Injerto osteocondral congelado para tratamiento de lesiones de cartílago de rodilla: resultados a 7 años de seguimiento / Use of frozen osteochondral allograft for the treatment of cartilage defects of the knee. Results at seven-year follow-up

Resumen Introducción : Las lesiones osteocondrales de rodilla son una afección frecuente en jóvenes. Los trasplantes alogénicos usando injerto congelado se presentan como una opción de tratamiento en pacientes con lesiones grandes o sin zona dadora. Este trabajo buscó analizar retrospectivamente los resultados funcionales y la tasa de falla de los trasplantes osteocondrales con injerto cadavérico congelado. Métodos : Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a tras plantes osteocondrales de rodilla con injerto cadavérico congelado en nuestra institución, entre 2014 y 2019, con dos años de seguimiento mínimo. Variables evaluadas: edad al momento de la intervención, escalas funciona les International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) y Lysholm pre y post operatorios, complicaciones y tasa de falla. Resultados : Incluimos 25 pacientes. La edad media fue de 43.5 años (RIQ 29-50), 45% fueron mujeres y el seguimiento promedio fue de 83 meses (DS 54.6). El ta maño promedio del defecto osteocondral fue de 4 cm2. La escala de Lysholm promedio pre y postoperatorio fue de 39 (DS 19.3) y 82 (DS 15.4) respectivamente (p < 0.01). El IKDC promedio pre y postoperatorio fue de 42 (DS 13.8) y 60 (DS 13.5) respectivamente (p < 0.01). La tasa de falla fue del 20% (n=5). Discusión : Los pacientes presentaron una mejoría postoperatoria evidenciada en los resultados funcio nales, y una tasa de falla del 20%. El uso de trasplante osteocondral congelado se presenta como un recurso útil para el tratamiento de lesiones condrales graves.

Abstract Introduction : Knee osteochondral lesions represent a frequent pathology within young active patients. One possible indication for severe lesions or in case of im possibility of harvesting an autograft is the use of fresh frozen allograft. The objective of this study was to ret rospectively analyze functional results and failure rate after osteochondral transplants using fresh frozen al lografts. Methods : We analyzed data from patients who under went knee osteochondral transplant using mosaicplasty technique with fresh frozen allografts at our institution between 2014 and 2019. We included those patients with at least two-year follow-up. Demographic characteristics such as age at the moment of intervention and size of the defect were included. Functional results were assessed using pre and postoperative Lysholm and IKDC scores. Patients who underwent a knee replacement were considered failures. Results : Twenty-five patients were included. The me dian age was 43.5 years (IQR 29-50), 45% were female and the mean follow-up was 83 months (SD 54.6). Mean osteochondral defect size was 4 cm2. Mean pre and post operative Lysholm scores were 39 (SD 19.3) and 82 (SD 15.4) respectively (p < 0.01). Mean pre and postoperative IKDC scores were 42 (SD 13.8) and 60 (SD 13.5) respec tively (p < 0.01). Five patients (20%) underwent a knee replacement afterwards and were considered failures. Discussion : Our results after a mean seven-year follow-up evidenced an overall improvement in func tional scores and a failure rate of 20%. Osteochondral transplant using fresh frozen allografts is a reliable and feasible treatment for patients with large osteochondral defects.

[Use of frozen osteochondral allograft for the treatment of cartilage defects of the knee. Results at seven-year follow-up]. / Injerto osteocondral congelado para tratamiento de lesiones de cartílago de rodilla: resultados a 7 años de seguimiento.

