Return to Sports After High Tibial Osteotomy Using the Opening Wedge Technique / Retorno ao esporte após osteotomia tibial alta com método de cunha de abertura

Abstract Objective The present paper evaluates the resuming of physical activities by young, active patients who practiced some sport modality and underwent a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) using the opening wedge technique. Methods A total of 12 patients submitted to HTO using the opening wedge technique were prospectively analyzed. All patients were not playing sports at that time. Pre- and postoperative Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, visual analog scale for pain and performance level were compared. The average follow-up time was of 12 months. Results One patient resumed sporting activities at a performance level significantly lower compared to the preoperative level, while eight patients returned at a slightly below level, two returned at the same level and one patient returned at a higher level in comparison with the preoperative period. Conclusion For isolated medial osteoarthrosis treatment, HTO using the opening wedge technique has favorable clinical and functional results, allowing patients to resume their sporting activities.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o retorno ao esporte em pacientes jovens e ativos praticantes de alguma modalidade esportiva submetidos a osteotomia tibial alta (OTA) com o método de cunha de abertura. Métodos Foram analisados prospectivamente 12 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento de OTA utilizando-se método de cunha de abertura. Todos os pacientes estavam afastados do esporte. Foram utilizados os escores Lysholm, questionário International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC, na sigla em inglês), escala analógica de dor e nível de retorno em comparação ao período pré-operatório. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 12 meses. Resultados Um paciente retornou ao esporte em nível muito abaixo do pré-operatório, oito pacientes retornaram em nível pouco abaixo, dois pacientes retornaram no mesmo nível e um paciente retornou em nível acima. Conclusão A OTA com uso do método de cunha de adição como forma de tratamento para osteoartrose medial isolada demonstra resultados clínicos e funcionais favoráveis e permite o retorno ao esporte.

A Hamstring-Based Anatomic Posterolateral Knee Reconstruction With Autografts Improves Both Radiographic Instability and Functional Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report the subjective outcomes and objective stability in a series of chronically grade III posterolateral injured knees treated with a hamstring-based anatomic posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction technique using autografts. METHODS: An outcome study of patients with a chronic complete tear of all ligamentous structures of the PLC (>5 mm of varus gapping at 30o, ≥10° of external tibial rotation during the dial test, ≥4 mm of increased lateral compartment opening during varus stress radiographs) was performed. The patients were evaluated subjectively with Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Tegner scores and objectively with varus stress radiographs at 20° of knee flexion, IKDC objective scores, and recurvatum evaluation. Institutional review board approval: CEP/UNIFESP n: 1251/2016. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 33 patients were available for follow up at an average of 31.9 ± 12.3 months (range, 24-59 months) postoperatively. Twenty-five patients underwent multiple-ligament reconstruction without prior osteotomy. No patient had an isolated PLC knee reconstruction. The average comparative preoperative and postoperative outcomes were, respectively: Lysholm: 49.7 ± 10.3, 81.2 ± 12.8, P < .001, 89.7% met minimal detectable change; IKDC: 36.7 ± 8.3, 70.4 ± 19.8, P < .001, 82.8% met minimal clinically important difference; Tegner, 6.6 ± 1.3, 5.5 ± 1.6, P < .001; and varus stress radiograph: 7.1 ± 3.1 mm, 1.8 ± 1.8 mm, P < .001. A significant improvement, P < .001, was found between preoperative and postoperative IKDC objective scores for varus opening at 0° and 30° and external rotation measured by the dial test at 30°. Recurvatum was also improved: preoperatively, 52% had a low-grade and 48% had a high-grade recurvatum, whereas postoperatively, 100% were classified as low grade, P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: The presented anatomic PLC reconstruction, concomitant to other surgical procedures and ligament reconstructions, is a valid technique in a multiligamentous knee injury involving the PLC, improving subjective outcomes and objective stability in patients with a chronic PLC knee injury, similar to historical controls. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Anteromedial Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy Improves Results of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability in Patients With Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Distance of 17 to 20 mm.

