Approaching ramp lesions from the different world of posterior knee compartment: A review of evidence with a proposal of a new classification and treatment.

Ramp lesions (RLs) are peripheral lesions that occur in the posterior part of the medial meniscus or where it attaches to the joint capsule. The classification of the medial meniscus RLs has been the focus of numerous studies and publications. This review provides an overview of RL's current classification and treatment options in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees. The study also aims to present a more practical classification system for RLs to assist in treatment decision-making. For the first time, we also presented a new surgical treatment for incomplete inferior and double-complete RL based on the posterior knee arthroscopy that provides direct access to the posterior meniscal borders, enabling effective treatment and stronger biomechanical repair. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Hypermobile lateral meniscus: A systematic review of current treatment options.

PURPOSE: The reliable data on the incidence of hypermobile lateral meniscus (HLM) and its clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches are limited. This systematic study aimed to review available treatment options for HLM and the outcomes of each approach. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science) to identify studies in which arthroscopically confirmed cases of HLM were treated surgically or nonsurgically, and the required data comprising study characteristics, patient data, treatment approaches and outcome measures were extracted from eligible studies. RESULTS: Twenty studies with a total of 212 patients (138 males and 74 females) and 219 knees were included. The most frequently reported symptoms were locking sensations, knee pain, giving way and snapping. Treatments used by the studies were: radiofrequency energy in two studies; arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in one study; open surgery in two studies; and arthroscopic meniscal repair in 17 studies. Eleven studies used an all-inside repair method and an inside-out meniscal repair was reported in eight studies. Three studies reported the usage of posterior arthroscopy for therapeutic or diagnostic approaches. Evaluation of symptom resolution was the main outcome measurement for which almost all of the studies stated relief of symptoms after intervention. CONCLUSION: Despite the lack of definite consensus about the most appropriate intervention for HLM, therapeutic preference was directed towards arthroscopic all-inside and inside-out repair techniques. Although the surgeon's decision remains the key factor in choosing the most suitable treatment option for each individual, posterior arthroscopic meniscal repair may be considered as a better option for HLM treatment according to the findings of this review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Evaluation of changes in radiographic spinopelvic parameters after primary total hip arthroplasty and its relationship with short-term patient function.

PURPOSE: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is commonly used worldwide in pelvic osteoarthritis treatment. This surgery can change the spinopelvic parameters, which in turn affects the performance of the patients after surgery. However, the relationship between functional disability following THA and spinopelvic alignment is not completely understood. The limited available studies have also been conducted on the population with spinopelvic malalignments. This study aimed to examine the changes in spinopelvic parameters after primary THA in patients with normal preoperative spinopelvic characteristics and the association of these parameters with the performance, gender, and age of the patients after THA. METHODS: Fifty-eight eligible patients with unilateral primary hip osteoarthritis (HOA) scheduled for total hip arthroplasty between February and September 2021 were studied. Spinopelvic parameters including pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT) were measured before surgery and three months after surgery, and the relationship between these parameters and patients' performance (Harris hip score) was assessed. Also, the relationship between the age and gender of the patients with these parameters was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 46.03 ± 14.25. Three months after THA, sacral slope decreased with the mean difference of 4.31 ± 10.26 degrees (p = 0.002) and Harris hip score (HHS) increased by 19.41 ± 26.55 points (p < 0.001). With increasing age in patients, the mean SS and PT decreased. Among the spinopelvic parameters, SS (ß = 0.11) had a greater effect than PT on postoperative HHS changes and among the demographic parameters, age (ß = -0.18) had a greater effect on HHS changes than gender. CONCLUSION: Spinopelvic parameters are associated with age, gender, and patient's function after THA as sacral slope decreased and HHS increased after THA, and aging is accompanied by lowering of PT and SS.

Navigation of femoral and popliteal artery around the knee with CT angiography: implications for surgical interventions.

