Neuromuscular electrical stimulation of humeral adductors in subjects with rotator cuff tear.

INTRODUCTION: In symptomatic patients with rotator cuff tear, MRI and radiographic studies have ascribed the pain symptom to insufficient humeral head depression during arm elevations. The arm adductors such as the teres major and pectoralis major may contribute to depression of the humerus head during arm elevations. Researchers have demonstrated that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the serratus anterior and lower trapezius can control scapular motions and improve acromiohumeral distance. It is unknown, however, if adductor neuromuscular training could help patients with rotator cuff tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of NMES of the teres major and pectoralis major was conducted on 30 symptomatic subjects with rotator cuff tear. We measured the acromiohumeral distance by ultrasonography and scapular kinematics during arm elevation with a three-dimensional motion tracking system. RESULTS: The acromiohumeral distance significantly increased during NMES of the teres major (0.73 mm, p < 0.001). However, the distance significantly decreased with NMES of the pectoralis major (0.78 mm, p < 0.001). Additionally, scapular upward rotation was greater during NMES of the teres major than during NMES of the pectoralis major (3.4°, p < 0.001). Scapular external rotation decreased significantly more during NMES of the pectoralis major than during NMES of the teres major (1.6°, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: NMES of the teres major can increase acromiohumeral distance and scapular upward rotation during arm elevation. However, the decreased upward and external rotation of the scapula during arm elevation with NMES of the pectoralis major may be associated with subacromial impingement.

IL-6 induces periostin production in human ACL remnants: a possible mechanism causing post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Perostin (POSTN) and IL-6 consistently elevated after ACL injury, and ACL has been proposed as the major source of POSTN. However, there is a lack of evidence whether IL-6 induces ACL remnants to produce POSTN. This study aimed to investigate the effect of IL-6 on POSTN production in ACL fibroblasts, which may help us understand more about the mechanism of PTOA after ACL injury and ACL reconstruction. METHODS: ACL remnants were harvested from 27 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to examine the POSTN gene expression of ACL fibroblasts after treatment of different concentrations of IL-6. The POSTN protein production of ACL fibroblasts was determined using western blot analysis. The blockers of possible signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, Ras/MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways, were added to test whether the effect of IL-6 on ACL fibroblast could be attenuated. ACL fibroblast and chondrocyte co-culture was carried out to determine the influence of ACL and IL-6 on chondrocytes. RESULTS: Quantitative real-time PCR showed that IL-6 time-dependently and dose-dependently increased POSTN gene expression of ACL fibroblast. Western blot analysis also revealed that IL-6 dose-dependently induced POSTN protein production. Regarding the chronicity of ACL injury, the POSTN protein production was comparable between ACL remnants which were derived within 3 months of injury and at least 6 months after injury. PI3K/Akt blockers could attenuate the effect of IL-6 on ACL remnants, whereas Ras/MAPK and JAK/STAT did not decrease POSTN production. The coexistence of ACL and IL-6 induced more MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4 by chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 induced ACL remnants to produce POSTN. This effect could be attenuated by the PI3K/Akt blocker. Coexistence of IL-6 and ACL remnants may accelerate post-traumatic arthritis.

Thickness of simple calcaneal tuberosity avulsion fractures influences the optimal fixation method employed.

Aims: This study aimed to establish the optimal fixation methods for calcaneal tuberosity avulsion fractures with different fragment thicknesses in a porcine model. Methods: A total of 36 porcine calcanea were sawed to create simple avulsion fractures with three different fragment thicknesses (5, 10, and 15 mm). They were randomly fixed with either two suture anchors or one headless screw. Load-to-failure and cyclic loading tension tests were performed for the biomechanical analysis. Results: This biomechanical study predicts that headless screw fixation is a better option if fragment thickness is over 15 mm in terms of the comparable peak failure load to suture anchor fixation (headless screw: 432.55 N (SD 62.25); suture anchor: 446.58 N (SD 84.97)), and less fracture fragment displacement after cyclic loading (headless screw: 3.94 N (SD 1.76); suture anchor: 8.68 N (SD 1.84)). Given that the fragment thickness is less than 10 mm, suture anchor fixation is a safer option. Conclusion: Fracture fragment thickness helps in making the decision of either using headless screw or suture anchor fixation in treating calcaneal tuberosity avulsion fracture, based on the regression models of our study.

