Donor-site morbidity and anterior knee problems after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autografts

The authors review the current knowledge on donor site–related problems after using different types of autografts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and make recommendations on minimizing late donor-site problems. Postoperative donor-site morbidity and anterior knee pain following ACL surgery may result in substantial impairment for patients. The selection of graft, surgical technique, and rehabilitation program can affect the severity of pain that patients experience. The loss or disturbance of anterior sensitivity caused by intraoperative injury to the infrapatellar nerve(s) in conjunction with patellar tendon harvest is correlated with donor-site discomfort and an inability to kneel and knee-walk. The patellar tendon at the donor site has significant clinical, radiographic, and histologic abnormalities 2 years after harvest of its central third. Donor-site discomfort correlates poorly with radiographic and histologic findings after the use of patellar tendon autografts. The use of hamstring tendon autografts appears to cause less postoperative donor-site morbidity and anterior knee problems than the use of patellar tendon autografts. There also appears to be a regrowth of the hamstring tendons within 2 years of the harvesting procedure. There is little known about the effect on the donor site of harvesting fascia lata and quadriceps tendon autografts. Efforts should be made to spare the infrapatellar nerve(s) during ACL reconstruction using patellar tendon autografts. Reharvesting the patellar tendon cannot be recommended due to significant clinical, radiographic, and histologic abnormalities 2 years after harvesting its central third. It is important to regain full range of motion and strength after the use of any type of autograft to avoid future anterior knee problems. If randomized controlled trials show that the long-term laxity measurements following ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts are equal to those of patellar tendon autografts, we recommend the use of hamstring tendon autografts because there are fewer donor-site problems.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 9 (November-December), 2001: pp 971–980     

Initial biomechanical properties of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction autografts

To provide more information to consider when selecting a reconstruction technique, we did a side-by-side comparison of some of the initial biomechanical properties of currently accepted reconstruction methods. Our research hypotheses were that a quadrupled, woven semitendinosus and gracilis graft is as strong as any of the other commonly used graft materials and that quadrupling and weaving the hamstring graft may increase the stiffness of the overall construct Using lower extremity cadaveric specimens harvested from young donors, we fashioned seven each of seven types of graft: 9-mm, 10-mm, and 11-mm-wide patellar tendon graft (PTG); 10-mm-wide central quadriceps tendon graft; doubled semitendinosus graft; tripled semitendinosus graft; and quadrupled, woven semitendinosus and gracilis graft. Specimens were stripped of remaining soft tissue, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) constructs were created for biomechanical testing. The tibia was translated anteriorly on the femur, mimicking a pivot shift maneuver, andfailure strength, failure mechanism, and construct stiffness were recorded. No differences in mean strength were detected. The quadrupled, woven graft was significantly stiffer than the doubled semitendinosus graft and no less stiff than any of the PTG constructs. All grafts showed similar and adequate initial absolute strength to reconstruct the ACL. Quadrupling and weaving the semitendinosus and gracilis graft increases the stiffness of the reconstructed specimen to a level statistically similar to that of specimens reconstructed with a PTG.     

