The use of injectable orthobiologics for knee osteoarthritis: A European ESSKA-ORBIT consensus. Part 1-Blood-derived products (platelet-rich plasma).

PURPOSE: The aim of this European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) consensus is to provide recommendations based on evidence and expert opinion to improve indications, decision-making and administration-related aspects when using blood-derived orthobiologics (for simplicity indicated as PRP-platelet-rich plasma-with PRP being the most common product) for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Leading European expert clinicians and scientists were divided into a steering group, a rating group and a peer review group. The steering group prepared 28 question-statement sets divided into three sections: PRP rationale and indications, PRP preparation and characterisation and PRP protocol. The quality of the statements received grades of recommendation ranging from A (high-level scientific support) to B (scientific presumption), C (low-level scientific support) or D (expert opinion). The question-statement sets were then evaluated by the rating group, and the statements scored from 1 to 9 based on their degree of agreement with the statements produced by the steering group. Once a general consensus was reached between the steering and rating groups, the document was submitted to the peer review group who evaluated the geographic adaptability and approved the document. A final combined meeting of all the members of the consensus was held to produce the official document. RESULTS: The literature review on the use of blood-derived products for knee OA revealed that 9 of 28 questions/statements had the support of high-level scientific literature, while the other 19 were supported by a medium-low scientific quality. Three of the 28 recommendations were grade A recommendations: (1) There is enough preclinical and clinical evidence to support the use of PRP in knee OA. This recommendation was considered appropriate with a strong agreement (mean: 8). (2) Clinical evidence has shown the effectiveness of PRP in patients for mild to moderate degrees of knee OA (KL ≤ 3). This recommendation was considered appropriate with a strong agreement (mean: 8.1). (3) PRP injections have been shown to provide a longer effect in comparison to the short-term effect of CS injections. They also seem to provide a safer use profile with less potential related complications. This recommendation was considered appropriate with a very strong agreement (mean: 8.7). Six statements were grade B recommendations, 7 were grade C and 12 were grade D. The mean rating score was 8.2 ± 0.3. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus group reached a high level of agreement on all the questions/statements despite the lack of clear evidence for some questions. According to the results from this consensus group, given the large body of existing literature and expert opinions, PRP was regarded as a valid treatment option for knee OA and as a possible first-line injectable treatment option for nonoperative management of knee OA, mainly for KL grades 1-3. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Does Lower-Limb Tendon Structure Influence Walking Gait?

BACKGROUND: Within the exploration of human gait, key focal points include the examination of functional rockers and the influential role of tendon behavior in the intricate stretch-shortening cycle. To date, the possible relationship between these two fundamental factors in the analysis of human gait has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between the morphology of the patellar and Achilles tendons and plantar fascia with respect to the duration of the rockers. METHODS: Thirty-nine healthy men (age: 28.42 ± 6.97 years; height: 173 ± 7.17 cm; weight: 67.75 ± 9.43 kg) were included. Data of the rockers were recorded using a baropodometric platform while participants walked over a 10 m walkway at a comfortable velocity. Before the trials, the thickness and cross-sectional area were recorded for the patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia using ultrasound examination. The relationship between the morphology of the soft tissue and the duration of the rockers was determined using a pairwise mean comparison (t-test). RESULTS: A significant difference was found for rocker 1 duration, where a longer duration was found in the group of subjects with thicker patellar tendons. Regarding the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, no significant differences were observed in terms of tendon morphology. However, subjects with thicker Achilles tendons showed a longer duration of rocker 1. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore a compelling association, revealing that an increased thickness of the patellar tendon significantly contributes to the extension of rocker 1 duration during walking in healthy adults.

