Treatment of full thickness chondral lesions of the knee with microfracture in a group of athletes

This prospective outcomes study was designed to prospectively investigate the outcome of the microfracture technique when applied to full thickness chondral lesions of the knee in a group of athletes. From 1991 to 1999, 109 patients were treated using the microfracture technique. We prospectively followed up 53 athletes who satisfied our inclusion criteria. Average age was 38 years (range 19–55) and mean follow-up was 72 months (range 36–120). Etiology, clinical signs, symptoms and activity level were noted preoperatively and at final follow-up. Lysholm, Tegner, IKDC and functional tests were utilized. Intraoperatively, location, size of the lesions and associated pathologies were recorded. Roentgenograms, MRI or CT scan were done before treatment and at final follow-up. Etiologic factors were mostly related to sports microtrauma (37.5%) and macrotrauma (21%), while 37.5% of our patients did not report any traumatic etiology and 4% showed patellar malalignment. The most common location was medial femoral condyle (61%). Knee pain and swelling improved in 70%, tibiofemoral crepitus in 60%. Hop test was normal in 70% at final follow-up. Subjective evaluation was 40/100 preoperatively and 70/100 at final follow-up. Lysholm was 56.8 preoperatively and 87.2 final. IKDC revealed: 0 A, 3 B, 40 C and 10 D preoperatively while at final follow-up 70% scored A or B. Tegner improved at 2 years from 3.2 to 6; however, at final follow-up 80% showed a decline in sport activity level (Tegner 5). Microfracture technique can offer clinical, functional and subjective improvement in athletically active patients. However because of the decline in sports participation over time, microfracture may not be the definitive procedure for the athletes knee and other procedures may be indicated in the future.     

Synovial hemangioma of the knee: MRI findings in two cases

The findings in two patients with histologically proven synovial hemangioma of the knee are described. Both cases emphasize the typical appearance of this unusual tumor on magnetic resonance imaging. Additional radiologic findings, such as adjacent osseous involvement, are discussed.     

Synovial plicae of the knee

This report describes the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical, and radiographic findings, and treatment of the synovial plicae of the knee joint. The suprapatellar plica is a synovial fold present in the suprapatellar pouch of the knee joint in approximately 20% of the population. This fold may become symptomatic after injury and cause symptoms similar to other common internal derangements of the knee. Double contrast arthrography of the knee can be used to identify the presence of plicae. Although arthrography can identify the presence of a plica, its clinical significance requires close correlation with symptoms and an accurate clinical examination.Presented at the annual meeting of The Association of University Radiologists Tucson, Arizona, March, 1980     

Synovial reaction and concentrations of proteoglycan fragments in joint fluid after intraarticular knee injuries

In patients with pathology to cruciate ligaments, menisci and cartilage and in some patients with symptomatic knees without gross intraarticular changes, proteoglycan fragment concentrations in joint fluid and inflammatory reaction of the synovium were related to the cartilage condition. There was a weak positive correlation between increased concentrations of proteoglycan fragments in joint fluid and the degree of cartilage degeneration, indicating higher concentrations in knees with more advanced cartilage destruction, but there was no correlation to the synovial reaction at histological inspection. However, in most knees the synovial tissue was infiltrated by inflammatory cells. Symptomatic knees free from gross intraarticular pathology showed similar synovial changes and concentrations of proteoglycan fragments in joint fluid as knees with intraarticular pathology and obvious cartilage degeneration. The complex process of proteoglycan synthesis, release, degradation, and clearance from joint fluid apparently caused the weak or absent correlations between this marker protein and the degree of synovitis and arthrosis stage.     

Giant synovial cyst of knee treated arthroscopically through a cystic portal

Synovial cysts are well-defined fluid filled cysts that can extend for a variable distance outside the joint space. These cysts can sometimes grow to a large size making its treatment challenging especially when associated with intra-articular pathologies.We describe a case of giant synovial cyst arising from the left knee and extending to the medial proximal calf in a 77-year old female who presented with knee joint pain, episodes of locking and calf mass occurring within 2 months of onset. Imaging studies also showed associated medial and lateral meniscal tears with medial compartment and patellofemoral osteoarthritis. The cyst was treated by disrupting the valvular mechanism using a standard posteromedial portal and complete excision of the cyst wall via a posteromedial cystic portal. The meniscal lesions were dealt with through the standard anterior portals. At 25-month follow up there were no signs of recurrence of the cyst clinically or with MRI. The cystic portal technique is effective in treating a giant synovial cyst of the knee even in the presence of meniscal tears and high grade chondral lesions. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Synovial haemangioma of the knee: a frequently misdiagnosed lesion

