Augmentation technique with semitendinosus and gracilis tendons in chronic partial lesions of the ACL: clinical and arthrometric analysis

Most of the techniques described in the literature for the repair of chronic partial ACL tears, don’t spare the intact portion of the ligament. The aim of this study was to perform a prospective analysis of the results of augmentation surgery using gracilis and semitendinosus tendons to treat partial sub-acute lesions of the ACL. This technique involves an “over the top” femoral passage, which enables salvage and strengthening of the intact portion of the ACL. The study included 47 patients treated consecutively at our institute from 1993 to 1998, with a mean injury-surgery interval of 18 weeks (range 12–36). The patients were followed up by clinical and instrumental assessment criteria at 3 months, 1 and 5 years after surgery. Clinical assessment was performed using the IKDC form. Subjective and functional parameters were assessed by the Tegner activity scale. Instrumental evaluation was done using the KT-2000 instrument: the 30-pound passive test and the manual maximum displacement test were performed. We obtained good or excellent results in 95.7% of cases. No recurrences in ligamentous laxity were observed. We believe that the described technique has the advantage of being compatible with ACL anatomy, and enables very rapid functional recovery.     

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.     

Functional capability is enhanced with semitendinosus than patellar tendon ACL repair

The patellar and semitendinosus tendon autograft are the two most common techniques that orthopedic surgeons use to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It has not been established, however, whether either of these techniques provides a greater functional advantage to the patient. PURPOSE: To identify patients' functional capabilities after reconstruction of the ACL with a patellar or semitendinosus tendon autograft. METHODS: Forty male soccer players volunteered for the study and were assigned to three homogeneous groups: individuals who had patellar tendon reconstruction (N = 15), individuals who had semitendinosus tendon reconstruction (N = 15), and a control group (N = 10). All patients had undergone surgery 2 yr before this study and received the same rehabilitation training. The testing procedures included measurement of thigh circumference, maximal isometric strength of quadriceps and hamstrings, two- and one-legged jump, squat and gait analysis. Kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic data were collected. RESULTS: The patellar tendon group exhibited lower (P < 0.05) coactivation of the agonist and antagonist muscles around the knee joint during the squat movement and lower stabilization- and landing degrees during the jumps. Furthermore, the patellar tendon group had a shorter stance phase and reached the first vertical maximum later with the impaired leg while walking (720.2 +/- 15.6 ms vs 740.3 +/- 14.3 ms, and 24.3 +/- 0.64% vs 22.9 +/- 0.74% of stance phase), which was not observed in the semitendinosus tendon and control groups. CONCLUSION: Functional performance is compromised in patients who undergo a patellar tendon graft compared with a semitendinosus graft, possibly due to an altered activation of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.     

Single incision technique using an interference screw for the repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures

Various techniques throughout the years have been published on surgical repair of the distal biceps tendon foracute ruptures or for recalcitrant biceps tendinosis. The first report of a single incision technique to repair this tendon was in 1897 by S. Johnson in the New York Medical Journal. Since that time many different approaches and techniques have been developed. Interference screw fixation has been a reliable and well-tested method of tendon/ligament to bone attachment. There is a large body of literature concerning the various aspects of interference fit in the anterior cruciate ligament and proximal biceps tendon literature. Anatomic measurements, osteological analysis, and radiographic examination have provided information for the design of an interference screw that can be safely used in the proximal radius. We describe a technique using an interference screw through a single incision. We present two techniques for open tenodesis of the long head of the biceps.     

Diagnostic value of ultrasonography in partial ruptures of the Achilles tendon.

We evaluated 37 patients with surgically treated Achilles tendon disorders, comparing findings of preoperative ultrasonography with findings at surgery, to investigate the reliability of ultrasonography in diagnosing partial ruptures of the Achilles tendon. Discontinuity of tendon fibers, focal sonolucencies, and localized tendon swelling were positive findings suggestive of partial ruptures. We found the use of ultrasonography to be safe and reliable, with a sensitivity of 0.94, a specificity of 1.00, and an overall accuracy of 0.95.     

