The mid- to long-term results of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons using Transfix technique

In this study, mid to long-term results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons and Transfix technique were evaluated. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with four-strand hamstring tendon was performed with Transfix technique on 271 (198 males, 73 females; mean age 25.7; 17–52) patients with anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. The patients were followed up with clinical examination, Lysholm and Tegner activity scales, IKDC scoring system, KT-1000 test and radiological examination. The mean follow-up period was 82 (48–100) months; 204 (75%) patients had no subjective complaints. According to the KT-1000 test, only 14 (5%) patients had more than 5 mm laxity postoperatively, whereas, 161 (59%) patients had more than 5 mm laxity preoperatively. In addition to this, only 19 (7%) patients had Lysholm scores less than 80 postoperatively, whereas 154 (57%) patients scored less than 80 preoperatively. When compared with Tegner activity scale, 189 (70%) patients scored <6 preoperatively and only 24 (8%) postoperatively; 78 (29%) patients scored D preoperatively and only 5 (2%) patients scored D postoperatively on the basis of the IKDC scoring system. Our functional results were found to be satisfactory in more than 90% of patients. Commonly seen problems in ACL reconstruction such as inaccurate graft placement and tunnel widening were found to be consistent with the values in relevant literature. However, we demonstrated that the functional results and the stability of the knee were not related with tunnel widening. This study concludes that the reconstruction of ACL with hamstring tendons and the Transfix technique is reasonably successful, safe and causes low morbidity. Furthermore, we believe that proper graft preparation, accurate tunnel placement, notch-plasty, fixation and rehabilitation program are all as important as the choice of graft and fixation material.     

人工韧带联合自体肌腱在前交叉韧带重建失败后翻修手术中应用

目的探讨在前交叉韧带重建失败后,应用LARS新型中空人工韧带联合自体肌腱行翻修手术的可行性及短期临床效果。方法回顾性分析自2015年6月至2016年7月收治的因前交叉韧带重建失败行翻修手术的11例患者的临床资料。11例患者均在关节镜下行翻修手术,采用LARS新型中空人工韧带联合自体肌腱重建前交叉韧带,采用KT-2000检查术前与末次随访时膝关节屈曲30°平均差值,根据国际膝关节评分委员会评分标准(IKDC)、Lysholm及Tegner评分系统对术前及末次随访时患者情况进行评价,探讨其临床疗效。结果本组患者随访6~18个月,平均12个月。末次随访时,膝关节屈曲30°平均差值较术前明显减小[(2.05±0.28)mm比(6.15±0.85)mm],差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。末次随访时,IKDC、Tegner及Lysholm评分均较翻修前有显著改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 LARS中空人工韧带联合自体肌腱在前交叉韧带重建失败翻修术中是一种可行的移植物选择,术后临床效果改善明显,值得推广。     

Analysis of subjective, objective and functional examination tests after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction A follow-up of 527 patients

This study included 527 patients (178 female and 349 male) with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft and interference screw fixation. The follow-up examination was performed by independent observers at a median of 38 (21-68) months after the index operation. At the follow-up, the Lysholm score was 86 (14-100) points, the Lysholm instability subscore was 22 (0-25) points and the Lysholm pain subscore was 19 (0-25) points. The Tegner activity level was 6 (1-10). The one-leg-hop test was 91 (0-167)% of the non-injured knee. The difference in the anterior side-to-side laxity as measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer at 89 Newton (N) was 1.5 (-5-13) mm and the total KT-1000 side-to-side difference at 89 N was 2 (-7-11) mm. Using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation system, 177 (33.6%) patients were classified as normal (group A), 211 (40%) as nearly normal (group B), 109 (20.7%) as abnormal (group C) and 30 (5.7%) as severely abnormal (group D). The highest correlation coefficients were recorded between the IKDC evaluation system and the Lysholm score (p = 0.66), the patients' subjective evaluation (p = 0.53), the Tegner activity level (p = 0.34), all the laxity tests (p > or = 0.34) and the one-leg-hop test (p = 0.28). The resumption of sporting activities and work as evaluated by the Tegner activity level correlated with the patients' subjective evaluation (p = 0.34) but did not correlate with the laxity tests, i.e., the manual Lachman test (p = -0.06) and the total and anterior KT-1000 tests (p = -0.06). Furthermore, none of the laxity tests correlated with the functional tests or the patients' subjective evaluation. We conclude that the IKDC evaluation system is a reliable and useful tool for evaluating the post-operative outcome after an ACL reconstruction.     

