Classification of tibia plateau fracture according to the “four-column and nine-segment”

PurposeThe existing classification systems of tibial plateau fracture (TPF) are suboptimal for clinical use and academic communication. A more comprehensive and universal classification system with the capability to analyze all patterns of TPF is urgently required to guide the clinical practice. This study aimed to analyze the incidence and fracture characteristics of TPF using a computed tomography-based “four-column and nine-segment” classification.MethodsAccording to the differentiated morphological characteristics, tibial plateau and proximal fibula were divided into four columns, which were subdivided into nine segments. Tibia plateau injury index (TPII) was innovatively introduced to represent the extent of injury. A total of 698 consecutive adult patients with 704 affected knees were included (377 females, 321 males, mean age 51.6 ± 12.9 years). Fracture mapping was retrospectively analyzed according to the new-style classification system based on the CT imaging.Results371 (53.2%) left knees and 321 (46.0%) right knees were injured solely and 6 (0.9%) cases sustained bilateral injuries. The rates of one-column, two-column, three-column and all-four-column injuries were 30.5%, 31.5%, 28.0% and 9.9%, respectively. On average, 2.2 ± 1.0 columns and 3.6 ± 2.1 segments were involved, the mean TPII was 5.7 ± 3.0. The rates of mild, moderate and severe comminuted fractures were 50.0%, 37.5% and 12.5%. The most frequently affected columns were lateral column (572, 81.3%) and intermedial column (524, 74.4%), and the less frequently involved columns were the medial column (219, 31.1%) and fibular column (218, 31.0%). The most frequently affected segments were the posterolateral segment (465, 66.1%), anterolateral segment (453, 64.3%) and posteromedian segment (379, 53.8%). The least frequently involved segment was tubercle segment (85, 12.1%).ConclusionsThe novel “four-column and nine-segment” classification will be a beneficial classification system for clinical diagnosis, statistical analysis and prognostic judgment of tibial plateau fractures.     

Medial and lateral segond fractures in a skeletally immature patient: a radiographic marker for the multiply injured knee

Marginal fractures of the medial tibial plateau have been reported in the literature as a secondary type of Segond fracture. Some reports described this entity in the setting of combined injuries such as root avulsions of the medial meniscus, complete disruption of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and tears of the medial meniscus and medial collateral ligament. It has been postulated that medial marginal fractures are secondary to compression of the medial aspect of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau with a corresponding posterolateral corner injury. However, this mechanism of injury may not always be as straightforward.This article presents a case of an alternate injury pattern in a skeletally immature patient. A 16-year-old boy sustained a varus force and twisting injury to his knee, resulting in radiographic evidence of multiple avulsion fractures of the knee, including a fibular epiphyseal avulsion fracture and medial and lateral Segond fractures. Usually, the avulsion fractures serve as markers for significant ligamentous injuries in adult patients, but our patient had minimal injury to the PCL, ACL, and posterolateral corner. Further physical examination and imaging studies revealed an anterior horn root avulsion, meniscocapsular separation, and anterior cortical rim fracture. A combination of imaging modalities helped us further characterize the injury pattern to devise the optimal surgical plan, especially the fixation of the anterior cortical fracture of the tibia.     

膝关节后交叉韧带损伤的临床流行病学分析

目的:研究膝关节后交叉韧带损伤的临床特点及其分布规律.方法:回顾性分析2006年1月至2013年6月确诊的326例膝关节后交叉韧带损伤患者临床资料,将病例按损伤类型分组,对性别、侧别、年龄、受伤原因、受伤至就诊时间、合并损伤等因素进行分析,同时比较不同类型后交叉韧带损伤的个体化因素及合并损伤情况.结果:后交叉韧带损伤患者男性占73％,30～50岁是发病高峰(59％),患者多于伤后1个月内就诊(62.6％);受伤原因以交通伤为主(59％);合并损伤中前交叉韧带损伤最多(46.9％),其次为内侧副韧带(29.8％)和后外侧角(26.1％);后交叉韧带实质部损伤较止点撕脱骨折多,发生合并损伤的概率也较后者高(P＜0.05),受伤原因差异也具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);单纯止点撕脱骨折与单纯实质部损伤在发生率和就诊时间方面差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:后交叉韧带损伤以实质部损伤为主,合并损伤率较高,以ACL损伤最常见;止点撕脱骨折以胫骨侧为主,多由低能量暴力导致,合并损伤较少;实质部损伤多由高能量暴力所致,多有合并损伤;单纯止点撕脱骨折发病率较单纯实质部损伤高.     