Long-term results after surgical management of partial Achilles tendon ruptures

Although Achilles tendon injuries are common overuse injuries in sports, the exact incidence is unknown, primarily as a result of varying definitions and diagnoses of the underlying pathological changes. Despite numerous studies of treatment of the Achilles tendon injuries, the longterm results are not well known. The results after surgical treatment of chronic partial Achilles tendon ruptures in 64 patients with a follow-up of 6 (1.5–11) years were evaluated in a retrospective study. The ruptures were divided into three groups: (I) proximal (more than 3 cm above the calcaneus), (II) distal and (III) combined (proximal and distal). All patients underwent an operation involving the excision of the devitalized tendon tissue and, in groups (II) and (III), also the excision of the deep Achilles bursa and removal of the dorsal corner of the calcaneus. The functional results were satisfactory in 43 (67%) patients and unsatisfactory in 21 (33%). The results were better in patients with proximal ruptures than in patients with either distal or combined ruptures. Males experienced better results than females. Post-operative immobilization in a plaster cast had no significant influence on the final result. Nine (14%) patients with either a distal or a combined rupture were re-operated on and in seven of them the final result was satisfactory. The conclusion of this study is that partial Achilles tendon ruptures are often difficult to treat and only two out of three patients can be expected to obtain satisfactory results after surgical treatment.     

Chronic Achilles tendon rupture reconstruction using a free semitendinosus tendon graft transfer

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes following reconstruction of the chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with large gaps (>6 cm) using free semitendinosus tendon graft transfer.

Methods

There were 11 consecutive patients underwent the above-mentioned surgical technique for the treatment of chronically ruptured Achilles tendon contributed in current study and were followed up prospectively for a mean of 25 ± 3 months. The intraoperative tendon defect was greater than 6 cm in all of the patients. Functional and clinical assessment was performed using The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS).

Results

The average AOFAS and ATRS improved significantly from 70 ± 5 and 32 ± 6 preoperatively, to 92 ± 5 and 89 ± 4 points post-operatively (P = 0.001). The range of dorsiflexion was significantly limited on the operated side (13 ± 4° vs. 17 ± 4°) (P = 0.04). All patients were able to stand on the tiptoe of injured leg, and no patient walked with a visible limp. Post-operative complications included one patient with symptomatic DVT and 2 patients with superficial infection treated nonoperatively.

Conclusions

The technique offers good clinical and functional outcomes and is safe. Reconstruction of the chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with free semitendinosus tendon graft in patients with defects greater than 6 cm is recommended.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Reconstruction of the ACL with a semitendinosus tendon graft: a prospective randomized single blinded comparison of double-bundle versus single-bundle technique in male athletes

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in double-bundle technique is advocated to more closely restore the anatomy and function of the native ligament than conventional single-bundle technique. But up to now there are only a few clinical investigations comparing both techniques in a prospective manner. We hypothesized that double-bundle ACL reconstruction reveals superior clinical and subjective results compared to single-bundle technique in a high-demand collective. A total of 50 male patients (mean age 29.4 years) were prospectively randomized consecutively into one of the two reconstruction techniques. Group 1 (SB) underwent a 4-stranded single-bundle reconstruction with a ST graft in femoral position at 10:00 and 02:00 o’clock, respectively. In group 2 (DB), reconstruction was performed by using a 2-stranded ST graft with double-bundle, four tunnel technique. Before surgery and at a 2 year follow-up (range 23–25 months) patients were evaluated by the same blinded observer. There was no significant difference in the side-to-side anterior laxity-measurement with the KT-1000 between both groups. As evaluated by the pivot shift, no significant correlation could be noted (Fisher exact test P = 0.098) between rotational stability and any of the both reconstruction techniques. However, the anterior and rotational stability improved significantly at 2-year follow-up compared to preoperatively (P = 0.003) in both groups. The statistical analysis showed a significant increase for the IKDC (subjective, objective) and the Lysholm Score at final follow-up among each single technique, while we found no significant difference between the two reconstruction methods. On the basis of our investigation, we conclude that reconstruction of the ACL by a double-bundle ST graft with an extracortical anchorage can achieve excellent clinical results. But in contrast to our initial hypothesis, we could not quote any significant advantages by creating two independent bundles. Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in conventional single-bundle technique with a more horizontal femoral tunnel placement obtains comparable clinical results in the present high-demand collective.     