A prospective comparison of bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring tendon grafts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in male patients

The aim of the study was to compare the results after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using central-third, bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB Group) (n = 45) and four-strand semitendinosus/gracilis (ST/G Group) (n = 78) autografts in male patients. The type of study is non-randomised, prospective consecutive series. A consecutive series of 126 male patients, all with unilateral ACL ruptures, was included in the study. In both groups, interference screw fixation of the graft was used at both ends and 123/126 (97%) of the patients returned for the follow-up examination after a period of 25 (23–33) months. The pre-operative assessments in both groups were similar in terms of the Tegner activity level, the Lysholm knee scoring scale, KT-1000 measurements, one-leg-hop test and knee-walking test. A significant reduction in knee laxity as measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer, compared with the pre-operative assessments, was found in both groups (P < 0.001). No significant differences in the post-operative knee-laxity measurements were found between the groups. Both groups had a significantly improved functional outcome at follow-up in terms of the Lysholm knee scoring scale, Tegner activity level and one-leg-hop test. The BPTB Group had a significantly higher Tegner activity level at follow-up, compared with the ST/G Group (P = 0.02). Moreover, the patients in the BPTB Group were significantly more likely to have a Tegner activity level of 6 or above (P = 0.03). Otherwise, no significant differences were found between the two study groups at the 2-year follow-up. Two years after an ACL reconstruction, the two groups displayed no significant differences in terms of functional outcome and knee laxity. However, more patients in the BPTB Group returned to a higher Tegner activity level than that in the ST/G Group.     

Press-fit fixation in reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament,using bone–patellar tendon–bone graft

We studied arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using patellar ligament-bone graft fixed to the femur by press-fit technique. The main feature of this technique was a stable bony fixation on the femoral site without using interference screws or other fixation devices. We treated 42 patients with ACL rupture by this technique; clinical examination was carried out preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, and then every 6 months using the standard criteria for evaluation of the IKDC (mean follow-up 29 months, 22–41). CT and MRI were performed 6 months postoperatively. According to IKDC score 37 knee (88%) were graded as normal or nearly normal, 4 (10%) as abnormal, and one (2%) as severely abnormal, none of the poor results was due to instability. Reconstruction of the ACL by press-fit technique is a more anatomically oriented method of fixation without the complications of interference screws at the femoral attachment of the graft.     

Clinical results of meniscus repair with the meniscus arrow: a 4- to 8-year follow-up study

The short-term clinical results of meniscus repair with the meniscus arrow were promising. Unfavorable outcomes were reported in two studies, with longer follow-up, raising concerns about the efficacy of this device. We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients (mean age 23.7 years; range 14–37 years) that underwent all-inside meniscus repair, using the meniscus arrow. Seventeen patients had an isolated meniscus tear (ACL intact group) and 45 patients concomitant ACL rupture that was reconstructed at the same time with the meniscus repair (ACL reconstructed group). All patients followed a non-aggressive rehabilitation protocol. Follow-up was assessed by clinical examination, Lysholm and Tegner score, IKDC knee examination form and KT-2000 arthrometry for the anteroposterior laxity of the reconstructed knees. At an average follow-up of 73 months (range 49–96 months) there were three failures (4.8%), one from the ACL intact group and two from the ACL reconstructed group. One patient developed arthrofibrosis (ACL reconstructed group) that resolved conservatively. Soft tissue irritation at the repair site was noted in three patients. In two patients the symptoms were transient. In the third patient the arrow tip was cut off under local anaesthesia due to saphenous infrapatellar branch irritation and the symptoms resolved (inappropriate arrow size). KT-2000 arthrometry showed that sagittal knee laxity was less than 3 mm in all reconstructed knees. The mean Tegner activity score decreased from 6.7 (pretrauma) to 6.2 (postoperatively). The average Lysholm score was 96, with normal or nearly normal function of all success knees, according to the IKDC knee examination form. Our results show a high clinical success rate of meniscus repair with the meniscus arrow. We found this device both safe and effective.     