The impact of shoulder pathologies on job discontinuation and return to work: a pilot ultrasonographic investigation.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound imaging has emerged as one of the most useful tools for evaluating shoulder disorders. To date, the association between shoulder ultrasonography and a patient's work status has rarely been explored by antecedent studies. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the association between sonographically diagnosed shoulder pathologies and job discontinuation and return to work. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic in the university hospital. POPULATION: Fifty-nine patients who were older than 20 years of age and had worked in a full-time job within the past three years. METHODS: All participants underwent clinical evaluation using the visual analog scale (for pain), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and shoulder ultrasound examination. The work-related ergonomic risks, including dealing with heavy objects, repeated use and requiring forceful motion of the affected upper extremity, were assessed. The ultrasound-identified shoulder pathologies associated with job discontinuation, that is, sick leave due to painful shoulder for more than two consecutive months, were considered as the primary outcome. In the job discontinuation subgroup, we further investigated the association between return to work and the clinical/sonographic findings. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed a positive association between job discontinuation and shoulder surgery or work types requiring forceful upper-limb movements. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that job discontinuation was positively associated with supraspinatus tendon full-thickness tears (risk ratio, 8.80; 95% CI, 1.77-10.56; P=0.018). Of the patients who received shoulder surgery, 46.6% had recurrent rotator cuff tears. Return to work was likely to be related to pain scores during overhead activities and shoulder function impairment but not to sonographic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Job discontinuation is associated with shoulder surgery, work that necessitates forceful upper-extremity movements and supraspinatus tendon full-thickness tears detected by ultrasound. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Sonographic findings should not be used as the only standard for evaluating the patient's work capability.

Effects of Internal Fixation for Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fractures on Shoulder Kinematics During Humeral Elevations.

BACKGROUND: Mid-shaft clavicle fractures account for 35 to 44% of injuries to the shoulder girdle. There is increasing evidence to support surgical repair, but poor functional outcomes have been reported, and associated factors remain unclear. METHODS: The three-dimensional poses of the shoulder bones during arm elevations were measured in 15 patients treated for mid-shaft clavicle fractures by open reduction and internal fixation, and in 15 healthy controls. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No significant between-side differences were found in the clavicle length after surgery (p > 0.05). The patients showed increased scapular protraction at lower elevation angles and reduced scapular retraction at higher elevation angles during frontal-plane elevations, with significantly reduced clavicle retraction (p < 0.05), with unaltered scapular rotation and tilt. The ranges of the observed changes were reduced to arm elevations at 60° and 90° in the scapular and sagittal planes. Similar changes were also found on the unaffected side, suggesting symmetrical bilateral compensation. The results suggest that shoulder kinematics in multi-plane arm elevations should be monitored for any signs of compromised bone motions following surgical treatment, and that rehabilitative training may be needed on both sides to improve the bilateral movement control of the shoulder complex.

Chronic kidney disease predicts a lower probability of improvement in patient-reported experience measures among patients with fractures: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are integral component of care for fracture patients. Using a multicenter cohort, we showed that the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) attenuated the probability of PREM improvement in fracture patients. INTRODUCTION: Assessing PREM can assist physicians in improving patients' experiences. Patients with CKD are at an increased risk of exhibiting poor PREM and developing fractures. We aimed to assess whether CKD influences the probability of PREM improvement during follow-up among patients with fractures. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with hip or vertebral fractures from different institutes into a fracture liaison service program. After registering clinical histories, they received a baseline PREM assessment based on EuroQol group-5 dimension content, including self-care, daily activity, and pain severity using a 5-point Likert scale. A follow-up PREM assessment was arranged 4 months later, and we evaluated whether baseline CKD was predictive of PREM improvement. RESULTS: Among 593 fracture patients (18% with CKD), 37.3% and 62.7% presented with hip and vertebral fractures, respectively. Self-care, daily activity, and pain severity improved after follow-up in 32%, 27%, and 43% participants; those with CKD exhibited worse self-care ability and daily activity than those without. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that baseline CKD was significantly associated with lower possibility of improvement in daily activity (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, p = 0.049) and pain severity (OR 0.52, p = 0.01), and an insignificant change in the possibility of improvement in self-care ability (OR 0.61, p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CKD predicts a significantly lower probability of PREM improvement among fracture patients. An early emphasis on renal function during fracture care should be considered.

