Must a Knee with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency and High-grade Pivot Shift Test Present an Increase in Internal Rotation?

Objective: Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common injuries in athletes and is often associated with damage to anterolateral structures. This combination of injuries presents itself clinically as a high-grade pivot shift test. The hypothesis of this study is that patients with ACL deficiency and high-grade pivot shift test should have an increased internal knee rotation. Methods: Twenty-two patients were tested. After effective spinal anesthesia, two tests were performed with the patient in supine position. First, the bilateral pivot shift test was performed manually, and its grade was recorded. Then, with the knee flexed to 90 degrees, the examiner drew the projection of the foot in a neutral position and in maximum internal rotation, and the angle of internal rotation was measured from the axes built between the central point of the heel and the hallux. Results: In the ACL-deficient knee, it was observed that there is a statistically significant average internal rotation (IR) delta of 10.5 degrees between the groups when not adjusted for age, and 10.6 degrees when adjusted for age. Conclusions: Knees with ACL deficiency and with pivot shift test grade I do not show increased internal rotation in relation to knees with intact ACL. Knees with ACL deficiency and with pivot shift test grades II and III show increased internal rotation in comparison to healthy knees.

Must a Knee with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency and High-grade Pivot Shift Test Present an Increase in Internal Rotation? / Um joelho com deficiência de ligamento cruzado anterior e alto grau no teste de pivot shift deve apresentar aumento de rotação interna?

Abstract Objective: Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common injuries in athletes and is often associated with damage to anterolateral structures. This combination of injuries presents itself clinically as a high-grade pivot shift test. The hypothesis of this study is that patients with ACL deficiency and high-grade pivot shift test should have an increased internal knee rotation. Methods: Twenty-two patients were tested. After effective spinal anesthesia, two tests were performed with the patient in supine position. First, the bilateral pivot shift test was performed manually, and its grade was recorded. Then, with the knee flexed to 90 degrees, the examiner drew the projection of the foot in a neutral position and in maximum internal rotation, and the angle of internal rotation was measured from the axes built between the central point of the heel and the hallux. Results: In the ACL-deficient knee, it was observed that there is a statistically significant average internal rotation (IR) delta of 10.5 degrees between the groups when not adjusted for age, and 10.6 degrees when adjusted for age. Conclusions: Knees with ACL deficiency and with pivot shift test grade I do not show increased internal rotation in relation to knees with intact ACL. Knees with ACL deficiency and with pivot shift test grades II and III show increased internal rotation in comparison to healthy knees.

Resumo Objetivo: A ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é uma das lesões mais comuns em atletas e está frequentemente associada a danos nas estruturas anterolaterais. Esta combinação de lesões apresenta-se clinicamente como um teste de pivot shift de alto grau. A hipótese deste estudo é que pacientes com deficiência de LCA e teste de pivot shift de alto grau tenham aumento da rotação interna (RI) do joelho. Métodos: Vinte e dois pacientes foram testados. Após raquianestesia efetiva, foram realizados dois testes com o paciente em posição supina. Primeiro, o teste de pivot shift bilateral foi realizado manualmente e seu grau foi registrado. Em seguida, com o joelho flexionado a 90 graus, o examinador traçou a projeção do pé em posição neutra e em RI máxima e mediu o ângulo de RI a partir dos eixos construídos entre o ponto central do calcanhar e o hálux. Resultados: Joelhos com deficiência de LCA apresentam delta da RI média estatisticamente significativo de 10,5 graus entre os grupos sem ajuste de idade e de 10,6 graus com ajuste de idade. Conclusões: Joelhos com deficiência do LCA e teste de pivot shift de grau I não apresentam aumento da RI em relação aos joelhos com LCA íntegro. Joelhos com deficiência do LCA e teste de pivot shift de graus II e III apresentam RI em comparação aos joelhos saudáveis.

Patellofemoral ankylosis: case report and technical note.