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteochondral lesions represent a frequent pathology within young active patients. One possible indication for severe lesions or in case of impossibility of harvesting an autograft is the use of fresh frozen allograft. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze functional results and failure rate after osteochondral transplants using fresh frozen allografts. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients who underwent knee osteochondral transplant using mosaicplasty technique with fresh frozen allografts at our institution between 2014 and 2019. We included those patients with at least two-year follow-up. Demographic characteristics such as age at the moment of intervention and size of the defect were included. Functional results were assessed using pre and postoperative Lysholm and IKDC scores. Patients who underwent a knee replacement were considered failures. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included. The median age was 43.5 years (IQR 29-50), 45% were female and the mean follow-up was 83 months (SD 54.6). Mean osteochondral defect size was 4 cm2. Mean pre and postoperative Lysholm scores were 39 (SD 19.3) and 82 (SD 15.4) respectively (p < 0.01). Mean pre and postoperative IKDC scores were 42 (SD 13.8) and 60 (SD 13.5) respectively (p < 0.01). Five patients (20%) underwent a knee replacement afterwards and were considered failures. DISCUSSION: Our results after a mean seven-year follow-up evidenced an overall improvement in functional scores and a failure rate of 20%. Osteochondral transplant using fresh frozen allografts is a reliable and feasible treatment for patients with large osteochondral defects.

Introducción: Las lesiones osteocondrales de rodilla son una afección frecuente en jóvenes. Los trasplantes alogénicos usando injerto congelado se presentan como una opción de tratamiento en pacientes con lesiones grandes o sin zona dadora. Este trabajo buscó analizar retrospectivamente los resultados funcionales y la tasa de falla de los trasplantes osteocondrales con injerto cadavérico congelado. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a trasplantes osteocondrales de rodilla con injerto cadavérico congelado en nuestra institución, entre 2014 y 2019, con dos años de seguimiento mínimo. Variables evaluadas: edad al momento de la intervención, escalas funcionales International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) y Lysholm pre y post operatorios, complicaciones y tasa de falla. Resultados: Incluimos 25 pacientes. La edad media fue de 43.5 años (RIQ 29-50), 45% fueron mujeres y el seguimiento promedio fue de 83 meses (DS 54.6). El tamaño promedio del defecto osteocondral fue de 4 cm2. La escala de Lysholm promedio pre y postoperatorio fue de 39 (DS 19.3) y 82 (DS 15.4) respectivamente (p < 0.01). El IKDC promedio pre y postoperatorio fue de 42 (DS 13.8) y 60 (DS 13.5) respectivamente (p < 0.01). La tasa de falla fue del 20% (n=5). Discusión: Los pacientes presentaron una mejoría postoperatoria evidenciada en los resultados funcionales, y una tasa de falla del 20%. El uso de trasplante osteocondral congelado se presenta como un recurso útil para el tratamiento de lesiones condrales graves.

Failure rate, return-to-sports and magnetic resonance imaging after meniscal repair: 119 patients with 7 years mean follow up.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important factors to consider in relation to meniscal repair is the high failure rate reported in the existing literature. AIM: To evaluate failure rates, return to sports (RTS) rate, clinical outcomes and magnetic resonance image (MRI) evaluation after meniscus suture repair for longitudinal tears at a minimum 2-year-follow-up. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of meniscal repairs between January 2004 and December 2018. All patients treated for longitudinal tears associated or not with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) were included. Meniscal ramp lesions, radial and root tears, associated with multiligament injuries, tibial fracture and meniscal allograft transplants were excluded. Surgical details and failure rate, defined as symptomatic patients who underwent a revision surgery, were analyzed. As isolated bucket handle tears (BHTs) were usually associated with higher failure rates, we compared BHTs and not BHTs associated or not with an ACL-R. Since 2014, the inside-out technique using cannulas and suture needles with 2-0 Tycron began to predominate. In addition, the number of stitches per repair was increased. In view of differences in surgical technique, we compared two different cohorts: before and after 2014. We recorded the RTS according to the level achieved and the time to RTS. Lysholm and IKDC scores were recorded. Patients were studied with x-rays and MRI as standard postoperative control. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen patients were included with a mean follow up of 7 years (SD: 4.08). Overall failure rate was 20.3% at a mean 20.1 mo. No statistically significant differences were found when comparing failure for medial and lateral meniscal repair (22.7% and 15.3%, P = 0.36), BHTs and not BHTs (26% and 17.6%, P = 0.27), isolated or associated with an ACL-R (22.9% and 18%, P = 0.47), or when comparing only BHTs associated with an ACL-R (23% and 27.7%, P = 0.9) or not. When comparing cohorts before and after 2014, we found a significant decrease in the overall failure rate from 26% to 11% (P < 0.03). Isolated lesions presented a decrease from 28% to 6.6% (P = 0.02), BHTs from 34% to 8% (P = 0.09) and those associated with an ACL-R from 25% to 10% (P = 0.09). Mean RTS time was 6.5 mo in isolated lesions and 8.64 mo when associated with an ACL-R. Overall, 56% of patients returned to the same sport activity level. Mean pre and postoperative Lysholm scores were 64 and 85 (P = 0.02), and IKDC 58 and 70 (P = 0.03). Out of 84 asymptomatic patients evaluated with MRI, 39% were classified as "not healed" and 61% as "healed". CONCLUSION: Even though the overall failure rate of our series was 20.3%, we found a statistically significant decrease from 26% to 11%, not only for isolated lesions, but also for BHT's and those associated with an ACL-R when comparing our series in two different cohorts, most probably due to improvements in surgical technique.

