Sagittal tibial translation during exercises in the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the sagittal tibial translation and electromyographic activity of muscles v. medialis and lateralis, gastrocnemius and hamstrings, during common rehabilitation exercises, in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency and non-injured controls. Sagittal tibial translation was registered with the CA-4000 electrogoniometer, in 12 patients and 17 controls, during Lachman test (static translation) and five exercises (dynamic translation). The exercises were grouped according to muscle work and joint compression (active extension, heel raises, cycling, one-legged squat and chair squat). The non-weight-bearing exercise with isolated muscle work (active extension) produced a large amount of tibial translation. During weight bearing, the total anterior-posterior tibial motion was halved compared to the non-weight-bearing exercises, but tibia was anterior positioned. Heel raising resulted in equal translation as the one-legged squat and chair squat, whereas cycling produced the smallest amount of tibial translation. The subjects utilized different amounts of their individual joint play (static translation) during the exercises, which may explain why there are no correlation between static translation and the patients functional outcome. These results enhance understanding on tibial translation during activity and gives indications on which exercises can be used early after ACL injury and reconstruction.     

Clinical significance of altered gastrocnemius muscle coordination in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees

In a study of conservatively treated patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, 7 patients with good or excellent results (Lysholm score > 84) and 7 patients with poor results (Lysholm score < 64) were compared considering muscle coordination, which was assessed by means of electromyographic (EMG) recordings from the thigh muscles and the medial head of gastrocnemius and heel contact recordings while the patient walked on a treadmill at different gradients. The results of this study revealed that significant differences were seen only in the medial gastrocnemius. An earlier onset, an earlier peak, a longer activation of EMG and a greater normalized root mean square amplitude, correlating with muscular tension, were seen in the medial gastrocnemius of the patients with good or excellent Lysholm score. This study is the first to investigate and demonstrate EMG differences between ACL-deficient patients with good and poor functional results. Furthermore, it reveals that the strength and coordination of the gastrocnemius might be of importance and should be considered in the search for optimal training programmes.     

High tibial osteotomy alone or combined with ligament reconstruction in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is widely accepted as a treatment option in patients with medial unicompartimental osteoarthritis (OA) and varus morphotype of the knee. We increasingly see younger patients with a chronic anterior instability, an additional varus morphotype and beginning medial OA. Treatment options for these patients are not clear up to now. In this clinical study we compare for the first time three different treatment rationales and introduce a concept of symptom-oriented surgery in young patients with medial OA and chronic anterior instability.Materials/methods: Between 1984 and 1994 30 patients were treated with a medial unicompartimental OA and chronic anterior instability of the knee. Patients were grouped into three different groups according to treatment. 1) only HTO was performed. 2) HTO and simultaneously an ACL-reconstruction and 3) HTO and 6–12 months later an ACL-reconstruction was performed. 27/30 patients were available for follow-up. All patients had an arthroscopy before surgery. Evaluation was done according to the IKDC-protocol and X-ray documentation.Results: Pain was a major problem in all patients. None of them was completely pain-free. 8/27 patients had pain even with light activities. This included 1/11 patients of group 1, 3/8 of group 2 and 4/8 of group 3. 9/27 patients had stable knee joints with a Lachman-test of 3–5 mm. No patient had a Lachman test<3 mm. 3/11 patients of group 1, 3/8 of group 2 and 2/8 of group 3 had a Lachman test of 5–10 mm. A positive pivot-shift could be found in 9/27 patients. 2/11 of group 1, 4/8 in group 2 and 3/8 in group 3. The overall IKDC-score improved in 23/27 patients, one patient remained unchanged, two deteriorated. Radiologically a slight progression of OA could be seen in all patients. Radiological signs of OA and pain did not show any correlation. There was, however, a significant rate of postoperative complications involving 4/11 patients of group 1 and 3/8 of group 3. There were 6 major complications in 5/8 patients in group 2. Nevertheless overall patient satisfaction was high. 25/27 patients would undergo the procedure again.Conclusion: HTO is a good treatment option for younger patients with medial OA and chronic anterior instability of the knee. These patients pose a high challenge to diagnostic and operative skills of the surgeon. Main symptoms of these patients have to be analysed clearly in terms of instability and pain. In patients aged 40 and older an HTO alone is an excellent treatment option with reproducably good results. In younger patients we advise an HTO first. If instability persists, an ACL-reconstruction can be done 6–12 months later. One has to be aware that a simultaneous combined procedure has a significant complication rate. Hence if a simultaneous combined treatment is planned the surroundings including surgical technique, rehabilitation and patient compliance have to be ideal. These young patients need an activity counselling in order to realise that their knee joint has suffered significantly from the injury and ongoing high physical demands on their knee joint.     

