Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty combined with posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we present the unique case of a patient with knee osteoarthritis (OA) of the medial compartment and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) deficiency who underwent simultaneous medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and PCL reconstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old male patient presented with a 1-year history of pain and instability in the left knee. The patient had previously experienced a trauma-related injury to the PCL of the left knee that was left untreated. Imaging and physical examination confirmed the presence of left medial knee OA along with PCL rupture. To address these issues, the patient underwent UKA combined with PCL reconstruction. The patient's Lysholm score was 47 before surgery and 81 three months after surgery, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was 29 before surgery and 18 three months after surgery, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score was 56.3 before surgery and 74.7 three months after surgery. Six months after surgery, the patient's gait returned to normal, and he was able to jog. CONCLUSION: This case report presents the first instance of UKA combined with PCL reconstruction and introduces a novel treatment approach for patients suffering from medial knee OA and ligament injury.

Early arthroscopic debridement of posterior cruciate ligament calcification after symptom presentation led to immediate recovery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We report a rare case of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) calcification, which has only been reported in two case studies on PubMed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old man developed left popliteal pain in the morning without any history of trauma and the pain became severe that night. On the following day, he presented to our department. The patient could not flex his left knee at all due to pain and swelling. CT and MRI scans showed calcification behind the PCL with mild osteoarthritic changes and accumulation of synovial fluid in the joint. Synovial fluid analysis did not reveal any crystals. Blood tests at first admission showed inflammation, hyperglycemia, and low blood uric acid levels. Although the patient's knee joint was injected with steroids, his symptoms did not improve. Thus, we performed arthroscopic surgery two days after symptoms had appeared. Intraoperatively, we observed a white, soft tissue in the synovial membrane behind the PCL. Part of this tissue was collected for histological analysis, which revealed sparse fibers with calcium deposits. Immediately after surgery, the patient's symptoms were completely gone. Afterward, the patient remained asymptomatic one month after surgery. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of debridement of PCL calcification and ossification that was performed soon after symptoms appeared. In addition, we demonstrated that early debridement led to complete recovery.

Editorial Commentary: Clinical and Basic Science Evidence Supports the Use of Suture Tape Augmentation of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Although isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries often can be treated successfully without surgical intervention, in the setting of persistent instability or multiligamentous knee injury, PCL reconstruction is indicated. PCL reconstructions often have resulted in persistent postoperative laxity. Recent research suggests there may be a role for suture tape-augmented grafts, which have demonstrated decreased clinical and radiographic laxity as well as improved rates of return to previous level of activity, as compared with PCL reconstruction alone. Several biomechanical studies also have supported the use of suture tape augmentation in PCL reconstruction, and the use of suture tape augmentation or internal bracing and ligament surgery is gaining widespread popularity. These ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/polyester suture tapes have been shown to be safe and effective. We may be at the point at which the evidence supports the use of suture tape augmentation of PCL reconstruction.