Relationship between Connective Tissue Morphology and Lower-Limb Stiffness in Endurance Runners. A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The lower limb behaves like a spring compressing and decompressing during running, where lower-limb stiffness is one of the most influential factors. This prospective observational study is aimed at examining the relationship between the connective tissue morphology and lower-limb stiffness and investigating whether the barefoot/shod condition influences on such relationship. METHODS: 14 male amateur runners (10-km time trial <50') were included. Data were recorded over one session, where participants ran 2 trials (i.e., barefoot and shod conditions) of 3 minutes at 12 km/h, where running spatiotemporal parameters and vertical (Kvert) and leg stiffness (Kleg) were obtained. Prior to testing trials, thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) were recorded for Achilles (AT) and patellar tendons (PT) and plantar fascia (PF) with ultrasound. RESULTS: Under barefoot condition, a positive correlation was found between Kleg and AT-thickness and CSA and PF-thickness; and between Kvert and AT-thickness and PF thickness. Under shod condition, a positive correlation was found between Kleg and PT-CSA and PT-thickness, and between Kvert and PT-CSA and PT-thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal a specificity of the relationship between the lower-limb stiffness and the morphology of the connective tissue. Greater tendon shows higher lower-limb stiffness when that tendon is specially demanded by the function.

Ultrasound-guided versus blind interventions in patellar tendon lesions: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to analyze the accuracy of injections aimed to hit the proximal and depth part of the patellar tendon "target point" in patellar tendinopathy, comparing ultrasound-guided or non-ultrasound-guided (blind) injections. METHODS: A cadaver randomized study was carried out. Injections were performed under ultrasound control, as well as blinded. There were 26 knees from fresh cadavers and injections were placed by 26 practitioners with experience in the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound and injection treatment. Each participant performed 6 ultrasound-guided and 6 blind punctures in different cadaveric specimens. This provided 312 injections that were analyzed in 2 different anatomical cuts, thus providing a database of 624 measurements for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed (p < 0.0001) in the distance from the target point between the ultrasound-guided and the non-guided infiltrations. The "unguided" injections were considered to have been performed on average 10 mm away from the target point compared to the "ultrasound-guided" injections. The ultrasound-guided injections obtained an accuracy of 74.36% while the "non-ultrasound-guided" injections obtained an accuracy of 11.54% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of ultrasound to guide the positioning of injections on the dorsal side of the proximal patellar tendon had a significantly higher accuracy compared to blind injections. The finding provides knowledge of importance for injection treatment.

Capsular fixation limits graft extrusion in lateral meniscal allograft transplantation.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this investigation was to compare the amount of graft extrusion of lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) performed with a suture-only technique with or without a capsulodesis. Secondarily, the assessment of functional results was also covered. We hypothesized that capsular fixation reduces the post-operative degree of allograft extrusion and it does not affect the functional outcomes during the short-term follow-up period studied. METHODS: Prospective series of 29 lateral MAT. Fifteen were fixed with a suture-only technique (group A). The remaining 14 cases (group B) also included arthroscopic lateral capsular fixation (capsulodesis). Functional results were assessed with Lysholm, Tegner, and VAS for pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to determine the degree of meniscal extrusion. Millimeters of extrusion and percentage of extruded meniscal tissue were calculated for both groups. The degree of extrusion was considered minor if it was < 3 mm or major if it was > 3 mm. RESULTS: Group A had 11 cases (73.3%) of major extrusion and group B had 4 cases (28.6%) (p = 0.02). The percentage of extruded meniscal tissue was 35% in group A and 24.6% in group B (p = 0.04). At a mean 3.4 years (range 1-4) post-operatively, the Lysholm score had a mean 89.60 ± 6.93 and 91.43 ± 6.19 points in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). The median follow-up Tegner score improved from 4 (range 3-5) to 7 (range 6-9) in group A (p < 0.001) and from 4 (range 3-5) to 7 (range 6-8) in group B (p < 0.001). VAS dropped 5 and 7.3 points in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). There were no complications in this series. CONCLUSIONS: In lateral MAT with the suture-only fixation technique, the described capsulodesis minimized meniscal extrusion. In terms of functional results, there were no differences between the groups at a mean 3.4-year follow-up.

All-Suture Repair for Compressive Rotator Cuff Tears: Reducing the Traction of the Tissue.

Tears of the rotator cuff are a frequent pathology, but the best surgical procedure remains unclear. The arthroscopic approach has become the gold standard, but there are many different suture configurations that can be used. We describe an all-suture repair system with which the anatomical reduction of the rotator cuff is achieved performing traction from the anchor of the lateral row to subsequently performing a suture bridge suture from the medial row. The major advantage of this technique is that it creates compression forces and minimizing tensioning of the tissue.