PURPOSE: Uncertainty about the exact position of the femoral and popliteal arteries in the medial thigh and posterior knee might increase vascular complications in surgical procedures. This study aimed to document femoral and popliteal arteries in the medial thigh and around the knee to assist surgeons in developing safer surgical approaches. METHODS: The study included 120 patients-180 lower limbs-who underwent CT angiography (CTA) of the lower extremity. The distance from the femoral artery to the anterior border, midsagittal axis, and posterior border of the femur and the popliteal artery to the medial, lateral, and midpoint posterior cortex of the proximal tibia was measured in two- and three-dimensional CTA images. RESULTS: The femoral artery was found to be on average 236.93 ± 29.61 mm, 195.34 ± 26.12 mm, and 146.28 ± 33.18 mm away from the adductor tubercle at the anterior, midsagittal axis, and posterior borders of the femur, correspondingly. The popliteal artery was to be located on average 5.40 ± 2.50 mm posterior to the midpoint of the plateau tibia at the joint line. CONCLUSION: Considering the mentioned femoral/popliteal artery distances to the femur and proximal tibia would direct surgeons to the safe zones for more accurate surgical approaches in the medial thigh and around the knee when performing osteotomies, knee arthroplasty, arthroscopy, and trauma surgeries, to reduce possible vascular damages. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Is posterior knee arthroscopy using posterior portals necessary for orthopedic surgeons? The latest evidence on applications and techniques.

Various uses of posterior knee arthroscopy have been shown, including all-inside repair of posterior meniscal lesions, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction or PCL avulsion fixation, extensile posterior knee synovectomy for pigmented villonodular synovitis or synovial chondromatosis, posterior capsular release in the setting of knee flexion contractures, and loose bodies removal. Posterior arthroscopy provides direct access to the posterior meniscal borders for adequate abrasion and fibrous tissue removal. This direct view of the knee posterior structures enables the surgeon to create a stronger biomechanical repair using vertical mattress sutures. During PCL reconstruction, posterior arthroscopy gives the surgeon proper double access to the tibial insertion site, which can result in less acute curve angles and the creation of a more anatomic tibial tunnel. Moreover, it gives the best opportunity to preserve the PCL remnant. Arthroscopic PCL avulsion fixation is more time-consuming with a larger cost burden compared to open approaches, but in the case of other concomitant intra-articular injuries, it may lead to a better chance of a return to pre-injury activities. The high learning curve and overcaution of neuromuscular injury have discouraged surgeons from practicing posterior knee arthroscopy using posterior portals. Evidence for using posterior portals by experienced surgeons suggests fewer complications. The evidence suggests toward learning posterior knee arthroscopy, and this technique must be part of the education about arthroscopy. In today's professional sports world, where the quick and complete return of athletes to their professional activities is irreplaceable, the use of posterior knee arthroscopy is necessary.

Long-term clinical results of using a posteromedial all-inside and anteromedial inside-out approach to repair unstable or irreducible bucket-handle medial meniscal tears.

BACKGROUND: In irreducible bucket-handle medial meniscal tears (BHMMTs), the displaced central fragment is rotated 180° or more, meaning reduction is impossible without derotation of the tear. In chronic cases, the rotated meniscus is deformed and degenerated; thus, the issue of reproducibility and repairability arises. This study presents the clinical outcomes of chronic irreducible and unstable locked BHMMTs. Radiological outcomes were also evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 37 patients with 11 cases of irreducible BHMMT and 26 cases of reducible but unstable chronic BHMMT who underwent operations between 2011 and 2016. Posterior arthroscopy was performed after temporary meniscus fixation using a provisional needle fixation technique. After the posterior repair with vertical mattress sutures was completed using an all-inside technique, the classic outside-in technique was performed for the anterior third of the meniscus. The Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Tegner activity scores were obtained from all patients before surgery and at the latest follow-up. Radiological evaluations were performed using MRI before surgery and at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2016, a total of 37 consecutive patients with irreducible and chronic BHMMTs underwent surgery. The average postoperative follow-up was 7.2 ± 1.4 years (mean ± SD). Postoperative Lysholm (89.57 ± 2.7) and IKDC (87.22 ± 3.2) scores improved significantly at the last follow-up when compared with the pre-operative scores (38.44 ± 4.5 and 23.52 ± 7.8, respectively). According to the Tegner activity scale, patients' postoperative activity levels remained unchanged compared to preoperative levels at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Posterior knee arthroscopy with the all-inside posterior suture and inside-out anteromedial suture technique presented in this study yielded excellent clinical outcomes when used to repair chronic irreducible or unstable BHMMTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Study with a Mean Follow-up of Two Years.