Decreased posterior tibial slope is a risk factor for primary posterior cruciate ligament rupture and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To determine bony knee morphological factors associated with primary posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture or PCL graft failure after PCL reconstruction. METHODS: Three databases, namely MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE, were searched on 30th May 2023. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R-AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data such as receiver operating characteristic curve parameters, as well as p-values for comparisons of values between patients with PCL pathology and control patients, were recorded. RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 1054 patients were included. Four studies reported that patients with PCL injury had flatter medial posterior tibial slopes (MTS) than controls, with mean values of 4.3 (range: 3.0-7.0) and 6.5 (range: 5.0-9.2) degrees, respectively. Two studies reported an MTS cutoff value ranging below 3.90-3.93° being a significant risk factor for primary PCL rupture or PCL graft failure. Two studies reported that shallow medial tibial depths were associated with primary PCL rupture, with mean values of 2.1 (range: 2.0-2.2) and 2.6 (range: 2.4-2.7) mm in PCL injury and control groups, respectively. Stenotic intercondylar notches and femoral condylar width were not consistently associated with PCL injuries. CONCLUSION: Decreased MTS is associated with primary PCL rupture and graft failure after PCL reconstruction with values below 3.93° being considered as a significant risk factor. Less common risk factors include shallow medial tibial depth, while femoral condylar width and parameters with regards to the intercondylar notch, such as notch width, notch width index and intercondylar notch volume, demonstrated conflicting associations with primary or secondary PCL injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The potential of posterior cruciate ligament buckling phenomenon as a sign for partial anterior cruciate ligament tears.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be challenging with physical examination and imaging techniques. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing complete ACL tears, its effectiveness may be limited when it is used to diagnose for partial tears. The hypothesis of the present study is that the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) buckling phenomenon, which is a secondary sign of complete ACL tears on MRI, may be a useful method for diagnosing partial ACL tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 239 patients who underwent knee arthroscopy in a single institution between 2016 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into three groups based on the condition of their ligaments: partial tears, complete tears and intact ligaments. To evaluate the buckling phenomenon on sagittal T2-weighted MRI, measurements of the posterior cruciate ligament angle (PCLA) and the posterior cruciate ligament-posterior cortex angle (PCL-PCA) were conducted in each group. Subsequently, the ability of these two measurement methods to distinguish partial tears from the other groups was assessed. RESULTS: Both methods provided significantly different results in all three groups. Partial tears could be distinguished from intact ligaments with 86.8% sensitivity, 89.9% specificity when PCLA < 123.13° and 94.5% sensitivity, 93.2% specificity when PCL-PCA < 23.77°. Partial tears could be distinguished from complete tears with 79.5% sensitivity, 78.4% specificity when PCLA > 113.88° and with 86.1% sensitivity, 85.3% specificity when PCL-PCA > 16.39°. CONCLUSION: The main finding of the present study is that the PCLA and PCL-PCA methods are useful on MRI for diagnosing partial ACL tears. PCLA value between 113°-123° and PCL-PCA value between 16°-24° could indicate a partial ACL tear. With these methods, it is possible to distinguish partial tears from healthy knees and reduce missed diagnoses. In addition, the differentiation of partial and complete tears by these methods may prevent unnecessary surgical interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Anatomic versus Low Tibial Tunnel in Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes with a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.

There is currently no consensus on the optimal placement of the tibial tunnel for double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of double-bundle PCL reconstruction utilizing anatomic versus low tibial tunnels. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients who underwent double-bundle PCL reconstruction between Jan 2019 and Jan 2022, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (n = 36). Based on the tibial tunnel position on postoperative computed tomography, patients were categorized into two groups: anatomic placement (group A; n = 18) and low tunnel placement (group L; n = 18). We compared the range of motion, stability test, complications, and side-to-side differences in tibial posterior translation using kneeling stress radiography between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding clinical outcomes or complication rates. No significant differences in the posterior drawer test and side-to-side difference on kneeling stress radiography (2.5 ± 1.2 mm in group A vs. 3.7 ± 2.0 mm in group L; p = 0.346). In conclusion, the main findings of this study indicate that both anatomic tunnel and low tibial tunnel placements in double-bundle PCL reconstruction demonstrated comparable and satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes, with similar overall complication rates at the 2-year follow-up.

