Review of evolution of tunnel position in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the commonest knee sport injuries. The annual incidence of the ACL injury is between 100000-200000 in the United States. Worldwide around 400000 ACL reconstructions are performed in a year. The goal of ACL reconstruction is to restore the normal knee anatomy and kinesiology. The tibial and femoral tunnel placements are of primordial importance in achieving this outcome. Other factors that influence successful reconstruction are types of grafts, surgical techniques and rehabilitation programmes. A comprehensive understanding of ACL anatomy has led to the development of newer techniques supplemented by more robust biological and mechanical concepts. In this review we are mainly focussing on the evolution of tunnel placement in ACL reconstruction, focusing on three main categories, i.e., anatomical, biological and clinical outcomes. The importance of tunnel placement in the success of ACL reconstruction is well researched. Definite clinical and functional data is lacking to establish the superiority of the single or double bundle reconstruction technique. While there is a trend towards the use of anteromedial portals for femoral tunnel placement, their clinical superiority over trans-tibial tunnels is yet to be established.     

保留与不保留残端重建前十字韧带的前瞻性随机对照研究

 目的 评估保留与不保留残端对重建前十字韧带（anterior cruciate ligament,ACL）的意义及临床疗效。方法 2010年1月至2012年10月,收治93例残端存留的ACL损伤患者,前瞻性随机将其分为保留组（保留残端）和不保留组（切除残端）。保留组48例,男34例,女14例;平均年龄30.4岁;左侧25例,右侧23例;损伤至手术时间13.5 d;合并内侧半月板损伤7例,外侧半月板损伤16例,内侧副韧带损伤4例。不保留组45例,男33例,女12例;平均年龄28.8岁;左侧22例,右侧23例;损伤至手术时间14.9 d;合并内侧半月板损伤7例,外侧半月板损伤12例,内侧副韧带损伤2例。两组重建ACL移植物均为自体四股腘绳肌腱。术后两组患者分别行膝关节功能评估、稳定性评估、本体感觉功能测量和二次关节镜手术探查。结果 82例患者完成随访,其中保留组42例,随访时间（25.4±1.9）个月;不保留组40例,随访时间（25.2±1.7）个月。IKDC分级：保留组A级32例,B级9例,C级1例;不保留组A级30例,B级8例,C级2例。Lysholm评分：保留组（95.9±5.2）分,不保留组（95.4±1.7）分。Lachman试验：保留组,阴性38例,1度阳性4例;不保留组,阴性36例,1度阳性4例。轴移试验：保留组,阴性37例,1度阳性5例;不保留组,阴性34例,1度阳性6例。KT-1000测量侧-侧差值：保留组（1.1±1.2） mm,不保留组（1.2±0.9） mm。本体感觉测量关节位置觉侧-侧差值：保留组3.6°±1.8°,不保留组3.9°±2.2°。以上指标两组均无明显差异。二次手术探查移植物滑膜覆盖分型,保留组A型11例,B型6例,C型2例,D型2例;不保留组A型10例,B型5例,C型2例,D型2例。结论 保留较不保留残端并使用自体肌腱移植重建ACL对术后膝关节主观功能、稳定性、本体感觉和移植物滑膜覆盖无促进作用。     

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: State of the Art

Abstract The rupture of the Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) belongs to the most common ligament injuries of the human knee joint. ACL rupture results in an increased anterior translation and internal rotation of the tibia. Untreated knee instability causes a disintegration of the roll and sliding movement and a high incidence of secondary meniscus and chondral damages with consecutive or advanced arthritic changes. For deciding on a conservative or operative therapy, it is necessary to develop a high-risk profile. Elderly, inactive patients without instability symptoms can be treated conservatively; younger, active people and complex ligament injuries should receive an ACL replacement. The goal is to eliminate instability by maintaining the physiological kinematics of the knee. Anterior cruciate ligament may be reconstructed arthroscopically assisted by autologous tendons. Predominantly, hamstring- and bone-patellar-tendon grafts are used. No significant differences in knee laxity, clinically and functionally, were observed between both grafts. Various reconstruction techniques, single- or double-bundle techniques, were described. Successful replacement depends on a correct tunnel placement and reconstruction of the physiological band tension, a sufficient mechanical stability of fixation, an impingement-free range of motion and an adequate rehabilitation. A high degree of patient satisfaction in clinical and functional outcome could be evaluated.     

