手术方法探讨

目的探讨关节镜下多股半腱肌腱重建膝关节前交叉韧带的手术方法及临床疗效。方法2000年9月～2004年12月，收治经临床及关节镜检查确诊的前交叉韧带损伤患者50例，男32例，女18例；年龄18～51岁。左膝31例，右膝19例。均有明确膝关节外伤史。关节镜检查前交叉韧带体部断裂26例，韧带缺如14例，股骨侧关节撕脱4例，体部撕裂、松散6例。取自体半腱肌腱，关节镜下行等长重建。参照敖英芳临床判断标准及Lysholm评分评价疗效。结果术后患者伤口均Ⅰ期愈合，8～10周膝关节屈伸功能恢复正常。获随访6个月～4年，平均1．8年。抽屉试验和Lachman试验阳性者3例，可疑阳性者8例；余患者均为阴性。根据敖英芳临床判断标准，本组优23例，良18例，中5例，差4例。Lysholm评分术后86．43±9．33，与术前40．57±10．68比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论关节镜下自体多股半腱肌腱重建膝关节前交叉韧带疗效好，损伤小。     

关节镜下同种异体骨-前交叉韧带-骨移植重建前交叉韧带的疗效分析

目的前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)是膝关节重要的稳定结构,探讨关节镜下应用深低温冻存同种异体骨-ACL-骨移植重建ACL的方法及疗效。方法 2007年10月-2010年2月,对22例ACL损伤患者于关节镜下采用深低温冻存的同种异体骨-ACL-骨移植重建ACL。男15例,女7例;年龄19～55岁,平均27.6岁。损伤原因:运动伤12例,摔伤1例,重物压伤2例,交通事故伤7例。左膝14例,右膝8例。病程7 d～12个月,中位病程65 d。前抽屉试验阳性19例,轴移试验阳性19例,Lachman试验阳性21例。术前根据国际膝关节评分委员会(IKDC)分级评定标准,异常5例,严重异常17例;IKDC主观评分为(49.6±6.9)分,Lysholm评分为(48.5±5.3)分,Tegner膝关节运动功能评分受伤前为(6.8±1.2)分,受伤后术前为(2.1±0.5)分。20例行MRI检查,其中18例提示ACL损伤。结果手术时间65～85 min,平均75 min;出血量80～150 mL,平均110 mL。术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,均无免疫排斥反应及下肢深静脉血栓形成等并发症发生。患者术后均获随访,随访时间7～34个月,平均18个月。末次随访时无伸膝受限;屈膝活动度为125～135°,平均130.5°。前抽屉试验阳性2例,轴移试验阳性1例,Lachman试验阳性3例。根据IKDC分级评定标准:正常10例,接近正常11例,异常1例;IKDC主观评分为(90.0±5.8)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=4.653,P=0.021)。Lysholm评分为(91.6±7.1)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=4.231,P=0.028)。Tegner评分为(6.1±1.5)分,与受伤前比较差异无统计学意义(t=1.321,P=0.070),与受伤后术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=3.815,P=0.033)。术后6个月19例关节镜复查示无移植韧带断裂,17例移植物张力正常,2例稍松弛。结论关节镜下应用深低温冻存的同种异体骨-ACL-骨移植重建ACL,可达到ACL解剖重建,术后膝关节功能恢复良好。     

前交叉韧带断裂合并半月板损伤的关节镜手术治疗

目的探讨关节镜下治疗膝关节前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament,ACL）断裂合并半月板损伤的治疗效果。方法回顾72例ACL断裂合并半月板损伤的临床资料,其中ACL断裂并内侧半月板损伤25例,并外侧半月板损伤37例,并内、外侧半月板损伤9例,双膝均有ACL断裂并半月板损伤1例。行关节镜下单纯半月板切除9例,半月板切除（或缝合）同时ACL重建63例。术前Lysholm评分为42.5±10.5 单纯半月板切除组为45.7±9.6 同时ACL重建组为40.9±12.7。结果术后均获随访,平均3.1年,术后总Lysholm评分为82.2±12.5 单纯半月板切除组为78.6±11.8 同时ACL重建组为85.3±9.0,三者组内手术前后比较,术后均优于术前（P〈0.001） 而同时ACL重建组又优于单纯半月板切除组（P〈0.01）。结论ACL损伤后膝关节发生半月板损伤的可能性增高,一期同时修复可以减少膝关节其它继发损伤的发生。     