关节镜下保留残端重建前交叉韧带的临床前瞻性对照研究

目的 前瞻性评估保留残端对于前交叉韧带重建临床疗效的意义.方法 2008年8月至2009年9月共70例有韧带残端存留的前交叉韧带损伤患者入选本研究组,随机分为保留残端组(n=35)和对照组(n=35).分别采取关节镜下保留残端重建前交叉韧带和切除残端的前交叉韧带重建手术技术,移植物均使用同种异体肌腱.术后随访分别进行膝关节功能评分(IKDC分级和Lysholm评分)、客观稳定性评估(Lachman试验、轴移试验和KT-1000测量)、本体感觉功能测量和二次关节镜手术探查.结果 70例患者中共61例(87%)获得随访,平均随访时间13.1个月.两组的功能评分无显著差异:Lysholm评分:保留残端组96.4分,对照组94.9分(P=0.71);IKDC分级中A和B级:保留残端组30例,对照组29例(P=0.586).两组的客观稳定性评估无显著差异:KT-1000测量的侧-侧差值:保留残端组1.69 mm,对照组1.65 mm(P=0.83);Lachman试验阴性例数:保留残端组29例,对照组28例(P=1.00);轴移试验阴性例数:保留残端组31例,对照组27例(P=0.225).本体感觉的角度重复试验结果无显著差异:保留残端组4.56°,对照组4.28°(P=0.522).二次手术探查时发现的移植物滑膜覆盖率无显著差异:保留残端组85%,对照组84.2%.结论 保留残端同时使用异体肌腱移植重建前交叉韧带,对术后膝关节主观功能评分、稳定性和本体感觉和移植物滑膜覆盖程度并无促进作用.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)reconstruction using the remnant-preserved technique.Methods From August 2008 to September 2009,70 cases with the remnant of injured ACL were included in the trials,which were randomized into the remnant preservation(RP)group and the control group,35 cases in each group.All patients in the two groups underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgeries,with ACL-remnant preserving technique in RP group and ACL-remnant resection in control group,respectively.The injured ACL was reconstructed with allograft in all cases.Postoperative follow-up assessment included the International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC)grading and Lysholm score,Lachman test,pivot shift test and KT-1000 measurement,proprioception measurements and the arthroscopic second look evaluation.Results Sixty-one(61/70,87%)cases were available for an average of 13.1 months follow-up assessment postoperatively.There were no significant differences between the RP and control group in functional outcome as evaluated with Lysholm score(96.4 vs.94.9,P = 0.71)and IKDC grading(cases with A and B gradings:30 vs.29,P = 0.586).Regarding objective stability,there were no differences between the 2 group in mean side-to-side difference of KT-1000(1.69 mm vs.1.65 mm,P =0.83),Lachman test(negative cases:29 vs.28,P = 1.00)and pivot shift test(negative cases:31 vs.27,P =0.225).There was also no difference between the groups in proprioception evaluation measured with angle repetitive test(4.56°vs.4.28°,P=0.522).During second look arthroscopic examination,the grafts synoveal coverage rates were found to be 85% in the RP group and 84.2% in the control group,without significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusions Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with the remnant preserving technique using tendon allograft do not improve the postoperative knee-joint function scores,stability,proprioception and synovial coverage of grafts.     

Factors correlating with recovery of quadriceps strength after double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - Recovery of quadriceps strength after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the criteria used to promote...     

Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The "Frankfurt rehabilitation regimen" following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is presented. ACL rehabilitation is discussed in the light of knowledge on knee biomechanics and proprioception as well as clinical results of reconstruction. Special emphasis is given to exercise therapy.     

LARS韧带重建前交叉韧带的近期疗效

目的探讨LARS韧带重建前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)的手术方法和近期疗效。方法回顾分析2008年11月-2010年4月于关节镜下采用LARS韧带重建并获完整随访的80例ACL损伤患者临床资料。男51例,女29例;年龄17～43岁,平均29.2岁。致伤原因:运动伤63例,交通事故伤14例,重物砸伤3例。左膝43例,右膝37例。病程10 d～11个月。前抽屉试验、Lachman试验和轴移试验均为阳性。术前Lysholm、Irgang、Larson评分分别为(55.4±5.7)、(48.3±6.2)、(54.8±7.4)分,国际膝关节评分委员会(IKDC)评分均低于正常值。MRI检查显示ACL损伤。术中保留ACL残余纤维束。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无感染、下肢深静脉血栓形成等术后早期并发症发生。80例均获随访,随访时间7～24个月,平均16.8个月。术后3例股骨侧螺钉外露,2例胫骨侧螺钉松动,1例伸膝受限,均对症处理。随访期间均无LARS韧带断裂、关节纤维化等并发症发生。末次随访时前抽屉试验阳性2例,Lachman试验阳性3例,轴移试验阳性3例。术后6周及末次随访时Lysholm、Irgang、Larson评分与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后6周及末次随访时IKDC评分正常率分别为43.75%(35/80)及97.50%(78/80)。结论 LARS韧带黏弹性较差,术中需要在偏伸直位固定避免屈曲受限,屈曲位允许移植物有轻微松弛,掌握其特殊手术技巧后重建ACL能获得较好的近期疗效。     

