Surgical approach on combined chronic patellar tendon and bicruciate knee ligament injury.

A combined injury of the patellar tendon and both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments is disabling. It directly affects knee kinematics and biomechanics, presenting a considerable surgical challenge. In this complex and uncommon injury, decision-making should take into account the surgeon's experience and consider one- or two-stage surgery, tendon graft, graft fixation, and rehabilitation protocol. This manuscript discusses the surgical approach based on a comprehensive understanding of the patellar tendon and bicruciate biomechanics to guide which structures should be reconstructed first, especially when a two-stage procedure is chosen.

4-domain sports prom translation and cultural adaptation into portuguese / 4-domain sports prom: traducción y adaptación cultural al portugués / 4-domain sports prom: tradução e adaptação cultural para a língua portuguesa

ABSTRACT Introduction: The literature presents several scientifically validated and cross-culturally adapted questionnaires in the area of orthopedics and Sports Medicine scientifically validated and cross-culturally adapted. However, they are anatomically specific, and do not consider the specific needs of athletes. The "4-Domain PROM for Orthopedic and Sports Medicine" (4-Domain Sports PROM) is the first questionnaire, in the literature (International Journal of Sports Medicine - 2021), designed to assess athletes and highly active sports practitioners, and their specificities. physical and psychological. It comprises four domains: athlete without injury, after sports injury, expectation of treatment, athlete's assessment of the treatment received. Objectives: This work aims to carry out the translation and cross-cultural adaptation (TCA) to the Portuguese language. Methods: The questionnaire was self-administered by 50 participants, regular physical and sports activities practitioners. The translation and cultural adaptation process involved six steps: translation; synthesis; back translation; pre-test; review by the Expert Committee, clinical application and author approval of the original version. The Equivalence of translation and relevance of questionnaire items were evaluated. RESULTS: The Portuguese version of the 4-DOMAIN SPORTS PROM had a translation equivalence of 0.94, and item relevance was 0.98, while the percentage of agreement between patients for understanding was 0.98. Conclusion: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the 4 Domain Sports PROM into the Portuguese version proved to be understandable and reproducible in all questionnaire domains (agreement above 90% and content validity index of 100%) to assess the treatment of the population of athletes and regular sports practitioners. Level of Evidence II; A cross-sectional qualitative study.

RESUMEN Introducción: La literatura presenta varios cuestionarios científicamente validados y transculturalmente adaptados en el área de la ortopedia y Medicina del Deporte. Sin embargo, son anatómicamente específicos y no consideran las necesidades específicas de los atletas. El "4-Domain PROM for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine" (4-Domain Sports PROM) es el primer cuestionario, en la literatura (International Journal of Sports Medicine - 2021), diseñado para evaluar atletas y practicantes de deportes altamente activos, y sus especificidades físicas y psicológicas. Comprende cuatro dominios: atleta sin lesión, después de una lesión deportiva, expectativa de tratamiento, evaluación del atleta sobre el tratamiento recibido. Objetivos: El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar la traducción y adaptación transcultural (TCA) a la lengua portuguesa. Métodos: El cuestionario fue autoadministrado por 50 participantes, practicantes habituales de actividades físicas y deportivas. El proceso de traducción y adaptación cultural involucró seis pasos: traducción; síntesis; traducción inversa; prueba previa; revisión por el comité de expertos; aplicación clínica y aprobación del autor de la versión original. Se evaluaron la equivalencia de traducción y la relevancia de los ítems del cuestionario. Resultados: La versión portuguesa del 4-DOMAIN SPORTS PROM tuvo una equivalencia de traducción de 0,94 y la relevancia de los ítems fue de 0,98, mientras que el porcentaje de acuerdo entre los pacientes para la comprensión fue de 0,98. Conclusión: La traducción y adaptación transcultural del 4-DOMAIN SPORTS PROM al portugués amplía las posibilidades de evaluar los diferentes momentos que involucran el tratamiento de lesiones deportivas, ya que este cuestionario fue diseñado para capturar datos sobre la percepción de los pacientes antes de la lesión, después de la lesión, expectativa y evaluación del trato recibido en deportistas y practicantes habituales de actividad física. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio Cualitativo Transversal.