Management Guidelines for Infection After ACL Reconstruction: Expert Opinion Statement Based on the Modified Delphi Survey of Indian Arthroscopy Surgeons

AimInfection after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, though rare, is a potentially devastating complication and the evidence-based recommendation on the various topics in its management is limited. The purpose of this study was to develop recommendations for the prevention and management of infections in ACL reconstruction surgery by performing a structured expert consensus survey using Delphi methodology.Materials and Methods22 topics of relevance in the prevention and management of infection following ACL reconstruction were chosen from an extensive literature review. 30 panelists were requested to respond to a three-round survey, with feedback, to develop a consensus statement on the topics.ResultsConsensus statements could be prepared in eleven out of twenty-two topics including: the graft is retained at the first arthroscopic debridement, the graft is removed when repeated debridement are needed, and revision ACL reconstruction is needed only if the patient develops instability. Concurrence could be obtained in the topics including: longer duration of antibiotics is needed in immunocompromised patients, soaking graft in antibiotic solution reduces infection risk, and knee swelling without warmth does not suggest infection.ConclusionsA proper skin preparation, a longer course of antibiotics in immunocompromised patients, and soaking the graft in antibiotics reduces the risk of infection. In case of infection, a healthy-looking graft must be retained at the first debridement and if the graft must be removed, revision ACL reconstruction is advised only if the patient develops instability.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00363-z.     

前交叉韧带的解剖结构及其与重建技术的研究现状

前交叉韧带(ACL)是膝关节内非常重要的韧带之一,同时,前交叉韧带损伤也是比较常见的一种运动损伤。目前,前交叉韧带重建技术(ACLR)是治疗前交叉韧带损伤比较传统的方式,术后能较好地维持膝关节稳定性,但对于ACL的解剖及ACLR的手术方式、骨道形状等存在多种选择,本文目的是对ACL解剖研究的新进展及其对ACLR技术的影响进行总结。     

Outcomes of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction secondary to reamer-irrigator-aspirator harvested bone grafting

Introduction

Patients with widened or misplaced tunnels may require bone grafting prior to revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Utilising reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) harvested bone from the femur showed promising filling rates. Nevertheless, the procedure has neither been validated in a larger population nor been assessed with regards to radiological and clinical outcome of the subsequently conducted revision ACL reconstruction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate tunnel filling rates, positioning of the revision tunnels and outcome parameters of such two-staged revision ACL reconstructions.

Magnetic resonance imaging after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction:A practical guide

Anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed worldwide. In this regard, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) represents a useful pre-operative tool to confirm a disruption of the ACL and to assess for potential associated injuries. However, MRI is also valuable postoperatively, as it is able to identify, in a non-invasive way, a number of aspects and situations that could suggest potential problems to clinicians. Graft signal and integrity, correct tunnel placement, tunnel widening, and problems with fixation devices or the donor site could all compromise the surgical outcomes and potentially predict the failure of the ACL reconstruction. Furthermore, several anatomical features of the knee could be associated to worst outcomes or higher risk of failure. This review provides a practical guide for the clinician to evaluate the post-surgical ACL through MRI, and to analyze all the parameters and features directly or indirectly related to ACL reconstruction, in order to assess for normal or pathologic conditions.     

Editorial Commentary: Autograft,Early Surgery, 2-Stage Surgery for 1 cm of Tunnel Widening or Greater,and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction or Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis May Improve Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Surgery

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a challenging procedure. Results are less satisfactory than those of primary ACLR owing to bone defects, altered anatomic landmarks, and concomitant injuries. Modifiable factors such as autograft, early surgery, 2-stage surgery for 1 cm of tunnel widening or greater, and anterolateral ligament reconstruction or lateral extra-articular tenodesis may improve outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament revision surgery. Finally, it is important to consider patients’ expectations after revision ACLR when counseling patients and making surgical decisions.     

