Comparison of Bioabsorbable Suture Anchor Fixation on the Tibial Side for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Free Soft Tissue Graft: Experimental Laboratory Study on Porcine Bone

PURPOSE: The use of graft tissue fixation using bioabsorbable interference screws (BISs) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction offers various advantages, but limited pullout strength. Therefore, additional tibial fixation is essential for aggressive rehabilitation. We hypothesized that additional graft tissue fixation using bioabsorbable suture anchors (BSA) would provide sufficient pull-out strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four fresh frozen porcine distal femur and patellar tendon preparations were used. All specimens were divided into three groups based on additional fixation methods: A, isolated BIS; B, BIS and BSA; and C, BIS and post cortical screw. Tensile testing was carried out under an axial load. Ultimate failure load and ultimate failure load after cyclic loading were recorded. RESULTS: The ultimate failure loads after load to failure testing were 166.8 N in group A, 536.4 N in group B, and 438 N in group C; meanwhile, the ultimate failure loads after load to failure testing with cyclic loading were 140 N in group A, 466.5 N in group B, and 400 N in group C. Stiffness after load to failure testing was 16.5 N/mm in group A, 33.5 N/mm in group B, and 40 N/mm in group C. An additional BSA fixation resulted in a significantly higher ultimate failure load and stiffness than isolated BIS fixation, similar to post screw fixation. CONCLUSION: Additional fixation using a BSA provided sufficient pullout strength for ACL reconstruction. The ultimate failure load of the BSA technique was similar to that of post cortical screws.

Modified Combined Approach for Distal Humerus Shaft Fracture: Anterolateral and Lateral Bimodal Approach

BACKGROUND: Due to the anatomical nature of the radial nerve, dissection and attainment of an adequate operative field in mid to distal humerus fracture is dangerous and limited. We devised a combined anterolateral and lateral approach that ensures protection of the radial nerve. This is achieved by performing bimodal dissection of the proximal humerus anteriorly and the distal humerus laterally. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients were treated using a combined anterolateral and lateral approach for a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. We analyzed time to bony union, time to return to daily work, range of motion, elbow joint function as assessed by the Mayo elbow performance index and complications. RESULTS: Radiologic bony union was observed at 11.2 weeks (range, 8 to 20 weeks) on average. Four cases of incomplete radial nerve palsy before surgery all recovered. Time to return to work was 10.2 weeks (range, 2 to 32 weeks) on average. The average range of motion of the elbow was 3.3degrees (range, 0degrees to 10degrees) of extension and 135.9degrees (range, 125degrees to 145degrees) of flexion. There were 21 cases of excellent and 13 cases of good or better recovery, comprising over 97.1% on the Mayo elbow performance index. There were no complications of radial nerve palsy, non-union, mal-union, or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our a modified combined anterolateral and lateral approach is a clinically effective surgical method of achieving protection of the radial nerve and securing easy and firm internal fixation.

A New Surgical Technique of Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Unstable Inferior Leaf of the Anterior Horn in a Horizontal Tear of Lateral Meniscus

We introduce a new arthroscopic partial meniscectomy technique using a three portals and a small skin hook retractor to remove unstable inferior leaf in horizontal meniscal tear that involved the anterior portion of the lateral meniscus. The patient is positioned for a standard knee arthroscopy. After careful estimation of the depth and extent of the cleft and stability of the superior and inferior leaves is done through the standard anteromedial portal, a small skin hook retractor is inserted through the standard anterolateral portal to raise the dominant superior leaf of anterior horn, then the unstable inferior leaf is excised with a 90degrees rotary punch and a motorized shaver through the extreme far anteromedial portal. This technique is useful method to remove unstable inferior leaf of anterior horn of lateral meniscus which is difficult to remove with a standard technique.

Combined Anterolateral and Lateral Approaches in Treatment of Extra-articular Fracture of the Distal Humerus

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical effectiveness of open reduction in the treatment of distal humeral fracture using a newly designed combined approach of anterolateral and lateral approaches to protect the radial nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated 24 consecutive cases of distal humeral fracture who received open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. We analyzed the patients' age, sex, fracture pattern, timing of the union, range of motion of the elbow joint, and complications. The Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) was employed for the assessment of elbow joint function. RESULTS: Clinical union was observed at 10.8 weeks (6~20 weeks) on average. Pre-operatively, there were 3 cases of incomplete radial nerve palsy. All of the cases recovered, and there was no additional radial nerve palsy due to surgery. According to the MEPI, 13 cases were "excellent" and 10 cases were "good" or better, comprising 95.83% of the cases. The range of motion at the elbow was 5.5 degrees (0~15 degrees) of extension, and 131.5 degrees (120~145 degrees) of flexion, suggesting no functional disability. The duration of return to work was 11.2 weeks (5~32 weeks) on average. There were no nonunion, malunion, or infection complications. CONCLUSION: The combined anterolateral and lateral approach we designed is a clinically effective approach due to facilitation of protection of the radial nerve and attainment of adequate fixation space.

Measurement of Necrotic Lesion in Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head

PURPOSE: The size of the necrotic lesion is known to be the most important prognostic factor in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). We evaluated the accuracy and relationship of three different measuring methods of necrotic lesions for ONFH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty hips that had ONFH were measured on an MRI by two orthopaedic surgeons using Steinberg, Kim, and modified Kerboul methods. Based on the lesion size of the necrosis as measured with the computerized Steinberg method, the hips were divided into Group I (small lesion: less than 15%), Group II (medium lesion: 15~30%), and Group III (large lesion: more than 30%). Data of the Kim and modified Kerboul methods were reclassified by statistical analysis according to the groups classified by the Steinberg method. RESULTS: Average lesion size of Group I (16 hips) was 10.92%, the average size of Group II (33 hips) was 21.68%, and the average size of Group III (11 hips) was 36.80%. We established a new criteria of the Kim and modified Kerboul methods based on Steinberg. The Kim method was reclassified into Groups I (less than 18%), II (18~33%), and III (33% or more). And the modified Kerboul method was divided into Groups I (less than 200.6degrees), II (200.6~262.4degrees), and III (more than 262.4degrees) as well. CONCLUSION: New criteria for the Kim and modified Kerboul method would be a useful indicator for the prognosis and treatment plan in ONFH.