[Clinical Efficacy of Anchor Suture Bridge Technique for Avulsion Fractures of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Insertion Point in the Knee Joint]. / é”šé’‰ç¼çº¿æ¡¥æŠ€æœ¯å¯¹è†å ³èŠ‚åŽäº¤å‰éŸ§å¸¦èƒ«éª¨æ­¢ç‚¹æ’•è„±éª¨æŠ˜çš„ä¸´åºŠç–—æ•ˆ.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the anchor suture bridge technique in treating avulsion fractures at the tibial insertion point of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the knee joint. Methods: In this study, we reviewed 80 patients with PCL tibial avulsion fractures treated using the anchor suture bridge technique in our department from February 2010 to December 2023. Follow-ups were conducted starting at 3 months post-surgery, then every 3 months until 12 months post-surgery. Clinical and follow-up data of each patient were analyzed. The Lysholm and Hospital for Special Surgery Knee-Rating Scale (HSS) scores of knee function before surgery and at the last follow-up were compared to assess the surgical treatment outcome. Results: The 80 patients were followed up for an average of (12.16±1.08) months post-surgery. Re-examination X-rays showed that all fractures had healed, with an average healing time of (3.66±0.51) months. All patients recovered well, with primary healing of surgical incisions and no complications such as neurovascular injury, skin necrosis, incision infection, fracture displacement, or ligament laxity. Postoperative knee Lysholm and HSS scores were significantly higher than preoperative scores. At the last follow-up, the Lysholm score increased from (46.30±6.10) preoperatively to (90.85±3.27), and the HSS score increased from (45.30±5.80) to (91.15±2.66), with statistically significant differences (P<0.025). Conclusion: The anchor suture bridge technique is effective in treating avulsion fractures of the PCL tibial insertion point in the knee joint. It has a high safety profile and leads to good postoperative knee function recovery, with no serious postoperative complications, demonstrating excellent clinical efficacy.

[Posterior cruciate ligament rupture : state of the art]. / Rupture du ligament croisé postérieur : état de l'art.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) ruptures can cause severe knee instability and disability and thus, appropriate management is crucial for the successful restoration of patients' knee function. Rupture of the PCL can occur during sporting activity but more often, as a part of high-energy trauma. The diagnosis can be made using various clinical tests, such as the posterior drawer test or the quadriceps active test. MRI is the gold standard in imaging. PCL injuries can be classified from grade I to grade III, with increasing severity. Treatment can be conservative or surgical and should be personalized based on patients' demographic characteristics, grade of injury, level of instability, associated injuries and activity levels.

Les ruptures du ligament croisé postérieur (LCP) peuvent causer une instabilité sévère du genou et une incapacité importante, rendant ainsi une prise en charge appropriée cruciale pour le rétablissement d'une bonne fonction du genou. La rupture du LCP peut survenir lors d'une activité sportive, mais plus souvent, dans le cadre d'un traumatisme à haute énergie. Le diagnostic peut être posé à l'aide de différents tests cliniques, tels que le test du tiroir postérieur ou le test actif du quadriceps. L'IRM est l'examen de référence en imagerie. Les lésions du LCP peuvent être classées de grade I à III, avec une gravité croissante. Le traitement peut être conservateur ou chirurgical et doit être personnalisé en fonction des caractéristiques démographiques des patients, du grade de la lésion, du niveau d'instabilité, des lésions associées et des niveaux d'activité.

Management of pediatric posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Both open and arthroscopic surgical techniques have been used for PCL avulsion fractures. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the different management strategies proposed for PCL avulsion fractures in children. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed utilizing Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE databases from 1977 to the present. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Data were selected and extracted by two independent reviewers. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies reporting injuries in pediatric patients with PCL avulsion injuries. Exclusion criteria were combined PCL and ACL injuries and ligamentous injuries requiring reconstruction. A subgroup analysis was performed between open reduction and arthroscopic surgeries. FINDINGS/RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included in this systematic review. Patient sex was reported in 39 patients with a higher number of males (32/39). The age range was 7-18 years old. In the open group, 30/31 patients had clinical improvement or returned to pre-injury activity level with two complications. Lysholm scores ranged from 66 to 99. In the arthroscopic group, 11/12 patients experienced clinical improvement or returned to normal activity levels with only one complication. Lysholm scores ranged from 90 to 100 with a mean of 95. In the non-operative group, 3/3 recovered with evidence of fracture healing, full or near full knee range of motion. One Lysholm score was reported 14 months after injury and was 100/100. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and arthroscopic surgeries are effective and safe treatment options for pediatric PCL avulsion fractures-97% of open reduction and 92% of arthroscopic patients significantly improved symptoms. The complication rates for the open and arthroscopic groups were 11 and 9%, respectively. All three non-operative made full or near full recovery of pre-injury knee status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Systematic review of Level-II-IV studies. Prospero Registration No CRD42021290899.

