Dynamic medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in recurrent patellar instability: A surgical technique

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary stabilizer of the patellofemoral joint; its reconstruction has been recommended in adults over the past decade after recurrent patellar instability. However, there has been no standardized technique for reconstruction, therefore, ideal graft and technique for reconstruction are yet undetermined. However, dynamic MPFL reconstruction studies claim to be superior to other procedures as it is more anatomical. This preliminary study aims at assessing the outcomes of MPFL reconstruction in a dynamic pattern using hamstring graft. We performed this procedure in four consecutive patients with chronic patellar instability following trauma. MPFL reconstruction was done with hamstring tendons detached distally and secured to patellar periosteum after being passed through a bony tunnel in the patella without an implant and using the medial collateral ligament as a pulley. In all 4 knees, the MPFL reconstruction was isolated and was not associated with any other realignment procedures. No recurrent episodes of dislocation or subluxation were reported at 24 months followup.     

Strength of medial structures of the knee joint are decreased by isolated injury to the medial collateral ligament and subsequent joint immobilization.

Past studies of the healing of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in animal models have been conducted over a variety of healing intervals, some as early as 1 week. One concern with testing at early healing intervals is the difficulty in identifying and isolating the tissues that carry load. The purpose of this study was to determine if isolation of the MCL and healing time are critical factors in the assessment of structural strength in this model. Furthermore, the effect of immobilization on these critical factors was investigated. Our approach was to calculate the load-sharing ratio between the MCL and the MCL plus capsule. A 4 mm gap was created in the midsubstance of both hindlimb MCLs of 52 female New Zealand White rabbits (n=104). Of these, 29 rabbits had their right hindlimb pin immobilized (immobilized group), leaving the left hindlimb non-immobilized. Testing was performed at 3 (n=12), 6 (n=22), and 14 (n=24) weeks. The remaining 23 rabbits, which had both limbs non-immobilized (non-immobilized group), were tested at 3 (n=10), 6 (n=12), 14 (n=12), and 40 (n=12) weeks. For both groups, half of the specimens at each healing interval were used to test the MCL alone and half to test the MCL plus capsule, except for 3 week immobilized joints where only the MCL plus capsule was tested. Additionally, MCL (n=12), MCL plus capsule (n=6), and capsule alone (n=5) were tested from normal animals. The load-sharing ratio at MCL failure for the normal joint was 89%, suggesting an MCL-dominated response. For the non-immobilized group, the load-sharing ratio was 24% at 3 weeks of healing, suggesting a capsule-dominated response. At and after 6 weeks of healing, an MCL-dominated response was observed, with the ratio being 68% or greater. Thus, at less than 6 weeks of healing, the structural strength capabilities of the joint may be better represented by the medial structures rather than the isolated MCL. Immobilization delayed the transition from a capsule-dominated response to an MCL-dominated response in this model.     

Posterolateral instability of the elbow in an adolescent boy with a lateral epicondyle fracture: a case report

Background  

Posterolateral rotatory instability of elbow is considered to be due to the disruption of the ulnar part of the lateral collateral ligament (LUCL). This instability pattern may also be induced by a fracture of components of the lateral column.     

Technical note: anatomical reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using a free gracilis autograft

Since biomechanical studies have shown that the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the main restraint against lateral patella displacement, reconstruction of the MPFL has become an accepted surgical technique to restore patellofemoral stability. Recently, various procedures have been described addressing the reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral complex. We present a technique where the MPFL is reconstructed anatomically to restore physiological kinematics and stability using a free gracilis tendon autograft.     

Anatomical reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using a free gracilis autograft

Since biomechanical studies have shown that the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the main restraint against lateral patella displacement, reconstruction of the MPFL has become an accepted surgical technique to restore patellofemoral stability. Recently, various procedures have been described that address reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral complex. We present a technique, where the MPFL is reconstructed anatomically to restore physiological kinematics and stability, using a free gracilis tendon autograft.     

半腱肌重建膝关节内侧副韧带和前交叉韧带的疗效分析

我们应用关节镜下重建前交叉韧带的同时辅助切口，采用半腱肌移位动力性重建内侧副韧带14例，随访显示效果良好。     

内侧髌股韧带联合髌胫韧带重建治疗髌骨不稳的研究进展

髌骨不稳是临床常见疾病,常见于青少年.内侧髌股韧带(medial patellofemoral ligament,MPFL)重建是治疗髌骨不稳的主要治疗方式之一,但仍有部分患者术后出现再次脱位.近年来MPFL联合内侧髌胫韧带(medial patellotibi?al ligament,MPTL)重建成为治疗髌骨不稳的...     

