Anatomische vordere Kreuzbandersatzoperation mittels Semitendinosus- und Grazilissehne in fremdmaterialfreier Press-fit-Technik

An innovative technique for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been developed in 1998 which allows the grafts to be fixed by press-fit to the femoral and tibial tunnel without any hardware. The semitendinosus (ST) and gracilis tendons (GT) are built into a sling by tying a knot with the tendon ends and securing the knot after conditioning by sutures. For the femoral tunnel the anteromedial porta is used. The correct anatomic position of the single femoral tunnel is checked using intraoperative lateral fluoroscopy by placing the tip of a K-wire to a point between the anteromedial and posterolateral bundle insertion sites. A femoral bottleneck tunnel is drilled to receive the knot of the tendons. The tendon loops filled the tibial tunnel without any suture material. The loops are fixed at the tibial tunnel outlet with tapes over a bone bridge. Between 1998 and 1999 a prospective randomized study (level 1) was conducted comparing this technique with a technique using bone-patellar-tendon graft and press-fit fixation without hardware. In conclusion it was found that implant-free press-fit ACL reconstruction using bone-patella-tendon (BPT) and hamstring tendon (HT) grafts proved to be an excellent procedure to restore stability and function of the knee. Using hamstring tendons (ST and GT) significantly lower donor site morbidity was noted. Kneeling and knee walking pain persisted to be significantly more intense in the BPT up to 9 years after the operation. Re-rupture rates, subjective findings, knee stability and isokinetic testing showed similar results for both grafts. This is the first level I study which demonstrates cartilage protection by ACL reconstruction as long as the meniscus is intact at index surgery, shown by bilateral MRI analysis 9 years post-operation. There was no significant difference in the average grade of chondral and meniscus lesions between BPT and HT and in comparison of the operated to the intact knee, except for grade 3-4 lesions found at the 9 year follow-up, which were significantly higher in the BPT group.     

Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With the Tibial-Remnant Preserving Technique Using a Hamstring Graft

We propose that the tibial remnant of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is able to enhance the revascularization and cellular proliferation of the graft, to preserve proprioceptive function, and to be able to acquire anatomic placement of the graft without roof impingement. Therefore, it seems reasonable to assume that preserving the tibial remnant as much as possible as a source of reinnervation, if technically possible without causing impingement, would be of potential benefit to the patient. Our surgical technique was developed to maximize the preservation of the tibial remnant. The distally attached semitendinosus and gracilis tendons are harvested using the tendon stripper. After satisfactory placement of 2 guide pins convergently, a closed-end socket in the lateral femoral condyle is created using an adequately sized curved curette. For anatomic placement of the graft, the tibial tunnel should be positioned within the boundaries of the normal ACL tibial remnant. The reamer must be advanced very carefully to minimize injury to the residual remnant at the intra-articular margin of the tibial tunnel. Penetration should stop at the base of the stump. The folded grafts are then pulled intra-articularly through the tibial tunnel, the tibial remnant, and the femoral socket by pulling sutures under arthroscopic visualization. The ACL tibial remnant is compacted by the tendon passage. The graft is secured proximally by tying sutures in the lateral femoral condyle and distally at the tibia with double staples by a belt-buckle method. The advantages of our technique include maximal preservation of the tibial remnant, no roof impingement caused by intrasynovial anatomic placement of the graft, the simplicity of the procedure, the minimal need for hardware or special instruments, the economic benefit, and the potential prevention of tibial tunnel enlargement by preventing synovial fluid leakage.     