Functional and MRI results after a 7.5 year follow-up of 35 single-stage ACL and PCL reconstructions using gracilis and semitendinosus tendon grafts and LARS artificial ligaments.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and MRI results of 35 patients who underwent bicruciate ligament reconstruction combining an ACL autograft using the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons and double-bundle PCL reconstruction using the LARS artificial ligament. METHODS: The outcomes were measured using the Lysholm score, the Tegner activity level scale and the International Knee Documentation Committee form (IKDC 2000). KT-1000 was used to assess the clinical anterior knee laxity. Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate osteoarthritis, the continuity and integrity of ACL autograft and LARS. RESULTS: This retrospective study examined 35 patients who underwent single-stage bicruciate ligament reconstruction between May 2005 and January 2017 with a follow-up period ranging from 3 to 15 years (a mean of 7.5 years). The mean Lysholm score was 74, mean IKDC 2000 was 71. There was a statistically significant difference with a higher Lysholm score (78.9) in early versus delayed surgical intervention (p = 0.023). Using the Kellgren Lawrence osteoarthritis classification system, radiographic findings showed stage II or III in 83% of the sample population. The MRI results revealed a rupture rate of 22% of the anterior autografted ligament and 28% of the posterior LARS artificial ligament. However, there were no long-term artificial ligament-induced complications. There was no correlation between artificial ligament rupture and poor functional results (Lysholm < 65). CONCLUSION: The results of this study with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years show satisfactory functional scores considering the initial trauma. It seems reasonable to propose early surgical treatment with double reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments within the first 21 days of the trauma. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is inevitable in multi-ligament knee injuries despite anatomical reconstruction. The use of a LARS artificial ligament appears to be a valid alternative for PCL reconstruction in the context of multi-ligament injury and in the absence of sufficient autologous transplants.

The effect of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture on functional outcomes in knees with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures: a matched-cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: At present, the optimal treatment for posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture (PCLTAF) combined with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures remains unclear. The present study aimed to assess the preliminary outcomes of treatment for PCLTAF with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who sustained PCLTAF with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures between March 2015 and February 2019 and underwent treatment at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging examinations performed at the time of injury were applied to identify concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures. We used 1:2 matching between patients with PCLTAF combined with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures (combined group; n = 11) and those with isolated PCLTAF (isolated group; n = 22). Outcome data were collected, including the range of motion (ROM) and visual analogue scale (VAS), Tegner, Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. At the final follow-up, the clinical outcomes were compared between the combined and isolated groups and between patients who underwent early-stage surgery and those who underwent delayed treatment for PCLTAF. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (26 males, 7 females) were included in this study, with eleven patients having PCLTAF and concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures and a follow-up of 3.1 to 7.4 years (average, 4.8 years). Compared to patients in the isolated group, patients in the combined group demonstrated significantly worse Lysholm scores (85.7 ± 5.8 vs. 91.5 ± 3.9, p = 0.040), Tegner scores (4.4 ± 0.9 vs. 5.4 ± 0.8, p = 0.006), and IKDC scores (83.6 ± 9.3 vs. 90.5 ± 3.0, p = 0.008). Inferior outcomes were found in patients with delayed treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Inferior results were found in patients with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures, while better outcomes were obtained in patients with PCLTAF through early-stage ORIF using the posteromedial approach. The present findings may help determine the prognoses of patients with PCLTAF combined with concomitant ipsilateral lower limb fractures treated through early-stage ORIF.

