Full-thickness quadriceps tendon: An easy cruciate reconstruction graft

Full-thickness quadriceps tendon strength has been found to be similar or higher than that of the patellar tendon. Current techniques spare the deep vastus intermedius to avoid piercing the suprapatellar pouch, which might result in loss of visualization. This approach mainly results in loss of graft thickness and surgical problems related to the dissection made through the tendon. We describe a technique where a full-thickness graft can be used, making tendon stripping easier. We also describe how to preserve visualization during surgery. A double anchorage of the tendinous part of the graft on the femoral side is used together with fixation of the bone end on the tibial side, allowing early motion and thereby avoiding suprapatellar pouch adhesions.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 7 (September), 2001: pp 781–783     

The central quadriceps tendon graftfor cruciate ligament reconstruction

The central quadriceps tendon proximal to the patella provides an alternative source of tendon graft for cruciate ligament reconstruction. Harvesting the graft requires knowledge of the unique anatomic features of the distal quadriceps and specific surgical technique. This graft alternative is particularly important in revision cruciate surgery.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction utilizing central quadriceps free tendon

CQFT ACL reconstruction yields a stable, highly functional knee with little associated morbidity. Patient satisfaction has been very high, and objective follow-up data collected thus far is very encouraging.     

Posterior cruciate ligamentreconstruction using autogenous central quadriceps tendon

As with many other arthroscopic procedures, arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the posterior cruciateligament (PCL) is a procedure in evolution. Many techniques require an incision over the medial femoral condyle for creation of an outside-in femoral tunnel. This dissection may cause injury to the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and slow the recovery of the quadriceps function. The ideal graft for this procedure causes minimal harvest morbidity, has strength equal to native PCL, allows aperture fixation at normal attachments sites, rapidly incorporates into the bone tunnels, is amenable to passage within the small confines of the knee joint, and reproduces normal kinematic loading within the knee joint. Our current graft of choice is an autogenous central third quadriceps tendon graft, which has a soft-tissue collagen component much larger than that of the patellar tendon. This graft has acceptable harvest morbidity and provides both a bony end and a tendinous end for easier passage within the knee joint. We present a technique for arthroscopically assisted PCL reconstruction in which the femoral tunnel is made with an inside-out technique. This minimizes injury to the VMO and also removes less bone from the medial femoral condyle, potentially reducing the risks of fracture and avascular necrosis risks. Additionally, aperture fixation of the graft allows for increased mechanical properties at time zero.     

A modified arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament double-bundle reconstruction technique with autogenous quadriceps tendon graft: remnant-preserving technique

Several techniques of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) double-bundle reconstruction have been introduced to improve the functional outcome and restore normal kinematics of the knee. Meanwhile, a remnant-preserving technique was developed to preserve the proprioception and to enhance the revascularization of the reconstructed ACL. We developed double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique using autogenous quadriceps tendon graft while preserving the remnant. With this technique, two femoral sockets and one tibial tunnel are made. To preserve the remnant of the ACL, the rotational direction of the reamer was set to counterclockwise just before perforation of the tibial tunnel. To pass the graft more easily without disturbance of the remnant, the graft passage was achieved through the tibial tunnel. We suggest that the remnant-preserving technique could be an effective alternative considering its mechanical stability as well as the proprioception and vascularization recovery in arthroscopic double-bundle ACL reconstruction.     

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon composite autograft

At present, no single graft option clearly outperforms another. Autografts (patellar tendon, hamstring) and allografts (Achilles tendon, patellar tendon) are the grafts most often used. However, each grafts has advantages and disadvantages. Quadriceps tendon graft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is not new, but an alternative composite graft is introduced here that consists of quadriceps tendon–patellar bone and bone obtained from a coring reamer used to create the tibial tunnel. This composite graft retains reduced morbidity while allowing the secure bone-to-bone fixation associated with bone–patellar tendon–bone graft.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 5 (May-June), 2001: pp 546–550     

Double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps and semitendinosus tendon grafts

This study presents a novel arthroscopic technique for double-bundle reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. A quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft is used to reconstruct the major anterolateral bundle. An additional double-stranded semitendinosus tendon is used to reconstruct the posteromedial bundle. In 70° of flexion and full extension with anterior drawer force, the quadriceps tendon graft and semitendinosus tendon graft are fixed inside the anterior aspect of the single tibial tunnel, respectively. An anatomic reconstruction can be achieved by using these 2 autografts.     

Use of autograft quadriceps tendon for double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Many graft choices are available for the reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-deficient knee. These choices range from multiple autograft and allograft sources. Preoperative planning must take into account the viability of knee autografts and the availability of allografts. The nature of the PCL injury must also be taken into account, such as whether only the PCL is deficient or the PCL lesion is part of a complex multiple ligament-injured knee. Our institution has begun to use the central quadriceps tendon bone autograph for multiple types of PCL reconstructions. This paper discusses the surgical techniques used to harvest and secure a double-bundle central quadriceps tendon bone autograph for PCL reconstructions using both open and arthroscopic approaches.     

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.     

Arthroscopic transtibial single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon graft compared with hamstring tendon graft

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic transtibial single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous patellar tendon and hamstring tendon grafts.

Methods

From 1998 to 2007, 59 patients with symptomatic isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-five knees were reconstructed using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft, and 34 knees were reconstructed using hamstring graft. In both groups, surgical techniques were similar, except material of fixation screws. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively at the latest follow-up with several parameters, including symptoms, physical examination, outcome satisfaction, functional scores, radiography and complications.