Pure Varus Injury to the Knee Joint

A 30-year-old male was involved in a car accident. Radiographs revealed a depressed marginal fracture of the medial tibial plateau and an avulsion fracture of the fibular head. Magnetic resonance imaging showed avulsion fracture of Gerdy''s tubercle, injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), posterior horn of the medial meniscus, and the attachments of the lateral collateral ligament and the biceps femoris tendon. The depressed fracture of the medial tibial plateau was elevated and stabilized using a cannulated screw and washer. The injured lateral and posterolateral corner (PLC) structures were repaired and augmented by PLC reconstruction. However, the avulsion fracture of Gerdy''s tubercle was not fixed because it was minimally displaced and the torn PCL was also not repaired or reconstructed. We present a unique case of pure varus injury to the knee joint. This case contributes to our understanding of the mechanism of knee injury and provides insight regarding appropriate treatment plans for this type of injury.     

All-Arthroscopic Repair of Arcuate Avulsion Fracture With Suture Anchor

Arcuate avulsion fractures are very rare but present pathologic posterolateral rotation instability. Untreated instability may lead to overload of the reconstructed posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) graft. Surgical treatment and clinical results have not yet been reported to our knowledge. This study presents the case of a 45-year-old man with PCL injury and an arcuate avulsion fracture of the fibular head. The dial test was positive preoperatively, and magnetic resonance imaging showed an “arcuate” sign. The avulsed bone fragment was reduced and fixed with a suture anchor by an all-arthroscopic technique. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient had resumed all his normal activities, including sports. He scored 1+ on the posterior drawer test, and external rotation was 1° less than that in his contralateral normal knee. Compared with the values in the contralateral normal knee, the posterior tibial translation was reduced from 15.5 mm preoperatively to 6.3 mm postoperatively. The postoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans showed that the reconstructed PCL graft and the osseous fragment of the styloid process of the fibular head attached to the popliteofibular ligament were reduced. This technical note describes an all-arthroscopic reduction and fixation technique of arcuate avulsed fracture of the fibular head.     

A novel technique for preparing an allograft fibula for use as a transsacral graft as treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis

We describe a novel technique for preparing a fibular allograft for use as a transsacral strut with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) coring reamer for stabilization of high-grade spondylolisthesis deformities involving the L5--S1 segment in conjunction with instrumented posterolateral fusions. Over 4 years, 6 patients underwent instrumented posterolateral fusions from L3 or L4 to the sacrum or ileum plus posterior implantation of transsacral fibular allografts fashioned with an ACL coring reamer (Arthrex, Naples, Florida). No intraoperative complications were noted. At most recent follow-up (1-6 years), 5 of the patients reported no adverse events; the sixth patient reported prominent hardware, which was removed 5 years after the index surgery. ACL coring reamers seem to facilitate processing of fibular allografts so that they may be used as transsacral dowels for stabilizing high-grade L5--S1 spondylolisthesis deformities.     