Dynamic intraligamentary stabilization versus conventional ACL reconstruction: A matched study on return to work

PurposeThe dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) technique is based on a different treatment approach than ACL reconstruction in that it intends to promote self-healing of the ligament. It is only recommended for acute injuries (<21 days). The purpose of the present study was to compare DIS and ACLR with respect to the extent of work incapacity, revision rates, secondary arthroscopies, and treatment costs during recovery.MethodsThe study was a post-hoc analysis of prospectively collected data in the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA) database. All registered DIS cases treated until 31 December 2012 were included in the study. ACLR cases were matched to DIS cases using a propensity score approach and analysed in a follow-up period of 2 years after injury. Paired Student’s T-test and the Chi-square test were used to compare the outcome measures.ResultsAll 53 DIS patients were matched to an ACLR pair. The mean time period from injury to surgery was 14 days for DIS and 50 days for ACLR (p < 0.001). Overall work incapacity was 13% for DIS and 17% for ACLR resulting in a difference of nearly 1 month of absence from work (p = 0.03). The course of postoperative work incapacity was very similar between the groups, while the work incapacity prior to surgery lower in the DIS group. We found no difference in treatment costs, secondary arthroscopies and revision rates.ConclusionDIS patients benefited from nearly one month shorter absence from work than ACLR patients. This difference is likely related to the early surgical timing that is recommended for DIS. Since no differences were found between DIS and ACLR in terms of treatment costs, secondary arthroscopies and revision rates, the study supports the choice of DIS as an additional treatment option for acute ACL injuries. Further comparative studies are proposed to improve the evidence about optimal timing and best practice in ACL treatment.     

Biomechanics of the anterior cruciate ligament:Physiology,rupture and reconstruction techniques

The influences and mechanisms of the physiology,rupture and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)on kinematics and clinical outcomes have been investigated in many biomechanical and clinical studies over the last several decades.The knee is a complex joint with shifting contact points,pressures and axes that are affected when a ligament is injured.The ACL,as one of the intra-articular ligaments,has a strong influence on the resulting kinematics.Often,other meniscal or ligamentous injuries accompany ACL ruptures and further deteriorate the resulting kinematics and clinical outcomes.Knowing the surgical options,anatomic relations and current evidence to restore ACL function and considering the influence of concomitant injuries on resulting kinematics to restore full function can together help to achieve an optimal outcome.     

Twenty-Year Experience of a Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a four-strand semitendinosus tendon was started in our department in July 1994. The motivation for starting the procedure was that the EndoButton with an inside-out procedure instrument became available in Japan. A review article of our DB ACL reconstruction procedure was summarized for the twentieth anniversary of the surgical procedure. Initial tension setting of the two grafts was changed in the first 8 years to achieve better stability during DB ACL reconstruction. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was started in July 2002 to clarify superiority of the DB procedure to single-bundle (SB) reconstruction under the concept of anatomic reconstruction. Several anatomic studies were performed to describe normal ACL anatomy, which is essential for realizing anatomic reconstruction. A remnant-preserving technique would be an additional option for our DB procedure to improve reconstruction outcomes. Thus, a new remnant-preserving DB procedure was started in 2012. The reproducibility of the new procedure was investigated using three-dimensional computed tomography images. More complex procedures were performed using a transtibial technique and EndoButtons. Initial tension balancing between the two grafts was important for a better outcome. Superiority of knee stability after the DB compared to that after the SB procedure was clarified by the RCT. However, no patient consensus has been reached on any subjective advantage to the DB procedure. Studies of normal ACL anatomy have left questions unresolved regarding where the two tunnels should be created for direct and indirect insertions based on normal anatomy. A new remnant-preserving DB ACL procedure has been practiced. The procedure was more reproducible with respect to creating the femoral tunnel. DB ACL reconstruction using a semitendinosus tendon is an attractive option when pursuing a better outcome for patients.     