RESUMO Introdução: A literatura apresenta diversos questionários cientificamente validados e adaptados transculturalmente na área de na Ortopedia e Medicina Esportiva validados cientificamente e adaptados transculturalmente. Entretanto, eles são anatomicamente específicos, e não consideram as necessidades especificas dos atletas. O "4-Domain PROM for Orthopedic and Sports Medicine" (4-Domain Sports PROM) é o primeiro questionário, na literatura (International Journal of Sports Medicine - 2021), concebido para avaliar atletas e praticantes de esportes altamente ativos, e suas especificidades físicas e psicológicas. Ele compreende quatro domínios: atleta sem lesão, após lesão esportiva, expectativa do tratamento, avaliação do atleta sobre o tratamento recebido. Objetivos: O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar a tradução e a adaptação transcultural (TCA) à língua portuguesa. Métodos: O questionário foi autoadministrado por 50 participantes, praticantes regulares de atividades físicas e esportivas. O processo de tradução e adaptação cultural envolveu seis etapas: tradução; síntese; retrotradução; pré-teste; revisão pelo comitê de experts; aplicação clínica e aprovação do autor da versão original. Foi avaliado a Equivalência da tradução e relevância de itens do questionário. Resultados: A versão em português do 4-DOMAIN SPORTS PROM apresentou equivalência da tradução de 0,94 e relevância dos itens foi de 0,98, enquanto a porcentagem de concordância entre os pacientes para compreensão foi de 0,98. Conclusão: A tradução e adequação cultural do 4-DOMAIN SPORTS PROM para língua portuguesa mostrou-se compreensível e reprodutibilidade adequada em todos os domínios do questionário (concordância acima de 90% e Índice de Validade de Conteúdo de 100%) para avaliar o tratamento de população de indivíduos atletas e praticantes regulares de esportes. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo Qualitativo Transversal.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using PCL inlay technique with the patient supine in bicruciate ligament injury reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Surgical reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) can be technically challenging given the proximity of the popliteal artery to the PCL tibial insertion. This "no-safe zone" makes some knee surgeons less confident and willing to perform this surgical procedure. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We present a PCL tibial inlay reconstruction technique using a set of instruments involving three tools (a slot cut, a bone plug positioner, and an impactor). CONCLUSION: This set of instruments allows a more reproducible posteromedial approach and to produce a PCL tibial slot in a posterior cruciate ligament inlay reconstruction with the patient supine in bicruciate ligament injury reconstruction.

Combined anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments reconstruction with ipsilateral hamstring autograft: surgical technique.

Different surgical techniques have been proposed to reconstruct combined anterior cruciate (ACL) and lateral collateral ligaments (LCL). Although these surgical techniques are reliable and reproducible, the number of autologous grafts needed for the reconstruction could be a limiting factor, especially when patients present with multi-ligament knee injuries and the posterior cruciate ligament is also torn. In addition, some of these techniques are not easy to master and have a steep learning curve. We present a surgical procedure that has been used over the last 18 years to reconstruct combined ACL and LCL injuries and has become a reproducible, feasible and time-efficient procedure to approach combined ACL and LCL injuries using an ipsilateral hamstring autograft.

Is the "u-sign" radiologic feature of a posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture? / A imagem do "u-radiológico" é um sinal da fratura-avulsão tibial ligamento cruzado posterior?

ABSTRACT Objective: By analyzing our cases of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial avulsion fracture, we noted that a U-shaped image was present in the anteroposterior plain radiographs view of the affected knee, even in cases where the profile view of the knee had been inconclusive as to tibial PCL avulsion fracture, a "hidden" fracture. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether there was an anatomical correlation between this radiological U sign and the tibial insertion of the PCL and to ascertain the intra- and inter-rater reliability of this sign in clinical practice. Methods: The data of the widths and heights area of the PCL tibial insertion area, and the U sign area were measured and compared to the largest width of the tibia. Two moreover, the reliability and reproducibility of this imaging were analyzed. Results: The areas height of the U-sign area and the anatomical insertion area of the posterior cruciate ligament showed no difference, and both were topographically located in the two central quarters of the proximal end of the tibia. The radiographic assessment showed excellent Kappa agreement rates between interobserver and intraobserver, with high reliability and reproducibility. Conclusion: The U sign is a radiographic feature of PCL tibial avulsion fracture seen on the radiograph AP view, there is a high association between the ratios of the U-sign area height in the X-ray and the anatomical height of the PCL tibial insertion site MRI with the largest width of the proximal tibia. The radiographic U sign showed excellent rates of interobserver and intraobserver agreement with Kappa values higher than 0.8. Level of Evidence IV; Dignostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliando nossos casos de fratura-avulsão da inserção tibial do ligamento cruzado posterior, observamos que uma imagem em forma de U estava presente na radiografia plana anteroposterior do joelho afetado, mesmo nos casos em que a visão do perfil do joelho era inconclusiva quanto à fratura por avulsão do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) tibial, uma fratura "oculta". Portanto, buscamos investigar se havia uma correlação anatômica entre esse sinal radiológico U e a inserção tibial do LCP, além de verificar a confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores desse sinal na prática clínica. Métodos: Os dados das larguras e alturas da área de inserção tibial do LCP e da área do sinal U foram medidos e comparados com a maior largura da tíbia. Além disso, foram analisadas a confiabilidade e a reprodutibilidade dessa imagem. Resultados: A altura da área do sinal U e da área de inserção anatômica do ligamento cruzado posterior não mostraram diferença, e ambas estavam localizadas topograficamente nos dois quartos centrais da extremidade proximal da tíbia. A avaliação radiográfica mostrou excelentes taxas de concordância Kappa entre interobservador e intraobservador, com alta confiabilidade e reprodutibilidade. Conclusão: O sinal U é uma característica radiográfica da fratura por avulsão tibial do LCP que pode vista na radiografia AP. Existe uma alta associação entre as proporções da altura da área do sinal U na radiografia e da altura anatômica da inserção tibial do LCP RM local em relação à maior largura da tíbia proximal. O sinal radiográfico U mostrou excelentes taxas de concordância interobservador e intraobservador, com valores de Kappa superiores a 0,8. Nível de Evidência IV, Estudos Diagnósticos - Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

Clinical outcomes after two-stage bicruciate knee ligament reconstruction / Resultado clínico após reconstrução ligamentar bicruzado do joelho, em dois tempos