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the diagnosis and surgical planning of five cases of synovial haemangioma of the knee.Patients and Methods The clinical, radiological and arthroscopic features of five pathologically proven synovial haemangiomas of the knee were retrospectively reviewed.Results A diagnostic delay, on average of 8 years, had occurred in four of the cases. Plain films were unremarkable, except for one case with arthropathy mimicking haemophilia, Arteriography, performed in three patients, was normal in one. CT, performed in three patients, showed the lesion, but the extent of the latter was better demonstrated with MR imaging. Synovial haemangiomas had a high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, without any extensive mass effect. Fibrofatty septa within the lesion were observed in three cases and muscular and/or fatty invasion in two. Arthroscopy allowed diagnosis of the lesion in two cases, but showed only non-specific synovitis in another two.Conclusion This study emphasizes the valuable contribution of MR imaging in the diagnosis and surgical planning of synovial haemangiomas.     

膝关节软骨损伤的MR诊断及与关节镜结果对照

目的分析不同MR扫描序列对关节软骨损伤的诊断能力，为关节软骨损伤的临床诊断和治疗提供可靠的影像学依据。方法对临床拟行膝关节镜检查的膝关节疼痛患者进行术前MR成像，对MR图像进行二维和三维重建处理。结果与关节镜对照，34例膝关节软骨损伤患者的MR检查结果：脂肪抑制三维稳态进动快速成像序列(fat-saturated three-dimensional fast imaging with steady-state procession，FS-3D-FISP)敏感度为91．4％、特异度为97％、Kappa值为0．818，脂肪抑制二维快速小角度激发成像序列(fat-saturated tow-dimensional fast low angle shot，FS-2D-FLASH)敏感度为77．1％、特异度为98％、Kappa值为0．531，SE-T1WI序列敏感度为70％、特异度为99％、Kappa值为0．518。本组无明确急性外伤史的关节软骨损伤病例中有77．6％在病变部位出现与损伤软骨区相对应的软骨下骨及骨髓内片状T1WI低信号影，FS-3D-FISP及FS-2D-FLASH序列呈高信号。结论FS-3D-FISP序列对关节软骨损伤病变的准确性明显优于FS-2D-FLASH和SE-T1WI，与关节镜诊断结果之间具有良好的一致性。软骨下骨及骨髓内的异常信号是关节软骨损伤重要的间接征象。关节软骨损伤的三维成像有利于临床术前对重度膝关节软骨损伤进行立体定位诊断。     

关节镜下诊断与治疗滑膜软骨瘤病

1996－2000年对24例26个关节（膝、肘、踝关节）的滑膜软骨瘤病人施行了关节镜手术，22例24个关节获得平衡24．5个月随访，效果满意。所有病人都施行了镜下软骨瘤摘除术和病变滑膜切除术，仅有两个病人遗漏了2个游离体，无其它并发症。关节镜下游离体摘除和滑膜切除术是治疗滑膜软骨瘤病的良好方法。     

质子加权预饱和脂肪抑制序列对膝关节软骨损伤的诊断与关节镜对照研究

目的：比较质子加权预饱和脂肪抑制序列（PDW-FS）和自旋回波T2WI对诊断膝关节软骨损伤的准确性,探讨PDW-FS对软骨损伤的诊断价值。方法：对关节镜探查手术的37例45只膝关节,术前行MR检查,作回顾性分析,比较PDW-FS、T2WI序列诊断软骨损伤的价值。结果：以关节镜为标准,PDW-FS和T2WI序列的Kappa值分别为0.88和0.68,PDW-SF检查结果与关节镜结果一致性好。PDW-FS敏感度89.7%,特异度97.1%,T2WI敏感度79.1%,特异度94.8%,差异有统计学意义（χ2=4.50,P〈0.05）。结论：PDW-FS序列诊断膝关节软骨损伤的准确性优于T2WI,可准确地判断软骨损伤的范围和深度,为临床医生选择合适的治疗方案提供可靠依据。     

0.2-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging of internal lesions of the knee joint: a prospective arthroscopically controlled clinical study