Arthroscopic intra- and extra-articular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with gracilis and semitendinosus tendons

Numerous surgical procedures have been developed and used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Patellar tendon is probably the most common graft used, but gracilis and semitendinous tendons present some interesting advantages: small incision, large graft when doubled, characteristics close to ACL, rapid harvest. We describe a combined intra- and extra-articular arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons which includes some original steps. The tendons are harvested, leaving the distal insertion intact, and sutured together. After drilling of the tibial tunnel, an over-the-top arrangement is formed, creating a groove in the posterolateral aspect of the femur. The tendons are then fixed with double staples in the groove, and their remaining part is fixed distally to Gerdy’s tubercle passing under the fascia, but over the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). This technique ensures sufficient strength in the graft and permits correction of any associated instability, because of the presence of the extra-articular portion of the tendons. Furthermore, the over-the-top arrangement reduces trauma and possible pitfalls related to tunnel construction and permits isometry of the extra-articular portion to be established. Forty patients involved in sports activity were prospectively selected and evaluated at a minimum 2 years’ follow-up. IKDC score and Lysholm score were used for clinical evaluation, and the KT-2000 was used for instrumental laxity measurements. Resumption of sport and time to that point were recorded as well as Tegner activity score. We had 92.5% normal and fairly normal knees according to IKDC score and only 7.5% abnormal knees. Mean Lysholm score was 95. Mean Tegner score was 7.2. KT-2000 showed a mean injured/uninjured difference of 2.1 mm. In all, 90% of patients resumed sports at the same level, 67.5% in 3–4 months and 27.5% in 4–6 months. The highly satisfactory results of this series with no major complications confirm the reliability of this techinque and the possibility of guaranteeing functional behaviour in the knee. Received: 5 April 1997 Accepted: 25 July 1997     

Augmentation technique for partial ACL ruptures using semitendinosus tendon in the over-the-top position

The aim of this study is to present a surgical augmentation technique for partial ACL ruptures in which an isolated, autologous, double-bundle semitendinosus tendon graft is passed over the top of the femur, thus fully preserving the still-intact fibers of the ligament remnant. Between 1992 and 2006, 24 patients underwent ACL semitendinosus autograft reconstruction and were followed up for at least 2 years. The median follow-up was 6.2 years (2–15.6). At the last follow-up examination, the patients were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee scale. Subjective and functional parameters were assessed using the Tegner activity scale and the Lysholm scale. Instrumental evaluation was carried out using the KT-1000 instrument. Sixteen of the 24 patients achieved an IKDC score of A. Of the remaining eight patients, six achieved an IKDC score of B, one an IKDC score of C, and one an IKDC score of D. According to the Tegner activity scale, the median pre-injury sports activity level was seven (5–9) and the median post-injury level was six (4–9), while the mean Lysholm scale score was 95 (90–100). Clinical and biomechanical studies have shown that reconstruction techniques that address both bundles of the ACL provide better rotational stability than techniques that address only a single bundle. Therefore, it seems logical than in patients with a partial rupture of the ACL, the intact bundle could be preserved and only the torn bundle would need to be reconstructed.     