ABSTRACT Objective: To correlate clinical and intraoperative findings with the postoperative evaluation of two-stage bicruciate knee ligament reconstruction. Methods: The study was conducted with 25 patients (20 men and 05 women) with mean age of 32.3 years, mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.2, and mean lesion duration of 18.3 months. The treatment consisted of an Inlay reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) followed by the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, at least 3 months after the first surgical procedure. Four patients required additional procedures: patellar tendon (02), medial collateral ligament (MCL) (02). Results: With an average follow-up of 24.8 months, 60% of the patients scored zero or + at the posterior drawer test, while 40% scored ++; 60% of patients were evaluated as good/excellent according to the Lysholm scale. Only one patient reached the pre-injury Tegner activity level. Injury duration had a negative influence on functional limitation, vitality, and mental health (SF-36). Conclusion: Although two-stage bicruciate knee ligament reconstruction improved knee stability and self-assessment, 96% of patients did not recover their pre-injury state. In the 36-item short form survey (SF-36), injury duration was inversely correlated with self-assessment of functional capacity, physical limitation, vitality, and mental health. Level of Evidence II, retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Correlacionar os achados clínicos e intraoperatórios com a avaliação pós-operatória da reconstrução ligamentar bicruzada do joelho em dois tempos. Métodos: 25 pacientes (20 homens e 05 mulheres), média de idade de 32,3 anos, IMC médio de 26,2, tempo médio da lesão de 18,3 meses. O tratamento foi iniciado com a reconstrução INLAY do LCP e, após o intervalo mínimo de 3 meses, foi realizada a reconstrução do LCA. Procedimentos adicionais em 04 pacientes - tendão patelar (02), LCM (02). Resultados: com seguimento médio de 24,8 meses, o teste de gaveta posterior foi classificado como zero ou + em 60% dos pacientes avaliados e 40% como ++. 60% dos pacientes avaliados como bons / excelentes (Lysholm). Apenas um paciente atingiu o nível de atividade Tegner pré-lesão. A tempo da lesão influenciou negativamente os parâmetros de limitação do funcionamento físico dos aspectos físicos, vitalidade e saúde mental (SF-36). Conclusão: a reconstrução bicruzado do joelho, em dois tempos, melhorou a estabilidade do joelho e a avaliação subjetiva, mas 96% dos pacientes não recuperaram o estado pré-lesão. O tempo de lesão apresentou correlação estatística inversa com a avaliação subjetiva da capacidade funcional, limitação dos aspectos físicos, vitalidade e saúde mental no escore S-36. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo retrospective.

Influence of morbid obesity on physical capacity, knee-related symptoms and overall quality of life: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the impact of morbid obesity on physical capacity, joint-related symptoms, and on the overall quality of life. METHOD:: Cross-sectional study carried out at a university hospital, enrolling 39 individuals admitted to a bariatric surgery service. Physical capacity was assessed by Six-Minute Walk Test (SMWT) and the Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Knee-related symptoms were evaluated by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Lysholm Score. Quality of life was evaluated by Short Form 36 Health Questionnaire (SF-36). RESULTS:: On SMWT, the mean distance walked was 374.1±107.5 m. The mean Borg score was 12.9±2.4. KOOS questionnaire found the following scores: pain (64.3±24), other symptoms (67.2±25.5), function in daily living (60.4±26.8), function in sport and recreation (28.5±32.2), knee-related quality of life (35.9±33.5), mean Lysholm scale score (55.3±25.4). SF-36 provided the following scores: physical functioning (41±27.4), physical role functioning (34.6±39.2), bodily pain (45.7±23.6), general health perceptions (63.1±26.2), vitality (53.5±12.1), social role functioning (52.6±29.3), emotional role functioning (41±44.9), mental health (55±27.7). CONCLUSION:: Obesity led to significant loss of physical capacity, gait impairment, knee-related symptoms, and a negative impact on the overall quality of life.

Influence of morbid obesity on physical capacity, knee-related symptoms and overall quality of life: A cross-sectional study / Influência da obesidade mórbida sobre a capacidade física, sintomas relacionados aos joelhos e qualidade de vida geral: um estudo transversal

Summary Objective: To evaluate the impact of morbid obesity on physical capacity, joint-related symptoms, and on the overall quality of life. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out at a university hospital, enrolling 39 individuals admitted to a bariatric surgery service. Physical capacity was assessed by Six-Minute Walk Test (SMWT) and the Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Knee-related symptoms were evaluated by Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Lysholm Score. Quality of life was evaluated by Short Form 36 Health Questionnaire (SF-36). Results: On SMWT, the mean distance walked was 374.1±107.5 m. The mean Borg score was 12.9±2.4. KOOS questionnaire found the following scores: pain (64.3±24), other symptoms (67.2±25.5), function in daily living (60.4±26.8), function in sport and recreation (28.5±32.2), knee-related quality of life (35.9±33.5), mean Lysholm scale score (55.3±25.4). SF-36 provided the following scores: physical functioning (41±27.4), physical role functioning (34.6±39.2), bodily pain (45.7±23.6), general health perceptions (63.1±26.2), vitality (53.5±12.1), social role functioning (52.6±29.3), emotional role functioning (41±44.9), mental health (55±27.7). Conclusion: Obesity led to significant loss of physical capacity, gait impairment, knee-related symptoms, and a negative impact on the overall quality of life.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da obesidade mórbida sobre a capacidade física, sintomas osteoarticulares e qualidade de vida global. Método: Estudo transversal realizado em hospital universitário, envolvendo 39 indivíduos admitidos em um serviço de cirurgia bariátrica. A capacidade física foi avaliada através do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos e pela escala de percepção de esforço de Borg. Os sintomas relacionados ao joelho foram avaliados pelos escores de KOOS e Lysholm; a qualidade de vida foi avaliada por meio do questionário SF-36. Resultados: No teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, a distância média foi de 374,1±107,5 m. O escore médio de Borg foi 12,9±2,4. Os seguintes escores foram observados no KOOS: dor (64,3±24); outros sintomas (67,2±25,5); atividades da vida diária (60,4±26,8); atividades esportivas e lazer (28,5±32,2); qualidade de vida (35,9±33,5); o escore de Lysholm médio foi 55,3±25,4. O SF-36 mostrou estes escores: capacidade funcional (41±27,4); limitação por aspectos físicos (34,6±39,2); dor (45,7±23,6); estado geral de saúde (63,1±26,2); vitalidade (53,5±12,1); aspectos sociais (52,6±29,3); aspectos emocionais (41±44,9); saúde mental (55±27,7). Conclusão: A obesidade levou à perda significativa de capacidade física, a prejuízo à marcha, a sintomas relacionados ao joelho e a impacto negativo sobre a qualidade de vida global.