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using double anteromedial and posterolateral bundles

We propose a method for repairing the anterior cruciate ligament which takes advantage of the multifascular nature of the ligament to achieve better physiological anteroposterior and rotational stability compared with conventional methods. Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the ligament closely reproduces normal anatomy. We have used this technique in 92 patients with anterior cruciate ligament laxity and present here the mid-term results. The hamstring tendons (gracilis and semitendinosus) are harvested carefully to obtain good quality grafts. Arthroscopic preparation of the notch allows careful cleaning of the axial aspect of the lateral condyle; it is crucial to well visualize the region over the top and delimit the 9 h-12 h zone for the right knee or the 12-15 h zone for the left knee. The femoral end of the anteromedial tunnel lies close to the floor of the intercondylar notch, 5 to 10 mm in front of the posterior border of the lateral condyle, at 13 h for the left knee and 11 h for the right knee. The femoral end of the posterolateral tunnel lies more anteriorly, at 14 h for the left knee and 10 h for the right knee. The tibial end of the posterolateral tunnel faces the anterolateral spike of the tibia. The tibial end of the anteromedial tunnel lies in front of the apex of the two tibial spikes half way between the anteromedial spike and the anterolateral spike, 8 mm in front of the protrusion of the posteriolateral pin. The posterolateral graft is run through the femoral and tibial tunnels first. A cortical fixation is used for the femoral end. The femoral end of the anteromedial graft is then fixed in the same way. The tibial fixation begins with the posterolateral graft with the knee close to full extension. The anteromedial graft is fixed with the knee in 90 degrees flexion. Thirty patients were reviewed at least six months after the procedure. Mean age was 28.2 years. Mean overall IKDC score was 86% (36% A and 50% B). Gain in laxity was significant: 6.53 preoperatively and 2.1 postoperatively. Most of the patients (86.6%) were able to resume their former occupation 2 months after the procedure. The different components of the anterior cruciate ligament and their respective functions have been the object of several studies. The anteromedial bundle maintains joint stability during extension and anteroposterior stability during flexion. The posterolateral bundle contributes to the action of the anteromedial bundle with an additional effect due to its position: rotational stability during flexion. In light of the multifascicular nature of the anterior cruciate ligament and the residual rotational laxity observed after conventional repair, our proposed method provides a more anatomic reconstruction which achieves better correction of anteroposterior and rotational stability. This technique should be validated with comparative trials against currently employed methods.     

保留残端半腱肌和股薄肌双股双隧道解剖重建前交叉韧带的临床研究

目的探讨关节镜下半腱肌股薄肌保留残端双股双隧道解剖重建前交叉韧带(ACL)的疗效。方法回顾自2006年1月～2008年1月,本组在关节镜下联合应用半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱双股双隧道重建ACL患者20例其中男18例,女2例,年龄17～46岁(平均31.5岁)。取腱器分别切取半腱肌、股薄肌编织成股,保留前叉韧带在股骨、胫骨的附着点残端,于ACL前内侧束和后外侧束附着部分别钻隧道,用半腱肌腱重建前内侧束,股薄肌腱重建后外侧束,以enderbutton悬吊固定股骨端,挤压螺钉固定胫骨端肌腱。所有患者术前及术后12个月行前抽屉试验、Lachman试验、Lysholm评分方法评定膝关节功能。结果术后随访14～48个月,平均31个月。术前患者前抽屉试验均为阳性,Lachman试验阳性13例,术后前抽屉试验3例屈膝60°位阳性,1例屈膝30°位阳性,其余均转阴性。5例Lachman试验仍阳性,但患者术后无膝关节不稳。2例患者术后胫骨前伤口瘢痕红肿凸起,给予切开引流后良好愈合。用Lysholm膝关节功能评分法评定术后疗效,术前评分为38～49分,平均43.5分,术后14个月为69～92分,平均80.5分,优13例,良5例,可2例,优良率为90.0%。结论应用自体肌腱双股双隧道重建ACL,术后膝关节动态稳定性好,疗效满意。     

Technical note: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the presence of an intramedullary femoral nail using anteromedial drilling