PURPOSE: To compare the midterm clinical outcomes of anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy combined with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (TTO+MPFLR) with MPFLR alone (MPFLRa) for the treatment of recurrent patellar instability (RPI) in patients with a tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) of 17 to 20 mm. METHODS: From January 2008 to August 2013, patients with RPI and a TT-TG of 17 to 20 mm were divided into 2 groups: TTO+MPFLR or MPFLRa. Subjects were evaluated for J sign classification (1-4+); patellar glide (1-4+); the apprehension test; increased femoral anteversion; the Caton index; trochlear dysplasia; TT-TG; and Kujala, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Tegner scores. Kujala improvement was the primary outcome. RESULTS: Forty-two subjects were evaluated, 18 in the TTO+MPFLR group and 24 in the MPFLRa group. Mean follow-up time was 40.86 months (range, 24-60 months). Demographics between the groups were not different. Preoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding J sign classification; patellar glide; the apprehension test; increased femoral anteversion; the Caton index; trochlear dysplasia; TT-TG; and Kujala, Lysholm, IKDC, and Tegner scores. Postoperative J sign classification mean results comparing TTO+MPFLR and MPFLRa, respectively, were 1 and 1.33 (P = .006). Improvement was significantly higher in the TTO+MPFLR group in all scores except for Tegner. Kujala improvement, 30.27 and 23.95, respectively (P = .003), was also clinically significant, favoring TTO+MPFLR. Lysholm improvement was 40.5 and 36.2, respectively (P = .02), and IKDC improvement was 38.59 and 31.6, respectively (P = .002). There were no reported recurrent subluxations or dislocations in either group. CONCLUSIONS: TTO+MPFLR resulted in better functional outcome scores and patellar kinematics compared with MPFLRa in the surgical treatment of RPI in patients with a TT-TG distance of 17 to 20 mm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Bicruciate lesion biomechanics, Part 2-treatment using a simultaneous tensioning protocol: ACL fixation first is better than PCL fixation first to restore tibiofemoral orientation.

PURPOSE: An uncommon technique for bicruciate ligament reconstruction involving simultaneous tensioning of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) grafts with ACL graft fixation first has been pointed out as superior to the "gold-standard" PCL graft fixation first. The purpose of this study was to compare tibiofemoral biomechanics between ACL fixation first and PCL fixation first in a simultaneous tensioning protocol for bicruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (six matched pairs) were tested using a custom testing system. Neutral tibial position representing tibiofemoral orientation, anterior-posterior (AP) tibial translation, varus-valgus laxity, and internal-external rotation were measured using a Microscribe 3DLX at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. The following knee conditions were evaluated: intact, bicruciate deficient and following bicruciate reconstruction. A simultaneous tensioning protocol was used for bicruciate reconstruction and PCL fixation first was compared to ACL fixation first. PCL graft fixation was always performed at 90° of flexion and ACL graft fixation was always performed at full extension. RESULTS: ACL fixation first achieved a tibiofemoral orientation closer to the intact knee than PCL fixation first at 90° flexion (1.8 ± 1.6 mm versus 6.1 ± 3.2 mm, p = 0.016). PCL fixation first had a larger decrease in AP translation than ACL fixation first at 30° flexion (64.6 ± 3.5% vs. 58.3 ± 2.4%, p = 0.01). No significant differences were found for varus/valgus, external-internal rotation decrements after bicruciate reconstruction nor for AP translation, varus/valgus and internal/external rotation increase after bicruciate lesion comparing ACL fixation first to PCL fixation first. CONCLUSION: Bicruciate ligament reconstruction using a simultaneous tensioning protocol with ACL fixation first resulted in a closer to normal tibiofemoral orientation. This study will help guide surgeons in decision making for the graft tensioning protocol and fixation sequence in a bicruciate ligament reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V therapeutic study.

Bicruciate lesion biomechanics, Part 1-Diagnosis: translations over 15 mm at 90° of knee flexion are indicative of a complete tear.

PURPOSE: Understanding the pathomechanics of a bicruciate injury (BI) is critical for its correct diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this biomechanical study aims to quantify the effects of sequential sectioning of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) bundles on knee laxity. METHODS: Twelve cadaveric knees (six matched pairs) were used. Knee laxity measurements consisted of neutral tibial position, anterior-posterior translation, internal-external rotation, and varus-valgus angulation in different conditions: intact, ACL cut, incomplete BI (divided into two groups: anterolateral (AL) bundle intact or posteromedial (PM) bundle intact) and complete bicruciate tear. Data were collected using a Microscribe system at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. RESULTS: In comparison to the intact knees, incomplete BI and complete BI showed a significant increase of total antero-posterior tibial translation. The largest significant increase was observed at 90° of flexion after a complete bicruciate resection (p < 0.001). A threshold difference greater than 15 mm from the intact could be used to identify a complete BI from an incomplete BI evaluating the total antero-posterior translation at 90°. All sectioned states had significant increases compared with the intact condition in internal-external rotation and varus-valgus stability at all tested flexion angles. CONCLUSION: Both incomplete and complete BI led to an important AP translation instability at all angles; however, full extension was the most stable position at all injured models. Total antero-posterior translation at 90° of knee flexion over 15 mm, in comparison to the intact condition, was indicative of a complete BI. Since the appropriate assessment of a combined ACL and PCL lesion remains a challenge, this study intends to assist its diagnosis. As BI's main antero-posterior instability occurred at 90°, a total antero-posterior drawer test is proposed to evaluate BI in the clinical setting. Total antero-posterior translation at 90° > 15 mm, in comparison to the intact condition or the contra-lateral non-injured knee, can be used to identify a complete from an incomplete BI.