Factors that influence in the turnout in ballet dancers with knee pain / Factores que influyen en el turnout em bailarinas com dolor em lãs rodillas / Fatores que influenciam no turnout em bailarinas clássicas com dor nos joelhos

The turnout, primary gesture in classical ballet, refers the 180º of the feet. The lateral rotation provides the greatest amount of degrees necessary to perform the position perfectly. If performed improperly, it can generate problems, specialy in the knees, causing pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that influence the implementation of turnout in adolescents ballet dancers with knee pain and to compare them to the dancers without pain. Twenty three (23) ballet dancers with knee pain and 26 ballet dancers without pain were evaluated for range of motion of external rotation of the hip, muscle strength, femoral neck anteversion and static and dynamic turnout. The angles were measured with a manual goniometer, and the strength of the abductor muscle groups, external rotators and hip extensors with isometric dynamometer. The analysis was performed using ANOVA and Mann-Whitney. Range of motion of external rotation of the hip, femoral neck anteversion and muscle strength were similar between groups. The dynamic turnout was lower in ballet dancers with knee pain (p=0.02) and ballerinas with angular deficits above 10% over the static group had lower turnout under the bilateral extensor muscle group (p=0.04 and 0.03, right left) and right abductor (p=0.03). Although anatomical factors can influence the lateral rotation of the turnout, the angle decreased dynamic turnout was related to the group of dancers with pain. This suggests that training based on proximal awareness of movement can prevent and minimize burdens on the knees of classical dancers teens.

El turnout, principal gesto del ballet clásico, se refiere a la posición de 180º entre los pies. La rotación lateral de la cadera proporciona una mayor cantidad de grados necesarios para realizar la posición perfectamente. Si se realiza de forma inadecuada, puede generar compensaciones, preferentemente en las rodillas, generando dolor. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los factores que influyen en la ejecución del turnout en bailarinas clásicas adolescentes con dolor en las rodillas y comparar las bailarinas y sin dolor. Se evaluaron a 23 bailarinas con dolor y 26 bailarinas sin dolor en cuanto al rango de movimiento de rotación lateral de la cadera, la fuerza muscular, a la anteversión del cuello femoral y al turnout estático y dinámico. Los ángulos fueron medidos con un goniómetro manual, y la fuerza de los grupos musculares abductores, rotadores externos y extensores de la cadera con dinamómetro isométrico. El análisis se realizó por medio del ANOVA y Mann-Whitney. El rango de movimiento, la anteversión del cuello femoral y la fuerza del músculo fueron similares entre los grupos. El turnout dinámico fue menor en el grupo de bailarinas con dolor (p=0,02), y las bailarinas con déficits angulares superiores a 10% en relación al turnout estático presentaron menor fuerza del grupo muscular de los extensores bilaterales (p=0,04 y 0,03, derecha e izquierda) y abiductores derecho (p=0,03). Aunque los factores anatómicos pueden influir en la rotación lateral del turnout, la disminución del ángulo del turnout dinámico se relacionó con el grupo de bailarinas con dolor. Tal hecho sugiere que el entrenamiento basado en la conciencia proximal del movimiento puede prevenir y minimizar las sobrecargas en las rodillas de bailarinas clásicas adolescentes.

O turnout, gesto principal do balé clássico, refere-se à posição de 180º entre os pés. A rotação lateral do quadril fornece a maior quantidade de graus necessários para realizar a posição com perfeição. Se executada de forma inadequada, pode gerar compensações, preferencialmente nos joelhos, ocasionando dor. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar fatores que influenciam na execução do turnout em bailarinas clássicas adolescentes com dor nos joelhos e comparar a bailarinas sem dor. Foram avaliadas 23 bailarinas com dor e 26 bailarinas sem dor quanto à amplitude de movimento de rotação lateral do quadril, força muscular, à anteversão do colo femoral e ao turnout estático e dinâmico. Os ângulos foram mensurados com goniômetro manual, e a força dos grupos musculares abdutores, rotadores laterais e extensores do quadril com dinamômetro isométrico. A análise foi feita por meio do ANOVA e Mann-Whitney. A amplitude de movimento, a anteversão do colo femoral e a força muscular foram semelhantes entre os grupos. O turnout dinâmico foi menor no grupo de bailarinas com dor (p=0,02), e bailarinas com déficits angulares acima 10% em relação ao turnout estático apresentaram menor força do grupo muscular dos extensores bilateral (p=0,04 e 0,03, direita e esquerda) e abdutores direito (p=0,03). Embora fatores anatômicos possam influenciar na rotação lateral do turnout, a diminuição angular do turnout dinâmico esteve mais relacionada ao grupo de bailarinas com dor. Tal fato sugere que o treinamento baseado na conscientização proximal do movimento pode prevenir e minimizar as sobrecargas nos joelhos de bailarinas clássicas adolescentes.