关节镜下髌韧带与腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带的疗效比较

目的比较分析膝关节镜下自体髌韧带与腘绳肌腱移植重建前交叉韧带(ACL)的疗效。方法回顾分析49例膝关节镜下自体髌韧带移植重建ACL及54例自体腘绳肌腱移植重建ACL的情况，随访24～48个月，平均31．6个月。采用Lysholm膝关节评分、国际膝关节文献编制委员会分级评估标准和KT-1000关节测量仪测定稳定性评价疗效。结果两组间患者满意度、关节稳定性及功能差异均无统计学意义。髌韧带重建组膝痛发生率较腘绳肌腱组高(37％比11％)。结论关节镜下髌韧带与腘绳肌腱移植重建ACL的疗效相同。ACL重建中等长重建、牢固固定及早期康复锻炼对疗效更有决定作用。     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autografts and double biodegradable femoral cross-pin fixation: functional,radiographic and MRI outcome after 2-year minimum follow-up

Double biodegradable cross-pins are increasingly used for femoral fixation in arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). There are no studies combining functional outcome analysis, radiographs and magnetic resonance images (MRI) to evaluate this technique. The authors examined 45 patients after ACL reconstruction using double biodegradable femoral cross-pin fixation and biodegradable tibial interference screw fixation with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Clinical evaluation included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and modified Lysholm score. Radiographic analysis included standard X-rays in anterior–posterior and lateral views and Telos stress device measurements. MRI was analyzed to obtain information about hardware, intra-articular graft, osseous graft-integration and cartilage. IKDC score revealed 28 (62.2%) patients with normal knee function (group A), 15 (33.3%) patients with nearly normal (group B) knee function and 2 (4.4%) patients with abnormal knee function (group C). The Lysholm score was 94.6 (±7.2) in the operated knee and 98.8 (±7.4) in the non-operated knee. Mean Telos stress device values were +4.6 (±2.6) in the operated and +3.9 (±2.4) in the non-operated knee. MRI showed an intact intra-articular graft in all but one patient. Complete femoral graft integration was seen in 88.9% and complete tibial graft integration in 86.7%. Biodegradable cross-pins were partially or fully visible in all patients. The biodegradable tibial interference screw was fully visible in 16 (35.6%) and partially visible in 20 (44.4%) patients. Thirty-one (68.9%) patients showed signs of cartilage degeneration on MRI at follow-up. The graft fixation with double biodegradable pin fixation appears to be a reliable technique for ACL reconstruction providing a stable close-to-joint graft fixation.     

Simultaneous anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in chronic knee instabilities: surgical concepts and clinical outcome

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of simultaneous arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) using autogenous tendon grafts in chronic knee injuries. Nineteen patients (17 men and 2 women) with chronic multi-ligamentous injuries underwent one-stage ACL and PCL reconstruction. ACL, PCL and medial collateral ligament were reconstructed in seven knees, and ACL, PCL and posterolateral structure were reconstructed in two knees. Function of the operated knee was evaluated according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scale. Anterior and posterior knee laxity was examined with a KT-2000 arthrometer. Eighteen of 19 patients were able to return for follow-up and were evaluated objectively and subjectively. The average patient age at surgery was 30.5 years, and the average postoperative follow-up was 3.5 years. No patients showed loss of knee extension more than 5 degrees , while three patients revealed loss of knee flexion more than 16 degrees . The mean postoperative total anterior-posterior side-to-side difference was 1.9 +/- 1.5 mm at 20 degrees and 2.1 +/- 1.9 mm at 70 degrees . The average of the Lysholm score was 95.1 points at the final follow-up. At the IKDC evaluation, three patients were grade A, 11 were grade B, 3 were grade C, and 1 patient was grade D. The results showed the effectiveness and safety of one-stage reconstruction of combined ligamentous injuries of the knee that can adequately restore satisfactory stability.     