AIM To describe an approach to anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction using autologous hamstring by drilling via the anteromedial portal in the presence of an intramedullary(IM) femoral nail.METHODS Once preoperative imagining has characterized the proposed location of the femoral tunnel preparations are made to remove all of the hardware(locking bolts and IM nail). A diagnostic arthroscopy is performed in the usual fashion addressing all intra-articular pathology. The ACL remnant and lateral wall soft tissues are removed from the intercondylar, to provide adequate visualization of the ACL footprint. Femoral tunnel placement is performed using a transportal ACL guide with desired offset and the knee flexed to 2.09 rad. The Beath pin is placed through the guide starting at the ACL's anatomic footprint using arthroscopic visualization and/or fluoroscopic guidance. If resistance is met while placing the Beath pin, the arthroscopy should be discontinued and the obstructing hardware should be removed under fluoroscopic guidance. When the Beath pin is successfully placed through the lateral femur, it is overdrilled with a 4.5 mm Endobutton drill. If the Endobutton drill is obstructed, the obstructing hardware should be removed under fluoroscopic guidance. In this case, the obstruction is more likely during Endobutton drilling due to its larger diameter and increased rigidity compared to the Beath pin. The femoral tunnel is then drilled using a best approximation of the graft's outer diameter. We recommend at least 7 mm diameter to minimize the risk of graft failure. Autologous hamstring grafts are generally between 6.8 and 8.6 mm in diameter. After reaming, the knee is flexed to 1.57 rad, the arthroscope placed through the anteromedial portal to confirm the femoral tunnel position, referencing the posterior wall and lateral cortex. For a quadrupled hamstring graft, the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons are then harvested in the standard fashion. The tendons are whip stitched, quadrupled and shaped to match the diameter of the prepared femoral tunnel. If the diameter of the patient's autologous hamstring graft is insufficient to fill the prepared femoral tunnel, the autograft may be supplemented with an allograft. The remainder of the reconstruction is performed according to surgeon preference. RESULTS The presence of retained hardware presents a challenge for surgeons treating patients with knee instability. In cruciate ligament reconstruction, distal femoral and proximal tibial implants hardware may confound tunnel placement, making removal of hardware necessary, unless techniques are adopted to allow for anatomic placement of the graft. CONCLUSION This report demonstrates how the femoral tunnel can be created using the anteromedial portal instead of a transtibial approach for reconstruction of the ACL.     

Double-bundle anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-hamstring-bone composite graft

The bone-hamstring-bone (BHB) composite graft is a hybrid ligament reconstruction methodology that combines the advantages but eliminates the disadvantages of the bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and tendon of semitendinosus and gracilis muscle (STG) methods. We have developed an innovative modified BHB method involving anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It takes into account the 2 bundles of the ACL: the anteromedial bundle and the posterolateral bundle. The composite graft was prepared by folding the gracilis and the semitendinosus tendons twice and flanking the ends by bone blocks obtained from the tibia. One tunnel of 11-mm diameter was made in the tibia and the femur, and the top of the graft was introduced into the femoral socket; the distal end of the graft was rotated 90° in the counterclockwise direction for a right knee and 90° in the clockwise direction for a left knee to apply a twist to the graft, giving rise to an anteromedial bundle and a posterolateral bundle. The bone blocks attached to the graft were fixed with 2 interference screws. Modified BHB technique allows free selection of the location of the bone plug, minimizes the intra-articular length of the graft, and maintains the double-bundle structure of the original ACL.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 5 (May-June), 2002: pp 550–555     

Aperture Fixation in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Double-Bundle Reconstruction

The native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) consists of 2 bundles, which have distinct biomechanical yet synergistic functions with respect to anterior tibial translation and combined rotatory loads. Traditionally, most ACL reconstruction techniques have primarily addressed the restoration of the anteromedial bundle, and less consideration was given to the posterolateral bundle. Recently, various ACL double-bundle reconstruction techniques have been described. With most of these techniques, however, an indirect extra-anatomic fixation far from the articular surface was performed. Because extra-anatomic fixation techniques, rather than aperture fixation techniques, are associated with graft tunnel motion, windshield wiper action, and suture stretch-out, concerns may arise regarding delayed biological incorporation, tunnel enlargement, and secondary rotational and anterior instability. We, therefore, present a novel arthroscopic technique that reapproximates the footprints of native ACL with the use of double-strand semitendinosus and gracilis autografts for reconstruction of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles, respectively. A separate femoral and tibial tunnel is drilled for each double-strand autograft. The femoral tunnel for the anteromedial bundle is drilled primarily through a transtibial technique, and the femoral tunnel for the posterolateral bundle is drilled via an accessory anteromedial portal with the use of a 4-mm offset drill guide in the anteroinferior aspect of the femoral tunnel for the anteromedial bundle. Bioabsorbable interference screws are used in aperture fixation for anatomic fixation of each bundle. This technique attempts to reproduce closely the native ligament and its biomechanical function.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with preservation of remnant bundle using hamstring autograft: technical note

