Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: how do we perform it? Brazilian orthopedic surgeons' preference.

PURPOSE: We evaluated current trends and common practice of Brazilian orthopedic surgeons while selecting approaches for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Orthopedic surgeons (n = 191) completed a survey consisting of seven questions regarding their profiles and preference for ACL reconstruction techniques. RESULTS: Most surgeons were from Southeast Brazil (56.6%) and had specialized in knee surgery (79.5%); most participants (55.1%) had worked in this field for > five years, and 46.8% had performed >50 ACL reconstructions. Further, 93.1% respondents preferred the hamstring graft. Analysis of preference for the femoral tunnel approach in terms of years of experience showed that surgeons with ten to 15 years' experience preferred the transtibial approach; those with < five years of experience, the transportal technique; those with >15 years' experience, the two-incision technique. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons' preferences for ACL reconstruction are variable, and are influenced by learning time and availability of tools rather than research evidence.

Effects of shock wave therapy on glycosaminoglycan expression during bone healing.

BACKGROUND: Several cases of delayed bone consolidation have been treated with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to improve bone healing and a key role of the extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans in osteogenesis has been suggested. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to identify and quantify the amount of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and hyaluronic acid (HA) within rat femurs following bone drilling and treatment with shock waves. METHODS: To identify and quantify the sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and hyaluronic acid (HA) within rat femurs following bone drilling and ESWT, 50 male Wistar rats were evaluated. The animals were divided into two groups, both of which were subjected to bone drilling. One of the groups was treated with ESWT. The rats were sacrificed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day. GAG presence was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis with subsequent densitometry and ELISA. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The content of sulfated GAGs increased significantly from the 3rd to the 28th day (p = 0.002). Chondroitin sulfate was expressed more highly than the other GAGs. HA content increased significantly at the 3rd day in animals treated with ESWT compared to the control group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: ESWT stimulates of sulfated glycosaminoglycans during bone healing and enhanced early expression of HA compared to the control group.

Does Combined Intra- and Extraarticular ACL Reconstruction Improve Function and Stability? A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: ACL reconstruction aims to restore knee function and stability; however, rotational stability may not be completely restored by use of standard intraarticular reconstruction alone. Although individual studies have not shown the superiority of combined ACL reconstruction compared with isolated intraarticular reconstruction in terms of function and stability, biomechanical principles suggest a combined approach may be helpful, therefore pooling (meta-analyzing) the available randomized clinical studies may be enlightening. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether combining extraarticular with intraarticular ACL reconstruction would lead to: (1) similar knee function measured by the IKDC evaluation, return-to-activity, and Tegner Lysholm scores, compared with isolated intraarticular reconstruction; (2) increased stability measured by pivot shift and instrumented Lachman examination; and (3) any differences in complications and adverse events? METHODS: To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing combined intra- and extrarticular ACL reconstruction (combined reconstruction) with intraarticular ACL reconstruction only, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The main outcomes we sought were patient function and stability and complications after ACL reconstruction. Of 386 identified studies, eight RCTs were included (n=682 participants; followup, 12-84 months; men to women ratio, 2.17:1) in our meta-analysis. Study quality (internal validity) was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool; in general, we found a moderate quality of evidence of the included studies. RESULTS: When functional outcomes were compared, we found no difference between patients who underwent intraarticular ACL reconstruction only and those who underwent combined reconstruction (IKDC, return-to-activity, and Tegner Lysholm scores). However, patients who underwent combined reconstruction were more likely to show improved stability based on the pivot shift test (risk ratio [RR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99; p=0.02) and Lachman test (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98; p=0.01). In addition, our meta-analysis found no difference between the two treatments in terms of general complications or adverse events (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.70-2.34; p=0.40) and the proportion of patients whose reconstructions failed (RR, 2.88; 95% CI, 0.73-11.47; p=0.13). CONCLUSION: Combined intra- and extraarticular ACL reconstruction provided marginally improved knee stability and comparable failure rates but no difference in patient-reported functional outcomes scores. Complications and adverse events such as knee stiffness may be underreported and technical factors such as graft placement were difficult to evaluate. Future studies are needed to determine whether the small differences in additional stability warrant the potential morbidity of the additional extraarticular procedure and to determine long-term failure rates.