Deltoid ligament reconstruction with autologous gracilis tendon in chronic medial ankle instability after ankle fracture surgery: A case report

IntroductionThe repair of a deltoid ligament injury, following an ankle fracture with involvement of the syndesmosis, has no univocal consensus. Also the surgical strategies in case of a subsequent chronic instability are still under debate. In this work the result of a double bundle anatomic reconstruction of deltoid ligament with ipsilateral autologous gracilis muscle tendon is presented.Case reportA 50 year old active male patient came to our attention with a catastrophic medial ankle instability, a severe pronation of the hindfoot and disabling ankle pain. He reported a Weber type B fracture of the left ankle with a lesion of the syndesmosis treated with anatomic plate and screws and a transyndesmotic screw 8 months before. The imaging showed a complete deltoid ligament lesion. Due to the impossibility of a direct repair of the ligament, we performed the reconstruction of the medial ligamentous complex with an autologous gracilis tendon graft. 10 months after the medial ligamentous complex reconstruction, the patient showed an excellent recovery of walking ability, disappearance of pain under load and resumed an active lifestyle.DiscussionThe deltoid ligament has a key role in ankle joint stability and its integrity promotes the recovery after ankle fractures. However, its lesion is often left untreated in the acute setting. The result of a chronic untreated deltoid ligament injury could be extremely disabling and the ligament reconstruction, when an optimal native deltoid ligament repair is not achievable, is the choice to restore ankle function and stability.ConclusionIn the delayed treatment of a deltoid ligament rupture the described double bundle anatomic reconstruction with autologous tendon graft can be an effective and suitable option.     

Clinical outcome of primary medial collateral ligament-posteromedial corner repair with or without staged anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

IntroductionMedial collateral ligament (MCL) is a prime valgus stabilizer of the knee, and MCL tears are currently managed conservatively. However, posteromedial corner (PMC) injury along with MCL tear is not same as isolated MCL tear and the former is more serious injury and requires operative attention. However, literature is scarce about the management and outcome of PMC-MCL tear alongside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcome of primary repair of MCL and PMC with or without staged ACL reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective evaluation was performed on patients with MCL-PMC complex injury with ACL tear who underwent primary repair of MCL-PMC tear followed by rehabilitation. Further, several of them chose to undergo ACL reconstruction whereas rest opted conservative treatment for the ACL tear. A total of 35 patients of two groups [Group 1 (n = 15): MCL-PMC repaired and ACL conserved; Group 2 (n = 20): MCL-PMC repaired and ACL reconstructed] met the inclusion criteria with a minimum follow-up of two years. Clinical outcome measures included grade of valgus medial opening (0° extension and 30° flexion), Lysholm and International knee documentation committee (IKDC) scores, KT-1000 measurement, subjective feeling of instability, range of motion (ROM) assessment and complications.ResultsWhile comparing group 2 versus group 1, mean Lysholm (94.6 vs. 91.06; p = 0.017) and IKDC scores (86.3 vs. 77.6; p = 0.011) of group 2 were significantly higher than group 1. 60% patients of group 1 complained of instability against none in the group 2 (p < 0.0001). All the knees of both the groups were valgus stable with none requiring late reconstruction. The mean loss of flexion ROM in group 1 and 2 was 12° and 9° respectively which was not statistically different (p = 0.41). However while considering the loss of motion, two groups did not show any significant difference in clinical scores.ConclusionsPrimary MCL-PMC repair renders the knee stable in coronal plane in both the groups and further ACL reconstruction adds on to the stability of the knee providing a superior clinical outcome. Minor knee stiffness remains a concern after primary MCL-PMC repair but without any unfavorable clinical effect.     

单束等长重建和双束解剖重建内侧髌股韧带的临床研究

目的 对比观察单束等长重建和双束解削重建内侧髌股韧带治疗髌骨脱位的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析自2004年8月至2008年10月行内侧髌股韧带重建治疗的60例(72膝)陈旧性髌骨脱位患者的临床资料,其中单束等长重建组22例(27膝),双束解剖重建组38例(45膝).术后手法检查髌骨稳定性,记录再脱位的病例数,CT测量髌骨外移度及髌骨倾斜角并以Kujala和主观问卷评分进行膝关节功能评估.结果 所有患者均随访12个月以上,无再脱位病例.(1)髌骨不稳发生率,术后单束重建组18.5%,双束重建组2.2%,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(2)术后两组髌骨倾斜角和髌骨外移率均恢复至正常范围,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).(3)Kujala评分,单束组术前59±9,术后87±4;双束组术前62±9,术后94±6,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(4)术后主观问卷:单束重建优良率85.2%,双束重建组97.8%,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 单、双束重建内侧髌股韧带均明显恢复髌骨稳定性,提高膝关节功能,但临床评价双束重建优于单束重建.     