Arthroscopic evaluation of ACL grafts reconstructed with the anatomical two-bundle technique using hamstring tendon autograft

This article describes second-look arthroscopic evaluation of the transplanted grafts after anatomical two-bundle ACL reconstruction, which had been performed between December 2000 and March 2004. Using two double-looped semitendinosus tendon grafts via separate femoral and tibial tunnels in the anatomical ACL footprints, 65 patients (mean age of 24 years) underwent anatomical two-bundle ACL reconstruction. The evaluation was performed for those who had undergone the procedure 5–29 months (mean 16.5) previously, with emphasis on graft tension and the presence of graft damage by meticulous probing. None of the anteromedial (AM) grafts showed rupture, while 11% of the posterolateral (PL) grafts showed substantial damage around the femoral tunnel aperture. Both the AM and PL grafts were evaluated as lax without apparent graft rupture in 9% of the knees. These results suggest that the currently performed anatomical two-bundle ACL reconstruction and postoperative regimen still remain to be improved to achieve better postoperative graft morphology.     

Revision ACL reconstruction using autogenous patellar tendon graft

This retrospective study examined revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a bone-tendon-bone autograft of the patellar ligament. We followed up 44 patients (mean age 27.9 years) for an average of 41.2 months. Clinical examination with the Lachmann and pivot shift tests showed clearly improved stability; KT-1000 arthrometer measurements had a mean difference of 3.5 mm in side-to-side comparison. The evaluated knee scores were significantly improved (P<0.01); the median Lysholm score was 85 and the median Tegner activity score 5.0 at follow-up. In the IKDC ranking system 75.0% of knees were rated normal or nearly normal (grades A and B). According to a modified Fairbank scale, progression of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis was noted in 36.4%. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in progression of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis between patients with major (grades III, IV) versus minor (grades I, II) lesions of the articular cartilage surface and between knees with versus without extensive synovitis due to previous synthetic graft reconstruction (P<0.05). Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using an autogenous patellar tendon graft shows good results with improved knee function compared to the prerevision status and is in line with various operative techniques described in the literature. Progression of osteoarthritis must be expected in patients with major lesions of the articular cartilage surface and knees with long-term extensive synovitis due to previous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using synthetic grafts.     

Prediction of semitendinosus and gracilis autograft sizes for ACL reconstruction

Purpose

The aim of this study was to predict the hamstring graft sizes prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery in adults by using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Fifty-one patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture were prospectively evaluated. Diameter and cross-sectional areas of the gracilis and the semitendinosus tendons at two different levels were measured separately by preoperative MRI. In surgery, harvested gracilis and semitendinosus tendons were measured individually (2-stranded) and together (4-stranded) by using a graft sizing block. Radiological and operative sizes of the grafts were compared by Pearson’s correlation test. ROC analysis was done to determine a possible cutoff value for the preoperative measurements.

Results

There were statistically significant correlations between the MR cross-sectional areas of gracilis, semitendinosus, gracilis?+?semitendinosus and intraoperative graft sizes of 2-stranded gracilis, 2-stranded semitendinosus and 4-stranded gracilis?+?semitendinosus tendons [P?Conclusion Cross-sectional areas of the hamstring tendons in MR images can be used to estimate the sizes of hamstring grafts prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery which may be very helpful to predict possible graft insufficiencies and take precautions if needed.

Level of evidence

Level IV.     

Repair of chronic ruptures of the distal biceps tendon using flexor carpi radialis tendon graft

Five patients with chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures underwent tendon repair using double-looped flexor carpi radialis tendon graft. Fixation was performed with suture anchors through a single anterior incision. All patients had excellent functional results at a minimum 2-year follow-up.     

Regeneration of the semitendinosus tendon harvested for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Evaluation using ultrasonography