The posterior cruciate ligament index as a reliable indirect sign of anterior cruciate ligament rupture is associated with the course of knee joint injury.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to clarify the clinical value of the posterior cruciate ligament index (PCLI) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, to explore the relationship between the PCLI and course of disease, and to identify the influencing factors of the PCLI. METHODS: The PCLI was defined a quotient of the X (the tibial and femoral PCL attachments) and the Y (the maximum perpendicular distance from X to the PCL). A total of 858 patients were enrolled in this case-control study, including 433 patients with ACL ruptures who were assigned to the experimental group and 425 patients with meniscal tears (MTs) who were allocated to the control group. Some patients in the experimental group have collateral ligament rupture (CLR). Information, such as the patient's age, sex, and course of disease, was recorded. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperatively, and the diagnosis was confirmed with the aid of arthroscopy. The PCLI and the depth of the lateral femoral notch sign (LFNS) were calculated based on the MRI findings, and the characteristics of the PCLI were explored. RESULTS: The PCLI in the experimental group (5.1 ± 1.6) was significantly smaller than that in the control group (5.8 ± 1.6) (P < 0.05). The PCLI gradually decreased with time and was only 4.8 ± 1.4 in patients in the chronic phase (P < 0.05). This change was not due to the decrease in X but rather the increase in Y. The results also showed that the PCLI was not related to the depth of the LFNS or injuries of other structures in the knee joint. Furthermore, when the optimal cut-off point of the PCLI was 5.2 (area under the curve = 71%), the specificity and the sensitivity were 84% and 67%, respectively, but the Youden index was just 0.3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The PCLI decreases due to the increase in Y instead of the decrease in X with time, especially in the chronic phase. The change in X in this process may be offset during imaging. In addition, there are fewer influencing factors that lead to changes in the PCLI. Therefore, it can be used as a reliable indirect sign of ACL rupture. However, it is difficult to quantify the diagnostic criteria of the PCLI in clinical practice. Thus, the PCLI as a reliable indirect sign of ACL rupture is associated with the course of knee joint injury, and it can be used to describe the instability of the knee joint. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: III.

Anatomic repair and ligament bracing as an alternative treatment option for acute combined PCL injuries involving the posteromedial or posterolateral corner-results of a multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Combined PCL injuries involving the posteromedial/-lateral corner (PMC/PLC) usually require surgical management. Literature shows controversy regarding the standards of treatment. Suture-augmented repair leads to excellent results in acute knee dislocations but has not been investigated clinically in combined PCL injuries. The purpose of this multicentre study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of this technique in acute combined PCL injuries. MATERIALS & METHODS: N = 33 patients with acute combined PCL injuries involving the PMC/PLC were treated by one-stage suture repair with ligament bracing of the PCL and suture repair of the accompanying PMC/PLC injuries with/without ligament bracing or primary augmentation by semitendinosus autograft. Outcome was assessed by IKDC questionnaire, Lysholm Score, Tegner Activity Scale and KOOS. Additional PCL stress-radiography was performed. RESULTS: N = 31 patients with combined PCL injuries (female: male = 7:24; age 39.1 ± 13.8 years) with a follow-up of 16.8 ± 9.6 months were finally evaluated. 18 had PMC injuries, 13 PLC injuries. 32.2% presented with accompanying meniscal tears (70% medial meniscus). 19.4% showed cartilage injuries grade III-IV. Complications included one infection and four knee stiffnesses. Three had symptomatic postoperative instability, all affiliated to the PLC group. The IKDC was 69.8 ± 16.5, Lysholm score 85 ± 14.4 and KOOS 89.7 ± 8.1. Median loss of activity (Tegner) was 0.89 ± 1.31. Comparing PMC and PLC, all scores showed a tendency towards more favourable outcomes in the PMC group (n.s.). Stress-radiography showed an overall side-to-side difference of 3.7 ± 3.8 mm. Subgroup evaluation showed statistically significant better results (p = 0.035) of PMC (2.5 ± 1.5 mm) versus PLC (5.8 ± 5.6 mm). CONCLUSIONS: One-stage suture repair with ligament bracing is a viable technique for acute combined PCL injuries and predominantly leads to good and excellent clinical outcomes. Patients with PLC injuries show a tendency towards inferior outcomes and higher instability rates compared to PMC injuries. These results may help in therapy planning and counselling patients with these rare injury pattern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

The changing trends of the knee function after anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments reconstruction with all-inside arthroscopy technique.