Updates in biological therapies for knee injuries: anterior cruciate ligament.

There have been many advances in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) techniques incorporating biological treatment. The aim of this review is to discuss the recent contributions that may enlighten our understanding of biological therapies for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and improve management decisions involving these enhancement options. Three main biological procedures will be analyzed: bio-enhanced ACL repair, bio-enhanced ACLR scrutinized under the four basic principles of tissue engineering (scaffolds, cell sources, growth factors/cytokines including platelet-rich plasma, and mechanical stimuli), and remnant-preserving ACLR. There is controversial information regarding remnant-preserving ACLR, since different procedures are grouped under the same designation. A new definition for remnant-preserving ACLR surgery is proposed, dividing it into its three major procedures (selective bundle augmentation, augmentation, and nonfunctional remnant preservation); also, an ACL lesion pattern classification and a treatment algorithm, which will hopefully standardize these terms and procedures for future studies, are presented.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by means of tibial tunnel: anatomical study on cadavers for tunnel positioning.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the reference points for the exit of the tibial guidewire in relation to the posterior cortical bone of the tibia. METHODS: sixteen knees from fresh cadavers were used for this study. Using a viewing device and a guide marked out in millimeters, three guidewires were passed through the tibia at 0, 10 and 15 mm distally in relation to the posterior crest of the tibia. Dissections were performed and the region of the center of the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was determined in each knee. The distances between the center of the tibial insertion of the PCL and the posterior tibial border (CB) and between the center of the tibial insertion of the PCL and wires 1, 2 and 3 (CW1, CW2 and CW3) were measured. RESULTS: in the dissected knees, we found the center of the tibial insertion of the PCL at 1.09 ± 0.06 cm from the posterior tibial border. The distances between the wires 1, 2 and 3 and the center of the tibial insertion of the PCL were respectively 1.01 ± 0.08, 0.09 ± 0.05 and 0.5 ± 0.05 cm. CONCLUSION: the guidewire exit point 10 mm distal in relation to the posterior crest of the tibia was the best position for attempting to reproduce the anatomical center of the PCL.

OBJETIVO: determinar os pontos de referência para a saída do fio-guia tibial em relação à cortical posterior da tíbia. MÉTODOS: foram usados para este estudo 16 joelhos de cadáveres frescos. Através de uma escopia e com um guia milimetrado, foi feita a passagem de três fios-guias a 0, 10 e 15 mm distalmente em relação à crista posterior da tíbia. Foram feitas dissecções e foi determinada a região do centro da inserção tibial do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) em cada joelho. Foram medidas as distâncias entre o centro da inserção tibial do LCP e a borda tibial posterior (CB) e entre o centro da inserção tibial do LCP e os fios 1­2 e 3 (CF1-CF2-CF3). RESULTADOS: nos joelhos dissecados, encontramos o centro da inserção tibial do LCP a 1,09 cm ± 0,06 da borda tibial posterior. As distâncias entre os fios 1,2 e 3 e o centro da inserção tibial do LCP foram respectivamente 1,01 ± 0,08; 0,09 ± 0,05 e 0,5 ± 0,05. CONCLUSÃO: a saída do fio-guia a 10 mm distalmente em relação à crista posterior da tíbia representa a melhor posição para tentar reproduzir o centro anatômico do LCP.