In a prospective study, 40 consecutive patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autografts were examined pre- and postoperatively by ultrasound to investigate the anatomy of the donor site before and after the harvest of the tendons. The patients underwent ultrasonography at 2 weeks and 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. A total of 298 postoperative sonographic evaluations were performed. The semitendinosus tendon was imaged in the sagittal and axial planes: structure and margins were evaluated with the sagittal views; thickness and width were measured with the axial views. In all cases the following sequence of healing was documented: 2 weeks after surgery the semitendinosus tendon site was occupied by an area of increased thickness and decreased echogenicity, suggesting the presence of traumatic edema of the soft tissue surrounding the tenotomy. At 1 month, an irregular hypoechoic structure appeared in a near-anatomic position; at 2 months after surgery, thickness, width, and cross-sectional area of this structure were significantly greater than preoperatively. The amount of regenerated tissue increased up to that seen in the tissue of the 6-month examinations, which also showed a more uniform echostructure. The scans performed at 1 year showed distinct edges and reduction in thickness and width. At 18 and 24 months the echogenicity of the structure occupying the donor site was very similar to that of the normal semitendinosus tendon. However, this structure was clearly identified about 4 cm proximal to the pes anserinus, revealing a more proximal insertion of the regenerated semitendinosus tendon.     

Soft-tissue radiography, computed tomography, and ultrasonography of partial Achilles tendon ruptures

Ultrasonography (US) was compared with soft-tissue radiography (STR) and computed tomography (CT) for demonstration of partial Achilles tendon ruptures. Thirty-nine patients suffering from chronic localized painful Achilles tendon swelling were examined. The patients had all undergone a previous clinical examination, resulting in a suspicion of a non-healed partial tear in 62 out of the 78 tendons. STR showed unspecific tendon pathology such as thickening and diffuse tendon margins. CT resulted in a better delineation of intra- as well as extratendinous abnormalities compared to STR. Various pathologic changes were seen on CT in 54 tendons and in 29 of these, localized intratendinous hypodensities indicated partial ruptures. At US, abnormal changes were observed in 69 tendons, of which 54 had discontinuity of tendon fibers, focal hypoechoic areas, and localized swelling indicating partial ruptures. In 9 cases with surgically proven partial ruptures, US was correct in all cases, while CT was false-negative in 3. STR only showed localized swelling. It was concluded that US was a better method than STR and CT for the detection of partial ruptures and the US findings correlated well with the surgical findings.     

Histopathological findings in spontaneous tendon ruptures

A spontaneous rupture of a tendon may be definied as a rupture that occurs during movement and activity, that should not and usually does not damage the involved musculotendinous units (1). Spontaneous tendon ruptures were uncommon before the 1950s. Böhler found only 25 Achilles tendon ruptures in Wien between 1925 and 1948 (2). Mösender & Klatnek treated 20 Achilles tendon ruptures between 1953 and 1956, but 105 ruptures between 1964 and 1967 (3). Lawrence et al. found only 31 Achilles tendon ruptures in Boston during a period of 55 years (1900-1954) (4). During the recent decades tendon ruptures have, however, become relatively common in developed countries, especially in Europe and North America. A high incidence of tendon ruptures has been reported in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA; somewhat lower incidences have been reported in Canada, France, Great Britain and Spain. On the other hand, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands and Portugal have reported a clearly lower incidence. Interestingly, Achilles tendon ruptures are a rarity in developing countries, ecpecially in Africa and East-Asia (5). In many developed countries, the increases in the rupture incidence have been dramatic. In the National Institute of Traumatology in Budapest, Hungary, the number of patients with an Achilles tendon rupture increased 285% in men and 500% in women between two successive 7-year periods, 1972-1978 and 1979–1985(5).     

Knee-flexion torque and morphology of the semitendinosus after ACL reconstruction

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to clarify the relationship between deficits in knee-flexion torque and morphological changes in the semitendinosus muscle-tendon complex after harvesting the semitendinosus tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Isometric knee-flexion torque at 45 and 90 degrees of knee flexion was measured in limbs of 23 patients (22 +/- 4 yr) who underwent unilateral ACL reconstruction (12-43 months postoperation) using ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were used to calculate the muscle volume and the muscle length of the semitendinosus and to confirm the presence of the regenerated semitendinosus tendon. RESULTS: The percentage of the knee-flexion torque of the ACL-reconstructed limb compared with that of the contralateral limb was lower at 90 degrees than at 45 degrees . The regeneration of the semitendinosus tendon-like structure was confirmed in 21 of the 23 patients. However, muscle volume and muscle length of the semitendinosus in the ACL-reconstructed limb were significantly smaller compared with in the contralateral limb. CONCLUSION: Deficits in knee-flexion torque at deep knee flexion were associated with the atrophy and shortening of the semitendinosus after harvesting the semitendinosus tendon for ACL reconstruction.