Background: Peroneus longus tendon can be a suitable alternative autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The present study aimed to compare the clinical outcome and donor site morbidity in ACLR using peroneus longus tendon autograft versus hamstring tendon autograft. Methods: In a comparative cross-sectional study, ACLR was performed with quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft in 65 patients between 2017 and 2018, and in another group, peroneus longus tendon autograft was used for ACLR in 65 patients between 2018 and 2019. The same surgical technique, fixation method, and postoperative protocol were used in both groups. The knee functional outcomes were assessed according to the Lysholm score and the International Knee Documentation Committee scale at preoperative and at the end of at least 2 years after the procedure. Moreover, graft diameter was measured intraoperatively. Thigh circumference, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), The Foot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI), and ankle range of motion (ROM) were used to evaluate ankle donor site morbidities. Results: A total of 130 patients (65 patients in each group) were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 24-31 months). Both groups showed no significant differences in clinical outcomes and knee stability. The peroneus longus graft diameter was significantly larger than the hamstring diameter (P<0.001). Assessment of AOFAS, FADI, and ankle ROM showed no apparent ankle joint dysfunction in the peroneus longus tendon group. Conclusion: Faster knee extensions, less anteromedial knee pain, and thigh hypotrophy were observed in peroneus longus tendon patients. Peroneus longus tendon autograft can be an appropriate autograft for ACLR due to its strength, larger graft diameter, and avoiding potential complications of hamstring autograft obtained from the knee region.

Overview of posterior knee arthroscopy in the medial meniscal repair: Technical note.

Preservation of the meniscus in bucket handle medial meniscal tears (BHMMTs) and posterior meniscocapsular (ramp) lesions is challenging. Current efforts are being made in the scientific community to (1) introduce new ways of gaining easier and better field of view over the repair site and (2) increase the chance of meniscal healing through effective augmentation procedures. The current note introduces a way to achieve good exposure of posterior knee compartments and proposes an augmentation technique that involves exposing the local non-articulating subchondral cancellous bone and making in situ clots.

Outcomes of Repair and Reconstruction of the Acute Posterolateral Corner Injuries of the Knee Combined with Cruciate Ligaments Injuries.

Background: This study aimed to report objective and subjective knee stability scores for patients who underwent acute repair of avulsed posterolateral corner (PLC) structures or acute reconstruction of midsubstance tears combined with delayed reconstruction of cruciate ligaments. Methods: A total of 48 sport and vehicle accident traumatic patients were enrolled in a three-year follow-up study. The patients were investigated by clinical exams, subjective and objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and stress imaging. All scores were compared between the reconstruction and repair groups. Results: Subjective IKDC scores were obtained at 83.3±9.6 and 88.3±4.39 for the reconstruction and repair groups, respectively. Only two patients in the reconstruction group had abnormal objective IKDC scores. Based on the Tegner score, 15 out of 18 patients in the repair group and 20 out of 24 patients in the reconstruction group regained their pre-injury functional level. Mean Lysholm scores for the reconstruction and repair groups were estimated at 83.4±8.2 and 88.2±4.1, respectively. Mean lateral joint opening differences between two knees in the reconstruction and repair groups were -0.2±0.1mm and 0.5±0.1mm, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between groups outcomes. We had no failure of treatment at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Acute intervention within 3 weeks after PLC injuries combined with delayed cruciate ligaments reconstructions showed favorable outcomes. Both repair and reconstruction are effective when deciding based on the type of injury (i.e., avulsion and midsubstance tear).