Effectiveness of Glenohumeral Joint Dilatation for Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The objective was to explore the effectiveness of glenohumeral joint distension for the treatment of frozen shoulder. We searched electronic data sources including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase from the earliest records available to February 2017. Eleven randomized controlled trials including at least one pair of comparisons between capsular distension and a reference treatment were included, comprising 747 participants. Patients' characteristics, details of reference treatments, aspects of capsular distension therapy, and outcome measurement were evaluated at three points in time: baseline, early following intervention, and at the trial's end. The primary and secondary outcomes were the between-group standardized mean differences of changes in shoulder function and range of motion, respectively. Regarding the long-term primary outcome, the superiority of capsular distension to reference treatments was not identified. One secondary outcome (external rotation limitation) showed a probable early positive response to capsular distension when compared to intra-articular corticosteroid injection. Aspects of approaches, imaging guiding techniques and doses of distension were not found to modify treatment effectiveness. In conclusion, distension of the glenohumeral joint provides a similar long-term efficacy to all reference treatments. A single dose of a corticosteroid-contained regimen introduced through the ultrasound-guided posterior approach is a preferable practice of capsular distension for the management of frozen shoulder.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin Facilitates Rabbit Meniscal Repair by Promoting Meniscocytes Proliferation, Migration, and Extracellular Matrix Synthesis.

Although platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used in clinical practice for some time, to date, few studies reveal its role as a bioactive scaffold in facilitating meniscal repair. Here, the positive anabolic effects of PRF on meniscocytes harvested from the primary culture of a rabbit meniscus were revealed. The rabbit meniscocytes were cultured with different concentrations of PRF-conditioned medium, and were evaluated for their ability to stimulate cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation. In vivo, meniscal defects were created via an established rabbit animal model and were evaluated by a histology-based four-stage scoring system to validate the treatment outcome three months postoperatively. The in vitro results showed that PRF could induce cellular migration and promote proliferation and meniscocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis of cultured meniscocytes. In addition, PRF increased the formation and deposition of cartilaginous matrix produced by cultured meniscocytes. Morphological and histological evaluations demonstrated that PRF could facilitate rabbit meniscal repair. The data highlight the potential utility of using PRF in augmenting the healing of meniscal injuries. These advantages would benefit clinical translation, and are a potential new treatment strategy for meniscal repair.

Comparative Effectiveness of Suprascapular Nerve Block in the Relief of Acute Post-Operative Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The suprascapular nerve accounts for 70% of shoulder sensory innervations, and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) has been shown to be effective in the relief of chronic shoulder pain including rotator cuff tendinitis, subdeltoid impingement syndrome, and adhesive capsulitis. However, this remains inconclusive for patients undergoing surgery. The present meta-analysis aimed to explore the effectiveness of SSNB for relieving acute post-operative shoulder pain. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of SSNB for relieving acute post-operative shoulder pain. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Services of general surgery, orthopaedics, and anaesthesiology. METHODS: A systematic search of studies on SSNB for post-operative shoulder pain was conducted mainly in PubMed and Scopus. The standardized mean difference (SMD) of post-operative pain scales of SSNB versus placebo was treated as the primary outcome, whereas the odds ratio of nausea of SSNB versus placebo comprised the secondary outcome. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 7 randomized controlled trials and 2 comparative studies comprising 681 participants in total. The quantitative analysis showed a significantly lower pain level of SSNB versus placebo in the shoulder surgery patient group (SMD: -0.33; 95% confidence level [CI]: -0.51 to -0.15), but not in the non-shoulder surgery group (SMD: 0.28; 95% CI: -0.37 to 1.93). The pooled odds ratio of nausea in the SSNB arm compared with the placebo arm was 0.20 (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.45), indicating a reduction in the incidence of nausea following SSNB. LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity of included trials. CONCLUSIONS: SSNB significantly reduced acute post-operative shoulder pain in the shoulder surgery group but not in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery or thoracotomy. This suggests that SSNB can be used as a method of polymodal analgesia for patients undergoing shoulder surgery; however, it is not recommended for the non-shoulder surgery patient population. KEY WORDS: Suprascapular nerve, shoulder surgery, thoracotomy, laparoscopic surgery.

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts.

