Femoral tunnel widening is associated with tunnel malposition but not with clinical failure after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with a free gracilis tendon graft.

INTRODUCTION: MPFL reconstruction is widely and successfully used for treating patella instability, either as a standalone procedure or in combination. Although different techniques allow for MPFL reconstruction, the use of a free tendon graft is one of the most commonly used. The phenomenon of tunnel widening or tunnel enlargement is well described in ACL reconstruction, but so far only little effort has been put into evaluating this phenomenon after MPFL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who received an MPFL reconstruction with a free gracilis tendon graft were identified by review of patient files. Additional clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to assess tunnel enlargement and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Fifty-one knees of 49 patients (34 female, 17 male) with a mean follow-up of 3.0 ± 1.4 years were included in this study. Mean age at the time of surgery was 22.6 ± 8.5 years. Mean Tegner score decreased from preoperative 5.3 ± 2.0 to 4.0 ± 1.4 postoperative. Postoperative IKDC and Kujala scores were 74 ± 16 and 80 ± 15, respectively. Twenty-three patients showed a tunnel enlargement at follow-up examination. Of these 23 patients, 20 showed a tunnel that was positioned too proximal, whereas only 13 of the 28 patients showing no enlargement had a tunnel that was positioned too proximal (p = 0.0033). Interestingly, patients showing a tunnel enlargement at follow-up examination also showed significantly better Kujala (84 ± 12 vs. 75 ± 16; p = 0.03) and IKDC scores (80 ± 7 vs. 70 ± 19; p = 0.02) when compared to the non-enlarged group. CONCLUSION: Tunnel enlargement after MPFL reconstruction with a free gracilis tendon graft seems to be connected to mechanical overload due to a proximal malposition of the femoral tunnel. Interestingly, this did not influence clinical outcome as patients with tunnel enlargement showed better Kujala and IKDC scores.

[Posterior cruciate ligament injuries]. / Verletzungen des hinteren Kreuzbands.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are still often overlooked and treatment of a ruptured PCL is inherently different in comparison to anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL). Conservative treatment is the first-line therapy for acute isolated PCL injuries leading to good clinical and biomechanical results. Injuries to the PCL combined with rupture of other stabilizing ligaments, such as the collateral ligaments or the posterolateral corner of the knee joint are treated surgically. The same is true for high grade chronic PCL insufficiency. Meticulous classification of PCL injuries taking all stabilizing factors of the knee joint as well as the time from injury into account are essential for successful treatment of PCL injuries.

[Arthroscopically assisted reduction of acute acromioclavicular joint separations: comparison of clinical and radiological results of single versus double TightRope™ technique]. / Die arthroskopisch unterstützte Stabilisierung der akuten AC-Gelenksprengung: Vergleich der klinischen und radiologischen Ergebnisse der Single- vs. Double-TightRope™-Technik.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the single (STR) versus double TightRope™ (DTR) technique for stabilisation of acute separations of the AC joint with the hypothesis that DTR achieves lower CC distance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 29 consecutive patients treated operatively with the TR technique (mean age 38.1 years, n=26 male) were analysed in a cohort study with a mean follow-up of 13.3 months (12.0-21.7). Acute AC joint separations types III and V according to Rockwood (R) were included; R types I, II, IV and VI were excluded. The prospective scores determined pre-op and 3, 6 and 12 months post-op and X-rays were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the patients 12 suffered an R type III and 17 an R V separation; 14 were treated with STR and 15 with DTR. With STR, 8 R III and 6 R V injuries and with DTR 4 R III and 11 R V injuries were treated arthroscopically. STR achieved an increased CC distance >125% compared to the contralateral AC joint in five cases (36%). Two of them occurred as R V and three as R III injury. DTR achieved a CC distance >125% in two cases of an R V injury (13%). CONCLUSION: The DTR technique provides lower CC distance compared to the STR technique, without a significant difference of CC distance and scores.

External patellotibial transfixation: indications, operative technique and outcome.