During an arthroscopic examination for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there is a relatively thick remnant ACL tibial stump attached to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) or rarely remained between the femur origin and the tibia insertion. We thought that preservation of the remnant ACL original bundle might promote graft healing or be helpful in preserving the proprioception and function to stabilize the knee. Therefore, we established a remnant preservation procedure without additional instruments during an ACL reconstruction using a bio-cross pin (RIGIDfix system: Mitek, Johnson & Johnson, USA) for the femoral tunnel fixation. The remnant ACL was sutured (usually three stitches) using a suture hook (Linvatec, Largo, FL), and both ends of the sutures were pulled to the far anteromedial (AM) portal. These sutures protected the remnant tissue during the ACL reconstruction because medial traction of these sutures can provide a wide view during the reconstruction. After the femoral and tibial tunnel formation, these sutures were pulled out to the inferior sleeve of the cross pin using a previously inserted wire loop via an inferior sleeve. After graft passage, a superior cross pin was first fixed and tibial fixation was then performed. Finally, inferior cross pin fixation was performed and ties were made at the entrance of the inferior cross pin.     

关节镜下半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱双隧道重建前十字韧带

目的探讨关节镜下联合应用半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱重建前十字韧带(anteriorcruciateligament,ACL)的方法及疗效。方法回顾自1998年4月～2000年5月在关节镜下联合应用半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱重建ACL的患者12例。于ACL前内侧束和后外侧束的附着部分别钻直径4.5mm的隧道,用半腱肌腱重建前内侧束,股薄肌腱重建后外侧束,保留半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱的附着点,在股骨隧道外口将半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱打结固定,不行内固定。所有患者术前及术后18个月行膝关节屈曲30°、60°、90°前抽屉试验,Lysholm评分方法评定膝关节功能。结果术后随访18～43个月,平均26个月。术前所有患者前抽屉试验均为阳性,术后9例阴性,2例屈膝30°位阳性,1例屈膝30°、60°位阳性。术前Lysholm评分为40～58分,平均50.5分,手术后18个月为62～92分,平均85分,总优良率为91.7%。结论应用半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱联合重建ACL,术后膝关节动态稳定性好,疗效满意。     

Combined anterior cruciate-ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon and iliotibial tract

We are reporting the results of a reconstructive procedure designed to decrease anterior tibial subluxation due to disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament. The operation combines both intra-articular and extra-articular methods. The semitendinosus tendon and the iliotibial tract are both routed from opposite directions over the top of the lateral femoral condyle and through the same oblique drill-hole in the proximal part of the tibia: the semitendinosus tendon is passed up through the tibial drill-hole, across the knee joint, over the top of the lateral femoral condyle, and deep to the fibular collateral ligament, and the iliotibial tract is passed deep to the fibular collateral ligament, over the top of the lateral femoral condyle, across the knee joint, and down through the drill-hole. Both grafts are simultaneously pulled tight while the semitendinosus tendon is sutured to the iliotibial tract laterally and the iliotibial tract is sutured to the semitendinosus tendon medially below the drill-hole. The posteromedial and lateral parts of the capsule are advanced to tighten the secondary restraints. One hundred of the first 106 consecutive patients with chronic instability who had this procedure were evaluated using subjective and objective criteria at three to seven and one-half years after surgery. The positive anterior-drawer sign tested at 25 degrees of flexion was eliminated or reduced to 1+ in eighty knees, and the positive pivot shift was reduced to zero or 1+ in ninety-one knees. The objective assessment of isokinetic muscle performance and passive tibial rotation showed significant improvements in strength and normalization of tibial rotation.     