BPC 157, a pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice, has been demonstrated to promote the healing of different tissues, including skin, muscle, bone, ligament and tendon in many animal studies. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified. The present study aimed to explore the effect of BPC 157 on tendon fibroblasts isolated from Achilles tendon of male Sprague-Dawley rat. From the result of cDNA microarray analysis, growth hormone receptor was revealed as one of the most abundantly up-regulated genes in tendon fibroblasts by BPC 157. BPC 157 dose- and time-dependently increased the expression of growth hormone receptor in tendon fibroblasts at both the mRNA and protein levels as measured by RT/real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The addition of growth hormone to BPC 157-treated tendon fibroblasts dose- and time-dependently increased the cell proliferation as determined by MTT assay and PCNA expression by RT/real-time PCR. Janus kinase 2, the downstream signal pathway of growth hormone receptor, was activated time-dependently by stimulating the BPC 157-treated tendon fibroblasts with growth hormone. In conclusion, the BPC 157-induced increase of growth hormone receptor in tendon fibroblasts may potentiate the proliferation-promoting effect of growth hormone and contribute to the healing of tendon.

Clinical results of all-inside meniscal repair using the FasT-Fix meniscal repair system.

BACKGROUND: The meniscus plays a key role in the functioning of the knee. At the present time, meniscal repair has becomes the main treatment for meniscal tear. Compared to open surgery, arthroscopic meniscal repair has become popular because of shorter time need for the operation, the smaller wound, and better accessibility to the tear portion, which is particularly difficult during open surgery. Three arthroscopic techniques are widely used, namely inside-out, outside-in, and all-inside. Arthroscopy all inside meniscal repair has the lowest neurovascular injury rate. METHODS: This study prospectively evaluated 31 consecutively treated patients to determine the effectiveness/safety of arthroscopic meniscal repair using the FasTFix repair system. The inclusion criteria for this study were: vertical fullthickness tear> 10 mm in length; location of the meniscal tear < 6 mm from the meniscocapsular junction; repair of the meniscus solely with the FasTFix system; no former meniscus surgery; and no evidence of arthritis during arthroscopy. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees were reconstructed using a hamstring autograft at the time of the meniscal repair. Follow-up examinations consisted of Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: After an average of 3 years follow-up, no symptoms of meniscal tears were found in 30/31 of the cases. For patients with isolated meniscal repair or concurrent ACL reconstruction, the Lysholm and Tegner activity scores had significantly improved postoperatively. No neurovascular or other major complications were directly associated with the use of the device. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic all-inside repair using the FasT-Fix device appears to be a safe and effective procedure.

The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration.

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157, composed of 15 amino acids, is a partial sequence of body protection compound (BPC) that is discovered in and isolated from human gastric juice. Experimentally it has been demonstrated to accelerate the healing of many different wounds, including transected rat Achilles tendon. This study was designed to investigate the potential mechanism of BPC 157 to enhance healing of injured tendon. The outgrowth of tendon fibroblasts from tendon explants cultured with or without BPC 157 was examined. Results showed that BPC 157 significantly accelerated the outgrowth of tendon explants. Cell proliferation of cultured tendon fibroblasts derived from rat Achilles tendon was not directly affected by BPC 157 as evaluated by MTT assay. However, the survival of BPC 157-treated cells was significantly increased under the H(2)O(2) stress. BPC 157 markedly increased the in vitro migration of tendon fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner as revealed by transwell filter migration assay. BPC 157 also dose dependently accelerated the spreading of tendon fibroblasts on culture dishes. The F-actin formation as detected by FITC-phalloidin staining was induced in BPC 157-treated fibroblasts. The protein expression and activation of FAK and paxillin were determined by Western blot analysis, and the phosphorylation levels of both FAK and paxillin were dose dependently increased by BPC 157 while the total amounts of protein was unaltered. In conclusion, BPC 157 promotes the ex vivo outgrowth of tendon fibroblasts from tendon explants, cell survival under stress, and the in vitro migration of tendon fibroblasts, which is likely mediated by the activation of the FAK-paxillin pathway.

Single portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release: modification of Menon's technique and data from 65 cases.

The purpose of our study is to make a follow-up evaluation of endoscopic carpal tunnel release under focal anesthesia using the Wolf single portal system. A total of 65 patients with a mean age of 50 years undergoing 79 procedures were retrospectively studied. Preoperative complaints, intraoperative findings, and postoperative results of all the patients were recorded. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 5, 12, and 24 weeks and at 1 year postoperatively. Wound pain, analysis of satisfaction, Levine functional status scales, and surgical complications were included. No patients sustained iatrogenic neurovascular injury or hematoma formation. The average Levine functional severity score decreased from 2.82 points preoperatively to 1.2 points at the most recent survey. One case recurred at 1 year after the surgery and subsequently underwent open release. Surgery using the Wolf single portal system under focal anesthesia is a safe and efficacious option for endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

Arthroscopic ganglionectomy through an intrafocal cystic portal for wrist ganglia.