We aimed to summarize the effectiveness and changing trends of reconstruction for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries using all-inside arthroscope technique. Between May 2013 and May 2019, 29 patients with ACL and PCL ligaments rupture were included. All the patients were male, with a mean age of 25.2±2.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 2.4±0.7 years (Range, 2-4 years). Reconstruction surgery of the ACL and PCL ligaments was performed by using autologous hamstring tendon with all-inside arthroscopy technique. The anterior and posterior drawer test, Lachman test, Pivot-shift test, stress test, IKDC score, Lysholm score, Tenger score were analyzed clinically. At the last follow-up, the symptoms were improved significantly, the anterior drawer test was normal and 1 degree in 96.6%, posterior drawer test in 89.7%, pivot shift test in 96.6%, Lachman test in 93.1%, and stress test in 93.3%, the stability was improved significant(P<0.05). The IKDC-2000 standard score was normal and near normal in 96.6%. The IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tenger scores results at the last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). The changing trends of function evaluation score in the first six months were most obviously better, especially in the third month. All-inside arthroscopy technique is an effective procedure for the ACL and PCL ligaments injuries, and the first six months (especially the third month) after the reconstruction is the key period for a successful recovery. However, there was still a significant improvement at the later stage of rehabilitation.

Different injury patterns exist among patients undergoing operative treatment of isolated PCL, combined PCL/ACL, and isolated ACL injuries: a study from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry.