Primary repair plus intra-articular iliotibial band augmentation in the treatment of an acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Between September 1987 and November 1989, we treated 90 consecutive patients with an acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture with the multiple suture technique and iliotibial band augmentation. Seventy of these patients were re-examined 2 to 5 years after the operation (mean 3.5 years), the examination consisting of a questionnaire, clinical examination, laxity tests with the KSS machine (Acufex), radiological examination and isokinetic muscle strength testing (Cybex 6000). There were 32 men and 38 women (mean age 34 years). The injury was sustained in sports in 44 (63%) cases, and the sports most frequently involved were downhill skiing (18 cases), soccer (9 cases) and volleyball (5 cases). Of the injuries, 38 were isolated ACL ruptures and 31, ACL ruptures combined with a medial CL rupture. In 9 cases, an additional meniscus injury and in one case an additional posterior CL - lateral CL rupture was found. At the follow-up, 55 patients (79%) were satisfied with the end result, and according to our objective functional criteria 55 (79%) had an excellent or good outcome. According to the Lysholm score, 53 (76%) patients were excellent or good ( 82 points). In the Lachman test, 29 knees (41%) were completely stable. The Lachman test was mildy positive in 40 knees (57%) (36 had 1+ laxity and 4, 2+ laxity), and one patient had 3+ laxity with a hard end-point. Similarly, the anterior drawer test was negative in 53 knees (76%); and the other 17 (24%) had mild laxity (16 had 1+ laxity and 1, 2+ laxity). The total anterior-posterior laxity measured with the KSS averaged 9.7 ± 3.5 mm in the injured knee and 7.3 + 3.0 mm in the uninjured knee (the laxity measured at a knee angle of 20° of flexion). Corresponding values at a knee angle of 90° of flexion were 6.1 ± 2.4 mm and 4.7 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. The pivot shift test was negative in 62 patients (89%) and l+ positive in the remaining 8 patients (11%). Fifty-eight patients (83%) had full knee extension and 40 patients (57%), full knee flexion. Compared with the uninjured knee, the operated knees showed an average 14% strength deficit in isokinetic knee extension and 6% deficit in flexion at the speed of 60°/s. At the speed of 180°/s, the corresponding deficits were 8% and 4%, respectively. Of the 44 patients who were active in sport before the injury, 40 (91%) were able to return to sports. A flexion deficit of 5° or more was associated with thigh muscle atrophy (P < 0.05) and quadriceps weakness, both at the slow speed (P < 0.05) and high speed (P < 0.001) of the isokinetic movement. In conclusion, in an acute rupture of the ACL, primary repair of the ligament with intraarticular iliotibial band augmentation seems to be a good method to restore the functional capacity of the injured knee.     

Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture in renal patients

AIMS: Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture occurs in patients with renal disease. It has been hypothesized that the length of renal disease and the length of dialysis may correlate with the development of tendon ruptures. This study aims to characterize the factors involved in patients with renal disease and simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture. METHODS: All reported cases of simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture were identified using MEDLINE. Each case was reviewed for information regarding this injury. RESULTS: Of the 65 cases reviewed, 24 cases involved patients with renal disease. Males were more often affected than females, almost a 2 : 1 ratio. The mean age of injury was 36 years. Most patients (63%) had signs of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The average length of renal disease was 13 years while the average length on dialysis was 6.5 years. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, time before diagnosis, location of rupture, method of repair, presence of hyperparathyroidism, length of renal disease or length on dialysis were not related to functional outcome. However, length on dialysis was related to mechanism of injury. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with renal disease and simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture have good functional recovery. Duration of dialysis is related to spontaneous tendon rupture and should be considered a complication of chronic renal failure.     

