Isometry of the lateral collateral and popliteofibular ligaments and techniques for reconstruction using a free semitendinosus tendon graft

Injuries to the lateral and posterolateral aspects of the knee are likely more common than appreciated. If theseinjuries are not recognized and treated, they may result in suboptimal results when treating injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. The treatment options for injuries to the lateral and posterolateral structures include primary repairs, primary repairs with augmentation, tightening of existing structures, and the creation of structural restraints from the lateral femoral epicondyle to either the posterolateral tibia or the fibular head. Reconstructive procedures to the fibular head offer advantages over those to the posterolateral tibia in that they are more optimally positioned to resist varus and posterolateral rotations, and tissue from the epicondyle to the posterior aspect to the fibular head maintains near isometry through a functional range of knee motion. A free semintendinosus tendon graft can be used to reconstruct the lateral collateral ligament and popliteofibular ligaments with minimal morbidity. This procedure can be used as an isolated procedure or in combination with other reconstructive procedures or primary repairs.     

A prospective randomized study of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison of patellar tendon and quadruple-strand semitendinosus/gracilis tendons fixed with bioabsorbable interference screws

BACKGROUND: Debate exists regarding the optimal graft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Few studies have compared the differences in outcome after reconstruction using similar fixation methods. HYPOTHESIS: Similar outcomes will be seen after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadruple-strand semitendinosus/gracilis tendons fixed with bioabsorbable interference screws. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients were prospectively randomized to bone-patellar tendon-bone (46 patients) or quadruple-strand semitendinosus/gracilis (53 patients) reconstruction groups. The bone-patellar tendon-bone group had slightly lower preinjury Tegner scores (6.7 vs 7.1, P = .03); otherwise, the groups were similar. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using an endoscopic technique with bioabsorbable interference screw fixation. Patients were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: Forty-six bone-patellar tendon-bone and 50 quadruple-strand semitendinosus/gracilis patients were available at 24 months (97%). No differences in International Knee Documentation Committee grade, Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, range of motion, single-legged hop test, KT-1000 arthrometer manual maximum difference, Short Form-36, or patient knee rating were found. The bone-patellar tendon-bone group had better flexion strength in the operated leg than in the nonoperated leg (102% vs 90%, P = .0001), fewer patients complaining of difficulty jumping (3% vs 17%, P = .03), and a greater number of patients returning to preinjury Tegner level (51% vs 26%, P = .01). The quadruple-strand semitendinosus/gracilis group had better extension strength in the operated leg than in the nonoperated leg (92% vs 85%, P = .04), fewer patients with sensory deficits (14% vs 83%, P = .0001), and fewer patients with difficulty kneeling (6% vs 20%, P = .04). Both groups showed significant improvement in KT-1000 arthrometer manual maximum difference, Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, International Knee Documentation Committee grade, and patient knee rating score. CONCLUSIONS: Good outcomes were seen in both the bone-patellar tendon-bone and quadruple-strand semitendinosus/gracilis groups. Subtle differences were noted between the groups, which may help guide optimal graft choice.     

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament double-bundle reconstruction using hamstring tendon grafts-fixation with two interference screws: technical note

In this article, an original double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction technique is described. The procedure is developed using hamstring tendon grafts while maintaining tibial osseous insertion. Two tibial tunnels are drilled and a simplified and precise outside-in double tunnel femoral drilling technique is utilized. The graft fixation is made using only two interference screws.     

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.     

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.     

Internal and external tibial rotation strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using ipsilateral semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autografts

The internal and external tibial rotation torques of subjects who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafts were measured to determine whether harvest of the tendons results in weakness of tibial internal and external rotation. Cybex NORM dynamometer examinations were performed to measure internal and external tibial torque at angular velocities of 60, 120, and 180 deg/sec in 23 subjects. The sex-specific average torque data of the reconstructed limbs were compared with those of the contralateral limbs. Relative internal and external torque scores were calculated for each subject by subtracting the peak torque of the reconstructed knee from that of the contralateral knee. These relative scores were averaged and compared with the null hypothesis that each score should be statistically similar to zero. Subjects were evaluated at an average of 51 +/- 40 months postoperatively. The mean relative internal torque scores of the reconstructed limbs showed a statistically significant decrease from those of the contralateral limbs at all angular velocities. The mean relative external torque scores of the reconstructed limbs were statistically similar to those of the contralateral limbs at all angular velocities. Subjects who had undergone ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendons demonstrated internal tibial rotation weakness in their reconstructed knees compared with their contralateral knees at all angular velocities tested. These results suggest that semitendinosus and gracilis tendon harvest causes weakness of internal tibial rotation.     