Confirmatory factor analysis of VISA-P scale and measurement invariance across sexes in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) scale is the most condition-specific patient-reported outcome measure used to assess symptom severity in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Previous exploratory factor analyses have been conducted to evaluate the scale's dimensionality, with inconsistent results, and the factor structure of the scale remains unclear. The aims of the present study were to determine the factorial structure of the VISA-P scale using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and test measurement invariance across sexes. METHODS: The study included a convenience sample of 249 Spanish athletes with patellar tendinopathy. CFA was performed to assess factorial validity. Hypothesized 1- and 2-factor models were tested. Measurement invariance across sexes was evaluated via multi-group CFA with several fit indices using EQS 6.1 software. RESULTS: The internal consistency coefficient was 0.74. Several CFA models were examined and the 1-factor model in which errors for Items 7 and 8 were correlated showed acceptable fit in terms of comparative fit index (CFI) and goodness-of-fit index (GFI) statistics (CFI = 0.93; GFI = 0.94; standardized root mean square residual = 0.06; root mean square error of approximation = 0.10; 90% confidence interval: 0.08-0.13). This model was invariant across sexes. CONCLUSION: The 1-factor model of the Spanish version of the VISA-P scale (VISA-P-Sp) in which errors for Items 7 and 8 were correlated demonstrated relative fit in CFA. Scores obtained via VISA-P-Sp can be compared between men and women without sexes bias. Further studies should examine the VISA-P scale and other single-score patient-reported outcome measures concurrently.

An experimental study of muscular injury repair in a mouse model of notexin-induced lesion with EPI® technique.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of muscle injury repair after EPI® technique, a treatment based on electrical stimulation, have not been described. This study determines whether EPI® therapy could improve muscle damage. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into a control group, Notexin group (7 and 14 days) and a Notexin + EPI group. To induce muscle injury, Notexin was injected in the quadriceps of the left extremity of rats. Pro-inflammatory interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta) and tumoral necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined by ELISA. The expression of receptor peroxisome gamma proliferator activator (PPAR-gamma), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1) were determined by western-blot. RESULTS: The plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in Notexin-injured rats showed a significant increase compared with the control group. EPI® produced a return of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta values to control levels. PPAR-gamma expression diminished injured quadriceps muscle in rats. EPI® increased PPAR-gamma, VEGF and VEGF-R1 expressions. EPI® decreased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and increased anti-inflammatory PPAR-gamma and proangiogenic factors as well as VEGF and VEGF-R1 expressions. CONCLUSION: The EPI® technique may affect inflammatory mediators in damaged muscle tissue and influences the new vascularization of the injured area. These results suggest that EPI® might represent a useful new therapy for the treatment of muscle injuries. Although our study in rats may represent a valid approach to evaluate EPI® treatment, studies designed to determine how the EPI® treatment may affect recovery of injury in humans are needed.

Femoral Tunnel Drilling Angles for Posteromedial Corner Reconstructions of the Knee.

PURPOSE: To determine the best angle to drill the femoral tunnels of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL) with concomitant posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction to avoid either short tunnels or tunnel collisions. METHODS: Eight cadaveric knees were studied. Double-bundle PCL femoral tunnels were arthroscopically drilled. Drilling of the sMCL and POL tunnels was performed in 4 different combinations of 0° and 30° axial (anteriorly directed) and coronal (proximally directed) angulations. Specimens were scanned with computed tomography to document the relations of the sMCL and POL tunnels to the intercondylar notch and PCL tunnels. A minimum tunnel length of 25 mm was required. RESULTS: When the sMCL femoral tunnel was drilled at 0° axial and 30° coronal (proximally directed) angulations or 30° axial (anteriorly directed) and 0° coronal angulations, the risk of tunnel collision with the PCL tunnels increased in comparison with the remaining evaluated angulations (P < .001). No POL tunnels collided with either PCL tunnel bundle with the exception of tunnels drilled at 0° axial and 30° coronal (proximally directed) angulations, which did so in 3 of 8 cases (P < .001). The minimum required tunnel length was obtained in all the sMCL and POL tunnels (P < .001 and P = .02, respectively). However, some of those angled at 0° on the axial plane violated the intercondylar notch. CONCLUSIONS: When one is performing posteromedial reconstructions with concomitant PCL procedures, the sMCL and POL femoral tunnels should be drilled anteriorly and proximally at both 30° axial and 30° coronal angulations. The POL femoral tunnel may also be angled 0° in the coronal plane. Tunnels at 0° axial angulations showed a shorter distance to the intercondylar notch and a higher risk of collision with the PCL tunnels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Specific drilling angles are necessary to avoid short tunnels or collisions between the drilled tunnels when sMCL and POL femoral tunnels are placed with concomitant PCL reconstruction.