INTRODUCTION: It is our understanding that there is no consensual solution for the treatment of post-traumatic patellar ankylosis; therefore, the purpose of this work is to present two cases of patellofemoral retinacular interposition arthroplasty, and its corresponding technical note. CASE 1: Female, 24, patellar ankylosis secondary to supratranscondylar fracture, associated with comminuted diaphyseal tibia fracture. CASE 2: Female, 48, patellar ankylosis secondary to femoral diaphysis and lateral femoral condyle fracture. RESULTS: After going through a patellofemoral retinacular interposition release, both patients were satisfied with the results, presenting with significantly improved knee range of motion. CONCLUSION: Using our surgical technique, we were not able to restore normal function to our patients, but their improvement was certainly impressive relative to their initial clinical situation.

Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Varus Stress Radiographic Technique.

Varus stress radiographs are reported as an effective and cost-beneficial diagnostic and decision-making tool for lateral knee injuries, both in the acute and chronic settings. The opening of the lateral compartment is reported to vary according to the number of structures injured, helping to differentiate isolated fibular collateral ligament injury from grade-III posterolateral corner injury. The conventional technique requires the physician or another healthcare provider to apply manual varus stress while obtaining the radiograph on one knee at a time. The present study aimed to describe, in detail, the preferred method of the authors to assess the opening of the lateral compartment in both knees simultaneously, which also avoids the need for the examiner to be present in the imaging room.

Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Varus Stress Radiographic Technique / Técnica radiográfica de estresse em varo bilateral simultâneo

Abstract Varus stress radiographs are reported as an effective and cost-beneficial diagnostic and decision-making tool for lateral knee injuries, both in the acute and chronic settings. The opening of the lateral compartment is reported to vary according to the number of structures injured, helping to differentiate isolated fibular collateral ligament injury from grade-III posterolateral corner injury. The conventional technique requires the physician or another healthcare provider to applymanual varus stresswhile obtaining the radiograph on one knee at a time. The present study aimed to describe, in detail, the preferred method of the authors to assess the opening of the lateral compartment in both knees simultaneously, which also avoids the need for the examiner to be present in the imaging room.

Resumo As radiografias de estresse em varo são descritas como uma técnica efetiva e econômica de diagnóstico e tomada de decisão em lesões laterais do joelho, tanto no contexto agudo quanto crônico. A abertura do compartimento lateral varia de acordo com o número de estruturas danificadas, ajudando a diferenciar lesões isoladas do ligamento colateral fibular das lesões do canto posterolateral de grau III. A técnica convencional exige que o médico ou outro profissional de saúde aplique estresse em varo manual ao obter a radiografia em um joelho de cada vez. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever, em detalhes, o método preferido dos autores para avaliar a abertura do compartimento lateral em ambos os joelhos simultaneamente, o que também evita a necessidade da presença do examinador na sala de imagem.

Meniscus Repair in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Treatment Approaches, Meniscal Healing, and Outcomes.

Although the consequences of traumatic meniscus tears and the importance of meniscal repair are well-established in adults, the same cannot be said for the young population. Better evidence regarding the outcomes following traumatic meniscal tears in children would improve our understanding of this increasing pathology and help define important factors in deciding the best treatment option. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE Ovid, and MEDLINE PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria were as follows: studies reporting the outcomes of meniscal repair in patients 18 years old or younger, with a minimum mean follow-up of 12 months, Portuguese, Spanish, or English languages, and human studies including 10 or more patients. Our search identified 2,534 individual titles. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 studies were included, evaluating 287 patients with repaired meniscal tears. All eight studies were classified as level of evidence IV. The mean methodological index for nonrandomized studies score was 8.6 ± 1.4. Meniscal repair included all meniscal zones and tear patterns. Anterior cruciate ligament tear was the most common associated injury. The all-inside and inside-out techniques were predominantly reported. The majority of the patients reported good to excellent outcomes and had clinical signals of meniscal healing; meniscectomies following meniscal repair were performed in just 44 cases. In conclusion, meniscal tears in pediatrics are not uncommon. Repairs of this injury were associated with good to excellent outcomes in most patients, regardless of the injury pattern, zone, or technique. Reported complications were minimal; however, higher quality studies are needed to confirm the findings of this systematic review. This is a systematic review study with Level IV.

Intra-articular Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Extra-articular Lateral Tenodesis of the Iliotibial Band.