关节镜下双股半腱肌重建膝关节前交叉韧带80例

目的　介绍关节镜下双股半腱肌闭合拉出钢板法重建前交叉韧带(ACL)手术操作及其技巧。　方法　设计应用关节镜下双股半腱肌闭合拉出钢板法重建ACL,对80例患者手术操作经验进行总结。　结果　本组80例完成关节镜下重建ACL手术,平均手术时间为80min。术中出现穿导针弯曲、断裂,微型器械断裂,微型钢板骨隧道内受阻等情况。本组病例平均随访16个月,除2例术膝轻度胀痛外,其余患者无主诉症状。所有病例感觉膝部稳定,恢复原工作。Lysholm膝部评分,术前(48±12)分,术后(92±4)分（P<0．01）。　结论　关节镜下双股半腱肌闭合微型钢板固定法重建ACL,手术效果良好。临床实践中应掌握手术原则,严格按手术程序操作。     

Simultaneous anatomic reconstruction of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments using a single tendon graft

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel surgical technique for simultaneous anatomic reconstruction of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments using a single tendon graft and to compare its biomechanical characteristics to those of a coracoid cerclage reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments.

Methods

Six matched pairs of human acromioclavicular joints with an average age of 54.8 ± 7.8 years were used. One shoulder from each pair received the single tendon acromioclavicular–coracoclavicular reconstruction; the contralateral shoulder received the coracoid cerclage reconstruction. Bovine extensor tendon was used for both techniques. The single tendon acromioclavicular–coracoclavicular reconstruction technique provided anatomic restoration of the two coracoclavicular ligaments and the superior and inferior acromioclavicular ligaments simultaneously using one coracoid hole, one acromion hole, and two clavicular holes with interference screws. Anterior–posterior and superior–inferior translations were quantified for all specimens before and after reconstruction, followed by load to failure testing.

Results

Following coracoid cerclage reconstruction, total anterior–posterior translation was significantly greater than intact (10.0 ± 5.7 mm; p = 0.008). Following single tendon acromioclavicular–coracoclavicular reconstruction, there was no significant difference in anterior–posterior translation compared to intact (?1.6 ± 2.2 mm; n.s.). The coracoid cerclage technique demonstrated significantly greater anterior–posterior translation than the single tendon acromioclavicular–coracoclavicular technique (p = 0.007). Both techniques restored superior–inferior translation to the intact condition (n.s.). Ultimate load, deformation at ultimate load, and energy absorbed at ultimate load were significantly greater after acromioclavicular–coracoclavicular reconstruction than after coracoid cerclage reconstruction (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This novel single tendon anatomic acromioclavicular–coracoclavicular reconstruction provided greater stability and stronger load to failure characteristics than the isolated coracoid cerclage reconstruction. A simultaneous acromioclavicular–coracoclavicular reconstruction technique using a single free tendon graft provided anatomic reconstruction of the conoid, trapezoid, and superior and inferior acromioclavicular ligaments and may reduce postoperative subluxation.     

A prospective randomized comparison of patellar tendon versus semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Seventy patients with patellar tendon or hamstring tendon autografts for single-incision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were evaluated at least 2 years after surgery. All reconstructions were performed by the same surgeon, and metal interference screws were used for fixation of all grafts. No significant differences were noted between groups for Lysholm score, reduction in activity, KT-1000 arthrometer findings, quadriceps muscle size, return to sports, or ability to jump and do hard cuts and pivots. Significantly more patients in the patellar tendon group had patellofemoral pain at 6 months after surgery than did the hamstring tendon patients (48% versus 20%), and at last follow-up the incidence of patellofemoral pain was 42% and 20%, respectively. Fourteen patients in the patellar tendon group and seven in the hamstring tendon group had loss of motion (approximately 5 degrees ). Four patients (two in each group) had treatment failures and their results were not included in the clinical examination data. At 2 years' follow-up, 97% of patients with patellar tendon grafts and 100% of patients with hamstring tendon grafts rated their results as good or excellent. We found that hamstring tendon grafts performed similarly to patellar tendon grafts, although fewer patients in the hamstring tendon group had patellofemoral pain and loss of motion.     