The results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared with those of arthroscopy in a prospective series of 244 patients. A dedicated system for MRI of limbs and peripheral joints – the 0,2-T Artoscan (Esaote, Italy) – was used for imaging knee joint lesions. T1-weighted spin-echo sagittal images, T2-weighted gradient-echo coronal images, and axial views for lesions of the femoropatellar joint were acquired. Paraxial sagittal and oblique coronal views were obtained for imaging of the cruciate ligaments. This protocol allowed excellent visualization of the cruciate ligaments and medial and lateral meniscus in almost all patients. Compared with arthroscopy performed within 48 h after imaging, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were respectively 93%, 97%, and 95% for tears of the medial meniscus; 82%, 96%, and 93% for tears of the lateral meniscus; 100%, 100%, and 100% for tears of the posterior cruciate ligament; 98%, 98%, and 97% for tears of the anterior cruciate ligament; and 72%, 100%, and 92% for full-thickness articular cartilage lesions. The examination can be performed within 30–45 min at lower cost than diagnostic arthroscopy. MRI with a 0.2-T magnet is a safe and valuable adjunct to the clinical examination of the knee and an aid to efficient preoperative planning. Received: 13 October 1997 Accepted: 3 March 1998     

Arthroscopy in patients with knee endoprostheses

Remarkable advances have been made in knee replacement. Nevertheless, patients and surgeons still face unsolved problems following implantation of an artificial knee joint. In some cases arthroscopy may serve as a diagnostic or surgical tool. Our experience has shown that arthroscopy is helpful in diagnosing polyethylene wear, fractures of prosthetic components and loosening of the endoprosthesis. Moreover, surgical procedures can be synchronously performed, e.g. lateral release for complete or partial patellar dislocation, parapatellar denervation for retropatellar pain and resection of meniscal remnants or a synovial plica in case of interposed tissue. In contrast to knee infections, early prosthetic infections should be treated with an open procedure.     

Synovial chondromatosis of four compartments of the knee: medial and lateral tibiofemoral spaces,patellofemoral joint and proximal tibiofibular joint

A case of synovial chondromatosis of the proximal tibiofibular joint in addition to lateral and medial tibiofemoral spaces and patellofemoral joint has been presented.     

3T磁共振3D-FS-SPGR序列对膝关节软骨损伤的诊断价值

目的：以关节镜检查结果为标准,分析评价3.0T磁共振3D-FS-SPGR序列对膝关节软骨损伤的诊断价值。方法：对将要进行关节镜检查的50个膝关节进行磁共振多序列、多方位成像,包括矢状位FSE-T2WI、FSE-T1WI、FS-FSE-T2WI、3D-FS-SPGR序列及冠状位、轴位FS-FSE-T2WI序列。利用矢状位3D-FS-SPGR序列图像重建出冠状位及轴位图像。将磁共振检查结果与随后进行的关节镜检查结果进行对照。在MRI上对股骨内外侧髁、胫骨内外侧平台、股骨滑车及髌骨六个关节面关节软骨（共300处）进行评价。另外选取10名志愿者20个膝关节作为对照组进行MR成像,成像序列同患者组。结果：①在FS-FSE-T2WI序列上正常膝关节软骨为光滑的曲线状高信号带,在股骨内、外髁及胫骨平台表面关节软骨呈由表及里的高、低、高3层结构;FSE-T2WI及FSE-T1WI上关节软骨分层现象不明显呈中低信号;在3D-FS-SPGR序列上关节软骨呈明显带状高信号并呈由表及里的高、低、高3层结构;②软骨I级损伤在FS-FSE-T2WI上表现为低或高信号,在3D-FS-SPGR序列上表现为低信号,软骨分层现象消失;软骨缺损（II~IV级损伤）在FSE-T1WI上呈等信号,在FSE-T2WI及FS-FSE-T2WI上表现为高信号,在3D-FS-SPGR上表现为低信号;③3D-FS-SPGR序列对软骨损伤显示的敏感度为91.4%,特异度为95.9%,Kappa值为0.808（〉0.75）;FS-FSE-T2WI序列的敏感度为88.9%,特异度为96.8%,Kappa值为0.774（〉0.75）;FSE-T2WI序列的敏感度为75.3%,特异度为98.2%,Kappa值为0.548;FSE-T1WI序列的敏感度为64.2%,特异度为99.1%,Kappa值为0.444。结论：①FSE-T2WI、FSE-T1WI、FS-FSE-T2WI、3D-FS-SPGR序列均可以很好的显示膝关节软骨,以3D-FS-SPGR序列显示的最清晰;②3D-FS-SPGR序列显示膝关节软骨损伤优于FSE-T2WI、FSE-T1WI、FS-FSE-T2WI序列,为诊断膝关节软骨损伤的最佳序列。     

关节镜下治疗化脓性膝关节炎30例临床观察

目的 探讨关节镜下清理及术后置管持续冲洗术治疗化脓性膝关节炎的疗效。方法应用关节镜下清理及术后置管持续冲洗术治疗30例化脓性膝关节炎患者。结果30例均获随访,时间为12～24个月。患者均治愈,无复发。根据膝关节功能判断疗效：优23例,良4例,中2例,差1例。结论关节镜下清理及术后置管持续冲洗术具有创伤小、清创彻底、恢复快的优点,配合早期功能锻炼,是治疗化脓性膝关节炎的有效方法,有利于关节炎症的消除和膝关节功能的恢复。     

膝关节滑膜疝CT诊断

评估CT对膝关节滑膜迹的诊断价值和诊断依据。材料和方法：15例滑膜疝均作平扫加增强扫描，一般采用5～10mm层厚，兴趣区用3mm层厚扫描。结果：疝囊为有完整包膜的均匀低密度腔，囊壁和间隔呈中等度强化，邻近结构正常。结论：CT能对疝囊周围结构及关节组成骨进行较为细致的研究。     

膝关节滑膜树枝状脂肪瘤的MRI与病理对照分析

目的 探讨膝关节滑膜树枝状脂肪瘤(SLA)的MRI表现及与病理表现的对应关系,提高认识和诊断水平.方法 对22例(23个膝关节)经病理证实的膝关节SLA患者的MRI资料进行回顾性分析.结果 23个膝关节病灶均累及髌上囊,并可同时累及关节囊其他部位,增厚的滑膜呈“棕榈叶”状或“团块”状向关节腔突起,其信号可分为2种类型:Ⅰ型39个病灶,突起滑膜呈脂肪信号(T1WI高、T2WI稍高信号,抑脂扫描信号抑制),边缘强化,病理检查证实滑膜下大量成熟脂肪细胞;Ⅱ型14个病灶,呈非脂肪信号(T1WI呈中等稍低信号,T2WI呈中等稍高信号,抑脂扫描信号无抑制),增强扫描明显强化,病理证实滑膜下无脂肪浸润.结论 膝关节SLA具有特征性的MRI表现,反映了其病理特征.     

Internal derangements of the knee associated with patellofemoral joint degeneration

The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether internal derangements of the knee joint are associated with patellofemoral joint (PFJ) degeneration. Data were collected prospectively from 1,000 consecutive knee arthroscopies. Chondral lesions were observed in 854 patients, and these patients were included in this study. Patients details (age, sex, duration of symptoms, injuries, and possible mechanism of injury), operative details (types and number of portals, equipment used), intra-articular findings (articular, meniscal and synovial lesions, and stability characteristics) and procedures performed were recorded. Articular lesions were noted on anatomic articular maps of the different functional zones, using a system which presaged the current ICRS system. Using this zoning system, it was easy for the authors to separate the patients with isolated patellofemoral degeneration and arthritis and to do the statistical analysis. Increased incidence of isolated patellofemoral degeneration was noted in patients with synovial shelves, in comparison with patients without shelves (24.7% vs. 15.5%, respectively; P=0.001). Patients with severe patellofemoral maltracking were found to have increased incidence of isolated patellofemoral degeneration in comparison with patients without patella maltracking (64.7% vs. 18% respectively; P<0.001). In conclusion, patellofemoral maltracking and synovial shelves of the knee are highly associated with PFJ degeneration. On the contrary, meniscal tears and ligamentous injuries are associated mainly with degeneration of other compartments of the knee joint and not the PFJ.     

Temperature changes in the knee joint during arthroscopic surgery

Normal joint conditions are altered during arthroscopic surgery, and these changes have uncertain ultrastructural and biomechanical effects on articular cartilage. Experimental studies have shown that temperature variations affect the biomechanical properties of articular cartilage. We documented the temperature of the knee joint in 40 patients at the beginning and end of an arthroscopic procedure (anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction or meniscectomy). The intra-articular measurements were obtained using a digital thermometer connected to a sterile stainless steel probe. Correlation coefficients and linear regression techniques were used to determine which variables are independent predictors of joint temperature at the end of surgery. The mean knee joint temperature before surgery was 35.1°±1.0°C and at the end of surgery 24.6°±1.5°C. The joint temperature at the end of surgery was significantly affected by the temperature of the saline irrigant used and the length of arthroscopic procedure. The clinical implications of our findings must be clarified in animal models.     

Premature osteoarthritis of the knee associated with cartilage hypertrophy and phalangeal dysgenesis

A woman presented with premature knee osteoarthritis associated with marked femoral cartilage hypertrophy. She also exhibited phalangeal dysgenesis, suggesting this may be an unrecognised syndrome that may predispose to knee osteoarthritis.