Isokinetic evaluation after two-stage bicruciate reconstruction

Objective: To assess the functional balance of the knee after bicruciate reconstruction and its correlation with clinical score. Methods: 14 patients (11 men and three women), mean age 29.9±7.65 years, mean BMI 26.2±2.51 kg/m2 underwent surgical reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in two stages, with a mean interval of 3 months between procedures. With a mean follow-up period of 27.33 months, the isokinetic knee analysis was performed at 60°/s and 180°/s and the Lysholm and Tegner scores were applied. Results: The Lysholm score was 86.8±11.1 points and the Tegner score showed a deficit of 30% compared to pre-injury level. In isokinetic evaluation, the deficit of the operated quadriceps average torque was 17.05% at 60°/s and 12.16% at 180°/s, while the average flexor torque deficit was 3.43% at 60°/s and 5.82% at 180°/s. Although it was observed torque deficit between members, there were no statistical differences regarding the functional balance between hamstrings and quadriceps. Conclusion: Although the results of isokinetic evaluation has shown a functional balance of the knee (flexor-extensor), which may have contributed to the good subjective Lysholm score in the bicruciate two-stage reconstruction, two-stage reconstruction did not restore the pre-injury functional level. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series. .

TKA outcomes after prior bone and soft tissue knee surgery.

PURPOSE: Bone surgery around the knee joint could represent a more traumatic prior surgical procedure compared to soft tissue knee surgery and may predispose to differing postoperative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes. The objective of this study was to analyse the postoperative results as well as complications and failures in two groups of patients that had undergone knee surgery prior to primary TKA (bone surgery and soft tissue surgery) when compared to the no prior surgery group. METHODS: A retrospective and cohort series of 1,474 primary TKA were evaluated at minimum follow-up period of 2 years: 1,119 primary TKA underwent no prior surgery (1,119 patients) (group A), 85 primary TKA (85 patients) (group B) had prior bone procedure [high tibial osteotomy (n = 64), tibial plateau fracture (n = 10) and patellar realignment (n = 11)], and third group of 146 primary TKA (146 patients) (group C) had undergone a soft tissue procedure [arthroscopy (n = 60) and menisectomy (n = 86)] before primary TKA. All the patients underwent a clinical and radiological evaluation as well as International Knee Society (IKS) scores. RESULTS: Preoperatively, group B had 40 % of cases classified as stage IV knee arthritis (p < 0.02); while 57 % of cases in group A showed higher levels of knee malalignment (p = 0.001) and group C had lower BMI (p = 0.001). Intraoperative complications revealed no difference. Although group B had the poorest postoperative mean values of knee flexion, TKA procedure improved the preoperative mean values of knee flexion in all the study groups. The postoperative complications were more prevalent in group C (p < 0.001), while the percentage of revision TKA was similar for all study groups (p = 0.5). At 120-month follow-up, the Kaplan-Meier survival curve rates showed no difference (p = 0.29). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that prior knee surgery could be considered a clinical condition predisposed to higher postoperative complication rate in primary TKA compared to the no prior surgery group. After analysing the three study groups, group C showed a higher rate of postoperative local complications and lower IKS knee scores, while the group B showed the poorest postoperative mean values of knee flexion as well as the need for extended surgical approach (TTO approach) was more prevalent in this study group. However, statistical analysis did not reveal a direct correlation between the type of prior knee surgery and TKA failures.

Tempo e o percentual de alongamento estático influenciam a resposta mecânica do tendão? / How does static stretching influence the tendons mechanical response?

OBJETIVO: Analisar in vitro, a resposta mecânica de tendões calcâneo bovino, submetidos ao alongamento estático e avaliar a influência do alongamento no evento lesivo.MÉTODOS: Seis grupos de espécimes de tendões calcâneos bovinos (n=10) foram submetidos a alongamento estático: três intervalos (15, 30, 45 segundos) e percentuais de alongamento inicial (2,5 e 3,5%). O grupo controle (n=10) não realizou alongamento prévio. Ao termino do ensaio de alongamento, os espécimes foram submetidos ao ensaio de ruptura.RESULTADOS: Os valores de relaxamento de força apresentaram estabilização a partir do trigésimo segundo (p<0.0001) nos dois níveis de deformação estudados. Foi observado maior relaxamento de força (p<0.0026) e menor tensão de ruptura (p = 0.0123) para o grupo submetido a maior taxa de alongamento percentual (3,5%). Não houve diferença nos parâmetros de ruptura entre os grupos alongamento e controle. As variáveis tempo e percentual de alongamento não apresentaram interação.CONCLUSÃO: Considerando-se o relaxamento de estresse, o intervalo de 30 segundos parece ser o mais efetivo no alongamento de tendões, fato a ser considerado no estabelecimento de novos protocolos clínicos de alongamento. Trabalho experimental.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze in vitro the mechanical response of bovine calcaneus tendons subjected to static stretching in three different intervals (15, 30, 45 s).METHODS: Six groups of bovine calcaneus tendons (n=10) were formed according to the static stretching protocol: three different intervals (15, 30, 45 s) and initial stretching percentage (2.5% and 3.5%). The control group (n=10) did not perform prior stretching. At the end of the stretching tests, the specimens were subjected to stress rupture tests.RESULTS: The values for force relaxation presented stability after the 30th second (p<0.0001) at both levels of deformation. Greater force relaxation (p<0.0026) and the least tensile strength (p=0.0123) was observed in the group that was subjected to the highest stretch percentage (3.5%). No difference was observed between the rupture parameters of the stretch and control groups. The variables, stretch duration and percentage did not demonstrate interaction.CONCLUSION: In relation to force relaxation, the 30 second interval seems to be the most effective when stretching tendons. This fact should be considered when establishing new clinical stretching protocols. Laboratory investigation.