Biomechanical analysis of acromioclavicular joint dislocation repair using coracoclavicular suspension devices in two different configurations.

BACKGROUND: The best treatment option for some acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations is controversial. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the vertical biomechanical behavior of two techniques for the anatomic repair of coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments after an AC injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen human cadaveric shoulders in which repair using a coracoclavicular suspension device was initiated after injury to the acromioclavicular joint were included in the study. Three groups were formed; group I (n = 6): control; group II (n = 6): repair with a double tunnel in the clavicle and in the coracoid (with two CC suspension devices); group III (n = 6): repair in a "V" configuration with two tunnels in the clavicle and one in the coracoid (with one CC suspension device). The biomechanical study was performed with a universal testing machine (Electro Puls 3000, Instron, Boulder, MA, USA), with the clamping jaws set in a vertical position. The force required for acromioclavicular reconstruction system failure was analyzed for each cadaveric piece. RESULTS: Group I reached a maximum force to failure of 635.59 N (mean 444.0 N). The corresponding force was 939.37 N (mean 495.6 N) for group II and 533.11 N (mean 343.9 N) for group III. A comparison of the three groups did not find any significant difference despite the loss of resistance presented by group III. CONCLUSION: Anatomic repair of coracoclavicular ligaments with a double system (double tunnel in the clavicle and in the coracoid) permits vertical translation that is more like that of the acromioclavicular joint. Acromioclavicular repair in a "V" configuration does not seem to be biomechanically sufficient.

Anatomic reconstruction of chronic coracoclavicular ligament tears: arthroscopic-assisted approach with nonrigid mechanical fixation and graft augmentation.

It has recently been suggested that all coracoclavicular ligament tears could be considered for surgery because nonoperative management might result in irreversible changes in the scapular position that could lead to muscle kinematic alterations that would perturb the shoulder girdle function and result in pain. In this technical note we describe an anatomic technique for the treatment of chronic coracoclavicular ligament tears that overcomes the issues related to open surgery, metal hardware, the inferior resistance to secondary displacement of only grafting and nonanatomic techniques, and the saw effect and anterior loop translation that can be seen in systems that surround the base of the coracoid. Our technique incorporates the use of a tendon graft and a nonrigid mechanical stabilizer that protects the graft from stretching during the process of healing and integration into bone, guaranteeing the maintenance of a reduced acromioclavicular joint.

Effectiveness of the Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI®) technique and isoinertial eccentric exercise in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy at two years follow-up.

AIM: to show the effect of Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI®) combined with eccentric programme in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. METHODS: prospective study of 33 athlete-patients consecutively treated for insertional tendinopathy with Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI®) and followed for 2 years. Functional assessment was performed at the first visit, at three months and two years with the Tegner scale and VISA-P. RESULTS: an average improvement in the VISA-P of 35 points was obtained. The mean duration of treatment was 4.5 weeks. Some 78.8% of the patients returned to the same level of physical activity as before the injury by the end of treatment, reaching 100% at two years. CONCLUSIONS: intratissue percutaneous electrolysis (EPI®) combined with an eccentric-based rehab program offers excellent results in terms of the clinical and functional improvement of the patellar tendon with low morbidity in a short-term period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 4.

Reliability of preoperative measurement with standardized templating in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

AIM: To investigate the correlation between preoperative measurement in total knee arthroplasty and the prosthetic size implanted. METHODS: A prospective double-blind study of 50 arthroplasties was performed. Firstly, the reliability and correspondence between the size of said measurement and the actual implant utilized was determined. Secondly, the existing correlation between the intra- and interobserver determinations with the intraclass correlation coefficient was analyzed. RESULTS: An overall correspondence of 54%, improving up to 92% when the measured size admitted a difference of one size, was found. Good intra- and interobserver reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient greater than 0.90 (P < 0.001) was also discovered. CONCLUSION: Agreement between the preoperative measurement with standardized acetate templates and the prosthetic size implanted can be considered satisfactory. We thus conclude it is a reproducible technique.