An increasing concern has been given to the rotation stability of the knee in the setting of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This growing interest stems from a better understanding of the rotational stability of the knee afforded by the identification of the anterolateral ligament. Previously, a residual abnormal pivot-shift test had been found after an anatomic single-band reconstruction of the ACL because of a lack of rotational stability, which may lead to the development of osteoarthritis. Residual instability affects function, especially in high-demand athletes who perform many flexion-rotation movements during sporting activity. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our preferred method of intra-articular ACL reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft in combination with an extra-articular iliotibial band tenodesis for reinforcement of rotational stability.

Posterior Capsulotomy of the Knee: Treatment of Minimal Knee Extension Deficit.

The loss of knee extension, even if minimal, is disabling and considerably affects the individual's quality of life. This loss of extension can be a consequence of prior surgery, including a previous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Although this loss of extension may be treated through an isolated arthroscopic procedure, a more severe case may warrant an invasive approach. In these cases, a posterior capsulotomy of the knee may be done if all conservative measures have been exhausted. This procedure has been proven to be safe and effective in the re-establishment of full extension in the setting of a minor flexion contracture of the knee. The purpose of this Technical Note was to describe our preferred technique when performing an open posterior capsulotomy of the knee for the treatment of minimal extension deficit.

Range of motion and radiographic analysis of the hip in patients with contact and non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury.

PURPOSE: To compare the range of motion (ROM) and radiography of the hip joints in male patients with contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and non-contact ACL injury. METHODS: ROM of the ipsilateral hip was evaluated in 35 male patients with contact ACL injury (contact group) and compared to that of 45 male patients with a non-contact ACL injury (non-contact group). Radiographic evaluation of hip joints was also performed to assess the presence of cam and pincer-type deformity . RESULTS: ROM of the hip joint was statistically higher in patients with contact ACL injury. The average sum of hip rotation in the non-contact group was 66.1 ± 8.4° compared to 79.4 ± 10.6° for the contact group (p < 0.001). Seventy-seven per cent of patients in the non-contact group had a sum of hip rotation <70° and 93 % had <80°, compared to17.1 and 42.9 % in the contact group (p < 0.001). Prevalence of cam or pincer deformity was similar in the groups. Cam or pincer deformity was not more frequent in patients with limited ROM of the hip. CONCLUSION: Individuals with contact ACL injury had greater ROM of the hip joints than those with non-contact ACL injury. The presence of cam or pincer deformity was similar in both groups and was not related to decreased ROM of the hip joints. These findings may assist the surgeons to identify new risk factors for non-contact ACL injury and, additionally, develop prevention program of injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Histoplasmosis diagnosed after arthroscopy of the knee: case report

ABSTRACTFungal arthritis is a rare complication of arthroscopic surgeries, but its possibility should always be considered due its deleterious effects on any joint. Infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common cause of respiratory tract infections by fungi, meanwhile histoplasmosis arthritis is more rare than all other fungal infections. However, their atypical forms of arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment cannot be over-emphasized. Herein we report a case of knee monoarthritis in an immunocompetent patient with histoplasmosis arthritis following an arthroscopic meniscetomy, diagnosed by synovial biopsy and culture performed during a second arthroscopic procedure. The joint was debrided in this second intervention and the patient received itraconazole initially and fluconazole latter on. The arthritis subsided after 10 months of treatment.

Mechanical testing of patellofemoral instability after induced failure of the patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using four differents cadavers grafts.