Clinical, imaging, arthroscopic, and histologic features of bilateral anteromedial meniscofemoral ligament: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The anteromedial meniscofemoral ligament (AMMFL) is a very rare entity, commonly unrecognized and underreported. Although it was not proved to be a cause of anterior knee pain, concerns have been raised on the relationship between the presence of this structure and medial meniscus injury secondary to its abnormal motion. Regarding histologic examination, some studies have shown meniscus-like fibrocartilage, while others have identified it as ligament-like collagenous fibrous connective tissue. CASE SUMMARY: We report the case of a 34-year-old ballerina with an AMMFL associated with a torn medial meniscus of both knees. Surgery was performed to treat the meniscal injury and two biopsies of each AMMFL were taken in different locations to define the histopathological composition. Histologic examination revealed fibrocartilaginous tissue compatible with meniscus. Follow-up evaluation one year after surgery evidenced full remission of symptoms and the patient had resumed her athletic activities. CONCLUSION: Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, arthroscopic, and histological features have been carefully described to better characterize the AMMFL.

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Return to sports at a minimum 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Between 43% and 75% of patients who undergo primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery return to sport activity. However, after a revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) the rate of return to sports is variable. A few publications have reported returns to sports incidence between 56% to 100% after revision ACLR. AIM: To determine return to sports and functional outcomes after a single-stage revision ACLR with a 5-year minimum follow-up at a single institution. METHODS: All patients operated between 2010 and 2016 with a minimum 5 years of follow-up were included. Type of sport, intensity, frequency, expectation, time to return to sport and failure rate were recorded. Lysholm, Tegner and International Knee Documentation Committee forms were evaluated prior to the first ACLR surgery, at 6 mo after primary surgery and after revision ACLR at 5 years minimum of follow-up. Objective stability was tested with the knee arthrometer test (KT-1000 knee arthrometer, Medmetric Corp). RESULTS: A total of 41 patients who underwent revision ACLR during that period of time were contacted and available for follow-up. Median patient age at time of revision was 29 years old [interquartile range (IQR): 24.0-36.0], and 39 (95.0%) were male. The median time from revision procedure to follow-up was 70 mo (IQR: 58.0-81.0). Regarding return to sports, 16 (39.0%) were at the same level compared to preinjury period, and 25 patients (61.0%) returned at a lower level. Sixty-three percent categorized the sport as very important and 37.0% as important. One patient (2.4%) failed with a recurrent ACL torn. Mean preoperative Lysholm and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores were 58.8 [standard deviation (SD) 16] and 50 (SD 11), respectively. At follow-up, mean Lysholm and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores were 89 (SD 8) and 82 (SD 9) (P = 0.0001). Mean Tegner score prior to primary ACLR was 6.7 (SD 1.3), 5.1 (1.5 SD) prior to revision ACLR and 5.6 (1.6 SD) at follow-up (P = 0.0002). Overall, knee arthrometer test measurement showed an average of 6 mm (IQR: 4.0-6.0) side-to-side difference of displacement prior to revision ACLR and 3mm (IQR: 1.5-4.0) after revision. CONCLUSION: Almost 40.0% of patients returned to preinjury sports level and 60.0% to a lower level. These may be useful when counseling a patient regarding sports expectations after a revision ACLR.