What is the terrible triad?

In 1936 Campbell asserted that "impairment of the anterior crucial and mesial ligaments is associated with injuries of the internal cartilage." O'Donoghue in 1950 called attention to "that unhappy triad (1) rupture of the medial collateral ligament, (2) damage to the medial meniscus, and (3) rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament" and recommended early surgical intervention. In 1955 he reported 33 cases with both medial collateral (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, but there were only three lateral meniscus tears reported. Based on a recent report by Shelbourne and Nitz that questions the validity of this unhappy triad, a review of all arthroscopically confirmed acute injuries of second degree or worse to the ACL and MCL was undertaken. Of a total of 52 knees reviewed, 50 knees had third-degree ACL tears and two had second-degree ACL tears. One of the second-degree tears was associated with a second-degree MCL and one with a third-degree ACL tear. Neither had an associated meniscus tear. Forty-five third-degree ACL tears were associated with third-degree MCL tears (group 1) and five with second-degree MCL tears (group 2). Eighty percent (36 knees) of group 1 had lateral meniscus tears. Only 29% of group 1 (13 knees) had associated medial meniscus tears. None of these medial meniscus tears was isolated. Eighty percent (four knees) of group 2 had lateral meniscus tears with only one associated medial meniscus tear. Again, there were no medial meniscus tears in the absence of a lateral meniscus tear. We did not find the combination of injury originally described as the unhappy triad.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with or without accompanying injuries: A re-examination of subjects 5 to 9 years after reconstruction

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic results of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients with an isolated ACL tear and patients with an ACL tear and accompanying injuries. Type of Study: A retrospective investigation. Methods: Seventy-two patients who did not have previous knee surgery or surgery of the contralateral knee were re-examined 5 to 9 years after the primary ACL reconstruction. The clinical assessment was made using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation system, and the Lysholm and the Marshall knee scores. Also, radiographic evaluation and isokinetic strength testing were performed. There were 34 patients (25 men and 9 women) with an isolated ACL tear (group A), and 38 patients (23 men and 15 women) with an ACL tear and accompanying injuries (group B). The mean age was 29 years (SD 9; range, 15 to 49 years) in group A, and 34 years (SD 12; range, 15 to 61 years) in group B. Bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft with mini-arthrotomy technique and screw fixation was used in all patients. Postoperative rehabilitation was also similar in both groups. In group B, 10 medial and 12 lateral (partial or subtotal) arthroscopic meniscectomies were performed at the same time as the ACL reconstruction. Also, 18 of the 19 medial collateral ligament ruptures, the 2 lateral collateral ligament ruptures, and the 1 posterior cruciate ligament rupture were treated surgically at this operation. Results: Subjectively (overall assessment, pain, swelling, and giving way of the knee) and objectively (range of motion, stability, crepitation, isokinetic strength testing, and radiological changes of the knee), the groups did not have any significant differences in the 5- to 9-year results. Also, the final evaluation results using the IKDC and the Lysholm and the Marshall knee scores were similar in both groups. However, there were significantly more subsequent knee surgeries in the injured knee in group B than in group A. Conclusions: Our results show no large differences between patients with an isolated ACL tear and those with an ACL tear with accompanying injuries 5 to 9 years after an ACL reconstruction with a bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft. Tibiofemoral osteoarthritis was quite rare, and this may be partly attributable to the fact that the ACL reconstructions were successful, so that all the knees were stable at the re-examination. However, the future will show the final outcome for the patients.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 8 (October), 2001: pp 818–825     

Patient-Related Risk Factors for Contralateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear After ACL Reconstruction: An Analysis of 3707 Primary ACL Reconstructions

Background

Return to play after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can increase risk for both ipsilateral graft rupture and contralateral ACL rupture. The risk for injury of the contralateral knee after ACL reconstruction could be nearly double that of ipsilateral graft rupture.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to identify independent, patient-related risk factors for contralateral ACL rupture following primary ACL reconstruction.