Results

Average follow-up period was 51.6 months in patellar tendon group and 51.1 months in hamstring tendon group. Significantly more kneeling pain (32 vs. 3 %), squatting pain (24 vs. 3 %), anterior knee pain (36 vs. 3 %), posterior drawer laxity and osteoarthritic change were shown in patellar tendon group than in hamstring tendon group post-operatively. No significant differences were found in other parameters between both groups.

Conclusions

Several shortcomings, including anterior knee pain, squatting pain, kneeling pain and osteoarthritic change, have to be concerned when using patellar tendon autograft. In conclusion, hamstring tendon autograft may be a better choice for transtibial tunnel PCL reconstruction.     

Biomechanical comparisons of anterior cruciate ligament: reconstruction procedures with flexor tendon graft

An experimental study was conducted to compare the biomechanical characteristics of six currently available anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures with flexor digitorum profundus tendons. Forty porcine knees were divided into eight groups, of 5 knees each. In groups A, B, C, and D, the flexor tendon graft was fixed with sutures and an Endobutton, with 20-mm-wide polyester tapes and staples, with 10-mm-wide polyester tapes and an Endobutton, and with bone plugs and interference screws, respectively. In group E, the graft was fixed using a combined procedure of those in groups B and D. In group F, the graft was directly fixed with interference screws. In groups G and H, the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft was fixed with interference screws, and sutures, respectively. Each femur-graft-tibia complex specimen was tested with a tensile tester by anteriorly translating the tibia until failure. This study demonstrated that the biomechanical properties of the femur-graft-tibia complex reconstructed with the flexor tendon graft were significantly affected by synthetic fixation devices. Regarding the average maximal load of the groups with the flexor tendon graft, group B had the highest (893 N) and group C had the second highest (770 N). Groups E and A were in the third rank. Group F had the second lowest (312 N), and Group D had the lowest (230 N). The maximal load of group B was significantly greater (P < 0.01) than that of group G (656 N) with the bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts. As to clinical relevance, this study indicated that the flexor tendon graft can be an alternative substitute for the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft for ACL reconstruction, if we understand the biomechanical characteristics of each reconstruction procedure. Received: January 21, 2000 / Accepted: June 8, 2000     

Biomechanical comparison of quadriceps tendon fixation with patellar tendon bone plug interference fixation in cruciate ligament reconstruction

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use current fixation techniques and compare the stiffness and ultimate tensile failure of the tendinous end of the quadriceps tendon (QT) with the bone plug end of the bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) graft using current techniques of fixation. Type of Study: Randomized trial of elderly cadaver knees. Materials and Methods: Tibial and femoral biodegradable interference fixation and femoral EndoButton (Smith & Nephew, Acufex, Mansfield, MA) fixation in bone tunnels with the QT and the BPTB graft were compared by using 10 pairs of elderly cadavers and biomechanical testing. Two groups, fixation at time zero (simulating fixation in the operating room) and testing after 1,000 loading cycles (simulating patient rehabilitation exercises), were used. Results: At time zero fixation, stiffness of the soft tissue QT tibial tunnel interference fixation was 59% less stiff than the stiffness of the interference fixation of a BPTB plug in a femoral tunnel (P = .11). The EndoButton femoral fixation resulted in a decrease in stiffness at time zero compared with femoral tunnel interference fixation of the soft tissue QT (P = .03). All groups improved stiffness with cycling the construct to 1,000 cycles. Conclusions: Placement of the QT tendinous end of the graft in the femoral bone tunnel when using a interference fixation will approximate the stiffness of a bone plug in the tibial bone tunnel with interference fixation. The EndoButton fixation is not as stiff as either of the femoral interference fixation options. The addition of more than 20 loading cycles could remove laxity from the graft fixation–graft cruciate ligament complex and improve its stiffness.     

残端悬吊包绕肌腱移植物重建前交叉韧带

目的:探讨残端悬吊包绕肌腱移植物重建前交叉韧带的价值。方法:2009年6月至2011年6月对76例前交叉韧带损伤的患者采用残端悬吊包绕肌腱移植物重建前交叉韧带治疗。男59例,女17例;年龄15～46岁,平均29岁。其中运动伤32例,训练伤20例,交通事故伤16例,其他损伤8例。受伤至手术时间平均3周(2～5周)。术前前抽屉试验阳性72例,Lachman试验阳性76例,IKDC主观评分45.9±3.6,Lysholm评分54.3±4.5。结果:术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无相关并发症发生。69例获得随访,时间17～31个月,平均23个月。末次随访Lachman试验均呈阴性;IKDC评级A级36例,B级30例,C级3例,D级0例;IKDC主观评分91.5±3.4,较术前提高;Lysholm评分92.4±3.8,较术前提高。结论:采用残端悬吊包绕肌腱移植物重建前交叉韧带有助于移植肌腱的修复,临床疗效满意。     

Patellar tendon graft harvesting using horizontal incisions for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Autograft endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction traditionally has been performed via standard arthroscopy portals and a single longitudinal anterior incision. This vertical incision is used for harvesting the central third of the patellar tendon with patellar and tibial bone blocks. From 1992 to 1995, more than 400 cases have been done with a new technique of graft procurement. This new method employs two transverse incisions that are more cosmetic and are less likely to become a source of pain or flexion limitation.