Multicenter-study of operative treatment of intraligamentous tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in children and adolescents

Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in skeletally immature patients were operated with four different methods and their outcome compared to each other. Sixty-eight patients (33 males, 35 females), mean 12.5 years, were treated in four different centers from 1984 to 2001. Twenty-eight patients underwent the ACL-reconstruction with hamstring grafts, 16 patients with bone–patella–bone autografts, 12 patients with quadriceps grafts and 12 patients with facia lata. The mean follow-up was 32 months. Postoperative evaluation included radiographs, KT-1000/2000 stability measurements, Lysholm score, The Tegner activity scale and IKDC score. Neither leg length discrepancy nor angular deformities were noted. Mean KT-1000 difference was 2.1 mm, mean postoperative Lysholm knee score 93.3, IKDC 87% normal or nearly normal. The Tegner index decreased from 6.6 to 5.7. In total, six patients developed instability due to an adequate trauma 1 year after the index operation. Two patients showed mild arthrotic changes. All but two patients were able to return to the same level of preoperative sports participation. None of the four methods studied showed major differences in outcome compared to the other. No growth disturbance could be noted.     

Anterior cruciate reconstruction combined with autologous osteochondral transplantation

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and osteochondral autograft transplantation performed in patients suffering an anterior instability associated with symptomatic full-thickness cartilage defects. Our clinical report includes the first 21 patients (six women, 15 men) who have been followed up for 32 months or longer. The average patient age was 29 years (range 22–44 years), and mean time from injury to the combined reconstructive surgery was 10 months (range 4–27 months). The cartilage defects had a mean area of 3.5 cm² (range 2.0–5.0 cm²). All patients were evaluated according to the IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scoring scales by an independent observer. A visual analogue scale (VAS) reflecting patient pain was evaluated. Assessment using the IKDC knee scoring scale revealed 81% of the patients with a normal or nearly normal knee joint. There was a significant improvement in subjective discomfort, and the KT-1000 arthrometric evaluation showed a reduction of the ventral tibial translation (5.9 to 1.9 mm). All but two patients had returned to full activities without restriction and were asymptomatic. The results of this study suggest that symptomatic full-thickness articular cartilage defects associated with ACL instability can be effectively treated by performing ACL reconstruction and osteochondral autologous grafts in one procedure. However, only the years which follow will show the long-term outcome of the patients.     

Patellar tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with conical press-fit femoral fixation: 5-year results in athletes population

Bone-patellar tendon autograft is probably the most widely used graft for ACL reconstruction. Several methods for graft fixation have been described. To avoid intra-articular hardware we adopt biological fixation with a femoral conical press-fit fixation. A prospective study was performed on 40 consecutive active athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction with this technique by the same surgeon between November 1994 and September 1995 (mean follow-up 46 months, range 36-62). Results were evaluated by an independent examiner using radiography, computed tomography, subjective and objective evaluation, and isokinetic and functional strength tests. Assessment using the IKDC knee scoring revealed 85% of the patients with a normal or nearly normal knee joint; Tegner's score was 7.5 preoperatively and 6.0 postoperatively, with 60% of the athletes returning to the preinjury sport and level. No patients had instability, with 90% having less than 3 mm side-to-side difference on computerized analysis. The isokinetic test showed mild quadriceps deficit at 3 and 6 months, with no deficit at final follow-up; four patients complained of anterior knee pain and had a positive kneeling test. We found no graft dislocation. All cases showed radiological evidence of graft integration at 3 months time. Long-term results support this technique asx a simple, cost-effective, and reliable alternative for patellar tendon fixation in ACL reconstruction.     

Femoral press-fit fixation technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft: a prospective clinical evaluation of 285 patients

BACKGROUND: The security of the graft fixation is an important factor of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, especially in the early postoperative period. HYPOTHESIS: The femoral press-fit fixation technique is a safe, alternative technique for the fixation of the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Between January 1, 1998, and June 30, 2002, 285 patients, with a mean age of 29.1 years, underwent operation and observation in our department. All patients had arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft with femoral press-fit and tibial interference screw fixation. The mean follow-up period was 35.8 months (range, 24-77 months). During each patient's evaluation, a physical examination, a subjective evaluation, the International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm scores, KT-1000 arthrometer testing, and radiological evaluation were performed. The paired Student t test or chi(2) test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: According to the International Knee Documentation Committee score, 241 patients (85%) had good (46 normal and 195 nearly normal) results, whereas 39 patients had abnormal and 5 patients had severely abnormal overall results. The preoperative mean Lysholm score was 63.5 +/- 12.7 points. At the final examination, the mean value was 93.5 +/- 7.8 points (P < .01). One hundred ninety-seven athletes could return to their previous sports activity level, whereas 13 patients gave up their sports career. The KT-1000 arthrometer results showed a side-to-side difference of 1.91 +/- 2.1 mm at the maximum manual strength tests. CONCLUSION: The femoral press-fit fixation is an alternative fixation method for the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft and provides good stability for the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The use of press-fit fixation technique avoids most interference screw or other hardware-induced complications at the femoral side.     