PURPOSE: A retrospective study was conducted on arthroscopic ganglionectomy in wrists using a novel intrafocal cystic portal. The safety and efficacy of this technique were assessed by treatment of 15 wrists in 15 patients. METHODS: Arthroscopic ganglionectomy was performed by the same surgeon with the patient under general anesthesia or regional block. Preoperative complaints, intraoperative findings, and postoperative results of all the patients were reported. The mean follow-up was 15.3 months. Functional assessment by use of modified Mayo wrist scores, patient satisfaction, and recurrence were included in the follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: Two thirds of the patients acquired good to excellent results, whereas the results for the remaining third were fair. Complications included 1 recurrence and 1 case of transient paresthesia sensation. The most common arthroscopic findings were capsular and ligament lesions, rather than ganglionic stalks. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic ganglionectomy through an intrafocal cystic portal is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of painful wrist ganglia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Medial gastrocnemius muscle flap for treating wound complications after double-plate fixation via two-incision approach for complex tibial plateau fractures.

BACKGROUND: In medical literature, few articles have reported the treatment of wound complications occurring after double-plate fixation via a two-incision approach for complex tibial plateau fractures. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a medial gastrocnemius muscle flap transfer in treating this complicated disability. METHODS: We treated 16 consecutive adult patients, including 6 cases of wound complications without previous deep infection and 10 cases of wound complications with deep wound infection. A one-stage medial gastrocnemius muscle flap transfer was performed after excision of gangrened eschar in cases with wound complication after fracture fixation without infection. A staged flap transfer was performed after debridement and antibiotic administration in cases with wound complication after fracture fixation and wound infection. Bone grafting supplementation was performed in cases where a sequestrectomy had been performed. RESULTS: All 16 patients were followed up for an average of 31 months (range, 13-50 months). The wound complications were successfully treated in 93.8% (15/16) of patients by medial gastrocnemius flap transfer. The fracture healed in 93.8% (15/16) of patients within an average period of 17.2 weeks (range, 10-51 weeks). One patient had gastrocnemius muscle necrosis with fracture nonunion and was treated with free vascularized muscle and osseous flap transfers. Knee function was satisfactory in 62.5% (10/16) of patients. CONCLUSION: Medial gastrocnemius muscle flap transfer is a reliable technique for treating wound complications that occur after double-plate fixation via a two-incision approach in the treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures. A high success rate of wound healing with bone union can normally be achieved. We, therefore, recommend its widespread use in candidate patients.

Corrective osteotomy for intra-articular malunion of the sigmoid notch of the distal part of the radius: a case report.

Joint incongruity at radiocarpal joint is a common complication of the distal radius fracture, and has received much attention and study. However, the problem and outcome of treatment of intra-articular incongruity at the sigmoid notch after distal radius fracture is rarely reported. We describe a patient with deformity of the distal radioulnar joint, and impairment of supination after distal radius fracture. The evaluation of the distal radioulnar joint revealed the absence of degenerative arthritis and malunion of the sigmoid notch of the distal radius with a prominent volar lip limiting supination. We present a method of corrective osteotomy for the malunited sigmoid notch of the distal radius, to correct the incongruity of the distal radioulnar joint and restore supination.