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation: How Slow Should We Go?

Outcomes after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstructive surgery have historically been inferior to outcomes after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). As such, some surgeons may be reluctant to recommend reconstruction of the PCL. However, recent technologic advances have substantially improved PCL reconstructive surgical outcomes. These advances include better understanding of PCL diagnosis and surgical indications; recognition of the need for repair or reconstruction of associated injuries, especially injuries to the posterolateral and posteromedial corners of the knee; PCL-specific surgical instruments including mechanical tensioning devices to restore anatomic tibial step-off; improved graft fixation techniques including primary and backup methods of fixation; use of strong graft material including advances in the procurement, processing, and usage of allograft tissue; improved surgical techniques; and advances in the understanding of knee ligament structure and biomechanics, resulting in more accurate surgical tunnel placement, achieving anatomic graft insertion sites while minimizing graft bending. Today, PCL reconstructive surgery often results in excellent function with a return to the patient’s preinjury level of activity. In contrast to accelerated rehabilitation after ACL reconstructive surgery, slow and deliberate postoperative rehabilitation is recommended to allow early healing to occur after PCL reconstructive surgery.     

Functional outcome of an early anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in comparison to delayed: Are we waiting in vain?

Background

Surgical techniques of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) have evolved over the past three decades along with debate regarding timing of reconstruction. It was a widespread belief that the timing of surgery was an important factor in determining the resulting stiffness after ACLR. Delayed rather than early reconstruction of the ACL is the current recommended treatment since it is thought to give a better functional outcome. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal time of surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to compare the range of motion and functional outcome in patients who underwent ACLR early with those that were delayed.

前交叉韧带重建后翻修的临床研究

目的 探讨前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament, ACL)翻修重建的手术适应证、手术方法和临床疗效.方法 2001年11月至2006年7月收治ACL重建后失稳接受翻修患者12例,其中男性9例,女性3例,年龄16～39岁,平均28岁,均在关节镜下行探查与翻修手术.结合上述病例分析翻修的适应证、术中处理方法.术后应用KT-2000、IKDC、Lysholm及Tegner评分系统对临床疗效进行评价.结果 本组患者术前膝关节明显不稳.2例因骨道骨质严重缺损行一期植骨术.其余10例一期行ACL翻修手术,重建移植物采用同侧腘绳肌腱(STG)4例,对侧STG 4例,同侧骨-髌腱-骨(B-PT-B)1例,髂胫束1例.ACL翻修术后KT-2000检查平均差值在膝关节屈曲90°位和30°位分别为1.6 mm和3.1 mm;术后IKDC、Lysholm及Tegner评分平均分别为72.8、78.3、4.9分,较术前有明显改善.结论 ACL翻修重建后患膝的主观功能和客观稳定性可获明显改善.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a double bundle hamstring autograft configuration in patients under 30 years

BACKGROUND Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction(ACLR) has a high incidence of re-tear in younger patients.Despite comparable functional outcomes,the incidence of retear using single and double bundle ACLR methods has not been well reported.AIM To hypothesize that double bundle hamstring ACLR has a lower graft rupture rate compared with single bundle hamstring ACLR grafts in young patients.METHODS One hundred and twelve patients 30 years of age at the time of primary double bundle ACLR were eligible for study participation.91(81.3%) could be contacted,with a mean age of 20.4 years(range 13-29) and mean post-operative follow-up time of 59 mo(range 25-107).Telephone questionnaires evaluated the incidence(and timing) of subsequent re-tear and contralateral ACL tear,further surgeries,incidence and time to return to sport,and patient satisfaction.RESULTS Of the 91 patients,there were 6(6.6%,95% Cl:1.4-11.7) ACL graft re-ruptures,with a mean time to re-rupture of 28 mo(range 12-84).Fourteen patients(15.4%)experienced a contralateral ACL rupture and 14 patients(15.4%) required further surgery to their ipsilateral knee.fifty patients(54.9%) returned to pre-injury level of sport.Of those 20 years(n=45),4 patients(8.9%,95% Cl:0.4-17.3)experienced a re-rupture,with mean time to re-injury 15 mo(range 12-24).Comparative analysis with existing literature and revealed a non-significant Chisquared statistic of 2.348(P=0.125).CONCLUSION A trend existed toward lower graft rupture rates in young patients undergoing double bundle ACLR utilizing a hamstring autograft,compared with rates reported after single bundle ACLR.     