Total knee and hip arthroplasty: the reality of assistance in Brazilian public health care / Artroplastia total de joelho e quadril: a preocupante realidade assistencial do Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the number of hospital permits for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in Brazil between 2008 and 2015, and correlate them with regional, national, and international demographic and epidemiological aspects. Methods: Data on demographics, economic level, and TKA and THA were obtained from the website of the Ministry of Health/DATASUS, Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, and the National Health Agency to assess the assistance provided by the Public Health Care System in arthroplasties for elderly Brazilian population without private health care. Results: The South and Southeast had the best care, with 8.07 and 6.07 TKAs/100,000 inhabitants, one TKA per 1811 and 2624 seniors, 17.3 and 10.99 THAs/100,000 inhabitants, and one THA per 923 and 1427 seniors, respectively. The worst rates were found in the North and Northeast, with 0.88 and 0.98 TKAs/100,000, one TKA per 6930 and 10,411 seniors, 0.96 and 3.25 THAs/100,000, and one THA per 6849 and 2634 seniors, respectively. The national average was 4.00 TKAs/100,000, one TKA per 3249 seniors, 8.01 THAs/100,000, and one THA per 1586 seniors. The international average was 142.8 TKAs/100,000 and 191.8 THAs/100,000. Conclusion: The results expressed unsatisfactory results for TKA and THA in Brazil, with greater relevance in the North and Northeast.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o número de autorizações de internação hospitalar para cirurgias de artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ) e quadril (ATQ) no Brasil entre 2008 e 2015 e correlacioná-lo com aspectos demográficos e epidemiológicos regionais, nacionais e internacionais. Métodos: Os dados sobre informativos demográficos, econômicos e sobre ATJ e ATQ foram obtidos no website do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), Agência Nacional de Saúde (ANS) e Ministério da Saúde/Datasus para avaliar o assistencialismo do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em artroplastias para a população idosa brasileira sem planos de saúde privados. Resultados: As Regiões Sul e Sudeste apresentaram a melhor relação assistencial, com 8,07 e 6,07ATJ/100.000 habitantes e uma ATJ para 1.811 e 2.624 idosos e 17,3 e 10,99ATQ/100.000 habitantes e uma ATQ para 923 e 1.427 idosos, respectivamente. Os piores índices foram do Norte e Nordeste, com 0,88 e 0,98 ATJ/100.000 e uma ATJ para 6.930 e 10.411 idosos e 0,96 e 3,25 ATQ/100.000 e uma ATQ para 6.849 e 2.634 idosos, respectivamente. A média nacional foi de 4,00 ATJ/100.000 e uma ATJ para 3.249 idosos e 8,01 ATQ/100.000 e uma ATQ para 1.586 idosos. A média internacional foi de 142,8 ATJ/100.000 e 191,8 ATQ/100.000. Conclusão: Os resultados indicaram resultados assistenciais insatisfatórios para ATJ e ATQ no Brasil, principalmente nas regiões Norte e Nordeste.

Forgotten Joint Score - Portuguese translation and cultural adaptation of the instrument of evaluation for hip and knee arthroplasties / Tradução e adaptação cultural para a língua portuguesa do instrumento de avaliação para artroplastias de quadril e joelho Forgotten Joint Score

ABSTRACT Objective: To translate and adapt culturally to Brazilian Portuguese the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) patient-reported outcome questionnaire. Methods: Forty-five patients in the postoperative period (3-12 months) of total knee and hip arthroplasty were asked to answer the Br FJS questionnaire, translated into Portuguese based on the guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Results: Twenty-three patients completed the questionnaire correctly, suggesting changes when pertinent. In the first round of answers, it was observed that 20% had difficulty in understanding the expression "joint awareness." In further harmonization of the questionnaire, it was decided to change the term "awareness" for "remember." After this change no difficulty was observed in understanding for more than 85% of patients. Conclusion: The FJS questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. Additional studies are underway to compare the reproducibility and validity of the Brazilian translation to other questionnaires already established for the same outcome.