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament by using a quadriceps tendon autograft: a minimum 5-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: We prospectively assessed 22 consecutively treated patients to determine the effectiveness and safety of arthroscopically assisted posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction by using a quadriceps tendon autograft. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with isolated PCL injury who underwent PCL reconstruction with a quadriceps tendon autograft were enrolled in the prospective study. The average follow-up period was 66 months (range, 60-76). Follow-up included Lysholm knee scores, Tegner activity scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, thigh muscle assessment, and radiographic assessment. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Lysholm score for 22 knees was 67 (range, 50 to 75), and the mean postoperative Lysholm score was 89 (range, 75 to 98). Nineteen of 22 patients (86%) displayed good or excellent results in the final assessment. The mean preoperative Tegner score for 22 knees was 3 (range, 2 to 5), whereas the mean postoperative Tegner score was 6 (range, 3 to 9). There were statistically significant improvements in Lysholm score (P = .009), Tegner score (P = .039), postoperative KT-1000 arthrometer (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA) scores (P = .006), final IKDC rating (P = .035), and thigh atrophy and muscle strength (P < .05) when compared with preoperative data. Regarding IKDC final rating, 82% of the patients (18 of 22) were assessed as normal or nearly normal (grade A or B). CONCLUSIONS: After follow-up for more than 60 months, the analytical results showed patients achieved satisfactory function after PCL reconstruction by using a quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft. This study suggests that a quadriceps tendon autograft is sufficiently large and strong and can achieve good ligament function after reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament with use of a quadruple hamstring tendon graft with 3- to 5-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: This study prospectively evaluated 20 patients treated consecutively to determine patient outcomes, efficacy, and complication potential of arthroscopically assisted posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction performed with hamstring tendon grafts. METHODS: Twenty patients (15 men and 5 women), each with an isolated PCL injury, underwent PCL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft and were enrolled in this prospective study. Average age at time of surgery was 29 years (range, 20 to 57 years). Average time from injury to surgery was 4 months (range, 3 to 12 months). Average follow-up period was 40 months (range, 36 to 50 months). Patients underwent regular follow-up after clinical and radiographic preoperative and postoperative evaluation. Follow-up examinations comprised the Lysholm Knee Score, the Tegner Activity Score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, thigh muscle assessment, and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Mean preoperative Lysholm score for 20 knees was 63 +/- 10 (range, 48-73); mean postoperative Lysholm score was 93 +/- 9 (range, 77-100). Eighteen of 20 patients (90%) showed good or excellent results at final assessment. Mean preinjury and preoperative Tegner scores were 7 +/- 1.5 (range, 5-9) and 3 +/- 1.9 (range, 2-5), respectively; mean postoperative Tegner score for 20 knees was 6.3 +/- 2.4 (range, 4-9). In final IKDC ratings, 85% of patients (17 of 20) were assessed as normal or near normal (grade A or B). A statistically significant improvement was seen in thigh girth difference, extensor strength ratio, and flexor strength ratio before and after reconstruction at a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: After follow-up for longer than 36 months, analytical results showed satisfactory function after PCL reconstruction with the use of hamstring tendon autografts. We suggest that the hamstring tendon autograft is a safe, effective, and acceptable choice for PCL reconstruction, and that it affords good ligament reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic evaluation of soft tissue injuries in tibial plateau fractures: retrospective analysis of 98 cases.

PURPOSE: This investigation arthroscopically assesses the frequency of soft tissue injury in tibial plateau fracture according to the severity of fracture patterns. We hypothesized that use of arthroscopy to evaluate soft tissue injury in tibial plateau fractures would reveal a greater number of associated injuries than have previously been reported. METHODS: From March 1996 to December 2003, 98 patients with closed tibial plateau fractures were treated with arthroscopically assisted reduction and osteosynthesis, with precise diagnosis and management of associated soft tissue injuries. Arthroscopic findings for associated soft tissue injuries were recorded, and the relationship between fracture type and soft tissue injury was then analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of associated soft tissue injury in this series was 71% (70 of 98). The menisci were injured in 57% of subjects (56 in 98), the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in 25% (24 of 98), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in 5% (5 of 98), the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in 3% (3 of 98), the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in 3% (3 of 98), and the peroneal nerve in 1% (1 of 98); none of the 98 patients exhibited injury to the arteries. No significant association was noted between fracture type and incidence of meniscus, PCL, LCL, MCL, artery, and nerve injury. However, significantly higher injury rates for the ACL were observed in type IV and VI fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue injury was associated with all types of tibial plateau fracture. Menisci (peripheral tear) and ACL (bony avulsion) were the most commonly injured sites. A variety of soft tissue injuries are common with tibial plateau fracture; these can be diagnosed with the use of an arthroscope. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Arthroscopic suture repair of peripheral tears of triangular fibrocartilage complex using a volar portal.

Surgical repair of a Palmer type IB triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear can be difficult using conventional dorsal portals and it may need special repair kits. The authors describe an arthroscopic technique using an additional volar portal that allows quick access and a secure purchase of peripheral TFCC tears as well as a distinct approach to dorsal wrist structures.