Reliability of Center of Pressure measures of Postural Stability in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Athletes: Effect of Vibration and Cognitive Load.

Background: To evaluate intra and intersession reliability of the Center of Pressure (COP) parameters in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed (ACLR) athletes with and without ankle vibration using a dual-task paradigm. Methods: Postural sway of 14 ACLR individuals was assessed during a single-leg stance on a force platform. COP parameters were assessed with manipulating sensory inputs via vision and ankle vibration under single and dual-task conditions. The outcome variables included COP displacement in medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) range, mean velocity (mV), and area. During dual-task conditions, the auditory Stroop Task was applied. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values and standard error of measurement (SEM) were assessed for relative and absolute reliability. Results: The COP measures had moderate to very high intrasession reliability (ICC range: 0.51-0.93) for conditions with vibration and cognitive task, with the highest ICCs for mV and the lowest for area, regardless of eyes being open or closed. The intersession reliability was moderate to high for mV (ICC range: 0.60-0.82) and little to very high (ICC range: 0.21-0.97) for the range of ML and AP, as well as an area in conditions with vibration and cognitive task. Conclusion: The mV is the most reliable COP parameter for assessing postural control under ankle vibration and dual-task conditions for both operated and non-operated sides. During closed-eye conditions, the application of vibration affected the intersession reliability with decreased ICCs on the operated side and increased ICCs on the non-operated side.

Posterior knee arthroscopy facilitates the safe and effective all-inside repair of locked bucket-handle medial meniscal tear using a suture hook technique.

PURPOSE: This study reported the outcomes of locked bucket-handle medial meniscal tear (BHMMT) repairs using an arthroscopic posterior approach during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2014, 48 patients with BHMMTs and ACL tears who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the present study. BHMMTs were assessed using a posterolateral transseptal portal and repaired using a posteromedial portal. Transportal ACL reconstruction was performed using hamstrings autograft. Patients were assessed based on their IKDC and Lysholm scores and Tegner activity level. Meniscal healing was clinically evaluated based on the absence of swelling, joint line tenderness, locking, and catching; McMurray test results; and the need for meniscectomy. RESULTS: According to follow-up assessments, the average IKDC and Lysholm scores improved significantly after 3-5 years (P < 0.001) CONCLUSION:  Excellent clinical outcomes were obtained when locked BHMMTs were repaired using an all-inside suture technique that employed posteromedial and posterolateral transseptal portals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Treatment of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Avulsion: A New Modified Open Direct Lateral Posterior Approach.

The optimal operative technique for the treatment of the tibial-side avulsion injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is debatable. This study was aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes and complications if any after an open direct, posterolateral approach using cannulated cancellous screw fixation of a PCL tibial avulsion. From January 2016 to June 2018, 17 patients (14 males and 3 females) with PCL avulsion fraction treatment-who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using cannulated cancellous screws-were included in this prospective study. A direct posterolateral approach in the prone position was used in all cases. The Lysholm's knee score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were assessed preoperatively and during regular follow-up examinations for at least 1 year (12-20 months) postoperatively. All patients had fracture union and all of their knees were stable upon physical examination. No nerve or blood vessel injuries occurred. The mean Lysholm's scores and mean IKDC scores were improved significantly at the last follow-up. This study provides evidence that open direct posterolateral approach may be reliable for the treatment of tibial-sided bony PCL avulsion fractures. This approach can provide direct visualization of the posterior capsule and PCL avulsion site associated with good reduction and stable fixation, easy application of the screws directly from posterior to anteriorly without extensive soft tissue damage. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is recommended.