RESUMO Objetivo: Traduzir para a língua portuguesa e adaptar culturalmente para o Brasil o questionário autoavaliativo Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) para mensuração de desfecho clínico em artroplastia total de joelho e quadril. Métodos: O processo de tradução seguiu as diretrizes da International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Quarenta e cinco pacientes em pós-operatório (3-12 meses) de artroplastia total de joelho e quadril foram selecionados para responder ao Forgotten Joint Score traduzido para o português (Br-FJS) para a validação cultural do questionário. Resultados: Responderam o questionário de maneira correta e sugeriram mudanças quando acharam pertinentes 23 pacientes. No primeiro ciclo de respostas, observou-se que 20% dos pacientes apresentaram dificuldade de compreensão da expressão "consciência articular". Em nova harmonização do questionário, optou-se pela mudança da expressão "consciência" para a expressão "lembrar". Após a mudança, mais de 85% dos pacientes não apresentaram dificuldades de compreensão. Conclusão: O questionário FJS foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente para o português do Brasil. Estudos adicionais estão em andamento para comparar a reprodutibilidade e validade da tradução brasileira a outros questionários já estabelecidos para o mesmo desfecho.

Quadriceps Strength Deficit at 6 Months After ACL Reconstruction Does Not Predict Return to Preinjury Sports Level.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of literature-based objective criteria for return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Establishing such objective criteria is crucial to improving return to sport after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). HYPOTHESES: Patients who return to their preinjury level of sport will have higher isokinetic, postural stability, and drop vertical jump test scores 6 months after surgery and greater patient satisfaction compared with those who did not. Additionally, quadriceps strength deficit cutoff values of 80% and 90% would differentiate patients who returned to preinjury sports level from those who did not. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A retrospective search was conducted to identify all patients who underwent ACLR and completed isokinetic evaluation, postural stability analysis, and drop vertical jump testing at 6 months postoperatively. Patients were asked to complete 3 questionnaires at a minimum 1 year after surgery. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used for categorical dependent variables, while the Student t test, Pearson correlation, or analyses of variance with Bonferroni post hoc testing were used for continuous dependent variables. A post hoc power analysis was completed. Based on the results regarding correlations between return to preinjury level and all other variables, effect sizes from 0.24 to 3.03 were calculated. With these effect sizes, an alpha of 0.05 and sample size of 58, a power ranging from 0.15 to 0.94 was calculated. RESULTS: The rates of return to preinjury level and to any sports activity were 53.4% and 84.4%. Those who were able to return to their preinjury level of sport (n = 33) showed significantly higher Lysholm (91.6 ± 9.7 vs 76.7 ± 15.4) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) (83.6 ± 10.6 vs 69.8 ± 14.6) values compared with those who were unable to return to their preinjury level of sport (n = 25) ( P < 0.001). No significant differences were found for the clinical evaluations between those who were and those who were not able to return at the same level for the clinical evaluations (isokinetic evaluation, postural stability, drop vertical jump test) ( P > 0.05). No significant differences were found when comparing quadriceps strength deficit with cutoff values of 80% and 90% for return to preinjury activity level (Tegner), Lysholm, and IKDC scores. CONCLUSION: Quadriceps strength deficit, regardless of cutoff value (80% or 90%), at 6 months after ACLR does not predict return to preinjury level of sport. Patients who returned to sport at their preinjury level were more satisfied with their reconstruction compared with those who did not. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Quadriceps strength deficit is not a reliable predictor of return to sports, and therefore it should not be used as the single criterion in such evaluations.

Parylene scaffold for cartilage lesion.

Evaluate parylene scaffold feasibility in cartilage lesion treatment, introducing a novel paradigm combining a reparative and superficial reconstructive procedure. Fifteen rabbits were used. All animals had both knees operated and the same osteochondral lesion model was created bilaterally. The parylene scaffold was implanted in the right knee, and the left knee of the same animal was used as control. The animals were euthanized at different time points after surgery: four animals at three weeks, three animals at six weeks, four animals at nine weeks, and four animals at 12 weeks. Specimens were analyzed by International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) macroscopic evaluation, modified Pineda histologic evaluation of cartilage repair, and collagen II immunostaining. Parylene knees were compared to its matched contra-lateral control knees of the same animal using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank. ICRS mean ± SD values for parylene versus control, three, six, nine and twelve weeks, respectively: 7.83 ± 1.85 versus 4.42 ± 1.08, p = 0.0005; 10.17 ± 1.17 versus 6.83 ± 1.17, p = 0.03; 10.89 ± 0.60 versus 7.33 ± 2.18, p = 0.007; 10.67 ± 0.78 versus 7.83 ± 3.40, p = 0.03. Modified Pineda mean ± SD values for parylene versus control, six, nine and twelve weeks, respectively: 3.37 ± 0.87 versus 6.94 ± 1.7, p < 0.0001; 5.73 ± 2.05 versus 6.41 ± 1.7, p = 0.007; 3.06 ± 1.61 versus 6.52 ± 1.51, p < 0.0001. No inflammation was seen. Parylene implanted knees demonstrated higher collagen II expression via immunostaining in comparison to the control knees. Parylene scaffolds are a feasible option for cartilage lesion treatment and the combination of a reparative to a superficial reconstructive procedure using parylene scaffolds led to better results than the reparative procedure alone.