A New Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Posteromedial Portal Technique With Hamstrings

We describe a new double-bundle reconstruction method for ruptured anterior cruciate ligament using a posteromedial portal technique. Reconstruction materials are semitendinosus tendon (STT) and gracilis tendon (GT). STT is used as the substitute for the anteromedial bundle (AMB) and fixed to the tunnels produced on the tibia and the femur. GT is used as the substitute for the posterolateral bundle (PLB) and fixed to the tunnels on the tibia and the femur. This femoral tunnel for the PLB is created through a posteromedial portal. These procedures are performed using the inside-out technique. The posteromedial portal provides an accurate access to the femoral attachment of the PLB. This surgical technique can avoid overlapping of the 2 femoral tunnels and destruction of the posterior cortex of the lateral condyle on the femur during the preparation of the PLB. Our technique does not need another tibial tunnel for the PLB; the 1 tibial tunnel enables double-bundle reconstruction and prevents tibial tunnel expansion.     

Double-Bundle Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using the Transtibial Technique

We present an arthroscopic surgical procedure for double-bundle transtibial anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with 2 tibial and femoral tunnels using autologous semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. The first aim is to attempt to create the femoral tunnels correctly through the tibial tunnels. To achieve this, a new tibial guide was used that permitted the simultaneous preparation of the anteromedial and posterolateral tibial tunnels. The intra-articular landmark is the tibial spine region, whereas the extra-articular landmarks are the anterior profile of the medial collateral ligament and the anterior tibial apophysis. We also describe transverse femoral fixation with biopins (1 for each femoral tunnel) after the preparation of the 2 tibial and femoral tunnels.     

Endoscopic fixation of a double-looped semitendinosus and gracilis anterior cruciate ligament graft using bone mulch screw

Surgeons are switching to the four-bundled hamstring graft, composed of double-looped semitendinosus and gracilis tendons (DLSTG), to replace the torn anterior cruciate ligament. Mechanically, the DLSTG is superior; it is twice as strong and stiffer than a patella tendon graft, and the four bundles share load and mimic the function of the anteromedial and posterolateral bands of the native anterior cruciate ligament. Morbidity from tendon removal is minimal and by 3 months soreness disappears and isometric knee flexion strength returns to normal. It is safe for the patient to undergo aggressive rehabilitation without a brace and to return to sports activities at 4 months when the knee is reconstructed with a DLSTG graft. This report describes the rationale and technique for implanting the DLSTG in a femoral tunnel using rigid fixation instead of a compliant suture bridge. Fixation is achieved by looping the tendons over a post (Bone Mulch Screw) inside the femoral tunnel. The strength, stiffness, and biologic bond of the graft is enhanced by compaction of bone into the femoral tunnel thorugh a bore in the Bone Mulch Screw.     

前十字韧带单束重建中前内侧与辅助前内侧入口创建股骨隧道的初期疗效比较

 目的 比较关节镜下行前十字韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)单束重建过程中采用前内侧入口与辅助前内侧入口创建股骨隧道的初期临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2012年3月至2014年2月采用自体半腱肌肌腱、股薄肌肌腱行ACL单束重建治疗单纯ACL完全断裂并获得完整随访的患者资料。根据创建股骨隧道时采用的入口方式,将患者分为前内侧入口组[14例,男8例,女6例;年龄19～60岁,平均(35.14±11.85)岁;受伤至手术时间(14.57±15.83) d;合并半月板损伤Stoller分级：0度 1例,Ⅰ度 3例,Ⅱ度10例]与辅助前内侧入口组[23例,男10例,女13例;年龄18～62岁,平均(39.78±12.72)岁;受伤至手术时间(14.70±15.25) d;合并半月板损伤Stoller分级：0度2例,Ⅰ度5例,Ⅱ度16例]。末次随访时采用Lysholm、Tegner和IKDC评分系统评价膝关节功能,并通过Lachman试验及Pivot-shift试验评价膝关节前后及旋转稳定性。结果 两组患者均全部获得随访,前内侧入口组平均随访(16.07±7.31)个月,辅助前内侧入口组平均随访(13.35±5.92)个月。末次随访时,Lysholm、Tegner、IKDC评分：前内侧入口组分别为(89.86±7.90)分、(8.64±1.65)分、(89.31±8.16)分,辅助前内侧入口组分别为(92.17±6.72)分、(8.91±1.16)分、(90.89±7.80)分。Lachman试验：前内侧入口组11例阴性,3例阳性,阴性率为78.6%(11/14);辅助前内侧入口组20例阴性,3例阳性,阴性率为87.0%(20/23)。Pivot-shift试验：前内侧入口组9例阴性,5例阳性,阴性率为64.3%(9/14);辅助前内侧入口组20例阴性,3例阳性,阴性率为87.0%(20/23)。两组患者术后末次随访Lysholm、Tegner、IKDC评分以及Lachman试验、Pivot-shift试验阴性率比较,差异均无统计学意义。结论 关节镜下行膝关节ACL单束重建时,应用前内侧入口与辅助前内侧入口创建股骨隧道,术后均可取得优良的初期临床疗效。     

Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbandes bei Kindern

Zusammenfassung Operationsziel Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbandes bei Kindern ohne dauerhafte Schädigung der Wachstumsfugen an Tibia und Femur. Die distal gestielte Semitendinosussehne wird durch einen Bohrkanal in der medialen tibialen Epiphyse eingezogen, dann durch das Gelenk hinter den lateralen Femurkondylus geführt und an seiner Außenseite mit einer Krampe fixiert. Indikationen Symptomatische oder chronische Knieinstabilität als Folge einer vorderen Kreuzbandruptur. Eingeschränkte Kniegelenkfunktion. Erfolglose konservative Therapie. Kontraindikationen Fehlende Motivation zur Rehabilitation. Jugendliche mit abgeschlossenem Knochenwachstum. Operationstechnik Nach Absetzten der Sehne des Musculus semitendinosus an seinem muskulotendinösen Übergang etwa in der Mitte des dorsalen Oberschenkels wird diese mit Hilfe einer zweiten anteromedialen Inzision zunächst vor den Pes anserinus mobilisiert. Anschließend wird die Sehne unter dem Pes anserinus hindurch an die anteromediale Flä,che der proximalen Tibia gezogen. Von hier wird ein Bohrkanal durch die tibiale Epiphyse zum Ansatz des vorderen Kreuzbandes geschaffen. Die Sehne wird durch das Gelenk in "Over-the-top"-Technik hinter den lateralen Femurkondylus gebracht und dort an seiner Außenseite mit einer Krampe fixiert. Ergebnisse Zwischen 1990 und 1998 wurden drei Kinder (zwei Mädchen, ein Junge) operiert. Die Nachbeobachtungszeit betrug durchschnittlich 19 (14 bis 42) Monate. Während vor der Operation alle Kinder einen positiven Lachman-Test aufwiesen, war er postoperativ bei zwei Kindern negativ und bei einem Kind erstgradig positiv. Alle Kinder nahmen ihre ursprünglichen sportlichen Aktivitäten wieder auf und beklagten keine Instabilität oder Schmerzen. Bewegungsumfang und Kraftentwicklung der operierten Kniegelenke waren seitengleich. Summary Objectives Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in children without creating permanent damage to the tibial or femoral physes. The semitendinosus tendon, left attached distally, is passed through a tunnel in the tibial epiphysis, led through the joint, passed behind the lateral femoral condyle and fixed to the outer aspect of the femur with a staple. Indications Symptomatic or recurrent knee instability. Impaired function of the knee. Failure of conservative treatment. Skeletally immature child with bone age less than 12 years. Contraindications Lack of motivation for rehabilitation. Skeletally mature child. Surgical Technique After division of the semitendinosus tendon at ist musculotendinous junction, the tendon is pulled into a second incision over the pes anserinus. It is then passed under the pes anserinus to the anteromedial flare of the tibia where a tunnel is drilled through the tibial epiphysis into the joint, the tendon is passed through this tunnel, led around the posterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and fixed with a staple over the outer aspect of the lateral femoral condyle. Results Between 1990 and 1998, 3 children (2 girls, 1 boy, average age: 15 years, 4 months) underwent this reconstruction with the semitendinosus transfer. The follow-up period ranged from 14 to 42 months with an average 19 months. Whereas all children had a positive Lachman sign preoperatively, 2 had a negative Lachman sign and 1 a Grade-I Lachman at follow-up. All children returned to their former sport activities with no complaints of instability or pain. The range of motion and the strength of the operated knee were full.     