前交叉韧带重建军人患者快速康复与传统康复对术后功能恢复的影响

目的 比较快速康复训练与传统康复训练对军人患者前交叉韧带重建术后膝关节功能及运动恢复的影响.方法 回顾性分析2018-06至2019-06在东部战区总医院骨科行关节镜下前交叉韧带重建术的102例军人患者资料,分为快速康复组(51例)和传统康复组(51例).分别记录两组患者术前、术后疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、Lys...     

Early rehabilitation of acute anterior cruciate ligament injury—a randomized clinical trial

The efficacy of a 6-week rehabilitation program was evaluated in 100 consecutive patients, age 15–42 years, with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Arthroscopy revealed associated lesions in 82% of the patients. Except for resections on menisci with large and unstable lesions, no surgery was performed. The patients were randomly assigned to supervised training or self-monitored training after instruction. Results: At the 6-week follow-up there was no difference between the groups with regard to pain at rest, pain during walking, or experience of giving-way episodes, Tegner activity level or Lysholm knee score. Only 2 of the 100 patients were observed without joint mobility restriction. The only significant difference between the groups was the improvement of muscle function in men in the supervised training group. Conclusion: Six weeks' rehabilitation is too short a time period from original injury to obtain normal mobility and restored knee function.     

Sagittal plane knee translation and electromyographic activity during closed and open kinetic chain exercises in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient patients and control subjects

Using electrogoniometry and electromyography, we measured tibial translation and muscle activation in 12 patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury and in 12 control subjects. Measurements were made during an active extension exercise with 0-, 4-, and 8-kg weights and during squats on two legs and on one leg where the projection of the center of gravity was placed over, behind, and in front the feet. In the uninjured subjects, tibial translation increased with increasing load except during the squat with the center of gravity behind the feet, which produced the smallest translation. For the active extension exercises, translation was greater during eccentric activity. In the anterior cruciate ligament-injured knees, all squats resulted in similar translation, which was smaller than that during the active extension exercise. The highest muscle activation was seen during squats. Hamstring muscle activity was low. Increased static laxity in the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee can be controlled during closed but not during open kinetic chain exercises. Coactivation of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles seems to be important for knee stability, whereas hamstring muscle coactivation was insignificant. To minimize sagittal translation during nonoperative management of anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees, closed kinetic chain exercises are preferable to open kinetic chain exercises, and importance should be attached to the spontaneous coactivation of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles.     

Variability in rehabilitation protocols following pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the variability of publicly available pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction rehabilitation protocols produced by academic orthopedic surgery departments and children’s hospitals.

Methods: A web-based search was performed to identify rehabilitation protocols. Protocol and literature review guided the development of a comprehensive scoring rubric that was used to assess protocols for the presence and timing of postoperative adjunctive therapy and physical therapy recommendations.

Results: A search of 180 academic orthopedic surgery programs and 250 children’s hospitals identified 21 rehabilitation protocols. A majority of these protocols (90%) recommended postoperative adjunctive therapies such as bracing (81%), cryotherapy (43%), electrical muscle stimulation (24%), and/or continuous passive motion (14%). Several protocols (57%) recommended a specific weight-bearing status in the immediate postoperative period, but there was minimal consensus on that status. Conversely, there was more agreement amongst protocols that recommended strength exercises (52%); a majority of protocols suggested quad sets (91%), ankle pumps (73%), leg press (64%), and/or double-leg squats (55%). Ten protocols (48%) recommended initiation of stretches in the first week following surgery, and most commonly suggested patella mobilizations start at an average of 1.9 weeks postop (range 0–8 weeks). Twelve protocols (57%) discussed return to play, with an average recommended return to play at 7.5 months (range 3–11 months) postoperatively. However, few protocols recommended that patients get approval from their surgeon (19%) or pass specific tests (24%) prior to return to play.