Repair of popliteomeniscal fascicles tear using a posterior transseptal portal fixes hypermobile lateral meniscus.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of the all-inside repair of posterosuperior popliteomeniscal fascicle (PMF) on lateral meniscus stabilization using a posterior arthroscopic approach. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2018, 17 patients with hypermobile lateral meniscus (HLM) underwent posterior knee arthroscopy for PMF repair. The all-inside repair was performed through posteromedial transseptal and posterolateral portals using a suture hook technique. Patients were clinically assessed based on IKDC and Lysholm scores. RESULTS: Both IKDC and Lysholm scores improved significantly after an average follow-up of 3.5 years (P < 0.001). No patients underwent reoperation, and no complications associated with posterior knee arthroscopy were reported. CONCLUSION: The all-inside suture hook technique using posterolateral and posteromedial transseptal portals fixes HLM with excellent IKDC and Lysholm scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Effects of a neuromuscular training program using external focus attention cues in male athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Athletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction often exhibit persistent altered biomechanics and impaired function. Neuromuscular training programs appear to be effective for reducing high-risk landing mechanics and preventing primary ACL injuries; however, there have been few attempts to examine their effects in athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction. The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program that emphasizes external focus of attention cuing on biomechanics, knee proprioception, and patient-reported function in athletes who had undergone ACL reconstruction and completed conventional post-operative rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty-four male athletes who had undergone primary, unilateral, hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction and completed conventional post-operative rehabilitation were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 12) who took part in an 8-week neuromuscular training program or a control group (n = 12) who continued a placebo program. The neuromuscular training program included lower extremity strengthening and plyometric exercises, balance training, and movement pattern re-training. Biomechanics during single-leg landing, knee proprioception, and patient-reported function were assessed before and after the 8-week training period. RESULTS: Athletes in the experimental group demonstrated increased trunk, hip, and knee flexion angles and decreased knee abduction, internal rotation angles and knee valgus during landing following the intervention. Further, the experimental group decreased their peak knee extension and abduction moments and vertical ground reaction force on landing post-intervention. International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire (IKDC) scores increased in the experimental group following training. The control group demonstrated no changes in any variable over the same time period. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular training with external focus of attention cueing improved landing biomechanics in patients after ACL reconstruction. Neuromuscular training programs beneficially mitigate second ACL injury risk factors and should be emphasized during and after traditional post-operative rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials using the IRCT website with ID number of, IRCT20180412039278N1 "Prospectively registered" at 21/12/2018.

Neuromuscular training improves knee proprioception in athletes with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Athletes exhibit deficits in knee proprioception following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Neuromuscular training programs improve knee proprioception in uninjured athletes; however, the effects on knee proprioception in athletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program on knee proprioception in athletes who have returned to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty-four male athletes, who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction within the previous 6-12 months and returned to sport, participated in this randomized controlled trial. Athletes were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 12) that took part in an 8-week neuromuscular training program or a control group (n = 12) that simply continued their typical training routine. Knee position sense was assessed at baseline and after the 8-week period (post-testing). One-way analysis of covariance, with baseline performance included as a covariate, was used to compare knee position sense errors for the reconstructed limbs of the experimental and control groups at the post-testing time point. FINDINGS: Knee position sense errors decreased by 51.7% for the experimental group and only 4.4% for the control group over the 8-week period. As a result, the experimental group demonstrated lower knee position sense errors, compared to the control group, at the post-testing time point (P < .001). INTERPRETATION: Athletes with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may benefit from participation in a neuromuscular training program, even after completing post-operative rehabilitation.

Autogenous Osteochondral Grafting for Treatment of Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans: A Case Series Study.