Anterolateral ligament anatomy: a comparative anatomical study.

PURPOSE: Some anatomical studies have indicated that the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee is distinct ligamentous structure in humans. The purpose of this study is to compare the lateral anatomy of the knee among human and various animal specimens. METHODS: Fifty-eight fresh-frozen knee specimens, from 24 different animal species, were used for this anatomical study. The same researchers dissected all the specimens in this study, and dissections were performed in a careful and standardized manner. RESULTS: An ALL was not found in any of the 58 knees dissected. Another interesting finding in this study is that some primate species (the prosimians: the red and black and white lemurs) have two LCLs. CONCLUSION: The clinical relevance of this study is the lack of isolation of the ALL as a unique structure in animal species. Therefore, precaution is recommended before assessing the need for surgery to reconstruct the ALL as a singular ligament.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in a Murine Model: Leukocytes, Growth Factors, Flt-1, and Muscle Healing.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations are not the same and that not all preparations include white blood cells, but the part that leukocytes play on the healing role of PRP is still unknown. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of leukocytes in different PRP preparations with a special emphasis on growth factor concentrations. The secondary aim was to evaluate the influence of PRP on muscle healing. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Two PRP preparation procedures were evaluated. Blood fractions were stained with Rapid Panoptic, and growth factors (transforming growth factor beta 1 [TGF-ß1], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], insulin-like growth factor [IGF], epidermal growth factor [EGF], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], and platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF]) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting analysis was performed for Fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (Flt-1). A muscle contusion injury was created and treated with PRP at different time points. RESULTS: Leukocytes were the main source of VEGF, and all other growth factors measured had a higher concentration in the preparations that included the buffy coat and consequently had a higher concentration of white blood cells. Flt-1 was also found in platelet-poor plasma (PPP). There were higher concentrations of PDGF and HGF in the preparations that encompassed the buffy coat. A PRP injection 7 days after the injury provided significantly increased exercise performance and decreased the fibrotic area when compared with other PRP-treated groups. CONCLUSION: VEGF is only present in PRP's buffy coat, while Flt-1 is present in PPP. A PRP injection 7 days after an injury resulted in improved exercise performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presence of Flt-1 in PRP provides yet another explanation for results described in the literature after a PRP injection. This information is relevant for selecting the best PRP for each type of injury.

A simple method to minimize vascular lesion of the popliteal artery by guidewire during transtibial posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: To compare the outside-in transtibial lateral and medial approaches for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction regarding the guidewires and popliteal artery integrity. METHODS: Twenty-two human cadaveric knees were used. A PCL tibial aimer was arthroscopically placed within the PCL footprint through the anteromedial portal for the medial approach and through the anterolateral portal for the lateral approach. For the medial approach, the drill guide was introduced through the anteromedial tibial cortex and the guidewire was advanced with the reamer beyond the posterior tibial cortex. For the lateral approach, the drill guide was introduced through the anterolateral tibial cortex and the guidewire was advanced with the reamer beyond the posterior tibial cortex. After this, the knee was dissected. The depth distance (DD) was defined as the distance between the popliteal artery and the tibial posterior cortex projected at the tibial level at which the guidewire intersected or passed by the artery. The guidewire travel distance was calculated as the distance the guidewire had to advance beyond the tibial cortex to intersect the popliteal artery or pass by it. RESULTS: With the medial approach, the popliteal artery was intersected in all knees with a mean DD of 12.20 mm and a mean guidewire travel distance of 15.90 mm. With the lateral approach, the popliteal artery was not intersected in any knee; its mean medial distance from the artery was 4.8 mm at a DD of 10.05 mm. There was a significant difference in the popliteal artery intersection incidence and DD between both groups (P < .0001 and P = .0003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The transtibial lateral approach for PCL reconstruction was a safer method than the medial approach regarding popliteal artery injury by a guidewire. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study presents a slight modification of the most frequently used PCL reconstruction technique, intending to minimize guidewire injury to the popliteal artery.

Updates in biological therapies for knee injuries: anterior cruciate ligament.