Overview of the anterolateral complex of the knee.

In the last few years, much more information on the anterolateral complex of the knee has become available. It has now been demonstrated how it works in conjunction with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) controlling anterolateral rotatory laxity. Biomechanical studies have shown that the anterolateral complex (ALC) has a role as a secondary stabilizer to the ACL in opposing anterior tibial translation and internal tibial rotation. It is of utmost importance that surgeons comprehend the intricate anatomy of the entire anterolateral aspect of the knee. Although most studies have only focused on the anterolateral ligament (ALL), the ALC of the knee consists of a functional unit formed by the layers of the iliotibial band combined with the anterolateral joint capsule. Considerable interest has also been given to imaging evaluation using magnetic resonance and several studies have targeted the evaluation of the ALC in the setting of ACL injury. Results are inconsistent with a lack of association between magnetic resonance imaging evidence of injury and clinical findings. Isolated ACL reconstruction may not always reestablish knee rotatory stability in patients with associated ALC injury. In such cases, additional procedures, such as anterolateral reconstruction or lateral tenodesis, may be indicated. There are several techniques available for ALL reconstruction. Graft options include the iliotibial band, gracilis or semitendinosus tendon autograft, or allograft.

Good Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Low Rates of Return to Sports after Repeat Revision ACL Reconstruction.

Repeat revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is a rare, demanding procedure and, as such, has not been well studied. Most of the available literature shows improved functional outcomes compared with preoperative state but inferior results when compared with primary ACL-R, particularly regarding return to preinjury level of sports. The purpose of this study was to assess functional outcomes in patients who had undergone repeat revision ACL-R. The secondary aims were to register return to sports, associated meniscal and/or chondral lesions, and evaluate radiological anatomical parameters. Nine patients between 2011 and 2017 were evaluated, who had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Median age at repeat ACL-R was 32 years (interquartile range [IQR], 30-34 years) and the median follow-up was 27 months (IQR, 24-39 months). Data collected prior to surgery and at last follow-up included patient demographics, operative findings, physical examination findings including pivot shift and KT-1000 arthrometer measurement; Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores; and return to sports and level using the Tegner score. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subjective score and radiographic anatomical parameters were recorded at last follow-up. Mean IKDC and Lysholm score improvement was 25 points (confidence interval [CI] 12-37) and 25 points (CI 11-39), respectively (p < 0.001). The median postoperative KOOS score was pain: 93 (IQR, 64-96); symptoms: 94 (IQR, 83-97); activities of daily life: 96 (IQR, 90-100); sports: 75 (IQR, 50-90); and quality of life: 50 (IQR, 43-81). Postoperative median side-to-side KT-1000 arthrometer difference was 2 mm (IQR, 1-8 mm). The median radiographic posterior tibial slope was 10 degrees (IQR, 9-10). One patient was considered a failure at 16 months postoperative. Only 44% (four out of nine) patients were able to return to their sports. None of these patients had a cartilage injury, while three out of five patients who did not return to their sports had International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society grade III or IV cartilage injury. Patients should be counseled on the challenging outcomes of repeat revision ACL-R. This is Level IV, therapeutic case series.

¿Es seguro el ácido tranexámico en la cirugía de reemplazo total de rodilla de pacientes con enfermedad coronaria? / Is tranexamic acid safe in total knee replacement surgery in patients with coronary artery disease?