自体腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带后肌腱再生的MRI研究

目的应用MRI观察半腱肌腱及股薄肌腱取材重建前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)后肌腱再生情况。方法对2007年9月-2009年9月,52例采用单侧自体半腱肌腱、股薄肌腱重建ACL患者进行研究。男29例,女23例;年龄19～42岁,平均31.6岁。左膝34例,右膝18例。损伤原因:交通事故伤11例,运动伤38例,重物砸伤2例,其他伤1例。伤后至手术时间为6d～31个月,中位时间为11.4个月。关节疼痛19例,关节不稳28例,关节肿胀5例。股部肌肉萎缩(双股部周径差>1cm)7例,关节活动部分受限2例。浮髌试验阳性5例,Lachman试验阳性51例,轴移试验阳性49例,前抽屉试验均为阳性。膝关节活动度为(127.77±5.73)°,Lysholm评分为(52.40±3.45)分,国际膝关节文献委员会(IKDC)评分为(49.50±4.08)分。合并内侧半月板损伤23例,外侧半月板损伤6例,滑膜皱襞2例,游离体1例。结果术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合。患者均获随访,随访时间12～18个月,平均14.9个月。术后12个月时前抽屉试验均呈阴性,Lachman试验阳性1例,轴移试验阳性1例。膝关节活动度为(131.91±1.81)°,Lysholm评分为(94.98±2.77)分,IKDC评分为(93.65±2.42)分,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后12个月,屈膝90°抗阻力试验检查显示39例腘窝内侧可见绷紧的组织条带;MRI检查提示:10例半腱肌腱及股薄肌腱均有再生,29例半腱肌腱再生、股薄肌腱未再生,2例半腱肌腱未再生、股薄肌腱再生,11例半腱肌腱及股薄肌腱均未再生。半腱肌腱再生率为75.0%(39/52),股薄肌腱再生率为23.1%(12/52),总半腱肌腱和股薄肌腱再生率为78.8%(41/52)。结论半腱肌腱及股薄肌腱取材重建ACL后MRI检查提示部分患者有肌腱再生现象。     

Arthroscopy-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon or hamstring autografts

Isolated ACL reconstructions were performed in 138 patients between 1994 and 1998. Patellar bone-patellar tendon-bone, and hamstring tendon autografts were used in 88 patients, and allografts were used in 50 patients. Eighty-eight knees of 88 patients with autograft reconstructions (17 female, 71 male) were included in this study and evaluation of the patients with allograft reconstruction reported separately. The mean age at the time of the operation was 32 years. All ACL reconstructions were performed arthroscopically. Twenty-seven bone-patellar tendon-bone, and 61 hamstring tendon autografts were used. The mean follow-up was 29 months. In the postoperative course the Lachman test was negative in 62 patients, 1+ in 22 patients, and 2+ in 4 patients. In 17 patients, anterior drawer sign were 1+ in comparison to the contralateral side. Pivot shift test was moderately positive only in 5 cases in the bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring tendon autograft groups postoperatively. There were 3 patients with subjective "giving way" symptoms. Second look arthroscopy revealed rupture of the neo-ligament. Arthroscopic washout and debridement were performed, and no revision ligamentoplasties were performed. Two of these patients improved with accelerated proprioceptive physical therapy, and one had to decrease his previous level of activity. There were no cases of arthrofibrosis, infection, or extension lag. Clinical results of patellar bone-tendon-bone and hamstring groups did not show any significant clinical difference. Avoiding the disturbance of the extensor mechanism of the knee is probably the most significant advantage of the hamstring autograft.     

Comparing 2-year outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either patella-tendon or semitendinosus-tendon autografts: a non-randomised prospective study

PURPOSE: To compare the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions using either a patella-tendon autograft or a semitendinosus-tendon autograft. METHODS: Based on surgeon experience and preference, 68 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using either a quadruple-strand semitendinosus autograft (n = 34) or a central one-third bone-patella tendon-bone autograft (n = 34). Each patient was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, and 24 months using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee score, Biodex muscle strength and endurance testing, and the KT1000 instrumented arthrometer test of knee laxity to anterior translation. All assessments at the 2-year follow-up were performed by the same physician and physiotherapist. RESULTS: While ACL reconstruction improved knee stability and IKDC knee scores significantly, there was no statistically significant difference between semitendinosus- and patella-tendon autograft reconstructions in terms of long-term knee score or laxity to anterior translation. Semitendinosus graft reconstruction was associated with less donor-site morbidity and hamstring weakness. Meniscectomy was associated with poorer long-term knee scores. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction is associated with a significantly better IKDC knee score and laxity measurement at 2-year follow-up. However, we were unable to demonstrate a significantly better long-term outcome in knee score or laxity to anterior translation with either a patella-tendon autograft or a semitendinosus-tendon autograft.     