Is it safe the empirical distal femoral resection angle of 5° to 6° of valgus in the Brazilian geriatric population?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a safe distal femoral resection angle to restore the normal axial alignment of the limb in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the Brazilian geriatric population with knee arthrosis. METHOD: This study analyzed 99 pre-operative hip-knee-ankle radiographs of osteoarthritic knees of 66 patients (54 women, 12 men) with knee osteoarthritis. The distal femoral cut angle was determined based on the femoral mechanical-anatomical angle (FMA). Mean, median and standard deviation measurements of the distal femoral cut angle were calculated, differentiated by gender and side. The mean result of the distal femoral resection angle was compared to 5.7°, the mean average angle of previous and similar study based on European population of patients with knee arthrosis. RESULTS: The mean average of the distal femoral resection angle of the study was 6.05 (range 3-9°). The distribution of this angle between genders showed a slight superior average of the male population (6.17°) compared to the female (6.02°), but with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.726). There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.052) between the mean average of this study (6.05°) compared to the mean average of the literature (5.7°). However, considering 3° as the limit of acceptable error in the coronal plane, this empirical femoral resection angle would not be appropriated for 19.7% of the population. CONCLUSION: The distal femoral resection angle of 5-6° is not completely safe for the Brazilian geriatric population.

OBJETIVO: Determinar se existe um ângulo seguro para o corte femoral distal, para que o membro resulte alinhado após uma artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ), na população geriátrica brasileira com gonartrose. MÉTODO: Foram feitas radiografias panorâmicas de 99 membros inferiores em 66 pacientes consecutivos (54 mulheres e 12 homens) portadores de gonartrose do joelho. O ângulo do corte femoral distal foi determinado pelo encontro entre o eixo mecânico femoral (EMF) e o eixo anatômico femoral (EAF). Foram calculados os valores da média, o desvio padrão e a mediana do ângulo do corte femoral distal desses pacientes diferenciados por sexo e lado. O valor médio do ângulo de corte do fêmur distal ideal aqui obtido foi comparado com o valor médio de 5,7 obtido em estudo prévio semelhante a esse feito com populações europeias de pacientes osteoartríticos submetidos a ATJ. RESULTADOS: A média do ângulo formado pelos EAF × EMF, considerado o ângulo do corte femoral distal em uma ATJ, do grupo estudado foi de 6,05 (variação de 3o a 9o). A distribuição desse ângulo entre os sexos evidenciou uma média discretamente superior entre os homens (6,17o) em comparação com as mulheres (6,02o), porém sem significância estatística (p = 0,726). Não houve diferença estatística (p = 0,052) entre o valor médio obtido na amostra atual (6,05 - DP 1,27) com o valor médio obtido na literatura (5,7°). Entretanto, se considerarmos aceitável um erro de 3° no plano coronal, 19,7% da população operada se encontrariam fora dessa faixa aceitável se optarmos pelo corte femoral empírico de acordo com o instrumental. CONCLUSÃO: O corte femoral distal na ATJ em 5° ou 6° de valgo não é completamente seguro para a população geriátrica brasileira.