Introducción: El ácido tranexámico reduce la pérdida sanguínea y los requerimientos de transfusiones luego de un reemplazo total de rodilla. Una de sus contraindicaciones relativas son los antecedentes de colocación de prótesis intravasculares coronarias, por un supuesto aumento de eventos tromboembólicos. materiales y métodos:Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes sometidos a un reemplazo total de rodilla primario y de revisión que recibieron ácido tranexámico y tenían antecedente de colocación de prótesis intravascular coronaria. Se los comparó con un grupo sin estas prótesis. Se analizó la presencia de cualquier cambio clínico o electrocardiográfico de oclusión coronaria aguda, eventos tromboembólicos, el requerimiento de transfusión sanguínea y el nivel de hemoglobina pre y posoperatorio. Resultados: 57 pacientes (59 cirugías, 56 reemplazos primarios y 3 revisiones) con colocación de prótesis intravascular coronaria, al menos, un año antes de la artroplastia. Un paciente tuvo síntomas de síndrome coronario agudo y cambios en el electrocardiograma. No hubo diferencias en la cantidad de eventos tromboembólicos. Solo un paciente del grupo de control recibió una transfusión de glóbulos rojos. El sangrado relativo fue menor en el grupo coronario independientemente del uso crónico de aspirina y clopidogrel antes de la cirugía (2,09 vs. 3,06 grupo de control; p = 0,01). En pacientes del alto riesgo, el ácido tranexámico no se asoció con más eventos tromboembólicos. Conclusiones: El ácido tranexámico impresionó ser seguro y efectivo en nuestro grupo de pacientes con prótesis intravasculares coronarias; sin embargo, se necesita un estudio prospectivo con más casos para confirmar estos resultados. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and need for a transfusion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, patients with a history of coronary artery (CA) stent placement might be at increased risk for thromboembolic complications. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with a history of coronary stenting who had undergone primary and revision TKA and received preoperative TXA. A comparison was made with a group of patients without coronary stenting. The presence of any clinical or electrocardiographic changes of acute coronary occlusion, thromboembolic events (TEE), blood transfusion, and pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels were analyzed. Results: 57 patients underwent 59 TKA surgeries (56 primary and 3 revisions) with a history of coronary stenting at least 1 year before arthroplasty. One patient presented symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes. There were no differences in the number of thromboembolic events. Only 1 patient received red blood cell transfusion in the control group. Relative bleeding was lower in the coronary group regardless of chronic use of aspirin and clopidogrel before surgery (2.09 vs 3.06 in the control group; p=0.01). In high-risk patients, TXA was not associated with higher TEEs. Conclusions: Although TXA seemed safe and effective in this database review of patients with previous placement of CAS; a larger prospective trial is warranted to confirm these results. Level of Evidence: IV

Trombosis arterial de diagnóstico tardío que simula un síndrome de Südeck luego de un reemplazo total de rodilla / Late-diagnosed arterial thrombosis mimicking Complex regional pain syndrome after total knee arthroplasty in a patient with CREST syndrome

La trombosis arterial luego de una artroplastia total de rodilla es una complicación poco frecuente; sin embargo, puede tener consecuencias devastadoras. Describimos un caso de una oclusión arterial después de una artroplastia total de rodilla en una mujer de 85 años. Inicialmente, la presentación clínica nos hizo pensar en una manifestación de la enfermedad de Raynaud (la paciente tenía antecedente de síndrome de CREST). Entre los diagnósticos diferenciales también se planteó un síndrome de dolor regional complejo, que retrasó el diagnóstico durante dos semanas. Finalmente, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento se realizaron mediante angiografía. La recuperación funcional fue completa. La baja frecuencia de esta lesión puede determinar que el diagnóstico sea un desafío para el cirujano. En este caso, la oclusión parcial de las arterias evitó complicaciones más graves. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Arterial thrombosis after total knee replacement (TKR) is a rare complication; however, it can lead to disastrous consequences. We describe a case of an arterial occlusion after TKR in an 85-year-old female patient. Initially, the clinical presentation made us con-sider Raynaud (she had a history of CREST) and complex regional pain syndrome, which delayed the diagnosis for 2 weeks. Diagnosis and treatment were accomplished with angiography and the patient achieved a full recovery. The low frequency of this injury may make diagnosis a challenge for the surgeon. In this case, partial occlusion of the arteries avoided more serious complications. Level of evidence: IV