Factors for the presence of anteromedial rotatory instability of the knee

Anteromedial rotatory instability (AMRI) of the knee joint was investigated with an instrument newly designed to simulate the manual AMRI test and to quantify its magnitude. Thirty healthy subjects, 20 patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and 10 with both ACL and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries were examined. Using the instrument, 100N of anterior force was applied to the proximal part of the tibia with the foot in neutral rotation, 30° of internal rotation, and 30° of external rotation, and the magnitude of anterior displacement was recorded. The measurement was carried out at 20° and 90° of flexion. A significant increase in anterior laxity was observed in all three rotation positions in the injured patients. However, the magnitude of laxity in external rotation was less than that in neutral rotation in the ACL injured patients, whereas it was the greatest in external rotation in ACL + MCL injured patients. Thus, we conclude that an injury involving both the ACL and MCL causes AMRI.     

双束异体韧带三角形矢量重建内侧副韧带的临床研究

目的 探讨异体韧带双束重建膝关节内侧副韧带的手术方法,并经随访观察其临床疗效.方法 以2007年6月至2010年3月收治的53例慢性膝关节内侧副韧带损伤的患者为研究对象,术前应力位X线片检查示膝关节内侧间隙较对侧增宽,且增宽间隙＞5 mm,MRI检查示内侧副韧带连续性中断,外翻应力试验阳性,对所有患者行内侧副韧带重建手术.手术方法为股骨内侧髁至关节线下方5 cm行纵行切口,于胫骨前内侧关节线下方4.5 cm至后内侧关节线下方2 cm斜向钻取直径5 mm(或)6 mm骨隧道,股骨内侧髁由内向外导针定位并沿导针钻直径6 mm(或)7 mm,长2.5～3.0 cm的骨隧道,将异体肌腱两端编织后绕过胫骨隧道导入股骨隧道并用可吸收界面螺钉固定,使重建韧带呈三角形状.术后积极康复功能锻炼.术后1年应用Lyshlom评分、国际膝关节文献委员会膝关节评估表(IKDC)评价临床效果;外翻应力位X线片评估关节稳定性.结果 所有患者术后Lyshlom评分(89.7±3.4)、IKDC评分[A或B评分46例(86.79％)]较术前(Lyshlom评分51.8±4.9,t=- 79.724,P＜0.05;IKDC评分A或B者0例)均有明显改善;外翻应力位X线片测量内侧关节增宽间隙由术前(10.4±2.4)mm减小到术后(2.8±1.5)mm,差异有统计学意义(t=41.727,P＜0.05);其中46例患者≤3 mm,7例患者3～5 mm.术前关节活动度135.4°±2.5°,与术后(132.7°±3.7°)比较差异无统计学意义.9例患者术后1年有不同程度的膝内侧局限性疼痛且存在明显压痛点.结论 应用异体肌腱双束三角形重建内侧副韧带能明显改善膝关节内侧稳定性,短期临床疗效确定.     

Healing of the medial collateral ligament following a triad injury: a biomechanical and histological study of the knee in rabbits.