Conclusion: Few academic departments of orthopedic surgery or children’s hospitals publish pediatric ACL reconstruction protocols online. Given the substantial variability observed amongst these protocols and recent findings that patients increasingly turn to the internet for medical information, this study suggests that standardization of pediatric ACL reconstruction rehabilitation has the potential to further optimize patient care.     

Sagittal plane translation of the knee during stair walking in healthy volunteers measured by an electrogoniometer chain

Maximal sagittal plane knee translation during stair walking was investigated in 5 healthy male subjects without any previous history of knee joint trauma during 2 types of ascents and descents (straight and side) using an electrogoniometer system (CA-4000, OS Inc., Hayward CA, USA). During the ascents, the tibia moved anteriorly in relation to femur, whereas during the descents it moved posteriorly. The maximum translations occurred within the range of 39° to 51° of knee flexion and were significantly larger during the ascents than during descents, but there was no difference between straight and side activities. There were significant interindividual differences in the maximum translations during the ascent or descent cycles but no differences between trials or the right or left limbs. The mean difference between repeated trials was 1.2 mm and the 95% confidence interval was ±0.6 mm.     

Oblique sagittal view of the anterior cruciate ligament: comparison of coronal vs. axial planes as localizing sequences

The purpose of this study was to determine whether oblique sagittal T2-weighted images of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are better prescribed off axial or coronal localizing images. Thirty-one patients underwent two sets of oblique sagittal T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences to evaluate the ACL. One oblique was prescribed from a coronal localizing sequence, while the other was prescribed off an axial series. Objective (average number of images to demonstrate ACL) and subjective (radiologist's confidence level) evaluations of both sequences were performed independently of the other and then comparatively by two radiologists. The coronally prescribed sagittal oblique was subjectively preferred in 18 patients, the axially prescribed oblique was preferred in one patient, and both sequences were felt to be equivalent in 12 patients. In 13 intact ligaments, the average number of images clearly demonstrating the entire length of the ACL was 1.77 on the coronally prescribed sequence and 1.31 on the axially prescribed images. Oblique sagittal images prescribed off a coronal localizer are both subjectively and objectively more effective than axially prescribed sagittal obliques in evaluating the ACL.     

前交叉韧带重建术中经胫骨的股骨隧道足迹定位方法改进及术后骨道评估

 目的 探讨前交叉韧带重建术中经胫骨的股骨隧道足迹定位方法的改进及术后骨道位置评估。 方法 分析2007 -06至2010-01于武警总医院行自体半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱单束重建前交叉韧带手术患者196例,应用改进的方法进行关节镜下经胫骨的股骨隧道足迹定位,并应用国际膝关节文献委员会（international knee documentation commitee, IKDC）评分及术后MRI行骨道位置评估的资料。 结果 经随访10～36个月,患者的前抽屉试验及Lachman试验均为阴性,IKDC评分情况均较术前差异有统计学意义( P <0.05) ,采用矢状位上关节线与移植肌腱的夹角(the angle between the joint line and the graft on the sagittal view,JGS)和冠状位上关节线与移植肌腱的夹角(the angle between the joint line and the graft  on the coronal image,JGC) ,对术后6个月及正常侧膝关节MRI行骨道位置评估,重建的前交叉韧带的位置与正常对照组的位置差异无统计学意义（ P >0.05）。 结论 单束重建前交叉韧带时,改进的经胫骨的股骨隧道的足迹定位方法是理想的股骨隧道定位方法,患者关节稳定性与功能均得到显著改善;采用JGS和JGC对骨道位置进行评估可较客观、准确地反映股骨隧道定位情况,骨隧道位置与临床效果相关。     