膝关节镜下半腱肌及股薄肌肌腱重建前交叉韧带的临床观察

目的探讨膝关节镜下前交叉韧带重建的方法和效果。方法回顾分析26例膝关节镜下应用自体半腱肌及股薄肌腱以界面挤压螺钉及Endobutton固定重建前交叉韧带的临床资料,对患膝关节功能进行评估。结果术后随访12-18个月,根据Lysholm膝关节评分标准,由术前（54．7±9．13）分提高到术后（86．6±6．97）分。结论膝关节镜下采用自半腱肌及股薄肌肌腱重建前交叉韧带的方法可行,疗效满意,可作为重建前交叉韧带的方法广泛应用。     

Biodegradable and metallic interference screws in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery using hamstring tendon grafts: prospective randomized study of radiographic results and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND: The use of biodegradable screws in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has grown in popularity. PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and radiographic results in arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using 4-strand hamstring tendon grafts and either metallic (metal group) or biodegradable (PLLA group) interference screw fixation. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A randomized series of 77 patients, all with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture, was included in the study. The preoperative assessments in both groups were similar in gender, Tegner activity level, Lysholm score, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, and single-legged hop test results. In both groups, interference screw fixation of the graft was used at both ends, and 68 of 77 (88%) patients returned for a radiographic examination at 6 and 24 months, respectively. RESULTS: At follow-up, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups in KT-1000 arthrometer laxity measurements, Tegner activity level, or Lysholm score. The PLLA group had a significantly better outcome in the single-legged hop test and the final International Knee Documentation Committee classification (P = .007 and P = .03, respectively). At 6 and 24 months after the index operation, the PLLA group displayed significantly larger drill holes on the radiographs than did the metal group on both the tibial (8.1 vs 6.6 mm at 6 months [P = .0007]; 6.0 vs 3.2 mm at 24 months [P < .0001]) and femoral sides (7.8 vs 5.6 mm at 6 months [P < .0001]; 6.3 vs 1.9 mm at 24 months [P < .0001]). CONCLUSION: There were significantly larger radiographically visible drill holes on both the tibial and femoral sides in the PLLA group compared with the metal group at 6 and 24 months. Clinical examination at 2 years revealed no major differences between the groups. The larger drill holes in the PLLA group did not correlate with inferior clinical results.     

Patellar tendon or semitendinosus tendon autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective, randomized study with a 7-Year follow-up

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the results after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using central-third bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autografts and triple/quadruple semitendinosus (ST) autografts. HYPOTHESIS: In the long-term, ACL reconstruction using BTB autografts will render more donor-site problems than ST autografts. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A randomized series of 71 patients (22 women and 49 men) with a unilateral ACL rupture who underwent reconstructive surgery were included in the study. The BTB graft was used in 34 patients (BTB group) and the ST-tendon graft was used in 37 patients (ST group). The patients were examined a median of 86 months (range, 68 to 114 months) after the reconstruction. RESULTS: Sixty-eight of 71 patients (96%) were examined at follow-up. The clinical assessments at follow-up revealed no significant differences between the BTB group and the ST group in terms of the Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation system, 1-legged hop test, KT-1000 arthrometer laxity measurements, manual Lachman test, and range of motion. A significant improvement was seen in both groups compared with the preoperative values in terms of most clinical assessments. Donor-site morbidity in the form of knee-walking ability, kneeling ability, and area of disturbed anterior knee sensitivity revealed no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Seven years after ACL reconstruction, the subjective and objective outcomes were similar after using the central-third BTB autograft and triple/quadruple ST autograft. Furthermore, no difference in terms of donor-site morbidity was found between the 2 groups.     