PURPOSE: To ascertain whether differences exist in joint instability after experimentally induced failure of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in the cadaver knee with the four graft types most widely used for this procedure, and whether any of these grafts are associated with decreased risk in the event of failure. METHODS: Between March 2011 and March 2012, eight cadavers obtained from the local medical examiner's office were randomly allocated into four groups (four knees each). In each group, a different graft technique was used for MPFL reconstruction. The forces required to induce lateral dislocation of the patella before reconstruction and after experimental failure of surgical reconstruction were recorded. The tested graft techniques were then compared to assess which was associated with the least instability after failed reconstruction. RESULTS: When we compared the groups I (semitendinosus) and II (patellar tendon), the mean differences of the force required to produce a dislocation of the patella before and after the failure were 0.5 N and 12.5 N, respectively (p = 0.028). In comparison between groups I and III (medial third of the quadriceps tendon) the mean differences of the force required to produce dislocation before and after the failure caused were 0.5 N and 22 N, respectively (p < 0.001). In comparison between groups I and IV (Medial third of the quadriceps tendon) we found the mean differences of the force required to produce dislocation before and after the failure caused were 0.5 N and 5 N, respectively (p > 0.999). CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in residual instability after simulated MPFL reconstruction failure depending on graft type. Use of the free semitendinosus graft technique was associated with the least risk of residual instability in case of reconstruction failure.

Histoplasmosis diagnosed after arthroscopy of the knee: case report.

Fungal arthritis is a rare complication of arthroscopic surgeries, but its possibility should always be considered due its deleterious effects on any joint. Infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common cause of respiratory tract infections by fungi, meanwhile histoplasmosis arthritis is more rare than all other fungal infections. However, their atypical forms of arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment cannot be over-emphasized. Herein we report a case of knee monoarthritis in an immunocompetent patient with histoplasmosis arthritis following an arthroscopic meniscetomy, diagnosed by synovial biopsy and culture performed during a second arthroscopic procedure. The joint was debrided in this second intervention and the patient received itraconazole initially and fluconazole latter on. The arthritis subsided after 10 months of treatment.

Height of the foot longitudinal arch and anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the height of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and non-contact injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament. METHODS: One hundred and five patients were included in this case-control study. The case group consisted of 52 patients with non-contact injury of the anterior cruciate ligament. Fifty-three individuals with no history of symptoms regarding to feet or knees comprised the control group. An anthropometric assessment of the bony arch index was performed, which consisted of measuring the ratio of the height between the navicular bone to the ground and the distance from the most posterior support point of the calcaneus to the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. Gender, height, weight, body mass index and the frequency of sports practice were also evaluated. RESULTS: Subjects in the case group had significantly higher medial longitudinal arches than individuals in the control group. CONCLUSION: Individuals with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament had higher arches than the corresponding controls, suggesting an association between a high medial longitudinal arch of the foot and injury of the anterior cruciate ligament. Level of Evidence III, Case-Control Study.

Height of the foot longitudinal arch and anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Avaliar a associação entre a altura do arco longitudinalmedial do pé e lesões por não-contato do ligamento cruzadoanterior. Métodos: Cento e cinco pacientes foram incluídos nesteestudo de caso-controle. O grupo dos casos compreendeu52 pacientes com lesão por não-contato do ligamento cruzadoanterior. Cinquenta e três indivíduos sem história de sintomasem relação aos pés ou joelhos compuseram o grupo controle.Uma avaliação antropométrica do índice do arco ósseo foi realizada,que consistiu na mensuração da razão entre a altura doosso navicular até o chão e a distância do ponto mais posteriorde suporte do calcâneo até a primeira articulação metatarso--falangeana. Sexo, altura, peso, índice de massa corpórea efrequência de prática desportiva também foram avaliados. Resultados:Indivíduos do grupo de casos tiveram arcos longitudinaismediais significativamente mais altos que os indivíduosdo grupo controle. Conclusão: Indivíduos com ruptura do ligamentocruzado anterior apresentaram arcos mais altos que oscontroles correspondentes, sugerindo uma associação entreum arco longitudinal medial do pé alto e lesão do ligamentocruzado anterior do joelho. Nível de Evidência III, Estudode Caso-Controle...

To evaluate the association between the height ofthe medial longitudinal arch of the foot and non-contact injuriesof the anterior cruciate ligament. Methods: One hundredand five patients were included in this case-control study. Thecase group consisted of 52 patients with non-contact injuryof the anterior cruciate ligament. Fifty-three individuals withno history of symptoms regarding to feet or knees comprisedthe control group. An anthropometric assessment of the bonyarch index was performed, which consisted of measuring theratio of the height between the navicular bone to the groundand the distance from the most posterior support point of thecalcaneus to the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. Gender,height, weight, body mass index and the frequency of sportspractice were also evaluated. Results: Subjects in the casegroup had significantly higher medial longitudinal arches thanindividuals in the control group. Conclusion: Individuals withrupture of the anterior cruciate ligament had higher archesthan the corresponding controls, suggesting an associationbetween a high medial longitudinal arch of the foot and injuryof the anterior cruciate ligament. Level of Evidence III,Case-Control Study...