There have been many advances in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) techniques incorporating biological treatment. The aim of this review is to discuss the recent contributions that may enlighten our understanding of biological therapies for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and improve management decisions involving these enhancement options. Three main biological procedures will be analyzed: bio-enhanced ACL repair, bio-enhanced ACLR scrutinized under the four basic principles of tissue engineering (scaffolds, cell sources, growth factors/cytokines including platelet-rich plasma, and mechanical stimuli), and remnant-preserving ACLR. There is controversial information regarding remnant-preserving ACLR, since different procedures are grouped under the same designation. A new definition for remnant-preserving ACLR surgery is proposed, dividing it into its three major procedures (selective bundle augmentation, augmentation, and nonfunctional remnant preservation); also, an ACL lesion pattern classification and a treatment algorithm, which will hopefully standardize these terms and procedures for future studies, are presented.

Estudo radiográfico da reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior pela via transtibial / Radiological study of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by transtibial approach / Estudio radiográfico de la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior por técnica transtibial

INTRODUÇÃO: A ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é frequente devido às atividades esportivas, e sua reconstrução tem sofrido constantes modificações com o aprimoramento das técnicas cirúrgicas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar radiologicamente o posicionamento dos túneis tibial e femoral com o uso da técnica transtibial auxiliada pela pré-perfuração femoral. MÉTODO: Análise radiológica (AP e perfil), na quarta semana de pós-operatório de 98 pacientes, totalizando 100 casos de reconstrução do LCA. Três examinadores avaliaram o posicionamento dos túneis tibial e femoral pelos seguintes métodos: Scanlan, Staubli e Rauschning e Bernard. RESULTADOS: O posicionamento do ângulo α (AP) foi de 64,13o (± 4,29o) e do ângulo β (perfil), de 57,28o (± 4,41o). A média de posicionamento tibial foi de 41,99% (± 5,14%). O enxerto do LCA foi inserido no côndilo lateral do fêmur e a média em porcentagem de posicionamento no quadrante verde foi de 62%, no quadrante amarelo, de 37% e de 1% no vermelho. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica transtibial de reconstrução do LCA auxiliada pela pré-perfuração femoral proporciona o posicionamento anatômico do enxerto na grande maioria dos casos, conforme comprovação radiológica. .

INTRODUCTION: The rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is often due to sports activities and its reconstruction methods have undergone constant changes due to improvements in the surgical techniques. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiological placement of the tibial and femoral tunnels using the transtibial technique assisted by the femoral pre-drilling. METHOD: Radiological analysis (AP and lateral), at 4 weeks postoperatively in 98 patients, totaling 100 cases of ACL reconstruction. Three examiners evaluated the placement of the tibial and femoral tunnels. Methods for assessing the positioning of the tunnels were: Scanlan, Staubli and Rauschning and Bernard. RESULTS: The α angle (AP) was 64.13° (±4.29°) and the β angle (lateral) was 57.28° (±4.41°). The mean tibial positioning was 41.99% (±5.14%). The ACL graft was inserted into the lateral condyle of the femur and the average percentage of radiographic positioning in the green quadrant was 62%, the yellow quadrant, 37% and 1% in the red quadrant. CONCLUSIONS: The transtibial technique for ACL reconstruction, assisted by the femoral pre-drilling provides the anatomical position of the graft in the majority of the cases, as radiological evidence. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ruptura del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) es frecuente debido a las actividades deportivas, y su reconstrucción ha sufrido constantes modificaciones con la mejora de las técnicas quirúrgicas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar radiográficamente el posicionamiento de los túneles tibial y femoral con el uso de la técnica transtibial auxiliada por la pre-perforación femoral. MÉTODO: Análisis radiográfico (AP y perfil), en la 4a semana de postoperatorio de 98 pacientes, totalizando 100 casos de reconstrucción del LCA. Tres examinadores evaluaron el posicionamiento de los túneles tibial y femoral por los siguientes métodos: Scanlan, Staubli y Rauschning y Bernard. RESULTADOS: El posicionamiento del ángulo α (AP) fue de 64,13o (± 4,29o) y del ángulo β (perfil), de 57,28o (± 4,41o). El promedio de posicionamiento tibial fue de 41,99% (± 5,14%). El injerto del LCA fue colocado en el cóndilo lateral del fémur y el promedio en porcentaje de posicionamiento en el cuadrante verde fue de 62%, en el cuadrante amarillo de 37% y de 1% en el rojo. CONCLUSIONES: La técnica transtibial de reconstrucción del LCA auxiliada por la pre-perforación femoral proporciona el posicionamiento anatómico del injerto en la gran mayoría de los casos, de acuerdo a la comprobación radiográfica. .