Comparison of tibial tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon autograft or allograft

This retrospective study was designed to compare tibial tunnel enlargement in patients with autograft or allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. The changes were related to position of the tibial tunnel and clinical outcome. Twenty-six patients with autograft reconstructions and 41 with allograft reconstructions were studied at a mean follow-up of 59 months (range, 41 to 84) after surgery. The average tunnel enlargement on the anteroposterior view was 2.2 mm (SD, 2.5) for autografts and 2.8 mm (SD, 2.1) for allografts. On the lateral view, the tunnel enlargement was 2.6 mm (SD, 2.4) and 3.4 mm (SD, 2.6) for autografts and allografts, respectively. No significant differences were found between the autograft and allograft groups. A trend was found in the correlation between the position of the tibial tunnel and the tunnel enlargement: more anteriorly placed tunnels had more enlargement. The changes in tunnel diameter did not relate to knee functional score or laxity. There was a significant correlation between malposition of the tibial tunnel and poor clinical scores. A significant negative correlation was found between postoperative follow-up time and tunnel enlargement in both groups. We conclude that placement of the tibial tunnel is a determining factor in tibial tunnel enlargement and clinical knee scores after anterior cruciate ligament replacement with an autograft or allograft. Tunnel enlargement tends to be less at a longer postoperative follow-up.     

Quadriceps tendon anterior cruciateligament reconstruction using the all-inside technique

The all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction places a ligament substitute arthroscopically in sockets ratherthan in tunnels. The sockets are associated with lower morbidity than traditional tunnels, and anatomic fixation provides for a more stable reconstruction. The central third quadriceps tendon is the autograft of choice, offering low surgical morbidity and a minimally painful postoperative course.     

Prospective evaluation of arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Patellar tendon versus semitendinosus and gracilis tendons

Eighty consecutive patients with chronic laxity due to a torn ACL underwent arthroscopically assisted reconstruction with either autogenous patellar tendon or doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. Reconstructions were performed on a one-to-one alternating basis. Preoperatively, no significant differences between the two groups were noted with respect to age, sex, level of activity, and degree of laxity (chi square analysis). A standard rehabilitation regimen was used for all patients after surgery including immediate passive knee extension, early stationary cycling, protected weightbearing for 6 weeks, avoidance of resisted terminal knee extension until 6 months, and return to activity at 10 to 12 months postoperatively. Seventy-two patients were evaluated at a minimum of 24 months postoperatively (range, 24 to 40 months). No significant differences were noted between groups with respect to subjective complaints, functional level, or objective laxity evaluation, including KT-1000 measurements. Seventeen of 72 patients (24%) experienced anterior knee pain after ACL reconstruction. Overall, 46 of 72 patients (64%) returned to their preinjury level of activity. Mean KT-1000 scores were 1.6 +/- 1.4 mm for the patellar tendon group and 1.9 +/- 1.3 mm for the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons group. This study did find a statistically significant weakness in peak hamstrings torque at 60 deg/sec when reconstruction was performed with double-looped semitendinosus and gracilis tendons.     

Regeneration of the semitendinosus tendon after its use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a histologic study of three cases

We describe the histologic course of regenerated tissue simulating the semitendinosus tendon in three patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. Specimens were retrieved during revision surgery for removal of tibial hardware at 6, 24, and 27 months, respectively. Resisted flexion during physical examination in all patients revealed a "string" on the posteromedial aspect of the knee that was quite evident, suggesting the presence of a regenerated semitendinosus tendon. At surgery, a well-defined fibrous band was identified about 3 cm proximal and medial to the pes anserinus, reproducing the pathway of the native semitendinosus tendon. In the specimen retrieved 6 months postoperatively, a prominent fibroblastic proliferation was observed together with a few vessels surrounded by fibrous tissue; only a few bundles of well-oriented collagen fibers were present, together with scattered rows of spindle-shaped cells. In both of the specimens retrieved 2 years postoperatively, all of the central, thicker portion of each specimen was occupied by well-oriented tendon-like fibers together with uniformly distributed spindle-shaped cells that had the appearance of mature tenocytes arranged in orderly rows. These findings help us to understand the progression of the healing process at the harvest site and the nature of the regenerated semitendinosus tendon, which has previously been investigated only by studies of clinical and functional outcomes and by imaging studies.