Reconstruction of neglected patellar tendon ruptures using the quadriceps graft.

Several techniques using different grafts have been described for reconstruction of the patellar tendon after a neglected rupture. Retraction of the quadriceps tendon may compromise repair integrity due to progressive stretching of the graft. The authors present a surgical technique using the central one-third of the quadriceps tendon. This is supported by the fact that the resistance to traction of this segment of the quadriceps tendon equals that of a double-looped semitendinosus graft and that the harvesting of this specific graft promotes muscle inhibition, thus protecting the reconstruction during the recovery period.

Association between leg length discrepancy and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is associated with a variety of orthopaedic disorders and biomechanical gait changes that involve possible overload of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT). In view of the biomechanical disturbances induced by LLD, an association may exist between LLD and PTT dysfunction (PTTD). PURPOSE: To compare the frequency and magnitude of LLD between subjects with and without PTTD and ascertain whether associations exist between clinical features and presence of dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: A total of 118 patients with a diagnosis of PTTD were seen between January 2009 and September 2012 and compared with 118 gender-matched and race-matched volunteers. The frequency of LLD, the mean absolute LLD, and the mean relative LLD were measured by conventional (radiographic) or computed tomography scanography and compared between cases and controls. RESULTS: The prevalence of LLD and mean absolute and relative LLD values were significantly greater in the case group (94.9%, 5.64 mm and 7.36%, respectively) than in the control group (79.7%, 3.28 mm and 4.18%, respectively) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate a relationship between LLD and PTTD. In light of the major biomechanical changes it induces, LLD may be a predisposing factor for development of PTTD.

Incidence of decreased hip range of motion in youth soccer players and response to a stretching program: a randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: After years of focusing on the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, the most common soccer-related injuries, the orthopedic community has concluded that soccer players have a wide range of variation in joint biomechanics and has thus started to focus research efforts on the morphological factors that might contribute to ACL trauma. One such factor is decreased hip-rotation range of motion (ROM), which may be due to compensatory musculoskeletal changes occurring in response to longstanding soccer practice since childhood. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess decreased hip rotation and the influence of stretching exercises on the behavior of the hip joint in players of the youth soccer categories of a Brazilian soccer team. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 262 male soccer players. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomly allocated into 2 groups-control or a stretching program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were reassessed after 12 wk. RESULTS: The findings suggest that hip-rotation ROM decreases over the years in soccer players. In the study sample, adherence to a stretching program improved only external hip-rotation ROM in the nondominant limb. CONCLUSION: Playing soccer can restrict rotation ROM of the hip, and adherence to stretching exercises may decrease the harmful effects on the hip joints.

Measurement of glenohumeral internal rotation in asymptomatic tennis players and swimmers.

BACKGROUND: Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, often diagnosed in players of overhead sports, has been associated with the development of secondary shoulder lesions. HYPOTHESIS: Asymptomatic players of different overhead sports will exhibit variable degrees of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Fifty-four asymptomatic male volunteers (108 shoulders) divided into 3 groups (tennis players, swimmers, control group) underwent measurements of glenohumeral internal and external rotation using clinical examination with scapular stabilization. Measurements of dominant and nondominant shoulders were compared within and between groups. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) was defined as the difference in internal rotation between the nondominant and dominant shoulders. RESULTS: In tennis players, mean GIRD was 23.9 degrees +/- 8.4 degrees (P < .001); in swimmers, 12 degrees +/- 6.8 degrees (P < .001); and in the control group, 4.9 degrees +/- 7.4 degrees (P = .035). Dominant shoulders showed significant difference between all groups, and the difference in internal rotation of the dominant shoulder between the group of tennis players in comparison with the control group (27.6 degrees, P < .001) was greater than the difference in internal rotation of the dominant shoulder found in the group of swimmers compared with the control group (17.9 degrees, P < .001). Between tennis players and swimmers, the difference in internal rotation of the dominant shoulder was 9.7 degrees (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Dominant limbs showed less glenohumeral internal rotation than the nondominant limbs in all groups, with the deficit in the group of tennis players about twice the deficit found for swimmers. Mean difference between limbs in the control group was less than 5 degrees, which is within normal parameters according to most studies. There were statistically significant differences between all groups when dominant shoulders were compared with each other, differences that were not compensated by external rotation gain. Tennis players had the least range of motion, followed by swimmers.