Is previous knee arthroscopy related to worse results in primary total knee arthroplasty?

According to literature, knee arthroscopy is a minimal invasive surgery performed for minor surgical trauma, reduced morbidity and shortens the hospitalization period. Therefore, this type of surgery before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) could be considered a minor procedure with minimum postoperative complication. A retrospective and cohort series of 1,474 primary TKA was performed with re-assessment after a minimum follow-up period of 2 years: 1,119 primary TKA had no previous surgery (group A) and 60 primary TKA had arthroscopic debridement (group B). All the patients underwent a clinical and radiological evaluation as well as IKS scores. Statistical analysis of postoperative complications revealed that group B had a higher postoperative complication rate (P < 0.01). In this group, 30% of local complications were re-operated and 8.3% of these cases underwent revision TKA (P < 0.01). The mean interval between arthroscopy and primary TKA was 53 months. However, statistical analysis did not reveal a direct correlation between arthroscopy/primary TKA interval and postoperative complications/failures (P = 0.55). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed a survival rate of 98.1 and 86.8% at 10 years follow-up for groups A and B, respectively. Our data allow us to conclude that previous knee arthroscopy should be considered a factor related to postoperative primary TKA outcomes as demonstrated by the higher rate of postoperative complications and failures (P < 0.001) as well as a worse survival curve than group A.

Revision after early aseptic failures in primary total knee arthroplasty.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cases of early aseptic failures presented during the first 5-year follow-up in a group of 981 primary total knee arthroplasty (primary TKA). Predisposing factors as well causes of failures and postoperative complications in different groups of aseptic failures were re-assessed and compared to a control group. A retrospective and cohort study compared one group of 944 primary TKA without surgical revision (890 patients) (Group A) with 22 primary TKA (22 patients) (Group B) that had revision TKA secondary to aseptic failure during the first five years follow-up. The cases of isolated patellar button replacement (n = 8) and infection (n = 7) were not considered in this study. All patients underwent a systematic assessment that included clinical and radiographic examinations, and IKS scores. Aseptic failure was more prevalent at the first 2-year follow-up (63%). TKA loosening (n = 11) and undiagnosed pain (n = 7) were considered the most frequent modes of failures, and laxity (n = 1) was a very rare early cause of failure. The aseptic failure group was characterized as average 5 years younger with a greater number of previous knee surgeries, lower IKS scores improvement, and more postoperative pain compared to control group, despite the fact that the aseptic failure group showed a prevalence of cases during the first 2-year follow-up. Inside this group, the undiagnosed pain group had lower improvement of IKS scores, a remarkable prevalence in prior surgical procedure (71%) and a minor mean interval between primary and revision TKA (11.6 months).

Análise cinemática do joelho ao subir e descer escada na instabilidade patelofemoral / Kinematic analisys of the knee when climbing up/down stairs in patellofemoral instability

OBJETIVO: Analisar e identificar possíveis adaptações da marcha em indivíduos com diagnóstico de instabilidade patelofemoral objetiva, durante a atividade de subida e descida de escada. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados um grupo controle (grupo A), composto por 9 mulheres com média de idade de 25 anos (±1,87), média de altura de 1,62m (±0,05) e média de peso de 56,20kg (±7,34); e, um grupo de 9 mulheres com instabilidade patelofemoral objetiva (grupo B), média de idade de 24 anos (±6,02), média de altura de 1,62m (±0,06) e média de peso de 60,33kg (±10,31). Os grupos foram submetidos a uma análise cinemática, onde as voluntárias subiram e desceram degraus, em uma área previamente selecionada. As imagens foram obtidas por seis câmeras (Qualysis) e a análise dos dados foi realizada através do programa Q gait. RESULTADOS: O grupo B apresentou, no período de apoio, menor flexão do joelho durante a subida (p=0,0268), além de menores velocidade (p=0,0076/ p=0,0243) e cadência (p=0,0027/ p=0,0165) na subida e na descida, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se que o grupo B utilizou adaptações funcionais como redução da flexão do joelho, da velocidade e da cadência, durante a subida e a descida de degraus.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and to identify possible gait adaptations by individuals with objective patellofemoral instability when climbing up/down stairs. METHODS: A control group (group A) composed by nine women with mean age = 25 years (±1.87), height = 1.62 m (±0.05) and weight = 56.20 kg (±7.34), and; nine women with objective patellofemoral instability (group B) with mean age = 24 years (±6.02), height = 1.62 m (±0.06) and weight = 60.33 kg (±10.31) were analyzed. The groups underwent kinematic analysis while climbing up/down stairs, in a previously determined area. Images were obtained by six cameras (Qualysis) and data analysis utilized the Q gait software program. RESULTS: Group B presented, in the support phase, less knee flexion when climbing up (p = 0.0268), and lower speed (p = 0.0076/ p =0.0243) and pace (p = 0.0027/ p = 0.0165) when climbing up and down stairs, respectively. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that group B used functional changes such as reduced knee flexion, speed and pace when climbing up and down stairs.