Unusual combination of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture and Segond fracture: A case report

Introduction and importancePosterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture is an uncommon entity, but it poses significant morbidity to patient's knee and activities. A combination of PCL avulsion fracture with Segond fracture is rare and has not been described much before in known literature. In this case report, we present a rare case of a combination of these two injuries.Case presentationA 16-year-old cyclist who sustained left knee injury after a high-velocity fall while cycling. He fell with his anteromedial side of his left knee hitting the ground in flexion. After the fall, he felt excruciating pain and unable to bear weight. Examination revealed severe joint effusion, tenderness on posterior and lateral side of the left knee, no vascular injury and neurological deficit present. Radiographic examination revealed PCL avulsion fracture and Segond fracture. Five days after the injury, the avulsed PCL fragment and the lateral tibial plateau fragment were reduced and fixed with 3.5 mm cortical screw and washers. On the follow up, the patient stated that there is no pain on weightbearing position and after evaluated with Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the result is 90%.Clinical discussionAlthough the combination of PCL avulsion fracture and Segond fracture is rare, this pattern of injury could happen and could be considered when evaluating knee injuries.ConclusionBoth fractures need to be addressed and managed adequately to restore knee stability and prevent early joint degeneration.     

胫骨平台外侧缘撕脱骨折的特点及临床诊治分析

目的 :探讨膝关节损伤中胫骨平台外侧缘撕脱骨折的特点及临床诊治。方法 :自2011年1月至2015年12月运用关节镜技术微创治疗关节内损伤结合双锚钉内固定胫骨平台外侧缘撕脱骨折29例,男17例,女12例;年龄27~62岁,平均41岁。20例合并前交叉韧带断裂(包含前交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折),3例合并后交叉韧带断裂,1例同时合并前交叉韧带和后交叉韧带断裂,3例合并侧副韧带撕裂,2例合并胫骨平台骨折(内侧平台骨折和外侧平台骨折各1例)。术前均行X线、CT及MRI检查明确诊断,在受伤后5~14 d进行手术,平均7 d。采用Lysholm膝关节评分对膝关节术前、术后功能进行评价。结果:手术时间40~125 min,平均85 min;出血量10~30 ml,平均15 ml。术后所有患者获随访,时间12~18个月,平均14个月。Lysholm膝关节评分由术前的52.0±4.2明显提高至术后1年的91.9±1.4(t=-49.24,P0.05)。抽屉试验、Lachman试验及侧方应力试验均阴性,骨折均骨性愈合。结论 :胫骨平台外侧缘撕脱骨折提示合并有膝关节静力稳定结构(关节韧带、关节囊、半月板等)的损伤,甚至关节内骨折。常规要行CT和MRI检查,建议行关节镜探查,防止漏诊,以使患者能得到及时、全面的治疗,为膝关节功能最大限度恢复创造有利条件。     

Proximal Tibiofibular Joint: A Forgotten Entity in Multi-Ligament Injuries of the Knee

PurposeThe proximal tibiofibular joint (PTJF) can be injured with the structures in the lateral aspect of the knee in a multi-ligament knee injury (MLKI) patient. Such injuries are scarce but require attention in the management of the complex MLKIs. The assessment and management of such injuries are not well described in the English literature. This study describes the frequency of PTFJ injuries, clinical assessment and functional outcomes of such injuries in MLKI patients.MethodologyThe data were collected retrospectively from the cohort from 2013 to 2018. The 84 MLKI were included in the study, out of which 9 patients had associated PTFJ injury. All the PTFJ injuries were operated by one single surgeon (D.S) which involves stabilization with K-wires (Kirschner wire) and fixation with 4 mm cancellous cannulated screw along with reconstruction surgery for MLKI in single stage.ResultsThe frequency of PTFJ injury in our patient cohort is 10.71%. Three patients out of the nine patients received Larson procedure apart from the fixation of PTFJ. At a mean follow-up of 13 months, the Lysholm score was 77.4 (range: 69–86) and mean modified Cincinnati score was 62 (range: 52–72). There was grade I posterior laxity present in one patient with PCL and PLC injury, one patient with ACL, PCL and PLC injury, and one patient with ACL, PCL, MCL and PLC injury at final follow-up. Terminal flexion of 15° or more restriction was noted in six patients. All patients were satisfied with the outcome.ConclusionEvaluation of PTFJ should be an integral part of preoperative as well as an intraoperative examination of MLKI patients. The fixation of this joint is of utmost importance for the reconstructive ligament procedures on the lateral aspect of the knee. The dial test used for the assessment of the integrity of PLC injury should have a prerequisite of proximal tibiofibular joint stability, otherwise, it can lead to erroneous assessment.Level of evidenceIV.     