PURPOSE: To compare demographic characteristics and concomitant injury patterns in patients undergoing primary isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCL-R) and combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (PCL-R/ACL-R) with isolated ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) as a reference using data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry (SNKLR). METHODS: This cohort study based on the SNKLR comprised patients undergoing either PCL-R, ACL-R, or combined PCL-R/ACL-R between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2019 in Sweden. Demographic and surgery-related data with regards to injury mechanism, concomitant intraarticular lesions and their treatment, neurovascular damage, and concomitant ligamentous injuries were extracted. Exclusion criteria included concomitant fractures of the femur, fibula, patella or tibia, and quadriceps or patellar tendon injury. RESULTS: A total of 45,564 patients were included in this study. Isolated PCL-R, combined PCL-R/ACL-R, and isolated ACL-R were performed in 192 (0.4%), 203 (0.5%) and 45,169 (99.1%) patients, respectively. Sports were identified as the cause of 64% of PCL-Rs, 54% of PCL-R/ACL-Rs, and 89% of ACL-Rs, while a traffic-related mechanism was identified in 20% of PCL-Rs, 27% of PCL-R/ACL-Rs and 2% of ACL-Rs. Meniscus injury prevalence was 45% in ACL-Rs, 31% in PCL-R/ACL-Rs and 16% in isolated PCL-Rs (p < 0.001). Cartilage injuries were more common in PCL-R (37%) and PCL-R/ACL-R patients (40%) compared to ACL-R patients (26%, p < 0.001). Concomitant knee ligament injury was identified in 28-44% of PCL-R/ACL-R patients. Neurovascular injuries were present in 9% of PCL-R/ACL-Rs, 1% of PCL-Rs, and 0.3% of ACL-Rs (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Differences in injury mechanisms among patient groups confirm that operatively treated PCL tears are frequently caused by both traffic and sports. Cartilage and ligament injuries were more frequent in patients with PCL-R compared to ACL-R. Consequently, combined PCL and ACL tears should raise suspicion for concomitant knee lesions with clinical relevance during the operative treatment of these complex injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Operative management of isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries improves stability and reduces the incidence of secondary osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the evidence for operative and non-operative management of isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. METHODS: Using Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases, a systematic review was conducted of studies investigating the treatment of isolated PCL injuries published until July 2020. Quality assessment was performed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool (level I), the Newcastle-Ottowa Scale (level II-III) and the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool (level IV). Clinical outcome measures included residual laxity, return to sports, patient-reported outcome measures, subsequent articular degeneration and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies [23 case series, 2 case-control, 1 cohort study and 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT)] including 5197 patients (5199 knees) with a mean age of 29.5 ± 3.6 years (range 15-68) fulfilled the study requirements. Significantly less residual laxity was found after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR) compared to non-operative management (3.43 vs. 5.47 mm, CI: 1.84-2.23, p < 0.001). Both treatment modalities yielded satisfying functional outcomes and a high return to sports (64-77%, mean: 70.3, CI: 67.8-72.2). Osteoarthritis (OA) occurred less frequently following PCLR (21.5 vs. 44.1%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the absence of level I RCTs, this systematic review suggests that surgical management for selected isolated PCL injuries is a reasonable option to consider, especially when the surgeon aims at minimizing residual laxity and presumably secondary osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Low posterior tibial slope is associated with increased risk of PCL graft failure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of posterior tibial slope (PTS) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) graft failure after PCL reconstruction. METHODS: Patients undergoing PCL reconstruction with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included in this retrospective cohort study. A chart review was performed to collect patient-, injury-, and surgery-related data. Medial PTS was measured on preoperative lateral radiographs. Validated PROs, including the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lysholm Score, Tegner Activity Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale for pain, were collected at final follow-up. A correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between PTS and PROs. A logistic regression model was performed to evaluate if PTS could predict PCL graft failure. RESULTS: Overall, 79 patients with a mean age of 28.6 ± 11.7 years and a mean follow-up of 5.7 ± 3.3 years were included. After a median time from injury of 4.0 months, isolated and combined PCL reconstruction was performed in 22 (28%) and 57 (72%) patients, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in PROs and PTS between patients undergoing isolated and combined PCL reconstruction (non-significant [n.s.]). There were no significant correlations between PTS and PROs (n.s.). In total, 14 (18%) patients experienced PCL graft failure after a median time of 17.5 months following PCL reconstruction. Patients with PCL graft failure were found to have statistically significantly lower PTS than patients without graft failure (7.0 ± 2.3° vs. 9.2 ± 3.3°, p < 0.05), while no differences were found in PROs (n.s.). PTS was shown to be a significant predictor of PCL graft failure, with a 1.3-fold increase in the odds of graft failure for each one-degree reduction in PTS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that PTS does not affect PROs after PCL reconstruction, but that PTS represents a surgically modifiable predictor of PCL graft failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The treatment of posterolateral knee instability with combined arthroscopic popliteus bypass and PCL reconstruction provides good-to-excellent clinical results in the mid-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients who were treated with an arthroscopic popliteus bypass (PB) technique, in cases of a posterolateral rotational instability (PLRI) and a concomitant posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury of the knee. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series in which 23 patients were clinically evaluated after a minimum of 2 years following arthroscopic PB and combined PCL reconstruction. Lysholm, Tegner and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome scores as well as visual analog scales (VAS) for joint function and pain were evaluated. Posterior laxity was objectified with stress radiography and a Rolimeter examination. Rotational instability was graded with the dial test. RESULTS: 23 patients were available for follow-up, 46.0 ± 13.6 months after surgery. The median time interval from the initial injury to the surgery was 6.0 (3.5;10.5) months. The postoperative Lysholm Score was 95.0 (49-100); the Tegner Score changed from 6.0 (3-10) before the injury to 5.0 (0-10) at the follow-up examination (p = 0.013). The side-to-side difference on stress radiography (SSD) of posterior translation changed from 10.4 (6.6-14.8) mm before the injury to 4.0 (0.2-5.7) mm postoperatively (p < 0.01). Rotational instability was reduced to grade A (82.6%) or B (17.4%) (IKDC). The Rolimeter SSD was 2.0 (0-3) mm at the follow-up examination. VAS Function 0 (0-5), VAS pain 0 (0-6). CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic PB graft technique provided good-to-excellent clinical results in the mid-term follow-up in patients with type A PLRI and concomitant PCL injury. However, an exact differentiation of lateral, rotational and dorsal instabilities of posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries is crucial, for the correct choice of therapy, as cases with lateral instabilities require more complex reconstruction techniques. Arthroscopic posterolateral corner reconstruction is a safe procedure with a high success rate in the mid-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with independent internal brace reinforcement: surgical technique and clinical outcomes with a minimum two year follow-up.