A manual method to obtain platelet rich plasma

OBJECTIVE: This study is to report a manual method to obtain platelet rich plasma (PRP). METHODS: For this study 61 ml of peripheral blood was obtained and submitted to centrifugation at 541g for 5 min. The centrifugation separates the blood into three components: red blood cells, buffy coat and platelet rich plasma. Blood and platelet rich plasma samples were sent to the Hospital's Laboratory and platelets and leukocytes were measured. RESULTS: A sample of 637 blood donors was evaluated. The platelet yield efficiency was 86.77% and the increase in platelet concentration factor was 2.89 times. The increase in leukocyte concentration factor was 1.97 times. CONCLUSION: The method described here produces leukocyte-rich and platelet-rich plasma with a high platelet and leukocyte increased factor. Level of Evidence IV, Controlled Laboratory Study. .

An anatomic study of the posterior septum of the knee.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the posterior septum of the knee and determine the presence of a safe zone that could be removed, without significant damage to blood vessels and nerves. METHODS: Nineteen fresh unpaired adult human cadaveric knees, with no macroscopic degenerative or traumatic changes, were used in this study. Microscopic evaluation was performed by analysis of H&E, CD-34, and S-100 staining. RESULTS: The posterior septum of the knee is rich in type II and type IV mechanoreceptors and blood vessels. The superior half has a greater number of blood vessels (21.52 ± 6.36 v 12.05 ± 4.1, P < .001), higher-caliber vessels (2.2 ± 0.89 µm v 1.41 ± 0.45 µm, P < .006), and a greater number of mechanoreceptors per field (type II, 1.8 ± 1.8 v 0.42 ± 1, P = .04; type IV, 22.6 ± 14 v 14.5 ± 9.4, P = .04) than the inferior half of the septum. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that the posterior septum of the knee is highly vascularized and has a great number of type II and IV mechanoreceptors. The presence of these structures is significantly higher in the superior half of the septum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If debridement of the posterior septum is necessary, it should be done at the inferior aspect so that a greater number of blood vessels and mechanoreceptors can be preserved.

Tumor gigantocelular sinovial do joelho / Synovial giant cell tumor of the knee

Tumor gigantocelular sinovial é uma neoplasia benigna, raramente sendo relatada na forma de metástase maligna. A localização mais comum de ocorrer um tumor gigantocelular sinovial é na mão e as mais infrequentes são tornozelo e joelho. No presente estudo os autores têm como objetivo descrever um caso raro de tumor gigantocelular sinovial localizado no joelho e o tratamento escolhido. A artroscopia demonstrou, nesse caso, ser o método ideal para o tratamento da lesão, uma vez que permitiu abordagem pouco agressiva e, ao mesmo tempo, boa visualização de todos os compartimentos da articulação do joelho e a completa ressecção do tumor.

Synovial giant cell tumor is a benign neoplasm, rarely reported in the form of malignant metastasis. Synovial giant cell tumor most frequently occurs on the hand, and, most uncommon, on the ankle and knee. In the present study, the authors describe a rare case of synovial giant cell tumor on the knee as well as the treatment approach. Arthroscopy has been shown, in this case, to be the optimal method for treating this kind of lesion, once it allowed a less aggressive approach, while providing good visualization of all compartments of knee joint and full tumor resection.

Comparação entre os resultados obtidos na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho utilizando dois tipos de enxertos autólogos: tendão patelar versus semitendíneo e grácil / Comparison between the results achieved in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with two kinds of autologous grafts: patellar tendon versus semitendinous and gracilis

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar os resultados da artrometria e do exame isocinético entre dois tipos de enxertos autólogos: o terço central do ligamento patelar e o formado pelos tendões dos músculos semitendíneo e grácil, dentro de um mesmo protocolo de reabilitação no sexto mês pós-operatório. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os resultados obtidos dos exames realizados em 63 pacientes divididos em dois grupos. Em um grupo de 30 pacientes, utilizou-se o tendão patelar como enxerto e em outro grupo de 33 pacientes, utilizou-se o tendão dos músculos semitendíneo e grácil. Ambos os enxertos foram fixados da mesma forma, com EndobuttonTM para fixação suspensória no fêmur e um parafuso de interferência bioabsorvível para fixação no túnel tibial. RESULTADOS: A artrometria 30 não apresentou diferença estatística entre os dois grupos observados. Já na avaliação isocinética, constatou-se que o grupo de tendão patelar possui em média maior pico de torque de flexão e maior déficit de extensão e o grupo de flexores possui, em média, melhor relação flexão/extensão e maior déficit de flexão percentual. Não há diferença estatística significante entre os grupos quanto à medida de pico de torque de extensão. CONCLUSÃO: portanto, no presente estudo, quando o tendão patelar é utilizado, há maior déficit extensor e quando são utilizados os tendões flexores, há maior déficit flexor.