Relation of the fibular head sign to other signs of anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. A follow-up letter to the editor.

The fibular head sign is a clinical finding that seems not to have been previously reported for the diagnosis of chronic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency (ACLI) associated with lateral rotatory instability of the knee joint. The fibular head could be palpated as a prominent bony lump, felt subcutaneously in the posterior lateral corner of the popliteal fossa. In a prospective study of 20 patients with ACLI, the mean age of the patients (15 males, five females) at the time of assessment was 26 years (range, 18-57 years). The left knee was involved in 11 patients, the right knee in the remaining nine patients. All the patients sustained their knee ligament injury in sporting activities except one patient who was involved in a motor vehicular accident. The majority of the patients had instability-related symptoms for more than six months. After history taking, physical examination in the clinic, and examination under anesthesia, and arthroscopy in the operating room of all patients, it was determined that there were 13 ACL injuries, four posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries, and three combined A/PCL injuries. All ACL injury patients had a prominent fibular head sign. Other associated signs included passive hyperextension of 10-20 degrees, and major anterolateral, and to a lesser degree a posterolateral, rotatory instability. The fibular head sign was negative in isolated posterior cruciate injuries and in combined A/PCL injuries.     

Posterior approach for arthroscopic reduction and antegrade fixation of avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament from the tibia with cannulated screw and washer

Avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a rare condition, and arthroscopically assisted reattachment of the surgical fixation of the fragment is not always an easy task. Only a few reports describe techniques for arthroscopic fixation of avulsion of the PCL.We report on a case treated arthroscopically with reduction and antegrade fixation of an avulsion fracture of the tibial attachment of the PCL with a cannulated screw and washer through an additional posterolateral portal. Postoperative morbidity was reduced, and rehabilitation was accelerated. Fixation with a cannulated screw and washer is technically simple and allows for stable fixation and immediate postoperative mobilization and pain-limited weight-bearing, even in cases of a comminuted fragment. The safe zone for an additional posterolateral portal and the technique for placing instruments and a guidewire to avoid neurovascular structures is defined.     

Ⅰ期关节镜辅助下修复重建膝关节后外侧脱位合并多发韧带损伤的疗效观察

目的：评估采用Ⅰ期关节镜辅助下重建前后交叉韧带（ACL/PCL）及修复膝后内侧韧带结构的方法,治疗膝关节后外侧脱位的临床效果.方法：自2008年3月至2012年8月,收治膝关节后外侧脱位22例.男16例,女6例;年龄20～53岁,平均30.5岁;运动伤8例,车祸伤5例,摔伤9例.前交叉韧带重建均使用自体半腱肌、股薄肌肌腱;后交叉韧带重建使用LARS人工韧带14例,自体半腱肌、股薄肌肌腱8例;膝后内侧韧带结构损伤行缝合修复17例,行自体半腱肌加强术5例;手术均为Ⅰ期完成.术后早期行CPM及主动活动训练.采用国际膝关节文献委员会IKDC分级及Lysholm评分评估疗效.结果：术后患者均获随访,时间11～56个月,平均39个月.术后膝关节IKDC评定：A级9例,B级10例,C级3例;末次随访IKDC评分89.6±3.1.末次随访Lysholm评分90.7±1.8,术后较术前评分改善.结论：关节镜下Ⅰ期重建前后交叉韧带及修复其他膝后内侧韧带结构,并辅以积极功能锻炼,能较好恢复关节稳定性,临床效果满意,是治疗膝后外侧脱位的一种有效方法.     

切开复位内固定治疗膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折病人围术期深静脉血栓的发生规律

目的探讨后正中入路齿状垫片空心钉治疗膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折病人围术期下肢深静脉血栓形成(deep venous thrombosis,DVT)的发生规律。方法前瞻性分析2014年1月至2017年12月收治的膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折病人58例,其中男48例,女10例;年龄为18~64岁,平均33.5岁。按Meyers McKeever分型:2型16例,3型30例,4型12例。所有病人均采用后正中入路齿状垫片空心钉固定韧带止点撕脱骨折块。分别在术前、术后进行双下肢静脉超声判断DVT的发生情况,分析其发生规律。结果14例(24.14%,14/58)术前发现DVT,其中远端血栓8例,近端血栓4例,混合血栓2例;术后DVT发生率增加至36.21%(21/58),其中11例远端血栓,7例近端血栓(其中5例为腘静脉血栓),3例混合血栓。7例术前无血栓病人中在术后4例出现远端血栓,2例出现近端血栓,1例出现混合血栓;1例术前为远端血栓的病人在术后变化为近端血栓;其中有50例病人术前、术后血栓未发生变化(37例无血栓病人,7例远端血栓,4例近端血栓,2例混合血栓)。结论膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折病人术前及术后血栓形成均以远端血栓为主,术后DVT发生率有所增加。使用后正中入路齿状垫片空心钉治疗膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折,可以获得牢固的固定,在术中暴露时应轻柔操作,降低对腘静脉的牵拉损伤,减少下肢静脉血栓的发生。     

Complications and outcomes of the transfibular approach for posterolateral fractures of the tibial plateau

ObjectiveEvaluate complication rates and functional outcomes of fibular neck osteotomy for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures.DesignRetrospective case series.SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsFrom January 2013 to October 2014, 11 patients underwent transfibular approach for posterolateral fractures of the tibial plateau and were enrolled in the study. All patients who underwent transfibular approach were invited the return to the hospital for another clinical and imaging evaluation.InterventionTransfibular approach (fibular neck osteotomy) with open reduction and internal fixation for posterolateral fractures of the tibial plateau.Main outcome measurementsComplications exclusively related to the transfibular approach: peroneal nerve palsy; knee instability; loss of reduction; nonunion and malunion of fibular osteotomy; and functional outcomes related to knee function.ResultsTwo patients failed to follow-up and were excluded from the study. Of the 9 patients included in the study, no patients demonstrated evidence of a peroneal nerve palsy. One patient presented loss of fracture reduction and fixation of the fibular neck osteotomy, requiring revision screw fixation. There were no malunions of the fibular osteotomy. None of the patients demonstrated clinically detectable posterolateral instability of the knee following surgery. American Knee Society Score was good in 7 patients (77.8%), fair in 1 (11.1%), and poor in 1 (11.1%). American Knee Society Score/Function showed 80 points average (60–100, S.D:11).ConclusionThe transfibular approach for posterolateral fractures is safe and useful for visualizing posterolateral articular injury. The surgeon must gently protect the peroneal nerve during the entire procedure and fix the osteotomy with long screws to prevent loss of reduction.Level of evidenceTherapeutic level IV.     

Surgical treatment of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures using a locking compression hook plate: A case series

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of tibial avulsion injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with a 3.5-mm locking compression hook plate (LCHP).MethodsFrom June 2012 to June 2015, 16 consecutive patients (10 males and 6 females, mean age: 38 (range: 19–57) years) presented with isolated tibial avulsion injuries of the PCL. We used a 3.5-mm LCHP and lag screws for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through the posterior medial approach. The operation time, quantity of bleeding, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, stability of posterior drawer test (PDT) results, and fracture healing time were studied to assess clinical efficacy. At the 12-month follow-up, a functional evaluation using knee range of motion (ROM) and the Lysholm knee scoring system (LKSS) was performed.ResultsThe data from a mean follow-up of 24.1 (range: 14–33) months from 16 patients were recorded. No neurovascular complications, incision infections, or delayed union or nonunion were observed. The mean operation time was 61.4 (range: 45–80) min. The mean quantity of bleeding was 41.6 (range: 25–66) mL. The mean bone healing time was 11.8 (range: 45–80) weeks. The mean VAS score was 1.63 (range: 0–3) after surgery. The average LKSS and ROM of the knee were 51.75±7.67 and 50.94°±10.19° before surgery and 92.75±5.46 and 127.75°±6.13° at 1 year, respectively. The outcomes were judged to be excellent for 11 patients, good for 4, and fair for 1 (excellent and good rates: 93.8% for 15/16). At the final follow-up (≥1 year), the PDT scores returned to normal.ConclusionThe results showed that 3.5-mm LCHP provided reliable fixation following ORIF of isolated PCL tibial avulsion fractures and was a safe, simple, and effective procedure. This procedure may reduce complications and improve functional recovery relative to those of other procedures.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-1900022920. Registered on 3 May 2019.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, Therapeutic study     

Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of tibial eminence fractures in adults

Proton density and T2-weighted sagittal, axial, coronal, and inversion recovery fat suppression magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences were reviewed in 21 adults (10 men and 11 women) with 22 tibial eminence fractures. Average patient age was 43 years (range: 19-62 years). There were 3 type I, 3 type II, 12 type III, and 4 type IV fractures. The average fracture fragment size was 21 x 23 mm, and the average displacement was 5.5 mm (range: 0-12 mm). The MRI disclosed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insertional avulsions in 20 (91%), distal posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsions in 4 (18%), intrasubstance ACL damage in 9 (41%), intrasubstance PCL injury in 3 (14%), medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears in 9 (41%) knees, retinacular injury in 8 (36%), posterolateral corner damage in 8 (36%), medial meniscal tears in 5 (23%), and 4 (18%) had lateral meniscal tears. Occult subchondral osseous injuries were seen in the posterolateral tibial plateau in 13 (59%) knees, anterolateral femoral condyle in 4 (18%), and posteromedial tibial plateau in 5 (23%) knees. Discrete osteochondral fractures were present in 7 (32%) knees. Significant osseous, cartilaginous, meniscal, and ligamentous damage was discovered in all patients. Based on these findings, we recommend MRI evaluation of all tibial eminence fractures to accurately detect all knee damage.     

前交叉韧带损伤:3.0TMR影像与关节镜对照分析

目的分析膝关节前交叉韧带损伤的3．0TMRI特征,并与关节镜手术结果对照。方法回顾性分析来我院行3．0T MR膝关节检查的36例前交叉韧带损伤患者的40个膝关节,全部病例经关节镜检查确诊。应用3．0T MR机（Philips Achieva型）,膝关节专用线圈,进行斜矢状位TSE T1WI、TSE T2WI、PD-SPIR和冠状位、轴位TSE T2WI扫描。前交叉韧带损伤分为完全断裂、撕裂（部分断裂）及胫骨端撕脱。将膝关节前交叉韧带损伤的3．0T MR影像特征与关节镜手术结果进行对照分析。结果前交叉韧带完全断裂MRI直接征象表现为韧带连续性中断,断端肿胀（21／25）,间接征象为交叉韧带过度弯曲、T2WI和PD-SPIR股骨髁间窝外侧骨挫伤;MRI与关节镜诊断完全符合率为84．00％。前交叉韧带撕裂（部分断裂）MRI直接征象为ACL矢状T2WI和PD-SPIR显示形态不规则、部分撕裂,ACL局部肿胀增粗,信号增高,仍可见连续存在的纤维低信号;MRI与关节镜诊断完全符合率为66．67％。前交叉韧带胫骨端撕脱MR检查直接征像为胫骨近端可见T1WI、T2WI低信号撕脱骨片（3／3）,ACL水肿、形态不规则,周围可见出血、积液,MRI与关节镜诊断符合率为100％。结论高场强3．0TMR膝关节诊断的多平面、多序列影像相结合可形成ACL立体影像观,结合临床能够有效诊断ACL损伤。     

Displacement of the common peroneal nerve in posterolateral corner injuries of the knee

We reviewed the relationship between the pattern of damage to the posterolateral corner of the knee and the position of the common peroneal nerve in 54 consecutive patients with posterolateral corner disruption requiring surgery. We found that 16 of the 18 patients with biceps avulsions or avulsion-fracture of the fibular head had a displaced common peroneal nerve. The nerve was pulled anteriorly with the biceps tendon. None of the 34 proximal injuries resulted in an abnormal nerve position. Whenever bone or soft-tissue avulsion from the fibular head is suspected, the surgeon should expect an abnormal position of the common peroneal nerve and appreciate the increased risk of iatrogenic damage.     

Arthroscopically assisted combined anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the multiple ligament injured knee: 2- to 10-year follow-up

Purpose: This study presents the 2- to 10-year results of 35 arthroscopically assisted combined anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) reconstructions evaluated preoperative and postoperatively using Lysholm, Tegner, and Hospital for Special Surgery knee ligament rating scales, KT-1000 arthrometer testing, stress radiography, and physical examination. Type of Study: Case series. Methods: This study population included 26 men and 9 women with 19 acute and 16 chronic knee injuries. Ligament injuries included 19 ACL/PCL/posterolateral instabilities, 9 ACL/PCL/medial cruciate ligament (MCL) instabilities, 6 ACL/PCL/posterolateral/MCL instabilities, and 1 ACL/PCL instability. All knees had grade III preoperative ACL/PCL laxity and were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with arthrometer testing, 3 different knee ligament rating scales, stress radiography, and physical examination. Arthroscopically assisted combined ACL/PCL reconstructions were performed using the single-incision endoscopic ACL technique and the single femoral tunnel–single bundle transtibial tunnel PCL technique. PCLs were reconstructed with allograft Achilles tendon (in 26 cases), autograft bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) (in 7 cases), and autograft semitendinosus/gracilis (in 2 cases). ACLs were reconstructed with autograft BPTB (16 cases), allograft BPTB (12 cases), Achilles tendon allograft (6 cases), and autograft semitendinosus/gracilis (1 case). MCL injuries were treated with bracing or open reconstruction. Posterolateral instability was treated with biceps femoris tendon transfer, with or without primary repair, and posterolateral capsular shift procedures as indicated. Results: Postoperative physical examination revealed normal posterior drawer/tibial step-off in 16 of 35 (46%) knees. Normal Lackman and pivot-shift test results were found in 33 of 35 (94%) knees. Posterolateral stability was restored to normal in 6 of 25 (24%) knees, and tighter than normal knee results were found in 19 of 25 (76%) knees evaluated with the external rotation thigh foot angle test. In this group, 30° varus stress testing was normal in 22 of 25 (88%) knees, and grade 1 laxity was found in 3 of 25 (12%) knees. 30° valgus stress testing was normal in 7 of 7 (100%) surgically treated MCL tears, and in 7 of 8 (87.5%) brace-treated knees. Postoperative KT-1000 arthrometer testing mean side-to-side difference measurements were 2.7 mm (PCL screen), 2.6 mm (corrected posterior), and 1.0 mm (corrected anterior) measurements, a statistically significant improvement from preoperative status (P = .001). Postoperative stress radiographic side-to-side difference measurements measured at 90° of knee flexion and 32 lb posteriorly directed proximal force were 0 to 3 mm in 11 of 21 (52.3%) knees, 4 to 5 mm in 5 of 21 (23.8%), and 6 to 10 mm in 4 of 21 (19%) knees. Postoperative Lysholm, Tegner, and HSS knee ligament rating scale mean values were 91.2, 5.3, and 86.8, respectively, showing a statistically significant improvement from preoperative status (P = .001). Conclusions: Combined ACL/PCL instabilities can be successfully treated with arthroscopic reconstruction and the appropriate collateral ligament surgery. Statistically significant improvement is noted from the preoperative condition at 2- to 10-year follow-up using objective parameters of knee ligament rating scales, arthrometer testing, stress radiography, and physical examination. Postoperatively, these knees are not normal, but they are functionally stable. Continuing technical improvements will probably improve future results.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 7 (September), 2002: pp 703–714