Tibial tubercle osteotomy in primary total knee arthroplasty: a safe procedure or not?

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of tibial tubercle osteotomy on postoperative outcome, intra- and postoperative complications, as well as postoperative clinical results and failures in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In a continuous, consecutive series of 1474 primary TKA, we analysed 126 cases where a tibial tubercle osteotomy approach was performed and 1348 cases without tibial tubercle osteotomy. Before surgery, all patients underwent a systematic assessment that included a clinical examination, radiographs (stress hip-knee-ankle film [pangonogram], weight bearing, anteroposterior knee view, schuss view, profile and patellar axial view at 30 degrees, stress valgus and varus view) and International Knee Society scores. When analysing intraoperative complications, tibial plateau fissures or fractures and tibial tubercle fracture were considered as complications relating to the tibial tubercle osteotomy group (p<0.001, p=0.007). With a 2-year minimum follow-up, there was no statistical difference in the number of revisions carried out in the two study groups (p=0.084). However, postoperative tibial tubercle fracture and skin necrosis were significantly related to the osteotomy (p=0.001 and p

Estabilidade articular do joelho no quadro do "joelho-flutuante" / Knee joint stability in a \"floating knee\" condition

Neste trabalho, 22 pacientes com fraturas ipslaterais do fêmur e da tíbia ("joelho flutuante") tratados cirurgicamente foram convocados para reavaliação. Com seguimento mínimo de 4 meses, 17 pacientes compareceram e foram reavaliados através de exame físico, radiológico, escala de Lysholm e o escore de Kãrlstron. As fraturas foram classificadas quanto ao grau de exposição (Gustillo e Andersen), cominuição (AO) e o "joelho-flutuante" (Fraser). Doze pacientes (70,6 por cento) apresentaram alterações objetivas no exame físico do joelho. A instabilidade articular foi a alteração mais encontrada, presente em oito casos (47 por cento), seguida da restrição de movimento em sete pacientes (41,2 por cento). A instabilidade anterior foi diagnosticada em cinco casos (29,4 por cento), sendo três associados à instabilidade em varo. A instabilidade posterior estava presente em dois pacientes (11,8 por cento), ambos associados com instabilidade em varo. Um paciente apresentou instabilidade periférica em varo e valgo, associada à restrição importante da flexão do joelho. As presença de fraturas intra-articulares, fraturas expostas do fêmur cursaram com maior incidência de restrição do arco de movimento. Nesta casuística os resultados obtidos reforçam a necessidade da avaliação sistemática da estabilidade articular do joelho, visto que o quadro de "joelho flutuante" está freqüentemente associado à lesão cápsulo-ligamentar desta articulação.

In this study, 22 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia ("floating knee") were recalled for reassessment. Seventeen patients turned up after a follow-up period of four months and were reassessed by applying the physical and radiological exams, the Lysholm's knee scale and the Karlstron score. The fractures were classified according to degree of exposure, communication and "floating knee" condition. Twelve patients (70.6 percent) presented with definite alterations during the physical examination of the knee. The joint instability was present in eight cases (47 percent) followed by restricted movement in seven patients (41.2 percent). Anterior instability was diagnosed in five cases (29.4 percent), three of them associated with varus instability. Posterior instability was observed in two patients (11.8 percent) and in both cases it was associated with varus instability. One patient presented with peripheral varus-valgus instability and an important knee movement restriction. Intra-articular and exposed fractures of the femur and tibia present a higher incidence of restricted arc movement. The results obtained in this study reinforce the need for the systemic assessment of knee joint stability in view of the fact that the "floating knee" condition is often associated with lesions of the knee joint capsule and ligament.

Estudo da perda da tensão do enxerto de tendão calcâneo bovino / Tension loss of a bovine calcaneus tendons

A lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho (LCA) é um problema que afeta tanto os animais como os seres humanos, e pode evoluir com instabilidade articular, muitas vezes, sintomática e incapacitante para o paciente. Os enxertos de tendões autólogos são a principal opção como substitutos ligamentares. Durante a reconstrução cirúrgica do LCA, o enxerto é submetido a tensionamento com o objetivo de restabelecer a lassidão normal do joelho LCA-deficiente. Embora o tensionamento do enxerto exerça papel fundamental na evolução clínica pós-operatória, a literatura ainda não estabeleceu os níveis ideais de tensionamento a serem aplicados. Assim, o estiramento ou elongamento do enxerto que pode ocorrer com o passar do tempo permanece como uma das principais causas da falha da reconstrução ligamentar.Neste trabalho, dez tendões de calcâneo bovino foram submetidos a dois ensaios sucessivos de tensionamento fisiológico a deformação relativa máxima de 2.5% do comprimento inicial do tendão ensaiado, mantida durante 600s, sendo registrados os valores de força (N) no tempo zero (inicial), 300s e 600s. Ao término do primeiro ensaio, o tendão retornava ao seu comprimento inicial, sendo mantido em repouso durante 300s, seguido de novo ensaio de tensionamento repetindo-se os mesmos procedimentos anteriores. A análise estatística permitiu concluir que o elongamento do tendão é mais pronunciado nos 300s iniciais, refletindo uma queda mais acentuada nos valores da tensão do enxerto. Portanto, 300s após o tensionamento e fixação do enxerto, o cirurgião pode avaliar mais adequadamente se o nível de tensionamento foi suficiente