Meniscal repair by all-inside technique with Fast-Fix device.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the results and effectiveness of the technique of meniscal repair type all-inside using Fast-Fix device. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study evaluating 22 patients with meniscal surgery between January 2004 and December 2010 underwent meniscal repair technique for all-inside with the Fast-Fix device with or without ACL reconstruction. Function and quality of life outcomes were chosen by the IKDC and Lysholm score, before and postoperatively, and reoperation rates, relying to the time of final follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 59 months (16-84). The Lysholm score showed 72% (16 patients) of excellent and good results (84-100 points), 27% (6 patients) fair (65-83 points) and no cases classified as poor (<64 points). According to the IKDC: 81% (18 patients) of excellent and good results (75-100 points), 18% of cases regular (50-75 points) and no patient had poor results (<50 points). There were no failures or complications. CONCLUSION: The technique of meniscal repair type all-inside using the Fast-Fix device is safe and effective for the treatment of meniscal lesions in the red zone or red-white with or without simultaneous ACL reconstruction, with good and excellent results in most patients Level 4 Study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados e a eficácia da técnica de reparo meniscal tipo all-inside com o uso do dispositivo FasT-Fix. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com avaliação de 22 pacientes com lesão meniscal operados entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2010, submetidos ao reparo meniscal pela técnica all-inside com o dispositivo FasT-Fix e associados ou não à reconstrução do LCA. Função e qualidade de vida foram os desfechos escolhidos por meio dos questionários de Lysholm e IKDC, pré e pós-operatoriamente, além das taxas de reoperação, relevando-se o tempo de seguimento final. A análise estatística foi feita com o uso do teste t de Student. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 59 meses (16­84). O escore de Lysholm apresentou 73% (16 pacientes) de excelentes e bons resultados (84­100 pontos), 27% (seis pacientes) regulares (65­83 pontos) e nenhum caso classificado como ruim (<64 pontos). Segundo o IKDC: 82% (18 pacientes) de excelentes e bons resultados (75­100 pontos); 18% de casos regulares (50­75 pontos) e nenhum paciente obteve resultados ruins (<50 pontos). Não ocorreram falhas ou complicações. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de reparo meniscal tipo all-inside com o uso do dispositivo FasT-Fix, nos pacientes avaliados, se mostrou eficaz e segura para o tratamento das lesões de menisco na zona vermelha ou zona vermelho-branca associada ou não à reconstrução simultânea do LCA e apresentou resultados bons e excelentes na maioria dos pacientes.

ASSESSMENT OF PATELLAR HEIGHT MEASUREMENT METHODS FROM DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the most common methods for measuring patellar height and the impact of observer experience in correlations with the other observers using digital radiography. METHODS: Sixty digital radiographs of the knee in lateral view were analyzed by four observers: a physician in the second year of medical residence in orthopedics (R2); a physician in the third year of medical residence in orthopedics (R3); an orthopedic surgeon who was a specialist in knee surgery (SK); and a radiologist who was a specialist in musculoskeletal radiology (SR). The indices used were: Insall-Salvati (IS), Blackburne-Peel (BP), Caton-Deschamps (CD) and modified Insall-Salvati (ISM). The interobserver agreement was calculated using the kappa coefficient (κ). RESULTS: The highest correlation coefficients were found when using the IS method followed by the CD method. The worst correlation was observed in the ISM method. The highest interobserver agreement was found between the orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee surgery and the radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal radiology, for the four measurement methods used. CONCLUSION: Using digital radiography, the Insall-Salvati and Caton-Deschamps indexes presented the highest interobserver agreement, and this was also positively influenced by the observer's level of experience.

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS OF THE KNEE BY MEANS OF MOSAICPLASTY.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional results from the technique of mosaicplasty, in the knees of patients with osteochondral lesions. METHODS: Between August 1999 and March 2005, 27 patients underwent mosaicplasty on their knees. Twenty-one were male and six were female. The patients' ages ranged from 16 to 64 years (mean of 38.1 years). Seventeen lesions were located on the right knee and ten on the left knee. The lesion was located on the lateral femoral condyle in four patients (15%), on the medial femoral condyle in 18 patients (66.5%) and on the patella in five patients (18.5%). The lesion sizes ranged from 1 to 8 cm(2) (mean of 2.7 cm(2)). The patients were evaluated before and after the operation using Lysholm's functional scale, with a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. RESULTS: Before the operation, the mean was 62.7 points, and after the operation, the mean was 95.4 points. The patients who underwent mosaicplasty on the lateral femoral condyle presented a mean of 51.5 points before the operation, and a mean of 100 points after the operation. In relation to the medial femoral condyle, the mean before the operation was 64.1 points, and it was 95.4 points after the operation. In relation to the patella, the mean before the operation was 66.4 points, and it was 92 points after the operation. CONCLUSION: Mosaicplasty proved to be a good alternative for treating osteochondral lesions of the knee. It presented better evolution in relation to lesions of the femoral condyles than in relation to lesions located on the patella.