Patellotibial transfixation with the MPT fixator is a new method of external stabilisation for lesions of the extensor mechanism of the knee joint. The biomechanical principle is the external transmission of tensile forces in the quadriceps muscle from the patella to the lower thigh and the translation of these forces into extension of the knee joint. The construction is an external patellotibial frame. In fitting method A, a Steinmann pin with central thread is inserted transversely through the patella and proximal tibia. Connection is made via laterally positioned rods with rotatable fixator jaws. In fitting method B, a Schanz screw is inserted sagittally into the proximal tibia and connected to the tibiocentral fixator jaw. In the frame construction a threaded pin is tightened into the fixator jaw. The MPT fixator is mostly used to secure suture repairs and transosseous refixations of the patellar ligament, or to reconstruct neglected patellar tendinous or osseous lesions of the distal extensor apparatus when functionally stable results cannot be obtained by osteosynthesis. The advantages of patellotibial transfixation are that: (1) a minimum of internal allogenic material is required to reconstruct the extensor apparatus and the repair is protected against excessive strain; (2) immediate functional post-operative therapy with an unlimited range of motion and early full weight-bearing is possible. Between 1990 and 1997 the MPT fixator was here used on 74 patients, 51 of whom had an acute lesion of the extensor mechanism, 19 lesions had either been neglected or subjected to an earlier operation. Among 20 of the acutely injured knee joints there were other serious associated injuries. Fitting method A was used in 48 patients and fitting method B in 26 patients. In four patients the operation was followed by severe infection, owing to the fixator in two cases. The remaining 70 patients wore the system for an average of 7.3 weeks. Eight patients with caudal comminuted fractures who had had segmental patellectomy and transosseous refixation of the patellar tendon and 15 patients who had had transosseous suture refixation of the patellar ligament after rupture at the lower pole or suture repair after intraligamentous rupture, were followed up isokinetically and radiologically with IKDC scoring for an average of 49.3 months after the operation. The outcome was classified as normal or close to normal in 19 patients and as abnormal in four. Isokinetically only five of the 23 had a 10-20% deficiency in the strength of the extensor muscles of the operated leg in comparison to the opposite side. External patellotibial transfixation with the MPT fixator produced good operative results in re-establishing the continuity of the distal extensor apparatus of the knee joint and is an effective alternative to patellotibial cerclage with wire or synthetic ligament.

[Arthroscopic and clinical evaluation after isolated, augmented anterior cruciate ligament replacement. A prospective study]. / Arthroskopische und klinische Evaluierung nach isoliertem, augmentiertem VKB-Ersatz. Eine prospektive Studie.

80 patients were examined in to perform a prospective essay on the isolated substitute of the anterior crucial ligament being done by Miniarthrotomie and two channel technique. All patients received a substitute of the anterior cruciate ligament by using an autogenous, TETRA-L3 augmentated bone tendon bone graft from the middle third of the patellar ligament of the injured knee. Clinical and arthroscopical examination was carried out in the average 28 months (24-36) after crucial ligament reconstruction, by the routinely removal of the augmentation and fixation material. Clinical examination was carried out using the strict and objective IKDC-Score. The arthroscopical evaluation of the ACL-graft was performed with our recently developed Score for ACL-graft evaluation (Marburger Arthroscopy Score for graft evaluation). The Score distinguishes between four stages: type I: tight, crucial ligament like structured graft, type II: a firm, more bundle like structured graft, type III: a lax, untidy structured graft and type IV: the rudimentary graft. A statistical analysis was performed on the question whether there is a correlation between the clinical and the arthroscopical results. Furthermore, with the Marbuger Arthroscopy Score for graft Evaluation we introduced a standardised, simple-to-use new score for the arthroscopical ACL-graft evaluation. We find a high correlation (r = 0.77) between the clinical results and the arthroscopical findings, so that from clinical evaluation there might be draw conclusion to the arthroscopical expective results with high probability. Due to our previous experience we assume the Marburger Arthroscopy Score For Graft Evaluation to be a standardised and simple assessment method for the evaluation of the ACL-graft, considering pathobiomechanical influences on the ACL-substitute.

[Midterm results after treatment of injuries of the distal extensor mechanism with the MPT-fixateur. A critical analysis]. / Mittelfristige Resultate nach Anwendung des MPT-Fixateurs bei Verletzungen des distalen Kniestreckapparates. Eine kritische Analyse.

Between 1994 and 2000 at our institution 37 patients (8 women, 29 men) with fractures of the lower patellar pole and a proximal avulsion fracture of the patellar ligament underwent a primary surgical repair and patello-tibial fixateur for external protection. All patients underwent immediately after the reconstruction a functional rehabilitation program without any movement limitation and under early full weight bearing. Postoperative follow-up after an average of 58.5 months (range 14 to 102 months) was possible in 26 patients. Physical examination, roentgenographic evaluation and isokinetic testing were performed. The clinical evaluation was carried out according to the strict criteria of the IKDC-score. The radiological measurement of the patella height was carried out using the index of Blackburne & Peel; the femoropatellar changings were registered according to the score of Sperner. The clinical evaluation showed in 8 patients a normal, in 10 patients a nearly normal, in 7 patients an abnormal and only in 1 patient a severe abnormal result. The average muscle strength deficit in comparison to the contralateral knee joint was between 10 % and 20 %. All patients showed clinically and radiologically a sufficient distal knee extensor mechanism. The patella height ratio was in the average 0.82 on the injured and 0.79 on the non-injured side. In 17 cases we didn't saw any femoropatellar arthrosis. Eight patients showed a moderate femoropatellar arthrosis. There was no case with severe femoropatellar arthrosis. By good follow-up results in general we could demonstrate the value of the MPT-fixateur as a dynamic protection method after reconstructive operations of the distal knee extensor mechanism.