In vitro comparison of elongation of the anterior cruciate ligament and single- and dual-tunnel anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

This study evaluated strain in the normal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and compared it to four different double-strand hamstring tendon reconstructive techniques. Seventeen fresh-frozen knees from 11 cadavers were tested. The strain in the anteromedial and posterolateral bands of the native ACL and their equivalents in four autograft techniques were measured using differential variable reluctance transducers. The anteromedial band of the intact ACL shortened from 0 degree -30 degrees of flexion, then lengthened to 120 degrees; the posterolateral band of the intact ACL shortened from 0 degree - 120 degrees of flexion. Following ACL excision, these knees underwent reconstruction with double-strand hamstring tendons with either single tibial and femoral tunnels, single tibial and dual femoral tunnels, dual tibial and single femoral tunnels, or dual tibial and dual femoral tunnels. With the exception of the dual-band, dual-tunnel technique, all of the procedures placed greater strain on the reconstructive tissues than was observed on the native ACL, after approximately 30 degrees of flexion. These results indicate that dual-band hamstring tendon reconstructions placed with single tibial and femoral tunnels do not address the complexity of the entire ACL. Rather, these procedures appear to only duplicate the effect of the anteromedial band, while perhaps overconstraining the joint as a result of its inability to reproduce the function of the posterolateral band. During rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction, therefore, only from 0 degree - 30 degrees of the graft tissues are not significantly strained. Dual tibial and femoral tunnel techniques should be evaluated further to more closely recreate knee kinematics following ACL reconstruction.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the semitendinosus-gracilis tendon transplant

ACL reconstruction using autogenous semitendinosus and gracilis tendons has become more popular in the past, mainly because of less frequent donor site morbidity and a high level of patient acceptance. Numerous tibial and femoral fixation techniques have been described, which differ considerably with respect to the site of fixation (cortical, tunnel, near the joint line) and biomechanical parameters. Most commonly used femoral fixation techniques include fixation buttons (EndoButton), interference screws (titanium or biodegradable), or transfixation techniques. For tibial fixation, biodegradable interference screws, often in combination with a tibial fixation button or a suture over a bone bridge, are used most commonly. Each fixation technique has specific disadvantages, which cannot be completely overcome even with a precise operative procedure. Therefore, combined fixation techniques (hybrid fixation) have been developed to enhance biological healing of the graft while simultaneously providing sufficient initial mechanical strength. Furthermore, an atraumatic graft harvest and preparation depending on the desired fixation technique is essential. Most fixation techniques exhibit less initial mechanical strength compared to bone-tendon-bone grafts, which should be considered in a moderate rehabilitation program.     

Die Zwei-Bündel-Technik – eine anatomische Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbandes

OBJECTIVE: To improve the rotational stability of the knee by anatomic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by socalled double-bundle technique using anteromedial and posterolateral grafts from native semitendinosus and gracilis. The grafts are fixed with bioabsorbable screws utilizing aperture fixation. INDICATIONS: Complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament with positive Lachman sign and pivot shift. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Open growth plate. Osteoarthritis > grade 1 according to J?ger & Wirth. Age > or = 50 years with low sports activity (relative contraindication). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Graft harvest of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons via a 3-cm horizontal skin incision parallel to pes anserinus and preparation of the tendons as double-looped grafts. Arthroscopy, resection of the stump of the anterior cruciate ligament, and clearance of its origin and insertion. Tunnel placement by means of aiming devices in the following order: tibial posterolateral, tibial anteromedial, femoral anteromedial (transtibial or via the anteromedial portal in 120 degrees flexion), and femoral posterolateral (via additional medial arthroscopic portal). The anteromedial (semitendinosus tendon) and posterolateral (gracilis tendon) bundles are passed through the tunnels and fixed on the femoral side. Tibial fixation of the graft by bioresorbable interference screw with knee flexion of 45 degrees (anteromedial) and 10 degrees (posterolateral). POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Depending on the degree of swelling, rehabilitation with partial weight bearing for 14 days and full range of motion. Return to sports after 6 months, no contact sports until 9 months. RESULTS: From May 2004 to June 2005, anatomic double-bundle reconstruction was performed in 19 patients (13 male, six female, average age 31 years [18-48 years]) with isolated anterior cruciate ligament rupture without concomitant lesions. Clinical follow-up examination on average at 21.3 months (16-30 months) postoperatively. The Lysholm Score improved from an average of 65.2 to 94.5 points (75-100 points). The IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) Score yielded nine very good and ten good results in the relevant subgroups of motion, effusion and ligament stability. Measurement of anteroposterior translation with the KT-1000 instrument at 134 N showed increased translation of 1.8 mm (-2 to 5 mm) compared to the contralateral knee.     

Technical Note: Double tibial tunnel using quadriceps tendon in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Summary: To avoid complications related to the use of patellar tendon and hamstring (semitendinosus and gracilis) tendon and to create a more anatomic reconstruction, we present a new technique based on the use of quadriceps tendon placed in a single half femoral tunnel and double tibial tunnels. The graft, harvested by a central longitudinal incision, possesses the following characteristics: (1) a bone plug 20 mm long and 10 mm in diameter; (2) a tendon component 7 to 8 cm long, 10 mm wide, and 8 mm thick; and (3) division of the tendon longitudinally into 2 bundles while maintaining the patellar insertion. Every bundle has a width and thickness of approximately 5 mm and 8 mm, respectively. The total length of the graft is 9 to 10 cm. A 10-mm half femoral tunnel is drilled through a low anteromedial portal with the knee flexed at 120°. A suture loop is left in place in the half tunnel. A double tibial tunnel is drilled in a convergent manner (from outside to inside) obtaining an osseous bridge between the 2 tunnels. Two suture loops are passed trough the tibial tunnels and retrieved in a plastic cannula (10 mm) positioned in the anteromedial portal to allow the passage of the 2 bundles in the tibial tunnels. The suture loop left in the half tunnel permits the transportation of the bone plug in the femoral tunnel. Fixation is achieved by an interference screw at the femoral side and by 2 absorbable interference screws (1 for each tunnel). The advantages of this technique are a more cross-sectional area (80 mm²), greater bone-tendon interface, and a more anatomic reconstruction. Theoretically, easier bone incorporation, decreased windshield wiper and bungee effect, fewer donor site problems, and less tunnel enlargement can also be possible.     

Bone tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus tendon using Endobutton fixation on the femoral side

We evaluated 29 knees with a minimum follow-up of 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using doubled autogenous semitendinosus tendons. On the femoral side, a 5-mm Mersilene tape (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany) with an Endobutton (Acufex Microsurgical, Mansfield, MA) was used. The tendon was fixed on the tibial side with two staples. Regarding the IKDC score, 66% of the patients were graded as normal or nearly normal. The anterior laxity side-to-side difference (KT 1000, man-max-drawer) was under 3 mm in 55% and under 5 mm in 90%. Radiographs taken in the lateral and anteroposterior projections of the knee showed sclerotic bone tunnel margins. The diameter of the bone tunnels were measured, corrected for magnification, then compared with the original reamed diameter to determine any change in size. Enlargement of at least 2 mm was identified in 72% of the femoral tunnels and 38% of the tibial tunnels. No correlation was found concerning the enlargement of the tunnel and the IKDC score or the residual joint laxity. We conclude that using an Endobutton-Mersilene construct in ACL reconstruction leads to femoral and tibial bone tunnel enlargement at follow-up of 2 years. (Arthroscopy 1998 Nov-Dec;14(8):810-5.)