Accelerated rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Presented at the 15th annual meeting of the AOSSM, Traverse City, MI, July 1989. Address reprint requests to: K. Donald Shelbourne, MD, Methodist Sports Medicine Center, 1815 North Capitol Avenue, Suite 530, Indianapolis, IN 46202.To overcome many of the complications after ACL reconstruction (prolonged knee stiffness, limitation of complex extension, delay in strength recovery, anterior knee pain), yet still maintain knee stability, we developed a rehabilitation protocol that emphasizes full knee extension on the first postoperative day and immediate weightbearing according to the patient's tolerance. Of 800 patients who underwent intraarticuar ACL patellar tendon-bone graft reconstruction, performed by the same surgeon, the last 450 patients have followed the accelerated rehabilitation schedule as outlined in the protocol. A longer than 2 year followup is recorded for 73 of the patients in the accelerated rehabilitation group. On the 1st postoperative day, we encouraged these patients to walk with full weightbearing and full knee extension. By the 2nd postoperative week, the patients with a 100 degrees range of motion participated in a guided exercise and strengthening program. By the 4th week, patients were permitted unlimited activities of daily living and were allowed to return to light sports activities as early as the 8th week if the Cybex strength scores of the involved extremity exceeded 70% of the scores of the noninvolved extremity and the patient had completed a sport-specific functional/agility program. The patient database was compiled from frequent clinical examinations, periodic knee questionnaires, and objective information, such as range of motion measurements, KT-1000 values, and Cybex strength scores. A series of graft biopsies obtained at various times have revealed no adverse histologic reaction. The evidence indicates that in this population, the accelerated rehabilitation program has been more effective than our initial program in reducing limitations of motion (particularly knee extension) and loss of strength while maintaining stability and preventing anterior knee pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1992;15(6):256-264.     

正向、反向束间构型在前十字韧带双束重建中的临床效果比较

 目的比较关节镜下前十字韧带(anterior cruciate ligament. ACL)双束重建中正向、反向束间构型的初期临床效果。方法 2008年 4月至 2009年 8月.采用 8股自体腘绳肌肌腱双束重建 ACL治疗单纯 ACL损伤患者 97例.根据患者入: 时住: 号的奇偶数随机分成正向组(采用正向束间构型. 47例)和反向组(采用反向束间构型.50例).移植物均采用微型钢板纽扣进行悬吊式固定。术后患者随访期均超过 1年.根据 IKDC、Lysholm和 Tegner评分标准进行膝关节功能评估。结果术后随访 12~17个月.平均(13.71±1.32)个月。末次随访时.正向组 2例(4.2%)患者伸膝活动受限 10°.5例(10.6%)膝关节轻度屈曲受限(均<15°);反向组所有患者伸膝活动正常.4例(8.0%)屈曲受限约 5°。根据 Lachman试验.正向组 1例(2.1%)I度阳性和 1例(2.1%) II 度阳性.反向组 1例(2.0%) II 度阳性。 KT-1000(屈膝 30°.30N)双膝松弛度差异值正向组为(1.04±1.11) mm.反向组为(0.86±1.12) mm。按照 IKDC客观评级标准.正向组 46例(97.9%)正常或接近正常.反向组 48例(96.0%)正常或接近正常。根据 IKDC、 Lysholm和 Tegner评分标准.两组的差异均无统计学意义。结论采用 8股自体腘绳肌肌腱正向、反向束间构型双束重建 ACL均能有效地恢复膝关节稳定性.两组短期临床效果的差异无统计学意义。但反向束间构型能有效地防止移植物和髁间凹的撞击。     