Reconstrução dos ligamentos cruzados do joelho com o tendão duplo do semitendinoso / Knee cruciate ligament reconstruction with double semitendinous tendon

A reconstrução dos ligamentos cruzados do joelho com o tendão duplo do semitendinoso é apresentada e discuti- da com base nos resultados obtidos em 21 pacientes. Para a fixação do tendão duplo na tíbia e fêmur, utilizamos um tarugo de osso esponjoso. Esse tarugo foi obtido com a tretina que simultaneamente fez os túneis de ancoragem na tíbia e fêmur. Dezessete pacientes submeteram-se à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior e quatro do posterior. A manobra do ressalto lateral, o teste de Lachmann e a gaveta posterior e anterior foram verificados no pré e pós-operatório. Comparando estes achados, obtivemos 86,3 por cento de bons resultados e 13,7 por cento de regulares nas reconstruções do ligamento cruzado anterior. Quanto ao ligamento cruzado posterior, ficamos com 75 por cento de bons e 25 por cento de regulares. No entanto, nossa pequena casuística com uma evolução média de 13 meses ainda não permite conclusões definitivas.

Reconstruçäo do ligamento patelofemoral medial: sua indicaçäo na luxaçäo da patela / Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: indications in chronic patellar instability

Objetivo: Descrever os resultados a longo prazo da reconstruçäo do ligamento patelofemoral medial com um enxerto livre do semitendinoso. Tipo de estudo: Prospectivo näo randomizado. Casuística e métodos: Quinze pacientes (16 joelhos) operados entre 1992 e 1996 (seguimento maior do que cinco anos) foram chamados para reavaliaçäo. O diagnóstico de luxaçäo de patela foi feito com base nos relatos dos pacientes e da reproduçäo dos sintomas durante o exame clínico. Todos os pacientes foram operados pelo mesmo cirurgiäo, mas as reavaliações foram feitas pelos outros observadores com base nos protocolos de Crosby-Insall e Aglietti. Resultados: O teste de apreensäo mostrou-se negativo em 15 joelhos e positivo em um. Crepitaçäo femoropatelar, ainda que atenuada em seis, foi detectada em nove joelhos. Dor femoropatelar, bem como alteraçäo do curso da patela, foi detectada no exame físico em um de 15 joelhos. De acordo com os critérios subjetivos de Crosby-Insall, os resultados em 11 joelhos foram considerados excelentes, em quatro bons e em um insatisfatório. Segundo protocolo de Aglietti, 11 foram considerados excelentes, três bons, um regular e um insatisfatório. Treze pacientes estavam totalmente satisfeitos com os resultados. Um considerou o resultado aceitável, mas esperava mais. O último necessitou de novo procedimento cirúrgico. Näo houve nenhum caso de infecçäo nem problemas vasculares. Conclusões: 1) A reconstruçäo do ligamento patelofemoral medial (LPFM) com a restauraçäo da funcionalidade dessa estrutura anatômica mostrou-se um bom método de tratamento de luxaçäo recidivante da patela. 2) A rápida recuperaçäo pós-operatória, garantida pela baixa morbidade da técnica empregada, permitiu aos pacientes operados, retorno antecipado às suas atividades profissionais, reduzindo os custos sociais inerentes aos procedimentos cirúrgicos usualmente empregados no tratamento dessa patologia. 3) O seguimento de mais de cinco anos mostrou que os resultados da reconstruçäo do LPFM no tratamento da luxaçäo da patela sustentaram-se adequadamente em face da inexorável pressäo do tempo