Preparación del injerto con vancomicina y su incidencia en la disminución de infección luego de la reconstrucción del LCA / Presoaking of autograft in vancomycin for primary ACL reconstruction. Incidence of infection decreased

Introducción: La artritis séptica (AS) posterior a la cirugía de reconstrucción del LCA (RLCA) es una complicación infrecuente pero potencialmente devastadora. Para disminuir el riesgo de esta complicación, en el 2019 comenzamos a utilizar el tratamiento local del injerto de LCA con vancomicina previo a su colocación. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la incidencia de AS postoperatoria en pacientes en los que se utilizó este protocolo con el período inmediatamente anterior, en el que no se usó. Materiales y métodos: Se efectuó un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva con inclusión de todos los pacientes a los que se les realizó una RLCA primaria. Se analizaron dos períodos consecutivos: enero de 2016 a febrero de 2019 (grupo sin tratamiento local con vancomicina) y marzo de 2019 a marzo de 2021 (grupo con protocolo con vancomicina). Se estimó la incidencia de AS postoperatoria en ambos grupos. Se registraron también los casos de infección superficial del sitio quirúrgico y los casos de rigidez postoperatoria. Resultados: se incluyeron un total de ochocientos ocho pacientes. El grupo sin vancomicina quedó conformado por quinientos cincuenta y un (68%) pacientes y el grupo con vancomicina por doscientos cincuenta y siete (32%). En total, siete de los quinientos cincuenta y un pacientes en los cuales no se utilizó vancomicina desarrollaron AS, lo que arrojó una incidencia del 1.27% (IC 95%: 0.5% - 2.5%), mientras que no se registraron casos de AS en el grupo de pacientes en los cuales se utilizó el protocolo con vancomicina (p = 0.07). Con respecto a las infecciones superficiales, se registraron cuatro casos, todas también en el grupo sin vancomicina (p = 0.17). En cuanto a los casos de rigidez postoperatoria se registraron en total catorce, doce del primer grupo (2.1%) y dos del segundo grupo (0.78%) (p = 0.156). Conclusión: El tratamiento local de los injertos con vancomicina previo a la RLCA evitó la AS postoperatoria durante el período de estudio, en comparación con el período inmediatamente anterior, en el que no se utilizó vancomicina. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Introduction: Postoperative septic arthritis (SA) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a rare but potentially devastating complication. To decrease this risk in 2019 we started presoaking ACL grafts with vancomycin prior to implantation. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of postoperative SA with and without vancomycin presoaked grafts. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all patients who underwent primary ACLR. Consecutive periods were studied, inclusive of January 2016 through February 2019 (group without vancomycin) and March 2019 through March 2021 (group with vancomycin protocol). The final outcome studied was occurrence of postoperative SA in both groups. Cases of superficial wound infection and cases of postoperative arthrofibrosis were also recorded. Results: a total of 808 patients were included in the study: 551 (68%) in the group without vancomycin and 257 (32%) in the vancomycin protocol group. Seven cases of postoperative SA were noted in the first group (rate 1.27%, IC95%: 0,5% - 2,5%), while no cases of SA were noted in the vancomycin group during the study period (p = 0.07). Regarding superficial wound infection, four cases were noted, all of them in the first group (p = 0.17). A total of fourteen cases of arthrofibrosis were treated with a mobilization under anesthesia, twelve from the first group (2.1%) and two from the vancomycin group (0.78%) (p = 0.156). Conclusion: Presoaking of autografts in vancomycin for primary ACLR prevented the occurrence of postoperative SA during the study period as compared with no soaking of the grafts. Level of Evidence: III