Lesion of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is a problem that affects animals as well as humans and may evolve with joint instability that is often symptomatic and incapacitating. The main option for ligament substitution is the autologous tendon graft. The graft undergoes tensioning during ACL reconstructive surgery to reestablish the normal laxity of the ACL- deficient knee. Although graft tensioning plays a fundamental role in postoperative clinical evolution, ideal tensioning levels have not been established in the literature. Therefore, graft elongation that may occur over time is still one of the main reasons for ligament reconstruction failure. In this study, ten bovine calcaneus tendons underwent two successive assays of physiological tensioning for a maximum deformation of 2.5% of the initial tendon length, maintained for 600s with force (N) values recorded at zero time (initial), 300s and 600s. At the end of the first assay, the tendon returned to its initial length and was maintained at rest for 300s and then the next tensioning assay was initiated, repeating the previous procedure. Statistical analysis revealed that tendon elongation is more pronounced during the initial 300s, reflecting a more accentuated decline in the tension values of the graft. Therefore, 300s after tensioning and fixing the graft, the surgeon can assess with more precision if the tensioning level was adequate

Tratamento cirúrgico da fratura-avulsão da inserção tibial do L.C.P. do joelho: experiência de 21 casos / Surgical treatment of avulsion fractures of the knee PCL tibial insertion: experience with 21 cases

Avaliamos 21 pacientes, sendo 16 pacientes do sexo masculino e 5 do feminino, com idade média de 30 anos, foram submetidos à tratamento cirúrgico da fratura-avulsão do LCP. Em 57 por cento dos casos a lesão foi secundária a acidente motociclístico e 19 por cento a acidente automobilístico. Em 72 por cento dos casos foi identificada uma lesão na face anterior do joelho. O tratamento cirúrgico consistiu na abordagem posterior do joelho e fixação do fragmento ósseo com parafuso e arruela em 18 casos; e amarrilhas trans-ósseas em 3 casos, onde o fragmento ósseo era muito pequeno. Em 91 por cento dos casos, a cirurgia foi realizada dentro dos primeiros 15 dias apos a lesão. Os pacientes foram avaliados objetivamente (teste de gaveta posterior) e subjetivamente (Escala de Lysholm), apos um seguimento pós-operatório mínimo de 12 meses. A análise estatística não mostrou diferença significativa, ao nível de 5 por cento, entre as avaliações objetiva e subjetiva. A ausência de lesão ligamentar periférica pode ter contribuído para que os resultados clínicos pós-operatórios tenham avaliação subjetiva satisfatória; entretanto, a presença de uma posteriorização tibial residual sugere que a fratura-avulsão do ligamento cruzado posterior deve ser abordada não como uma lesão óssea pura, mas sim, como uma lesão ósteo-ligamentar.

We assessed 21 patients (16 males and 5 females), with mean age of 30 years who underwent surgical treatment for PCL avulsion fracture. In 57 percent of the cases, injuries were secondary to motorcycle accidents and 19 percent resulted from car accidents. Injuries on knee's anterior surface were detected in 72 percent of the cases. The surgical procedure involved posterior approach and bone fragment fixation using nut and screw in 18 cases, the trans-bone suture loop fixation in 3 cases with small bone fragments. In 91 percent of the cases, surgery was performed within the first two weeks following injury. The patients were objectively (posterior drawer test) and subjectively (Lysholm scale) re-evaluated after a minimum follow-up period of 12 postoperative months. The statistical analysis of objective and subjective assessments did not demonstrate any significant difference (p = 0.05). The satisfactory results of the subjective clinical postoperative evaluation may have been due to the absence of peripheral ligament injury. However, the presence of residual tibial posteriorization suggests that the avulsion fracture of the PCL should be treated as bone-ligament injury, and not just as a bone lesion.

Cyclic-loading of the human gracilis and semitendinosus muscle tendons: study of young adult cadavers.

During knee ligament reconstruction, the tendon graft is tensioned to prevent the occurrence of excessive graft elongation during the postoperative period. Tensioning may be achieved by applying a cyclic or static load to the graft during fixation. Although this procedure is part of the surgery, there is no consensus in international literature regarding ideal tension levels to be used in this procedure. This study was conducted on 10 tendons of the human gracilis muscle and 10 tendons of semitendinosus muscle removed from five male cadavers whose mean age was 20.8 years. These tendons underwent 10 in vitro strain cycles at three levels of deformation (2.5, 3, and 4%) and the value of the deforming load used for each cycle was recorded. The statistical analysis demonstrated that in order to attain the same level of deformation during the 10 cycles there was a reduction in the value of strain applied to the graft, observed at the three levels of deformation. It was concluded that the semitendinosus tendon presents a more uniform mechanical behavior and that there is a need for new graft tensioning protocols that consider the force associated with deformation.