Promising short-term results following selective bundle reconstruction in partial anterior cruciate ligament tears.

BACKGROUND: The different functions of the two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) bundles have increased interest in tears of only one of these two bundles. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of selective reconstruction of an injured bundle of isolated anteromedial bundle (AMB) or posterolateral bundle (PLB) tears. METHODS: Consecutive series of 147 ACL reconstructions was prospectively analyzed. Patients with partial ACL tears who underwent selective bundle reconstructions were studied. Stability was assessed with the Lachman, anterior-drawer and pivot-shift tests and KT-1000. Functional assessment was performed with Lysholm and Tegner questionnaires. The preoperative MRI was analyzed to detect differences from arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (19%) were included. The minimum follow-up period was 30months. Eighteen had AMB and 10 PLB tears. Only 19% of their MRI's were categorized as partial ACL tears. The Lysholm score improved from 66.1/65.5 to 96.6/95.2 in the AMB/PLB groups, respectively (p<0.001). The same or no more than one level lower Tegner score was restored. The pivot-shift, Lachman and anterior-drawer tests were negative in all cases (p<0.001). Two reconstructed AMBs developed extension loss due to Cyclops lesions and were resolved surgically. CONCLUSIONS: The technique provided excellent functional scores with normalized stability and a return to previous level of activity with a low rate of minor complications at a minimum 2.5years' follow-up. Arthroscopic examination was the most reliable tool for properly diagnosing and treating a condition observed in almost one out of every five ACL reconstructed knee in this series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic case series; level 4.

How to improve the prediction of quadrupled semitendinosus and gracilis autograft sizes with magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring tendon grafts may have an unacceptable size for use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed to predict the diameters of hamstring tendon grafts. HYPOTHESIS: Preoperative ultrasonography (US) might reliably anticipate intraoperative 4-strand semitendinosus and gracilis tendon (4ST-GT) graft sizes similarly to MRI. An MRI evaluation of the hamstring tendons with a higher magnification may improve the accuracy of the method. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total of 33 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with a 4ST-GT graft and MRI performed at our institution were included. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of each semitendinosus tendon (ST) and gracilis tendon (GT) was calculated preoperatively with US and with MRI under 2× and 4× magnification. Intraoperative measurement of the final diameter of the 4ST-GT using a closed-hole sizing block with 0.5-mm increments was made. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between the final intraoperative graft diameter of the 4ST-GT and the CSA of the ST and GT measured with US and MRI with 2× and 4× magnification. Simple linear regression was also calculated to attempt to predict the graft diameter based on given measurements. RESULTS: There were statistically significant correlations between the measured CSA with US and both MRI magnifications with the 4ST-GT diameter. However, MRI under 4× magnification showed a much higer correlation (0.86) than MRI under 2× magnification (0.54) or US (0.51). Final graft diameters ≥8 mm were observed in 80.8% of patients with a CSA >14 mm(2), in 76.9% of patients with a CSA >25 mm2, and in 96.2% of patients with a CSA >17 mm2 measured with US, 2× magnification of MRI, and 4× magnification of MRI, respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative calculation of the CSA of the hamstring tendons with MRI and US can help to reliably estimate 4ST-GT grafts. In terms of correlation of the CSA with graft diameter, US was comparable to 2× MRI, but 4× MRI showed a much greater accuracy. Threshold values of the CSA of the ST and GT of 25 mm2, 17 mm2, and 14 mm2 with the 2× MRI, 4× MRI, and US methods, respectively, are needed to reliably predict a 4ST-GT graft with a minimum diameter of 8 mm.

Prospective comparative study between two different fixation techniques in meniscal allograft transplantation.