Isokinetic muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the isokinetic muscle strength 6 months after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In order to recommend full-load come-back in sport, sufficient muscle strength may be important. Ninety female elite team handball players (mean 24.1 years) were postoperatively tested with Biodex. The operated limb was compared with the contralateral limb: 82.2% had a hamstring strength of a minimum of 49.6 Nm, corresponding to at least 90% of the non-operated limb, while only 12.2% fulfilled the recommended strength of 117.7 Nm for quadriceps femoris. Patients over 26 years showed significantly lower muscle strength in the operated limb than their younger counterparts. Increased focus on quadriceps femoris muscle strength during rehabilitation may improve the knee function faster after ACL reconstruction.     

膝关节前交叉韧带重建术后水中运动康复效果

目的 探讨水中运动疗法对膝关节前交叉韧带重建术后的康复效果.方法 选择骨科关节镜下行前交叉韧带重建术患者60例,随机分为2组,实验组30例术后除了常规的康复训练还进行水中运动疗法,对照组30例给予常规康复训练,均治疗3个月,术后随访时间6～12个月,平均10个月.采用膝关节伸屈功能、Lysholm评分判断疗效.结果 实验组膝关节伸屈功能明显优于对照组,Lysholm标准评分：实验组训练前为（59.3±2.8）分、训练后为（92.3±6.7）分,对照组训练前为（61.4±3.1）分、训练后为（80.3±5.2）分;膝关节活动范围实验组也好于对照组.以上差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论 早期系统康复训练中加入水中运动可明显减轻关节镜下膝关节前交叉韧带重建术后患者疼痛、膝关节肿胀程度、改善膝关节功能,减轻患者痛苦、缩短患者住院时间,有利于患者术后的康复,值得临床推广应用.     

Rehabilitation after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Practice guidelines and procedure-modified, criterion-based progression

Reconstructive surgery has become a more common solution for patients after rupture of the anterior cruciateligament (ACL) as a result of better surgical technique and more efficient and effective rehabilitation. As the incidence of ACL reconstruction surgery increases, the number of reconstructions that ultimately fail also increases. Failure of the primary reconstruction, whether caused by technical error during the surgery or an outside factor such as traumatic rerupture, often necessitates revision of the ACL reconstruction to restore joint integrity and optimize function. We have previously described criterion-based and procedure-modified rehabilitation after primary ACL reconstruction. The same principles that drive rehabilitation after primary reconstruction are factors after revision surgery; however, the progression must be modified. The major difference between the two surgeries lies in the ability of the surgeon to achieve adequate fixation of the new graft within the joint during a revision reconstruction. The second controlled trauma of revision surgery further compromises the bony structures that serve as the foundation for the new graft. Therefore, less rigid fixation after revision ACL reconstruction must be assumed. This necessitates a longer period of controlled weight bearing for every-day activities and slower progression of weight-bearing exercise during rehabilitation to ensure that biological healing can proceed without being compromised by the presence of forces that exceed the strength of the new graft fixation. Other factors such as staging of the revision surgery and concurrent bony procedures will also require modification of the rehabilitation. Understanding these factors and implementing the modifications that they necessitate into rehabilitation should lead to a more predictable return to high functional levels after revision ACL reconstruction.     

Classification of functional recovery of anterior cruciate ligament copers, non-copers, and adapters

Objectives

(a) To identify whether differences exist in the pattern of recovery with respect to functional outcomes for acutely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament deficient (ACLD) copers, adapters, and non‐copers. (b) To identify clinically relevant outcomes that could distinguish between three functional subgroups.

Methods

A longitudinal study was used to measure gait variables and distance hop at regular intervals after injury using a digital camcorder and computer for quantitative analysis. A sample of 63 ACLD subjects entered the study; 42 subjects were measured at least three times. At 12–36 months after injury, subjects were classified as functional copers, adapters, or non‐copers on the basis of which of their preinjury activities they had resumed. To determine the pattern of recovery, repeated measurements were analysed using a least squares fit of the data.

