97 HINTEGRA ankle prostheses: Results and survival at more than 5 years' follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, fixed-bearing implants predominate again in total ankle replacement (TAR). The present single-center single-surgeon study assesses the Hintegra® mobile-bearing implant (NEWDEAL). METHODS: Between November 2008 and November 2015, 97 Hintegra® were implanted in 94 patients: mean age, 62.4±10.9 years (26-83); 59% (57/97) male; normal mean body-mass index (BMI), 27.5 ± 4.3 kg/m2. Indications mainly comprised posttraumatic (40.2%), instability (29.9%) and primary osteoarthritis (16.5%). 17.5% of patients had prior surgery during the previous 6 months (9 fusions, 8 ligament reconstructions, and 4 osteotomies); in 59.8%, other procedures were associated to TAR. Functional, clinical and radiological follow-up was conducted at 1 year, 2 years and last follow-up (>5 years). RESULTS: Ninety-four TARs were analyzed at a mean 81 ± 21.6 months (19-124). Revision-free survival was 76% (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.66-0.8), and explantation-free survival 92% (95%CI: 0.85-1) with 10 cases of curettage and 5 explantations. Mean AOFAS score improved from 41.8 ± 12.5 (21-69) to 77.5 ± 16.5 (24-100) up (p < 0.001); 75% of patients had no or only mild pain (p < 0.001). Clinical ranges of motion were 8.0 ± 7.1° dorsiflexion (p < 0.001) and 35.1 ± 9.4° plantar flexion (preoperatively, 34.1 ± 7.9°) (p = 0.71). Radiologically, tibial components were well-positioned; 87% of talar components were well-centered. Global ankle range of motion was 23.5 ± 10.2° (5-48) (p = 0.17). 54.6% of TARs showed posterior tibial calcification at follow-up. Risk of severe cyst (>1 cm) on CT was 36% (95%CI: 23-47) at a mean 77 ± 21.9 months (18-123). CONCLUSION: Hintegra® TAR incurred a low risk of revision, and is a reliable option for ankle osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Graft Preparation Technique to Optimize Hamstring Graft Diameter for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Hamstring autografts are frequently used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The inherent variability in graft diameter has been stated as a disadvantage in its use because the presence of smaller graft diameters has been correlated with increased risk of re-rupture. Several techniques have been described to address this concern. Modifications of the basic Graftlink technique allows for increased control over final graft diameter using a standard harvest of the semitendinosus tendon with or without the gracilis tendon, and results in a graft of adequate length and diameter in all patients with rigid cortical fixation on the femur and tibia.

Criteria for Return to Sport after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction with lower reinjury risk (CR'STAL study): protocol for a prospective observational study in France.

INTRODUCTION: The decision regarding when to return to sport after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is an important one. Using a variety of subjective and objective parameters, various attempts have been made to determine an optimal timeline for a return to sport after ACLR, but none have been validated.The aim of the present study is therefore to determine which criteria or combination of criteria could allow to return to sport with the lowest possible risk of reinjury. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a prospective cohort, single-centre study, with repeated assessments at 6, 9 and 12 months post-ACL surgical reconstruction and including a 3-year follow-up of patients' sporting activity and reinjuries. 275 patients will be included to test explanatory variables. Postural control analysis, knee laxity, questionnaires (International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11), Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Reinjury (ACL-RSI) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE)), modified Star Excursion Balance Test, running and sprinting biomechanics, Hop Tests and Isokinetic Tests will all be used. The primary outcome will be any reinjury during the follow-up period, defined as a graft rupture, a contralateral ACL rupture or any injury necessitating an interruption of training and requiring a medical consultation. Two groups will be constituted during the follow-up, separating reinjured from non-reinjured patients. In addition, classic analysis and data mining approaches will be used to build predictive models. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations. Ethical approval was obtained through the ethics committee of the University Hospital of Saint-Etienne (reference number IRBN522015/CHUSTE).