Methods

A national database was queried for patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction from 2007 to 2015 with a minimum of 2 years of post-operative follow-up (n = 12,044). Patients who underwent subsequent primary ACL reconstruction on the contralateral extremity were then identified. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate patient-related risk factors for contralateral ACL rupture, including demographic and comorbidity variables. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each risk factor.

Results

Of the 3707 patients who had a minimum of 2 years of database activity and comprised the study group, 204 (5.5%) experienced a contralateral ACL rupture requiring reconstruction. Independent risk factors for contralateral ACL rupture included age less than 20 years, female gender, tobacco use, and depression. Obesity, morbid obesity, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and a history of anxiety were not significant predictors of contralateral injury.

Conclusion

We were able to adequately power an analysis to identify several significant patient-related risk factors for contralateral ACL rupture after primary ACL reconstruction, including younger age, female gender, tobacco use, and depression. This information can be used to counsel patients on the risk of injury to the contralateral knee.

     

Intercondylar notch measurements with special reference to anterior cruciate ligament surgery

The femoral intercondylar notch width was measured in 93 patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency (Group 1), in 62 patients with an acute tear of the ACL (Group 2), and in 38 fresh anatomic specimen knees (Group 3). In six of the specimen knees, further anatomic studies of the intercondylar notch were performed after tissue removal. The average intercondylar distance was 16.1 mm in Group 1, 18.1 mm in Group 2, and 20.4 mm in Group 3. All differences were highly significant. The intercondylar notch was wider in the posterior part and had no crossing bony ridges but had generally concave walls, which provided a functional shelf for the ACL to insert on the lateral side. Significant osteophyte formation and stenosis of the anterior outlet of the intercondylar notch occur early in the ACL-deficient knee. A narrow anterior outlet of the intercondylar notch without osteophytes was also found in knees with an acute ACL rupture. At reconstruction of the ACL, notchplasty should be performed concomitantly.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Allograft versus autograft

Purpose: This study was performed to compare the minimal 2-year outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) allografts versus autografts, both augmented with an iliotibial band tenodesis. Type of Study: Retrospective review. Methods: Forty-six of 52 BPTB ACL reconstructions using allografts and 33 of 37 BPTB ACL reconstructions using autografts were followed up at a mean of 2.75 and 3.36 years, respectively. All patients had an iliotibial band tenodesis. Evaluations included the Lysholm II scale, a questionnaire, physical examination findings, and KT-1000 arthrometry. Results: No statistically significant differences were seen between groups in Lysholm II scores or in any subjective category. Most patients (91% allograft; 97% autograft) had good to excellent Lysholm II scores. Sixty-five percent of allograft patients and 73% of autograft patients returned to their preinjury activity level. More allograft patients complained of retropatellar pain (16% v 9% for autograft patients). Fifty-three percent of allograft patients versus 23% of autograft patients had a flexion deficit of 5° or more when compared with the normal contralateral side. When comparing KT-1000 side-to-side differences, we found no significant differences between groups. Ninety-one percent of both groups had maximum side-to-side differences less than 5 mm. Three allograft patients (6.5%) had traumatic ruptures at 12, 19, and 43 months postoperatively versus none in the autograft group. All three allograft patients who sustained postoperative traumatic ruptures had received fresh frozen, nonirradiated allografts. Conclusions: Results of ACL reconstruction using allografts or autografts augmented with an iliotibial band tenodesis were comparable. The BPTB autograft should remain the gold standard, although the BPTB allograft in ACL reconstruction is a reasonable alternative.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 19, No 5 (May-June), 2003: pp 453–462