PURPOSE: To compare the functional and radiographic results between two different horn fixation techniques for meniscal allograft transplant. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 88 meniscal allograft transplants with a mean 5-year follow-up. Forty transplants were performed on the medial compartment and 48 on the lateral compartment. The same surgeon performed all surgeries. Thirty-three grafts were fixed only with sutures (Group A) and 55 only with bony fixation (Group B). Both groups were comparable in terms of age, laterality, time since meniscectomy and preoperative functional and radiographic status. Functional assessment was done with Lysholm and Tegner scores and the Visual Analogical Scale for pain. Joint space narrowing was evaluated in the Rosenberg view. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in Lysholm, Tegner and VAS scores without differences between Group A and Group B (n.s.). Radiographic evaluation did not show any joint space narrowing (n.s.). No differences in the comparison of all the variables of the two compartments were found. There were complications in 33.3 % of patients in Group A that including 7 graft tears (21.4 %) and in which there was an allograft failure rate of 9 %. Group B showed complications in 16.4 % of the patients and included 4 graft tears (7.3 %, n.s.) with an allograft failure rate of 3.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal allograft transplantation with either technique provided good functional and radiographic results at mid-term follow-up. Both graft fixation methods showed no differences relative to functional and radiographic results. There was a considerably higher rate of complications in transplantations performed with the only-suture technique than those with bony fixation, although the difference was not statistically significant with the numbers available. The results suggest that similar functional results should be expected whether the meniscal graft includes bone plugs or not. However, graft tears seem to happen more frequently if the MAT is performed without bony fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective comparative study, Level II.

Femoral tunnel drilling angles for the posterolateral corner in multiligamentary knee reconstructions: computed tomography evaluation in a cadaveric model.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to determine the best angle at which to drill the femoral tunnels of the popliteus tendon (PT) and fibular collateral ligament (FCL) in combined reconstructive procedures so as to avoid either short tunnels or tunnel collisions with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) femoral tunnels. METHODS: Eight cadaveric knees were studied. ACL/PCL femoral tunnels were arthroscopically drilled. PT and FCL tunnels were drilled at 0° and 30° axial and coronal angulations. They were scanned by computed tomography to document relations of the PT and FCL tunnels to the intercondylar notch and ACL/PCL tunnels. A minimum tunnel length of 25 mm was required. RESULTS: Drilling the PT tunnel at 0° axial angulation was associated with an increased risk of tunnel collision with the ACL (P < .001). Interference with the PCL tunnel can be avoided only if the K-wire guiding the PT tunnel is drilled with 30° coronal angulations (P < .001). The minimum tunnel length of the PT could be obtained only with both axial and coronal angulations of 30° (P = .003). Sufficient tunnel lengths of the FCL were obtained at all angulations evaluated (P = .036). However, only the tunnels drilled at 30° axial and 0° coronal angulations did not collapse with the ACL tunnels (P < .001). No intersections between FCL and PT tunnels were observed. CONCLUSIONS: When posterolateral reconstructions are performed in combination with concomitant anterior and posterior cruciate procedures, PT tunnels should be drilled at 30° axial and 30° coronal angulations. FCL tunnels should be drilled at 30° axial and 0° coronal angulations. These angulations should minimize such potential complications as short tunnels or collisions with the ACL/PCL tunnels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Specific drilling angles are necessary to avoid short tunnels or collisions between the drilled tunnels when FCL and PT femoral tunnels are performed in multiligament knee reconstructions.

Suture-only fixation technique leads to a higher degree of extrusion than bony fixation in meniscal allograft transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Most of the published series of transplanted menisci have consistently shown some degree of allograft extrusion. The speculation is that this meniscal extrusion may be caused by the soft tissue technique used to fix the allograft. HYPOTHESIS: The percentage of extruded meniscal graft would be higher if the allograft were only fixed with sutures rather than with associated bony fixation. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: We performed a prospective series of 88 meniscal allograft transplantations. Thirty-three of the grafts were fixed with the suture-only technique (group A). The remaining 55 cases were performed with the bone plug method (group B). All patients were studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a minimum 3 years' follow-up to determine the degree of meniscal extrusion. The time between surgery and MRI evaluation was 40 months (range, 36-48 months) in both groups. Meniscal extrusion was measured on coronal MRI. The percentage of the meniscal body width that was extruded was calculated. The average percentage of extrusion for each group was compared. The Lysholm score was analyzed in relation to the fixation method and degree of meniscal extrusion. Tears of the allograft that required surgical intervention were also reported. RESULTS: The average percentage of meniscal tissue extruded in group A was 36.3% ± 13.7% without differences between the medial (35.9% ± 18.1%) and lateral (38.3% ± 14.4%) compartments (P = .84). Group B had a mean 28.13% ± 12.2% of the meniscal body extruded without differences between the medial (25.8% ± 16.2%) and lateral (30.14% ± 13.5%) compartments. A higher percentage of extruded meniscal tissue was found in group A than in group B (P < .001). No association between the degree of meniscal extrusion and the functional score was observed (P = .4). Graft tears were observed in 21.4% of the cases in group A and in 7.3% of the cases in group B (P = .09). CONCLUSION: A meniscal allograft fixed with the suture-only technique showed a significantly higher degree of extruded meniscal body than that fixed with the bony fixation method, with no influence on the functional outcome. There was also a considerably higher rate of graft tears observed in those menisci fixed only with sutures, although this difference was not statistically significant with the numbers available.