The effect of a partial medial meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection on medial collateral ligament (MCL) healing was studied in skeletally mature rabbits. Two groups of animals, group I (isolated MCL rupture) and group II (MCL rupture with ACL transection and partial medial meniscectomy), were examined. At 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively, histological examination of the healing MCL and biomechanical evaluation of the varus-valgus (V-V) knee rotation and tensile properties of the femur-MCL-tibia complex (FMTC) were performed. Group II animals experienced substantial joint degeneration by 6 weeks. Progressive osteophyte formation was observed adjacent to the MCL insertions along with proximal migration of the MCL tibial insertion between 6 and 12 weeks. Histologic examination of the healing MCL substance from both groups showed disorganized collagen, inflammation, and fibroblast proliferation that decreased over time. For group II knees, the V-V knee rotation was found to be significantly elevated (4.7 to 5.2 times the contralateral control), and did not decrease with time. In contrast, the V-V knee rotations of the group I specimens were 1.8 times greater than control immediately following injury, and approached control values by 12 weeks. Tensile testing of the FMTCs revealed that the ultimate load increased with time for both groups, but group I had significantly higher values than group II. The linear stiffness in group I was not different than that group II and did not increase with time. For the mechanical (material) properties of the healed MCL substance, the modulus of the healing tissue for group II was only 40% that of group I. The structural properties of the FMTC and the mechanical properties of the MCL substance from both groups at 6 and 12 weeks were significantly different from the contralateral controls. We further demonstrated that immediately after ACL reconstruction, the V-V rotation of group II knees could be restored to group I levels. Recent clinical studies of MCL healing following isolated complete ligament tears have suggested that nonoperative management without immobilization leads to excellent treatment outcome. However, in more severe injuries involving additional tissues, poor quality of the healed ligament tissue and articular degeneration are observed. Our results demonstrate the deleterious effects of an untreated triad injury on the healing of the MCL substance and its insertions. Examination of the MCL substance suggests that a much larger healing mass is formed following a triad injury, which partially compensates for inferior ligament mechanical properties.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Roles of the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament in preventing valgus instability

Both the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are reported to prevent valgus instability of the knee. In this study, the anatomical mechanisms by which these ligaments prevent valgus instability were experimentally investigated. The valgus rotation angle and the magnitude of the medial joint space opening were measured in six cadaveric knees, using biplanar photography before and after the MCL and/or the ACL were severed. A significant increase in the valgus rotation angle and a large medial joint space opening were observed when the MCL was severed. An increase in the valgus rotation angle was also observed when the ACL was severed, but only a small medial joint space opening was present. The increase in the valgus rotation angle after ACL severance was nearly parallel to the increase in the internal rotation of the tibia. Thus, we concluded that both ligaments function to prevent valgus instability, but that the anatomical reasons for their function are different. The MCL prevents valgus instability by stopping an opening in the medial joint space. The ACL, on the other hand, prevents the internal rotation of the tibia. When the ACL is severed, the internal rotation increases, and causes the valgus rotation angle to also increase, despite the presence of only a small medial joint space opening. Received: May 16, 2000 / Accepted: August 3, 2000     

The MCL apprehension sign: A novel test for MCL instability

PurposeThis study describes a new clinical sign to diagnose clinically relevant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury and evaluates its use in diagnosis and planning treatment for MCL injuries.MethodsA total of 30 consecutive patients with suspected MCL injury, visiting the sports knee clinic were screened by the senior author and the knee fellow for any clinical laxity. Of these, 9 patients did not have any clinically demonstrable laxity but did have MRI evidence of MCL injury. The presence of apprehension sign was compared against the standard criteria for MCL laxity and was evaluated as a novel test to diagnose clinically significant MCL laxity.ResultsOf the 21 patients who were diagnosed to have MCL laxity, 18 had a positive apprehension sign at the time of presentation. Eight out of the nine patients who were negative for MCL laxity, did not have a demonstrable apprehension sign. According to the gold standard index, the apprehension sign had a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 88.8%. The positive and negative predictive values were 94.7% and 72.7% respectively. The pre-test probability of MCL laxity based on the diagnostic criteria was 70% and increased to 94.7% with a positive apprehension sign.ConclusionsA positive apprehension sign is suggestive of MCL injury requiring active treatment. It also helps in deciding the length of bracing required and the need for further operative treatment. The authors recommend its use as a reliable & reproducible adjunct to standard clinic-radiological work-up for MCL injuries.     

Reconstruction of superficial deltoid ligaments with allograft tendons in medial ankle instability: A technical report

BackgroundDeltoid ligament insufficiency can cause arthritic changes with various symptoms in the ankle joint. However, reconstruction procedures of the medial collateral and deltoid ligaments have drawn less attention than those of the lateral ankle ligaments. Few techniques for reconstructing deltoid ligaments are available, and those that are can be complex.ObjectiveWe introduce a new surgical method for reconstructing superficial deltoid ligaments that is simple and straightforward.ConclusionWith this method, the tibionavicular and tibiocalcaneal ligaments can be reconstructed efficiently and easily.     

An anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament tear in a skeletally immature patient: a new technique to augment primary repair of the medial collateral ligament and an allograft reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament

The goal of this case report is to fill a dual purpose. We describe a case involving a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in a skeletally immature athlete. At the same time, we describe a new technique with which we repaired the ACL with an allograft posterior tibialis tendon through intra-articular tunnels. A trial of conservative therapy for the MCL was performed. During surgery, its instability was assessed. No improvement was seen in stability, so a primary repair of the MCL was performed and augmented with an autograft gracilis tendon. The patient did well postoperatively, subsequently achieving equal stability and range of motion when compared with the opposite limb. He was back to competitive sports at 6 months.     

应用自体半腱肌重建膝关节内侧副韧带损伤12例

目的观察自体半腱肌重建膝关节内侧副韧带损伤的效果。方法对12例膝关节内侧副韧带损伤行膝关节检查,发现伴随有外侧半月板损伤2例,行半月板部分切除,前、后交叉韧带损伤各1例,选择骨-腱-骨重建前、后交叉韧带。胫骨内侧鹅足肌腱部位游离半腱肌进行内侧副韧带重建术。结果12例手术后伤口Ⅰ期愈合。6个月内10例膝关节稳定,应力位拍片内侧比健侧张开均<5mm,挤压螺钉位置良好。11例关节屈曲0°～120°,1例伴股骨外髁骨折者关节活动度90°。结论自体半腱肌移植重建内侧副韧带损伤能提供足够的张力,达到坚强固定和关节囊缝合目的。     

关节镜辅助下解剖重建内侧髌股韧带治疗习惯性髌骨脱位

目的 :观察内侧髌股韧带重建术治疗习惯性髌骨脱位的疗效。方法 :回顾性分析2009年6月至2014年12月25例习惯性髌骨脱位患者在关节镜辅助下行内侧髌股韧带重建术的临床资料,其中男10例,女15例;平均年龄18.4岁(15~25岁);术前有运动外伤史15例,慢性损伤史7例,无明显诱因3例;左膝11例,右膝14例;脱位次数3~10次。术后进行相应的功能锻炼。依据膝关节活动度、Lysholm评分、Kujala评分、Insall评定法以及髌骨恐惧试验、髌骨研磨试验对术后临床效果进行评价。结果:25例均获得随访,时间12~48个月,平均24.8个月。术后所有患者切口愈合良好,无感染、再脱位等相关并发症。末次随访时患者膝关节活动度(122.60±5.42)°,高于术前的(105.40±5.93)°;Lysholm评分91.44±5.53,高于术前的64.12±7.49;Kujala评分92.44±2.69,高于术前的57.88±5.10;Insall评定法评定优19例,良5例,可1例。结论:关节镜辅助下解剖重建内侧髌股韧带治疗习惯性髌骨脱位疗效确切,有助于临床症状的缓解和膝关节功能的改善。     

Characterization of the intrinsic properties of the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament cells: an in vitro cell culture study.

The poor healing abilities of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in contrast to those of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) are well known. Different intrinsic properties of the constituent cells of these ligaments have been proposed to be one of the factors in the differential repair mechanisms. To examine this hypothesis, we have established primary cell lines of ACL and MCL from the tissue explants of approximately similar dimensions and have studied their behavior in vitro. The outgrowth of cells from ACL explants was slower than from MCL explants, as shown by the size of the surrounding clusters of cells. Both ACL and MCL cultures exhibited typical fibroblastic morphology. No significant differences were observed in either attachment or growth of cells from the attached explants derived from various segments of ACL and MCL. Growth curves of ACL and MCL cultures at both passage numbers 2 and 6 showed a slower rate of proliferation of ACL cells than MCL cells (p less than 0.005). DNA synthesis measured in terms of [3H]thymidine incorporation (CPM/10(3) cells) of both log phase (ACL = 607.5 +/- 5.4 vs. MCL = 1356.4 +/- 11.3) and confluent (ACL = 83.0 +/- 3.6 vs. MCL = 189.8 +/- 5.4) cultures, supports the conclusion that differential proliferation rates of these cells exist in culture. FITC-phalloidin staining (for actin) of later passage cultures (P3-P5) showed a spread-out appearance of ACL cells and an elongated appearance of MCL cells. Relatively more stress fibers were seen within ACL cells. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis of cellular proteins revealed higher actin (43 kDa) content in ACL cells than in MCL cells. In vitro wound closure assay was performed by creating a uniform wound of 0.6 mm width in the confluent layer of ACL and MCL cultures. By 48 h postwounding, cell-free zones created in ACL cultures were occupied partially by single cells in a nonconfluent fashion. In contrast, the wounded zone in the MCL cultures was almost completely covered by the cells. Results presented in this report demonstrate a lower proliferation and migration potential of ACL cells in comparison with MCL cells. These differences in intrinsic properties of ACL and MCL cells that were observed in vitro might contribute to the differential healing potentials of these ligaments in vivo.