[The external patello-tibial transfixation (EPTT). Part II: Clinical application and results]. / Die externe patellotibiale Transfixation. Teil II: Klinische Anwendung und Ergebnisse.

In part I of the paper the biomechanical and technical background of the EPTT using the MPT fixator and the indications for this procedure have been described. In part II we report about the clinical application of the EPTT in 67 patients with a wide spectrum of repairs and reconstructions of the extensor mechanism. 48 patients had fresh injuries, 18 of them with severe concomitant knee lesions and 19 patients had neglected rsp. unsuccessfully operated injuries. There were 4 deep infections, two of them related to the MPT fixator. In the patients with uneventful healing the fixator remained in place for 7.3 weeks in average. The clinical, isokinetic and radiological results were reviewed in 17 patients with an average follow-up time of 37.3 months. There were 5 patients with partial patellectomy and tendon reattachment because of lower patella pole comminution and 12 patients with tendon reattachment ruptured at the inferior patella pole or suture repair in midsubstance rupture. The clinical results according to the IKDC score were rated in 3 patients as normal, in 10 patients as nearly normal and in 4 patients as abnormal. This rating was highly dependend on the subjective judgement by the patients who considered their operated knees not as normal as the contralateral knees. From our clinical experiences and results we can derive that the EPTT enables the surgical management of extensor mechanism disruptions with a minimum of internal fixation material and provides a safe protection of the repairs and reconstructions during the healing period. The EPTT allows immediate unrestricted functional rehabilitation and early walking without crutches. Thus the EPTT represents an effective alternative to the patello-tibial cerclage with a wire or synthetic ligaments.

[Morbidity after contralateral transplantation of the patellar ligament for cruciate ligament replacement]. / Zur Morbidität nach kontralateraler Entnahme des Lig.-patellae-Transplantats zum Kreuzbandersatz.

After cruciate ligament reconstruction using an autogenous central bone-patellar tendon-bone graft persistent complaints are described in the literature. There is the difficulty to distinguish the morbidity associated with the graft harvest and the morbidity caused by the injury and the reconstruction procedure. In order to clarify the morbidity resulting from the graft harvest alone, we evaluated those patients who had transplantat harvest from the opposite knee. Between 1990 and 1995 a central bone-tendon-bone graft has been taken from the contralateral uninjured knee in 37 patients, in 22 cases for anterior and in 15 cases for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. 27 patients were clinically (IKDC Score), isokinetically and radiologically followed up in an average of 25.3 months after the operation (range: 9-73 months). 21 patients were classified into IKDC group A. Except of one patient with an extension deficit of 5 degrees all others showed normal range of motion. Only 5 of 27 patients expressed minimal knee pain during vigorous activities. Three of them reported about weather sensitivity in addition. These 6 patients were ranked in group B. No patient was classified into IKDC group C or D. The isokinetic examination showed a normal level of quadriceps strength. At final followup, the technique of Blackburne and Peel was used to assess patellar height. There was no radiographic evidence of patella contracture or baja. According to our results taking the autogenous CBTB graft used for cruciate ligament reconstruction leads to no serious morbidity.

[Monosegmental internal fixator instrumentation and fusion in treatment of fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. Indications, technique and results]. / Die monosegmentale Fixateur interne-Instrumentation und Fusion in der Behandlung von Frakturen der thorakolumbalen Wirbelsäule. Indikation, Technik und Ergebnisse.

Dorsal fusion with the internal fixator has become the standard treatment of instabilities and deformities of the thoracolumbar spine. With our new device, the modular spine fixator (MSF), which has been specially designed for short-distance instrumentations, we have increasingly been treating unstable injuries of the thoracolumbar spine by one-level stabilization. Prerequisite is an accurate evaluation of the indication, including CT and MRI to assess the involvement of the intervertebral disc and the ligamental structures. The operative technique differs in some details from the procedure in more-multi-level instrumentations, especially concerning the application of the pedicle screws. The instrumentation is always combined with posterior allogenic bone grafting. Since the beginning of 1993 we also perform anterior autogenic transpedicular bone grafting. Between January 1991 and July 1995, 57 one-level stabilizations with the MSF were performed. Of the 57 patients operated on 39, 27 men and 12 women, with an average age of 41 years, have had a clinical and radiographic follow-up examination so far, on average, 27 months after the accident. Seventeen patients were completely free of pain and 17 patients (were only) sensitive to weather changes or had minor pain during great physical stress. Five patients had pain even during slight physical stress or at rest. The preoperatively measured Cobb angle was 15.1 degrees on average, after the operation 5.2 degrees, and at the time of the follow-up examination amounted to 8.1 degrees. The patients' range of motion was normal. Only five minor complications have been seen. No implant fatigue failure has been noted in this series. We derive from these results that, for correct indications, one-level stabilization can be performed successfully and should be firmly established in the operative treatment of unstable fractures of the thoracolumbar spine.