Host serum is not indispensable in collagen performance in viable meniscal transplantation at 4-week incubation.

PURPOSE: Viable meniscal transplantation has been criticized as an expensive and logistically demanding technique. The purpose was to compare the standard culture medium with another culture medium that is more widely available and easier to work with and to assess the collagen net ultrastructure architecture and the capacity of the preserved cells to produce proteins. METHODS: Ten fresh lateral menisci were harvested. Each meniscus was divided into three parts; control group, fetal-bovinum-serum group and Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium group during 4 weeks. Cell metabolism was assessed with the gene expression of type I collagen, type II collagen and aggrecan. Collagen ultrastructure was assessed with transmission electron microscopy. The Collagen Meniscal Architecture scoring system was used to evaluate the degree of meniscal disarray. RESULTS: Type I collagen was expressed more in the fetal-bovinum-serum group than in the ITS group (P = 0.036). No differences were found between cultured samples and control groups. Type II collagen showed decreased expression in both cultured groups compared with the control group. No differences were observed in the gene expression of aggrecan in either group. No differences were observed when the Collagen Meniscal Architecture scoring system was applied. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium-supplemented medium is at least as effective as the fetal-bovinum-serum-supplemented medium to preserve the net architecture of the meniscal tissue. Gene expression of the studied proteins was similar in the Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium group to that observed in the control group at 4 weeks. Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium might be a better alternative and might be used instead of fetal-bovinum-serum or an autologous host serum in order to preserve meniscal tissue, which precludes the necessity of obtaining host serum previously. Thus, viable meniscal transplantation would logistically be less complicated to perform.

Effectiveness of a footprint guide to establish an anatomic femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: computed tomography evaluation in a cadaveric model.

PURPOSE: To compare drilling the femoral tunnel with an offset aimer and BullsEye guide (ConMed Linvatec, Largo, FL) to perform an anatomic single-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) through the anteromedial portal. METHODS: Seven matched pairs of cadaveric knees were studied. The intent was to drill the femoral tunnel anatomically in all cases. In group A the femoral tunnel was drilled arthroscopically with an offset aimer. In group B the femoral tunnel was drilled arthroscopically with the BullsEye guide. Two tunnels were drilled through the same entry point in each knee. One was done at 110° of knee flexion and the other at 130°. They were scanned by computed tomography and reconstructed 3-dimensionally. Volume-rendering software was used to document relations of the drilled tunnel to the bony anatomy and tunnel length. RESULTS: In group B the femoral tunnel was placed at the center of the femoral insertion site. The center of the tunnel was 9.4 mm from the high cartilage margin and 8.6 mm from the low cartilage margin. In group A the tunnels were placed deeper (5.4 mm and 12.6 mm, respectively) (P = .018). There were no differences in tunnel length for either knee flexion degree. Three of the tunnels drilled at 110° in group A compromised the posterior tunnel wall and measured less than 25 mm in length. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate placement in the center of the femoral footprint of the ACL is better accomplished with the BullsEye guide rather than 5-mm offset aimers. Five-millimeter offset aimers might cause posterior tunnel blowout and present the risk of obtaining short tunnels when performing oblique femoral tunnel placement through the anteromedial portal at 110° of knee flexion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The BullsEye guide might be better than standard offset aimers in the performance of anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction.