Correlation between the morphometric parameters of the anterior cruciate ligament and the intercondylar width: gender and age differences

The study was conducted on 50 cadavers (32 male and 18 female, aged 15–53 years; mean 34; SD 11) with intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), without diagnosed gonarthrosis of the knee joint. The following anatomical parameters of the ACL were measured: the length of anteromedial and posterolateral bundle, the mean length and the width of the ligament, the length and width of tibial insertion, the length and width of femoral insertion. The intercondylar width was measured at the level of popliteal groove. The width of male intercondylar notch (22 mm) was statistically significantly greater (P < 0.05) than the width of female intercondylar notch (18 mm). The width of the male ACL (12 mm) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than the width of the female ACL (10 mm). The length of the male ACL femoral insertion (14 mm) was statistically significantly greater (P < 0.05) than in the female ACL femoral insertion (12 mm). Accordingly, with greater width of intercondylar notch, men have wider ACL than women. ACL width is in positive correlation with the male intercondylar notch width but it is not in correlation with the female intercondylar notch width. The width of male intercondylar notch correlates with the length and width of ACL femoral insertion. Taking into account the length and width of femoral insertion in examined cadaver knees, double bundle reconstruction would theoretically be possible in 76% of cases.     

Anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the two-incision technique

This article describes the anatomical two-incision reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of knee. The major part of currently single incision tibial endoscopic techniques attempts to reproduce the most isometric anteromedial bundle of ACL. Often a relatively vertical femoral tunnel, respect to the notch, is drilled, which is not really efficacious in providing rotatory stability. The single incision technique was developed to obviate the necessity of the lateral femoral incision and dissection. This technical note describes a two-incision ACL reconstruction using an instrumentation, which avoids a large lateral femoral soft tissue dissection, and discusses the rational use of the two-incision ACL reconstruction technique.     

前交叉韧带起止点X线下定位的研究

目的研究X线下前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)起止点印迹在股骨髁及胫骨平台上的定位,为术中重建ACL制备骨隧道时提供参考依据。方法采集12例正常国人膝关节标本,制作标本后分别在股骨髁及胫骨平台将ACL起止点边缘用金属丝标记,标记后摄标准的正侧位膝关节标本x线片,使用X-Caliper测量仪在CR片上精确测量ACL股骨髁和胫骨平台止点的几何中心与CR片骨性标记之间的距离。结果ACL股骨侧止点中心在股骨干力学轴与其平行线之间(65．3±1．1)%处,在Blumensaat线及其平行线之间(78．1±1．0)%处。胫骨侧止点中心在正位片上位于胫骨平台(47．1±2．6)%处,在侧位片位于(43．9±1．7)%处。结论股骨干力学轴和Blumensaat线及与其平行的股骨髁切线结合更方便定位ACL股骨侧标记；X线下胫骨平台定位更为准确。     

Tibial attachment area of the anterior cruciate ligament in the extended knee position

Knowledge of the anatomy of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), including its course and orientation in relation to the roof of the intercondylar fossa, is a prerequisite for successful intra-articular ACL reconstruction. To attain precision placement of the tibial attachment site and to avoid graft/roof conflict in the extended knee position, we assessed the anteroposterior tibial insertion of the ACL in the midsagittal plane of the extended knee. We measured the anterior-posterior (AP) limits and the center of the tibial attachment area of the ACL from the anterior tibial margin. The inclination angle of the intercondylar fossa roof was measured with respect to the shaft axis of the femur. The tibial attachment area of the ACL was determined in ten cadaveric knees. Using the cryoplaning technique, we determined the tibital attachment of the ACL in five knees. Using contrast magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), we measured the tibial insertion of the ACL in 35 patients (23 male and 12 female) with intact ACLs. The total AP midsagittal diameter of the tibia averaged 51.0±5.8 mm in the cadaveric knees, 49 mm on cryosections, and 53.7 mm in men and 49.0 mm in women with MRA. The average anterior limit of the ACL, measured from the anterior tibial margin, was 14±4.2 mm in the cadaveric knees, 12.1 mm at cryosectional anatomy, and 15.2 mm in men and 13.4 mm in women with MRA. The center of the tibial attachment area was located at 21±2.6 mm in cadaveric knees, at 21.2 mm on cryosections, and at 23.7 mm in men and at 21.4 mm in women with MRA. The posterior limit of the tibial attachment area of the ACL was 29.0±4.1 mm in cadaveric knees, 30.6 mm on cryosections, 32.1 mm in male and 29.4 mm female patients with MRA. The roof inclination angle measured on average 39.8° on cryosections and 36.8° in men and 35.2° in women on MRA. Based on these morphometric data and to avoid notch/graft conflict in knee extension, we advocate placing the center of the tibial tunnel at 44% of the tibia diameter posterior and parallel to the individual intercondylar roof inclination angle.     

A new positioning device for precise femoral insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament autograft

Optimal anatomical replacement of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is essential for achieving knee stability. Several methods for localizing a correct center of femoral insertion of the ACL graft and identifying a center of the femoral tunnel have been proposed, including free-hand drilling with “eyeballing,” the use of tensiometers or isometers, fluoroscopic or radioscopic control, and aiming devices. We present a new positioning device for precise femoral insertion of the ACL autograft based on preoperative radiographic measurements (quadrant method) for locating the femoral ACL insertion. The aim was to find the best placement in the individual knee considering the wide variations among individuals and to decrease the likelihood of the surgeon making a mistake in localizing the optimal position of femoral insertion of the ACL. In comparison to other positioning procedures this method provides an exact preoperative planning of femoral insertion of the ACL and eliminates numerous sources of errors. Received: 3 March 1999/Accepted: 5 January 2000     

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with Leeds-Keio ligament in non-professional athletes

We report our experience using the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The study relates the results of the first 40 patients subjected to arthroscopic reconstruction of the ACL with a Leeds-Keio ligament, with a mean follow-up of 73 months. No associated peripheral procedures were carried out on any patient. The average age of the patients at the time of the operation was 31 years (range 26–35 years). The rehabilitation protocol followed by all patients aimed at resumption of sport 4 months after the operation. Clinical assessment included IKDC and the Lysholm scoring scale. The KT-2000 system was used for instrumented evaluation of joint laxity. All patients underwent a radiographic check-up. Clinically there were 55% excellent or good results when using the IKDC scale, while with the Lysholm score, satisfactory results were obtained in 80%. Complete post-traumatic rupture of the ligament was observed in three patients. No patient suffered an episode of either hydrarthrosis or reactive synovitis, which indicates good tolerance to the ligament. The radiographic evaluation of the operated knees showed a close correlation between the appearance of degenerative phenomena and performance of arthroscopic meniscectomy. The results achieved with the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament 5 years after application, although not completely satisfactory and inferior to those obtained with autologous biological ligaments, should be considered an encouragement to promote new efforts in this interesting research field.     

One-stage anatomic double-bundle anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the autogenous hamstring tendons

This is the first report of an anatomic double-bundle ACL and PCL reconstruction procedure with the autogenous hamstring tendons. We prepare two pairs of the doubled tendon grafts, to which a polyester tape and an Endobutton-CL are attached using our original technique at the tibial and femoral ends, respectively. Under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic observations, two tibial tunnels for PCL reconstruction are created so that they pass through the posteromedial and anterolateral bundle attachments, respectively. Then, we create two tibial tunnels for anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction so that each tunnel axis is aimed at a targeted point on the femoral condyle. Using the outside-in technique, two femoral tunnels for PCL reconstruction are created so that the tunnel outlets are located at the center of the anterolateral and posteromedial bundle attachments. Then, two femoral tunnels for anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction are created with the trans-tibial tunnel technique. After the two grafts have been placed for PCL reconstruction, the two grafts are placed for ACL reconstruction. After all the femoral graft ends are fixed, the knee joint is reduced to the full extension position, and then, the four tibial tape portions are simultaneously fixed with the turn-buckle stapling technique.     

Experience with the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Artificial anterior ligament reconstruction was very popular between 1975 and 1990. Recently, disappointing results have been published. We reviewed 68 patients who had received an artificial anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction 1 year and 5 years after their operation. The Leeds-Keio device was used as a scaffold. The ligament failed in 32 knees. This was arthroscopically confirmed in 20 cases. The other 12 knees were grossly unstable, with a reappearance of pivot shift, anterior drawer sign and high KT 1000. Generally, we found a marked increase in laxity over the period of investigation. Several biopsies were taken during arthroscopic examination of suspected ruptures. They showed lack of collagenisation and ingrowth.     

Intra-articular pull out of an interference screw after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We report a rare case of late femoral interference screw migration in the posterior compartment of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The graft was intact with no signs of damage. The screw was successfully removed through the posteromedial portal site and the patient regained full function of the knee.     

Intra-articular pull out of an interference screw after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We report a rare case of late femoral interference screw migration in the posterior compartment of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The graft was intact with no signs of damage. The screw was successfully removed through the posteromedial portal site and the patient regained full function of the knee     

Anatomy of the anterior cruciate ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of dense connective tissue which courses from the femur to the tibia. The ACL is a key structure in the knee joint, as it resists anterior tibial translation and rotational loads. When the knee is extended, the ACL has a mean length of 32 mm and a width of 7–12 mm. There are two components of the ACL, the anteromedial bundle (AMB) and the posterolateral bundle (PLB). They are not isometric with the main change being lengthening of the AMB and shortening of the PLB during flexion. The ACL has a microstructure of collagen bundles of multiple types (mostly type I) and a matrix made of a network of proteins, glycoproteins, elastic systems, and glycosaminoglycans with multiple functional interactions. The complex ultrastructural organization and abundant elastic system of the ACL allow it to withstand multiaxial stresses and varying tensile strains. The ACL is innervated by posterior articular branches of the tibial nerve and is vascularized by branches of the middle genicular artery.     

关节镜下应用LARS人工韧带同时重建前、后交叉韧带

目的 探讨关节镜下应用LARS人工韧带重建前交叉韧带(ACL)、后交叉韧带(PCL)同时损伤的方法及疗效. 方法 关节镜下同时重建13例ACL、PCL损伤的患者,重建材料采用LARS人工韧带.术后随访12～36个月,采用国际膝关节文件编制委员会(IKDC)韧带标准评价表和Lysholm膝关节功能评分表评估患膝功能,通过KT-1000检查膝关节前后松弛度.结果 术后无膝关节感染发生;均无伸膝受限,屈膝活动度105°～125°,平均117°.术后随访时IKDC评分:A类10例(77%),B类3例(23%).屈膝25°位KT-1000检查:双侧膝关节前向松弛度差异＜2 mm 12例,3～5 mm 1例;屈膝70°位检查:＜2 mm 12例,2～4 mm 1例.术前Lysholm膝关节功能评分为(63.8 ±2.9)分(49～69分),终末随访时为(91.1±2.7)分(88～95分),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01). 结论 关节镜下同时重建膝关节ACL、PCL是目前治疗ACL、PCL同时损伤的一种微创、安全、有效的手术方法,近期疗效佳.     

Avulsion of anterior cruciate ligament from femoral condyle: an unusual case report and a review of the literature

We report a rare case of avulsion of anterior cruciate ligament from the lateral femoral condyle and describe the arthroscopic management of such a case along with a review of the literature.     

Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in soccer

Proprioceptive training has been shown to reduce the incidence of ankle sprains in different sports. It can also improve rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries whether treated operatively or nonoperatively. Since ACL injuries lead to long absence from sports and are one of the main causes of permanent sports disability, it is essential to try to prevent them. In a prospective controlled study of 600 soccer players in 40 semiprofessional or amateur teams, we studied the possible preventive effect of a gradually increasing proprioceptive training on four different types of wobble-boards during three soccer seasons. Three hundred players were instructed to train 20 min per day with 5 different phases of increasing difficulty. The first phase consisted of balance training without any balance board; phase 2 of training on a rectangular balance board; phase 3 of training on a round board; phase 4 of training on a combined round and rectangular board; phase 5 of training on a so-called BABS board. A control group of 300 players from other, comparable teams trained normally and received no special balance training. Both groups were observed for three whole soccer seasons, and possible ACL lesions were diagnosed by clinical examination, KT-1000 measurements, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and arthroscopy. We found an incidence of 1.15 ACL injuries per team per year in the control group and 0.15 injuries per team per year in the proprioceptively trained group (P<0.001). Proprioceptive training can thus significantly reduce the incidence of ACL injuries in soccer players.     

Radiological method for preoperative determination of isometric attachment points of an anterior cruciate ligament graft

The purpose of this study was to develop a radiological method which would be preoperatively available to help determine the best graft placement (with respect to isometricity as well as absence of graft impingement) for all knees. The radiological method is described in full detail. We also present the most significant experimental work supporting our development. Firstly, we studied the path followed by radioopaque objects inserted in the mobile tibia around the fixed femur. Secondly, we compared the distances measured between selected femoral and tibial points radiologically (according to our method) and clinically (with a currently available isometer). The main results were: (1) every tibial point considered moves on an arc of a circle centered on a corresponding femoral point. We should then speak of pairs of isometric points instead of a single femoral isometric zone; (2) the more posterior the tibial point, the more anterior and distal the corresponding femoral point and vice versa; (3) the distance variations induced by rotation did not exceed 1.5 to 2.5 mm when measured either radiologically or clinically; (4) on the radiological and clinical measurements, the difference of length variations during flexion was also very small (mean 0.22 mm; SD 1.2 mm). We conclude that this very simple method allows us to find the femoral transition line for every knee (whatever its size, shape or dynamics). It aids preoperative planning in anterior cruciate ligament graft reconstruction.     

Treatment of limited motion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Limited motion or arthrofibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction causes significant pain and functional impairment. Based on physical findings and loss of motion compared with the opposite normal knee, classification systems for the diagnosis and treatment of arthrofibrosis have been developed. The operative techniques and preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation and management are discussed. Range of motion (ROM) problems after ACL reconstruction have been minimized by improved surgical techniques and perioperative rehabilitation programs. The most effective treatment for arthrofibrosis is prevention by delaying ACL reconstruction until the patient has a normal gait and full ROM and minimal swelling in the injured knee and by appropriate ROM exercises after surgery. Received: 13 October 1997 Accepted: 23 June 1998     

Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using two different suspensory femoral fixation: a technical note

We describe a novel double-bundle reconstruction method for ACL deficient knee. Grafts are tibialis allograft for AMB (anteromedial bundle) and semitendinosus autograft for PLB (posterolateral bundle). Femoral fixations are done by Bio-TransFix for AMB and EndoButton for PLB. Tibial fixations are done by Bio-interference screw for AMB at 60–70° knee flexion and secure the PLB and remnant AMB graft simultaneously onto anteromedial aspect of tibia at 10–20° knee flexion with spiked washer and screw. With our technique, graft lengths are not restricted and we provide strong femoral and tibial fixation if it is compared with previous techniques.     

前交叉韧带断裂的MRI征象研究

目的 研究前交叉韧带(ACL)断裂的MRI表现,探讨其直接征象和间接征象的产生机制及诊断价值.方法 本组男37例,女3例;年龄16～49岁,平均33岁.急性期断裂28例,慢性期断裂12例,均经关节镜检查和手术证实.采用1.5 T西门子MRI扫描仪,SE或TSE序列T1、12、质子压脂、medic和横断位、矢状位、冠状位多方位成像.组织3名高年资医师进行回顾分析,对ACL断裂的MRI直接征象和间接征象进行统计分析.结果 ACL断裂4|D例中完全性断裂35例,部分断裂5例.急性期断裂的28例直接征象分别为信号中断或不连续24例(86%),信号不均匀18例(64%),韧带肿胀增厚10例(36%);而慢性期断裂的12例分别韧带增厚11例(92%),信号中断或不连续9例(75%),信号不均匀7例(58%),其中韧带增厚征象主要见于慢性期的ACL断裂(P＜0.01).完全性断裂的35例中,28例(80%)发生在中段,上端、下端发生率低;5例部分断裂均发生在前内侧束.ACL断裂的间接征象中,后交叉韧带(PCL)"7"字变形34例(85%);半月板外露26例,其中外侧半月板外露16例(62%);骨损伤15例,其中胫骨撕裂骨折8例(53%);关节间隙增宽9例,其中78%属于慢性断裂;胫骨前移23例(57%).本组40例中,术前正确诊断37例,正确率为92%;3例部分断裂术前未能诊断,漏诊率为8%.结论 根据ACL断裂的直接征象和间接征象,结合外伤史,术前诊断比较容易.     

Complications of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: MR imaging

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using autografts or allografts is being performed with increasing frequency, particularly in young athletes. Although the procedure is generally well tolerated, with good success rates, early and late complications have been documented. As clinical manifestations of graft complications are often non-specific and plain radiographs cannot directly visualize the graft and the adjacent soft tissues, MR imaging has a definite role in the diagnosis of complications after ACL reconstruction and may direct subsequent therapeutic management. Our purpose is to review the normal MR imaging of the ACL graft and present the MR imaging findings of a wide spectrum of complications after ACL reconstruction, such as graft impingement, graft rupture, cystic degeneration of the graft, postoperative infection of the knee, diffuse and localized (i.e., cyclops lesion) arthrofibrosis, and associated donor site abnormalities. Awareness of the MR imaging findings of complications as well as the normal appearances of the normal ACL graft is essential for correct interpretation. Electronic Publication     

Mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in skiing

In the years 1980–1989, 78 patients with an acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture sustained during downhill or cross-country skiing were treated at the University Hospital of Tampere, Finland. In every case, the ACL rupture was verified at arthroscopy or open surgery. The injury mechanism could be clarified for 51 patients using a collection of pictures of the most typical injury mechanisms in skiing. Thirty-nine of them (76%) were women and 12 men (24%). In 32 cases (63%) the injury occurred during downhill skiing and in 19 cases (37%) during cross-country skiing. In 24 cases (47%) the injury mechanism was valgus-external rotation, in 21 cases (41%) flexion-internal rotation, in two cases hyperextension-internal rotation, while in four cases the exact mechanism remained unclear. The great majority of the patients with an injury mechanism of flexion-internal rotation were women (90%), and they were significantly older than the patients with an injury mechanism of valgus-external rotation (mean ages 44 and 34 years, respectively:P<0.05). According to the patients' subjective evaluation, the main reasons for the injury were poor ski area conditions (such als slippery slopes and trails) and deficient equipment, especially poorly functioning bindings. Many of them had had little skiing experience before the accident.