A simple and effective technique of femoral tunnel bone grafting in revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Restoring the bone stock in the femoral tunnel during revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is vital for better surgical results and to avoid potential complications. The technique must be easy, effective, simple, reproducible and cost effective. We describe a new, simple and inexpensive technique of femoral tunnel bone grafting in revision ACL reconstruction using universally available materials.     

Open reduction and internal fixation in a one-stage anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures: A case report and literature review

Treatment of tibial plateau fractures associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries can be challenging. Maintaining the joint surface and axis are two main principles for the management of patients with tibial plateau fractures. Herein, we describe a patient with tibial plateau fracture of Schatzker type VI associated with complete ACL rupture. Although in a two-stage reconstruction surgery for treatment of its rupture seem to be accepted by most orthopaedic surgeons in cases of ACL injuries, we treated our patient with ORIF in a one-stage ACL reconstruction surgery. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient gained full range of motion and was functioning well. We reviewed the literature on performing ORIF in a one-stage ACL reconstruction for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures, which seemed to be a reasonable management approach that supported its use for the treatment of this patient.     

Popliteal pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula after arthroscopic anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case report

IntroductionVascular injuries are a well recognised but very rare complication of surgery or trauma around the knee, especially associated with arthroscopic anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Presentation of caseThis report describes a case of a Popliteal pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula after Arthroscopic anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. An 57-year-old male who complained of pain and swelling around the left lower extremity after the ACL and PCL reconstruction using a semitendinosus graft from the two limbs caused by bicycle accident. He was diagnosed with the popliteal pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula by the Doppler ultrasonographic examination and CTA, and transferred to the interventional radiology suite where a successful vascular stent implantation was made. There was no postoperative complication.DiscussionThe most important finding of the present case were a popliteal pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula after the ACL and PCL reconstruction. To our knowledge, very few cases reporting an arteriovenous fistula with popliteal pseudoaneurysm following arthroscopy have been described. Vascular injury is a very rare complication of knee surgery, but surgeons should always consider this possibility in patients who have undergone knee arthroscopy. If the patient has symptoms of pain in the popliteal area and unexplainable swelling following arthroscopic ACL and PCL reconstruction, a popliteal vascular injury should be suspected.ConclusionsIn order to minimize the risk of vascular complications in ACL and PCL reconstructive surgery, we advise to look for less traumatizing instruments and to limit the amount of riskful actions, precise attention should be paid in the establishment of the tibial tunnels.     

Management of anterior cruciate ligament rupture in patients aged 40 years and older

The aim of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is essentially to restore functional stability of the knee and to allow patients to return to their desired work and activities. While in the young and active population, surgery is often the best therapeutic option after an ACL tear, ACL reconstruction in middle-aged people is rather more controversial due to concerns about a higher complication rate. The purpose of our article is to establish, through a systematic review of the literature, useful decision-making criteria for the management of anterior cruciate ligament rupture in patients aged 40 years and older, guiding surgeons to the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Various reports have shown excellent results of ACL reconstruction in patients over the age of 40 in terms of subjective satisfaction, return to previous activity level, and reduced complication and failure rates. Some even document excellent outcomes in subjects of 50 years and older. Although there are limited high-level studies, data reported in the literature suggest that ACL reconstruction can be successful in appropriately selected, motivated older patients with symptomatic knee instability who want to return to participating in highly demanding sport and recreational activities. Deciding factors are based on occupation, sex, activity level of the subject, amount of time spent performing such highly demanding activities, and presence of associated knee lesions. Physiological age and activity level are more important than chronological age as deciding factors when considering ACL reconstruction.