关节镜下应用LARS人工韧带同时重建前、后交叉韧带

目的 探讨关节镜下应用LARS人工韧带重建前交叉韧带(ACL)、后交叉韧带(PCL)同时损伤的方法及疗效. 方法 关节镜下同时重建13例ACL、PCL损伤的患者,重建材料采用LARS人工韧带.术后随访12～36个月,采用国际膝关节文件编制委员会(IKDC)韧带标准评价表和Lysholm膝关节功能评分表评估患膝功能,通过KT-1000检查膝关节前后松弛度.结果 术后无膝关节感染发生;均无伸膝受限,屈膝活动度105°～125°,平均117°.术后随访时IKDC评分:A类10例(77%),B类3例(23%).屈膝25°位KT-1000检查:双侧膝关节前向松弛度差异＜2 mm 12例,3～5 mm 1例;屈膝70°位检查:＜2 mm 12例,2～4 mm 1例.术前Lysholm膝关节功能评分为(63.8 ±2.9)分(49～69分),终末随访时为(91.1±2.7)分(88～95分),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01). 结论 关节镜下同时重建膝关节ACL、PCL是目前治疗ACL、PCL同时损伤的一种微创、安全、有效的手术方法,近期疗效佳.     

A medium to long-term follow-up of ACL reconstruction using double gracilis and semitendinosus grafts

This paper reports the results of our approach to ACL tears and knee laxity, based on 30 years of experience in ACL reconstruction with hamstrings and founded on the following cornerstones: the use of doubled semitendinosus and gracilis as a free graft; the use of an out-in technique for femoral drilling and of very strong and stiff fixation devices; the careful examination and repair or reconstruction of the lateral compartment in selected patients; and the use of unaggressive rehabilitation. We prospectively evaluated a series of 100 consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between 2001 and 2002. A clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at a minimum of 6 years. After 6 years, the International Knee Documentation Committee score demonstrated good-to-excellent results (A and B) in 98% of patients. However, arthrometric results using the KT-1000 demonstrated that 6/80 patients (7.5%) had >5 mm manual maximum side-to-side difference. The median Tegner activity score was 5 (range 1–9); the median Lysholm score was 96 (range 81–100); and the median subjective IKDC score was 94 (range 66–100). We reported 6/80 failures as revealed by a 2+ or 3+ pivot-shift test result and/or KT-1000 side-to-side difference of more than 5 mm. The IKDC score revealed excellent results in all women who underwent extra-articular tenodesis. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated early signs of osteoarthritis in 9% of patients.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with 4-strand hamstring autograft and accelerated rehabilitation: a 10-year prospective study on clinical results, knee osteoarthritis and its predictors

Purpose

Analysis of long-term clinical and radiological outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with special attention to knee osteoarthritis and its predictors.

Methods

A prospective, consecutive case series of 100 patients. Arthroscopic transtibial ACL reconstruction was performed using 4-strand hamstring tendon autografts with a standardized accelerated rehabilitation protocol. Analysis was performed preoperatively and 10 years postoperatively. Clinical examination included Lysholm and Tegner scores, IKDC, KT-1000 testing (MEDmetric Co., San Diego, CA, USA) and leg circumference measurements. Radiological evaluation included AP weight bearing, lateral knee, Rosenberg and sky view X-rays. Radiological classifications were according to Ahlbäck and Kellgren & Lawrence. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