Results

17% of ACLD subjects were classified as functional copers, 45% as adapters, and 38% as non‐copers. Only 5% of those who participated in high demand activities before injury returned to them. ACLD copers had recovered above the control mean for all gait variables by 40 days after the injury. Hopping distance did not recover to the control mean. Non‐copers struggled to recover to control limits and remained borderline for all the gait variables.

Conclusions

Distinctive patterns of functional recovery for three subgroups of ACLD subjects have been identified. Gait variables and activity level before injury were the most useful variables for distinguishing between the subgroups. If potential for recovery is identified early after injury, then appropriate treatment can be given.     

Simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament tears in a female beginner skier

We present a case of simultaneous bilateral ACL tears in a woman injured while skiing for the first time. We discuss the role of intercondylar notch stenosis as a high-risk factor for tearing the ACL, the injury mechanism, prevention measures, and the therapeutic strategy. Received: 10 January 2000 Accepted: 10 April 2000     

Revision of failed gore-tex anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The Gore-Tex synthetic knee ligament was widely used in the early 1980s because of encouraging early results. However, the long-term failure rate is unfavorable. Gore-Tex failures are divided into four categories: effusion, graft rupture, loosening/ osteolysis, and infection. Revision surgery is challenging and requires a systematic approach to achieve optimal results.     

关节镜下异体骨-髌腱-骨纤维束重建治疗前交叉韧带部分损伤

目的 探讨异体骨-髌腱-骨纤维束（B-PT-B）重建前交叉韧带（ACL）全部纤维束和部分纤维束的早期疗效。方法在187例采用B-PT-B术式重建ACL的患者中，获得随访的ACL部分束损者共25例，其中采用全部纤维束重建的患者6例，部分纤维束重建19例。术后行X线和KT-1000检查，并按照IKDC、Lysholm、Irgang、Larson评分进行疗效评价。结果 所有患者随访时移植物位置良好，KT-1000检查双侧膝关节前向松弛度差值〈3mm。部分束重建组与全部束重建组各评分系统和分项评分系统无显著性差异。结论 异体B-PT-B重建治疗ACL部分损伤可以取得良好的临床疗效，与ACL全部束重建术相比综合评定无明显差异。     

高频超声测量前交叉韧带厚径与前交叉韧带损伤的相关性

 目的 探讨应用高频超声测量前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament, ACL)厚径与ACL损伤的相关性。方法 选择单侧非接触性ACL损伤现役男性军人患者30例为ACL损伤组,另选择现役男性健康军人30名为对照组。应用高频超声测量ACL胫骨止点端厚径,ACL损伤组检查健侧ACL,对照组检查双侧ACL。对比分析对照组左侧、右侧ACL厚径,再对比分析ACL损伤组健侧、对照组ACL厚径。结果 对照组左侧、右侧ACL厚径分别为(8.11±0.64)mm、(8.03±0.61)mm,差异无统计学意义(P<0.05)。ACL损伤组健侧ACL厚径为(6.25±0.37)mm,小于对照组(8.07±0.61) mm,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 ACL厚径小会增加ACL损伤的风险,高频超声测量ACL厚径可作为一项评估ACL损伤风险的筛查指标。     

Outcome of patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries selected for conservative treatment

In this retrospective study, 24 patients with acute isolated complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures selected for conservative treatment were re-examined a median of 45 months after injury. Selection for conservative treatment was made after careful patient information, taking into consideration desire for physical activity at work or leisure, interest in sports and muscular fitness. The reference group for the evaluation methods used included 50 students and 22 patients selected for surgical augmentation and reconstruction. In a subjective evaluation, the conservatively treated patients were satisfied, but objectively they had low functional scores and the pivot shift sign was often positive. Arthrometry showed that these patients had an increased anterior displacement of the tibia in relation to the femur in their injured knees. The patients who had a clearly positive pivot shift sign (grades III and IV) had an increased anterior laxity not only in the injured knees but also in the uninjured knees.