PURPOSE: We developed an augmentation technique for PCL reconstruction with independent internal brace reinforcement and evaluated the functional outcome after PCL reconstruction employing autologous hamstrings augmented with an internal brace system for patients with isolated or combined grade 3 posterior instability who were treated with this technique. METHODS: From January 2016 to January 2018, patients with isolated or combined grade 3 PCL tears who underwent single-bundle PCL reconstruction using autologous hamstrings augmented with independent internal braces were studied. The function of the operated knee was evaluated according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score. The patients were asked the level of returned to their previous sport. Posterior knee laxity was examined with a KT-1000 arthrometer, and data on range of motion (ROM), re-operation, and other complications were collected. RESULTS: A total of 33 consecutive patients who received single-bundle PCL reconstruction using autologous hamstrings augmented with independent internal braces with a minimum two years follow-up were included in this study. Two patients had undergone this procedure during the study period and were not included in this study (one had combined bone fractures, and one patient had previous meniscus surgery). Thirty-one patients were available for final analysis. The mean follow-up was 45.35 ± 10.88 months (range 29-66 months). The average IKDC subjective knee evaluation scores from 51.65 ± 12.35 to 84.52 ± 6.42, the Lysholm score from 53.90 ± 11.86 to 85.68 ± 4.99, and the Tegner score from 2.81 ± 0.79 to 6.71 ± 1.83 (P < 0.05 for all). The mean total posterior side-to-side difference in knee laxity, assessed using a KT-1000 arthrometer, decreased from 12.13 ± 2.66 mm pre-operatively to 1.87 ± 0.56 mm post-operatively at 70° (P < 0.05). Most patients (29/31) had normal or near normal knee ROM post-operatively; two patients revealed a 6-15° loss of knee flexion compared with the contralateral knee. Twenty-nine patients (93.55%) returned to a normal daily exercise level. Twenty-three patients (74.19%) returned to competitive sports with high-level sports (Tegner score of 6 or above; eleven patients (35.48%) reported to be on the same level as well as the Tegner level); six patients (19.35%) returned to recreational sports (Tegner score of 4 or 5). Two patients had Tegner scores of 2 and 3, indicating poor function level. No patient needed PCL revision surgery during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Single-bundle PCL reconstruction with internal brace augmentation for PCL injury exhibited satisfactory posterior stability and clinical outcomes in patients with isolated or combined grade 3 PCL injuries at a minimum two year follow-up.

Osteoarthritis year in review 2020: imaging.

This narrative "Year in Review" highlights a selection of articles published between January 2019 and April 2020, to be presented at the OARSI World Congress 2020 within the field of osteoarthritis (OA) imaging. Articles were obtained from a PubMed search covering the above period, utilizing a variety of relevant search terms. We then selected original and review studies on OA-related imaging in humans, particularly those with direct clinical relevance, with a focus on the knee. Topics selected encompassed clinically relevant models of early OA, particularly imaging applications on cruciate ligament rupture, as these are of direct clinical interest and provide potential opportunity to evaluate preventive therapy. Further, imaging applications on structural modification of articular tissues in patients with established OA, by non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical interventions are summarized. Finally, novel deep learning approaches to imaging are reviewed, as these facilitate implementation and scaling of quantitative imaging application in clinical trials and clinical practice. Methodological or observational studies outside these key focus areas were not included. Studies focused on biology, biomechanics, biomarkers, genetics and epigenetics, and clinical studies that did not contain an imaging component are covered in other articles within the OARSI "Year in Review" series. In conclusion, exciting progress has been made in clinically validating human models of early OA, and the field of automated articular tissue segmentation. Most importantly though, it has been shown that structure modification of articular cartilage is possible, and future research should focus on the translation of these structural findings to clinical benefit.