Rehabilitation after hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

A prospective comparative study was conducted involving 62 patients to determine the effects and limits of accelerated rehabilitation on clinical outcome. The study focused on whether aggressive rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autograft results in stretching the graft. Thirty patients had postoperative rehabilitation according to the current conservative protocol, and 32 patients had rehabilitation using an accelerated regime. Each patient was evaluated subjectively and objectively 36 months or more after surgery. Concerning the side-to-side difference in the anterior laxity, 87% of the patients in the conservative rehabilitation group had 3 mm or less and 80% of the patients in the accelerated rehabilitation group had the same acceptable laxity. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Muscle torque was restored significantly earlier in the patients in the accelerated rehabilitation group than in the patients in the conservative rehabilitation group. Nine months after surgery, however, there were no significant differences in the torque between the two groups. Accelerated rehabilitation significantly increased the incidence of knee effusion during rehabilitation. This study showed that acceleration of postoperative rehabilitation could rapidly restore muscle strength without significantly compromising graft stability in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the doubled hamstring tendon autograft. However, this study also showed that acceleration significantly increases the incidence of synovitis. Acceleration of postoperative rehabilitation has advantages and disadvantages for clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.     

Intensity of physiotherapy after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison of two rehabilitation regimen

Background  

Rehabilitation is one of the most critical points after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the recent trend of low-cost, short-term hospitalization makes sufficient rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction difficult.     

Sensorimotor changes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The restoration of joint stability is unlikely to be dependent on passive properties of the joint alone, yet the effect of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery on the sensorimotor system largely remains unexplored. This study evaluated whether surgical reconstruction of the ligament had any effect on one indicator of sensorimotor function, hamstring contraction latency, which previously has been shown to be related to function. Twenty-five patients with unilateral chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency had measures of hamstring contraction latency obtained before and after (3 and 6 months) reconstruction. After surgery, the contraction latency difference was found to improve significantly (decrease) in patients who had a preexisting deficit. The mechanism for alteration in response time remains unclear, but an observed relationship between contraction latency and tibial translation supports a mechanical basis for the findings. It was concluded the sensorimotor changes associated with surgical reconstruction of the cruciate ligament may help to restore joint stability. The study highlights the need to appreciate sensorimotor consequences of cruciate ligament surgery.     

Muscle performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We measured muscle strength in 36 patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. Quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic strength was assessed during concentric contraction at 60 and 180°/s and was measured at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. At 24 months quadriceps muscle strength had recovered to approximately 90% of the level of the uninvolved side, both at 60 and 180°/s. In contrast, hamstring muscle strength had already recovered to approximately 90% at 6 months. Age, gender, activity level, and anterior tibial laxity did not affect the muscle performance. However, the recovery of muscle strength was delayed in patients with anterior knee pain.

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Résumé Nous avons mesuré la force musculaire chez 36 malades après reconstruction du LCA avec auto- greffe "os-tendon rotulien-os". La force isokinétique du quadriceps et des ischio-jambiers a été étudiée pendant la contraction concentrique à 60 et 180 degré/sec et a été mesurée à 1, 6,12 et 24 mois postopératoires. À 24 mois la force musculaire du Quadriceps avait retrouvé approximativement 90% de la force du côté opposé, à 60 et 180 degré/sec. Par contraste, la force musculaire des ischio-jambiers avait déjà retrouvé 90% de sa valeur à 6 mois. L'âge, le sexe, le niveau d'activité, et la laxité tibiale antérieure n'ont pas affecté la performance musculaire. Cependant la récupération de force musculaire a été différée chez les malades avec douleur antérieure du genou.

     

Rehabilitation after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Rehabilitation is an important part of therapy in patients who have had arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A well-designed rehabilitation program avoids potential graft damage and speeds up patients' return to their full function level. The course of rehabilitation depends on the type of surgery, mode of fixation and possible co-existing injury to the knee's soft tissues. The rehabilitation program presented here is based on the present-day knowledge of neurophysiological and biomechanical principles and is divided into five phases. In the pre-operative phase (I), the main objective is to prepare patients for surgery in terms of maximum muscle strength and range of motion. It also includes providing full information on the procedure. In the early post-operative phase (II) we are concerned with pain alleviation and reduction of knee edema. After suture removal we begin with soft techniques for the patella and post-operative physical therapy to reduce scarring. In the next post-operative phase (III) patients are able to walk with their full weight on the extremity operated on, and we continue doing exercises that improve flexor/extensor co-contraction. In this phase we also begin with exercises improving the patient's proprioceptive and sensorimotor functions. In the late post-operative phase (IV) we go on with exercises promoting proprioception of both lower extremities with the aim of increasing muscle control of the knee joints. In the convalescent phase (V) patients gradually return to their sports activities.