Clinical outcome A significant improvement (p < 0.001) between preoperative and postoperative measurements could be demonstrated for the Lysholm and Tegner scores, IKDC patient subjective assessment, KT-1000 measurements, pivot shift test, IKDC score and one-leg hop test. A pivot shift phenomenon (glide) was still present in 43 (50 %) patients and correlated with lower levels of activity (p < 0.022). Radiological outcome: At follow-up, 46 (53.5 %) patients had signs of osteoarthritis (OA). In this group, 33 patients (72 %) had chondral lesions (≥grade 2) at the time of ACL reconstruction. A history of medial meniscectomy before or at the time of ACL reconstruction increased the risk of knee OA 4 times (95 % CI 1.41–11.5). An ICRS grade 3 at the time of ACL reconstruction increased the risk of knee OA by 5.2 times (95 % CI 1.09–24.8). There was no correlation between OA and activity level (Tegner score ≥6) nor between OA and a positive pivot shift test.

Conclusion

Transtibial ACL reconstruction with 4-strand hamstring autograft and accelerated rehabilitation restored anteroposterior knee stability. Clinical parameters and patient satisfaction improved significantly. At 10-year follow-up, radiological signs of OA were present in 53.5 % of the subjects. Risk factors for OA were meniscectomy prior to or at the time of ACL reconstruction and chondral lesions at the time of ACL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

II.     

Long-term results of tendon allografts for anterior cruciate ligament replacement in revision surgery and in cases of combined complex injuries

We assessed the long-term validity of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using tendon allografts. Nineteen patients were followed up for 8 years (mean 94 months) after tendon allograft replacement for ACL rupture. The evaluation used the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grades, the Lysholm score, and the Tegner scale. Two patients sustained a rerupture after a serious injury. Two others scored poorly because of associated proximal ipsilateral tibial and other fractures (IKDC grade D). Nine patients scored nearly normal (grade B) and six abnormal (grade C). The Lysholm score showed nine excellent (average 98), five good (average 87), and one fair result (70). Two of the excellent-rated patients were IKDC grade C solely because the X-rays showed a slight (1-mm) narrowing of the medial cartilage. One patient had 0.5-mm narrowing. The X-ray findings may indeed indicate future problems. On the Tegner scale the sports level decreased by an average of 2.1 points (from 6.87 to 4.73), and by 0.8 point compared to the level at which the patient had wished to perform. ACL repair using tendon allografts appears to provide satisfactory results on the Lysholm and Tegner scales. The IKDC scoring suggests future cartilage degeneration. Its value for knees with multiple ligament lesions and for revision cases is demonstrated. Only two reruptures were noted, suggesting good reliability of allografts on the long term. Received: 10 July 1998 Accepted: 12 June 1999     

关节镜下4股半腱肌腱单束重建前交叉韧带部分损伤

目的 介绍关节镜下单束蕈建增强治疗前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)后外侧束部分损伤方法 ,探讨其临床效果. 方法 对26例单纯ACL后外侧柬部分损伤患者,在关节镜下采用自体半腱肌腱进行单束解剖重建.按照国际膝关节评分委员会(internationalknee documentation committee,IKDC)和Lysholm膝关节功能评分表对患膝功能进行评估,通过KT-1000检查比较膝关节的前向松弛度. 结果 术后无活动受限,屈膝活动度130°～150°,平均142°.术后随访12～18个月,最后随访时IKDC评分为A级25例(96%),B级1例(4%);IKDC评分从术前的(71.4±3.7)分提高到随访结束时的(95.8±3.4)分(t=9.836,P<0.01).屈膝25°位KT-1000检查,双侧膝关节胫骨结节前移差异从术前的(5.1±1.2)mm减少到终末随访的(2.1±1.3)mm(t=10.48,P<0.01).患者术前Lysholm膝关节功能评分为(76.7±3.2)分,终末随访时为(95.7±2.4)分(t=7.356,P<0.01). 结论 在关节镜下采用自体半腱肌腱单束解剖重建增强治疗ACL后外侧束部分损伤,能取得良好效果.