OBJECTIVE: this study aims to compare the arthrometric and isokinetic examination results from two types of autologous grafts: the central third of the patellar ligament and a graft formed by the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles, within the same rehabilitation protocol, six months after the surgery. METHODS: the results from examinations carried out on 63 patients were analyzed. These patients were divided in two groups: one group of 30 patients who received a patellar tendon graft and another group of 33 patients who received a graft from the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles. Both the grafts were attached in the same way, with EndobuttonTM for suspensory fixation to the femur and a bioabsorbable interference screw for fixation in the tibial tunnel. RESULTS: arthrometry 30 did not present any statistical difference between the two study groups. On the other hand, the isokinetic evaluation showed that the patellar tendon group had a larger mean peak torque of flexion and greater extension deficit, while the semitendinosus/gracilis group had a better mean flexion/extension ratio and greater percentage of flexion deficit. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when measuring peak torque extension. CONCLUSION: therefore, when the patellar tendon was used, there was greater extensor deficit and, when the semitendinosus/gracilis tendons were used, there was greater flexor deficit.

Tratamento da instabilidade femoropatelar crônica pela reconstrução do ligamento femoropatelar medial / Treatment of the chronic patellofemoral instability with the medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

Hipótese: Reconstrução do ligamento patelofemoral medial restaura a estabilidade, promove retorno funcional e alívio da dor em pacientes com instabilidade patelar lateral crônica. Design do estudo: Série de casos nível 4 de evidência. Métodos: Vinte e um pacientes com instabilidade lateral crônica foram tratados com reconstrução do ligamento patelofemoral medial usando enxerto do semitendíneo. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados pré-operatoriamente e pós-operatoriamente com questionários de Kujala, Fulkerson, Lysholm, nível de atividade de Tegner e através da Escala Analógica de Dor por um período mínimo de 24 meses. Resultados: Vinte e um pacientes foram avaliados por um período médio de 66,5 meses (variando de 24-130 meses) após a cirurgia. O questionário de Kujala mudou de 55,7 para 82,3, o de Fulkerson mudou de 60,6 para 91,2, o de Lysholm variou de 53,5 para 85,6, a escala de atividade de Tegner variou de 3,5 para 7,1 e a Escala Analógica Visual de Dor variou de 7,4 no pré-operatório para 3,0 na última avaliação. Todos mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes (P <.001). Nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significante foi encontrada nas avaliações pós-operatoria dos questionários de Kujala, Lysholm, Fulkerson, Tegner e Escala Analógica Visual de Dor. Existiram 66,59%, 71,42% e 71,41% de bons e excelentes resultados baseados nos questionários de Kujala, Lysholm e Fulkerson, respectivamente. Nenhuma luxação recorrente ocorreu e todos os 21 pacientes estavam satisfeitos com o tratamento cirúrgico. Conclusão: A reconstrução do ligamento patelofemoral medial prove excelente alívio da dor e retorno funcional em pacientes com instabilidade patelar crônica.

COMPARISON BETWEEN THE RESULTS ACHIEVED IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION WITH TWO KINDS OF AUTOLOGOUS GRAFTS: PATELLAR TENDON VERSUS SEMITENDINOUS AND GRACILIS.

OBJECTIVE: this study aims to compare the arthrometric and isokinetic examination results from two types of autologous grafts: the central third of the patellar ligament and a graft formed by the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles, within the same rehabilitation protocol, six months after the surgery. METHODS: the results from examinations carried out on 63 patients were analyzed. These patients were divided in two groups: one group of 30 patients who received a patellar tendon graft and another group of 33 patients who received a graft from the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles. Both the grafts were attached in the same way, with Endobutton™ for suspensory fixation to the femur and a bioabsorbable interference screw for fixation in the tibial tunnel. RESULTS: arthrometry 30 did not present any statistical difference between the two study groups. On the other hand, the isokinetic evaluation showed that the patellar tendon group had a larger mean peak torque of flexion and greater extension deficit, while the semitendinosus/gracilis group had a better mean flexion/extension ratio and greater percentage of flexion deficit. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when measuring peak torque extension. CONCLUSION: therefore, when the patellar tendon was used, there was greater extensor deficit and, when the semitendinosus/gracilis tendons were used, there was greater flexor deficit.