BACKGROUND: Although some surgical techniques have been described for the operative treatment of unstable Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee, outcomes are variable and are not satisfying totally. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the outcomes of autogenous osteochondral grafting for OCD of the knee. METHODS: In a case series study, from June 2014 to July 2015, 16 patients with stage II-IV OCD (International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS)) of the femoral condyle were investigated. Surgical intervention considered in cases of stage III (4 cases) and IV (2 cases) and in stage II (10 cases) ones that were nonresponsive to conservative treatment. At the initial and final visits, the IKDC, Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean preoperative IKDC score (53.4) increased significantly following surgery (84.3) (P<0.001). Based on the IKDC grading system, before the operation, the knee status was graded as nearly normal, abnormal, and severely abnormal in 4, 10, and 2 patients, respectively. At final post-surgical follow up, 15 normal and 1 abnormal knee were documented (P<0.001). The mean Lysholm score increased from 44.3 per operatively to 86.3 (P<0.001).Tegner activity score improved from 2.8±1 pre operatively to 5.6±2 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of unstable OCD using autogenous osteochondral graft shows successful outcomes. In addition to reliable fixation, it can enhance healing and convert an uncontained lesion to contained one appropriate for autogenous osteochondral grafting with healthy cartilage.

The Prevalence, Zone, and Type of the Meniscus Tear in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; Does Delayed ACL Reconstruction Affects the Meniscal Injury?

BACKGROUND: Meniscus tear is a common finding in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and may affect the natural history of the injury and the outcomes of treatment. In the current study, the characteristics of meniscus tears in patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were investigated. METHODS: The hospital records of 1022 patients were reviewed. The measured variables included the presence of meniscus tear, ramp and root injury, the zone of injury based on the Cooper classification, and the type of tear. The ACL tears with delay more than 3 months for ACLR were recorded as chronic injuries. RESULTS: The incidence of meniscus tear was 44.4%; among whom, bucket-handle injury was the most common type (30.4%) and the ramp lesion was found in 20.5%. The meniscus was repaired in 56.6%. The incidence of medial meniscus injury was significantly higher in chronic ACL tears and vice versa (P<0.001). The incidence of ramp lesion (9.1% Vs 20.5%) and root tear (1.3% Vs 2.9%) were significantly higher in the chronic and acute tears, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Delay more than 3 months in ACLR was associated with the increased incidence of meniscal injury, specially the medial meniscus, and ramp lesion. It seems that early ACLR may be more helpful for the patients.

A Comparison between Oblique and Vertical Incisions on the Hamstring Tendon Harvesting in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Infrapatellar Branch Injury of the Saphenous Nerve.

Objective The present study aimed to compare the oblique and vertical incisions in hamstring tendon harvesting in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and in infrapatellar branch injury of the saphenous nerve. Methods The present study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for 12 months. Patients with an indication of reconstruction of ACL tear were included in the study, who were then randomized into two groups (vertical [VG] and oblique [OG] groups). After excluding a few cases, 92 patients were eligible for further analysis (VG: n= 44; OG: n = 48). They were followed-up for 9 months after the surgery, and loss of sensation over the knee and over the proximal aspect of the operated leg was recorded. Results The mean lengths of the incisions were 27 mm and 38 mm for the OG and VG groups, respectively. The total rate of hypoesthesia was 40% (27 patients). A total of 12 (25%) and 25 patients (56.8%) on the OG and VG groups, respectively, reported hypoesthesia symptoms. The presence of hypoesthesia in patients in the VG group was two times higher than in the OG group. No statistical correlation was observed between the nerve injury and age, gender, education, and delay from injury to reconstruction. Conclusion Oblique incision, which showed lower risk of nerve damage, might be more recommended for graft harvesting. Patients who underwent reconstruction of the ACL in the OG group had a lower incidence of peri-incisional hypoesthesia when compared to those in the VG group.

A Comparison between Oblique and Vertical Incisions on the Hamstring Tendon Harvesting in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Infrapatellar Branch Injury of the Saphenous Nerve / Uma comparação entre incisões oblíquas e verticais na coleta do tendão dos isquiotibiais na reconstrução do LCA e na lesão do ramo infrapatelar do nervo safeno

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to compare the oblique and vertical incisions in hamstring tendon harvesting in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and in infrapatellar branch injury of the saphenous nerve. Methods The present study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for 12 months. Patients with an indication of reconstruction of ACL tear were included in the study, who were then randomized into two groups (vertical [VG] and oblique [OG] groups). After excluding a few cases, 92 patients were eligible for further analysis (VG: n= 44; OG: n = 48). They were followed-up for 9 months after the surgery, and loss of sensation over the knee and over the proximal aspect of the operated leg was recorded. Results The mean lengths of the incisions were 27 mm and 38 mm for the OG and VG groups, respectively. The total rate of hypoesthesia was 40% (27 patients). A total of 12 (25%) and 25 patients (56.8%) on the OG and VG groups, respectively, reported hypoesthesia symptoms. The presence of hypoesthesia in patients in the VG group was two times higher than in the OG group. No statistical correlation was observed between the nerve injury and age, gender, education, and delay from injury to reconstruction. Conclusion Oblique incision, which showed lower risk of nerve damage, might be more recommended for graft harvesting. Patients who underwent reconstruction of the ACL in the OG group had a lower incidence of peri-incisional hypoesthesia when compared to those in the VG group.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar as incisões oblíquas e verticais na coleta dos tendões dos isquiotibiais na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e na lesão do ramo infrapatelar do nervo safeno. Métodos O presente estudo foi realizado em um centro de referência terciário por 12 meses. Pacientes com indicação de reconstrução de uma ruptura do LCA foram incluídos no estudo, os quais foram randomizados em dois grupos (vertical [GV] e oblíquo [GO]). Após a exclusão de alguns casos, 92 pacientes foram elegíveis para análise posterior (GV: n= 44; GO: n = 48). Eles foram acompanhados por 9 meses após a cirurgia, e a perda de sensibilidade sobre o joelho e sobre o aspecto proximal da perna operada foi registrado. Resultados Os comprimentos médios da incisão foram de 27 mm e 38 mm para os grupos GO e GV, respectivamente. A taxa total de hipoestesia foi de 40% (27 pacientes). Um total de 12 (25%) e de 25 pacientes (56,8%) dos grupos GO e GV, respectivamente, relataram sintomas de hipoestesia. A presença de hipoestesia em pacientes no grupo GV foi duas vezes maior do que no grupo GO. Não foi observada correlação estatística entre a lesão do nervo e idade, gênero, escolaridade e demora entre a lesão e a reconstrução. Conclusão A incisão oblíqua, que apresentou menor risco de lesão nervosa, pode ser mais recomendada para a coleta do enxerto. Pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do LCA no grupo GO tiveram menor incidência de hipoestesia peri-incisional quando comparados aos pacientes do grupo GV.

Reliability of Knee Flexion-Extension Lyapunov Exponent in People With and Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: The current study assessed the intrasession and intersession reliability of the knee flexion-extension Lyapunov exponent in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and healthy individuals. STUDY DESIGN: University research laboratory. METHODS: Kinematic data were collected in 14 patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and 14 healthy individuals walked on a treadmill at a self-selected, low, and high speed, with and without cognitive load. The intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, minimal metrically detectable change, and percentage of coefficient of variation were calculated to assess the reliability. RESULTS: The knee flexion-extension Lyapunov exponent had high intrasession reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from .83 to .98. In addition, the intersession intraclass correlation coefficient values of these measurements ranged from .35 to .85 regardless of group, gait speed, and dual tasking. In general, relative and absolute reliability were higher in the patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency than in the healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Although knee flexion-extension Lyapunov exponent demonstrates good intrasession reliability, its low intersession reliability indicates that changes of these measurements between different days should be interpreted with caution.