ACL anatomy: Is there still something to learn? / [Artículo traducido] Anatomía del LAC: ¿queda algo por aprender?

BACKGROUND: The different bony and soft tissue reference points and the micro and macroscopic structures of the knee continue to be the object of focused study and analysis. Upon reviewing the most recent literature, we saw the wide spectrum of studies that seek to define the different anatomical aspects of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent publications on the ACL and its morphology in which its microscopic composition and macroscopic anatomy are addressed. RESULTS: The ACL consists of typeI (90%) and typeIII (10%) collagen matrix. Its length ranges from 27 to 38mm and its width from 10 to 12mm. The ACL cross-section area measures an average of 44mm2, and its shape resembles that of an hourglass or a bow tie. ACL bundles have been defined as anteromedial, intermediate, and posterolateral. Femoral and tibial footprints were seen to present a high degree of variability in shape and size. Furthermore, the blood supply is given by the medial genicular artery and innervation by the tibial nerve branches. Additionally, the ACL functionally prevents anterior translation of the tibia and stabilizes against the internal rotation of the tibia and valgus angulation of the knee. CONCLUSIONS: There is great variability in the anatomy of the ACL as well as its attachment sites. At the same time, the shape and size of its footprint has become a factor in determining individualized ACL reconstruction. The persistence of morphological variability in the aging of the ACL and important aspects of surgical planning and decision making with respect to anatomical risk factors suggest that further studies are called for.

Factores de riesgo de infección de fracturas de meseta tibial / Risk factors for infection of tibial plateau fractures

Introducción: Las fracturas de meseta tibial (FMT) son lesiones propensas a infecciones postoperatorias, siendo la incidencia descrita superior a la del resto de fracturas, entre un 5 y un 12%. Los objetivos primarios de este estudio fueron cuantificar la tasa de infección postoperatoria de osteosíntesis de FMT e identificar los factores de riesgo de esta. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva incluyendo a pacientes intervenidos de osteosíntesis de FMT entre 2015 y 2020, en un mismo centro. La población del estudio se dividió en 2 grupos, según la presencia o no de infección postoperatoria. Se recogieron variables demográficas relacionadas con la fractura, parámetros quirúrgicos, así como necesidad de reintervención. Finalmente, en caso de desbridamiento, se recogieron número de cultivos positivos y patógeno responsable de infección, así como el tratamiento aplicado. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 124 pacientes, con un total de 14 infecciones (tasa global de infección de 11,3%). Se identificaron como factores de riesgo para desarrollar infección el hecho de tratarse de fracturas abiertas (p=0,002), fracturas tipo Schatzker V y VI (p=0,002) y el uso de fijador externo (p<0,001). En lo que respecta a las variables quirúrgicas solo se identificó el mayor tiempo de isquemia (p=0,032) como factor de riesgo. S. aureus fue el microorganismo más frecuentemente identificado (43%), seguido de E. cloacae (35,7%). Conclusión: La tasa global de infección tras osteosíntesis de fractura de meseta tibial fue del 11,3%. Diferentes factores se asocian a más riesgo de infección, entre ellos la diabetes mellitus, las fracturas abiertas, el uso de fijador externo, un mayor grado en la clasificación de Schatzker o un mayor tiempo de isquemia intraoperatoria.(AU)

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are injuries prone to postoperative infection, with its reported incidence being higher than that of other fractures, between 5% and 12%. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the postoperative infection rate of internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) and to identify the risk factors for this. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent TPF osteosynthesis between 2015 and 2020, in the same center. The study population was divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of postoperative infection. Demographic variables related to the fracture, surgical parameters, as well as the need for reoperation were collected. Finally, in the case of debridement, the number of positive cultures and the pathogen responsible for the infection were collected, as well as the treatment applied. Results: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a total of 14 infections (global infection rate of 11.3%). Risk factors for developing infection were open fractures (P=.002), Schatzker V and VI type fractures (P=.002) and the use of external fixation (P<.001). Regarding the surgical variables, only the longest ischemia time (P=.032) was identified as a risk factor. S. aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism (43%), followed by E. cloacae (35.7%). Conclusion: The overall infection rate after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures was 11.3%. Different factors are associated with a higher risk of infection, including diabetes mellitus, open fractures, the use of external fixation, a higher grade in the Schatzker classification or a longer intraoperative ischemia time.(AU)

[Translated article] Risk factors for infection of tibial plateau fractures / Factores de riesgo de infección de fracturas de meseta tibial

Introducción: Las fracturas de meseta tibial (FMT) son lesiones propensas a infecciones postoperatorias, siendo la incidencia descrita superior a la del resto de fracturas, entre un 5 y un 12%. Los objetivos primarios de este estudio fueron cuantificar la tasa de infección postoperatoria de osteosíntesis de FMT e identificar los factores de riesgo de esta. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva incluyendo a pacientes intervenidos de osteosíntesis de FMT entre 2015 y 2020, en un mismo centro. La población del estudio se dividió en 2 grupos, según la presencia o no de infección postoperatoria. Se recogieron variables demográficas relacionadas con la fractura, parámetros quirúrgicos, así como necesidad de reintervención. Finalmente, en caso de desbridamiento, se recogieron número de cultivos positivos y patógeno responsable de infección, así como el tratamiento aplicado. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 124 pacientes, con un total de 14 infecciones (tasa global de infección de 11,3%). Se identificaron como factores de riesgo para desarrollar infección el hecho de tratarse de fracturas abiertas (p=0,002), fracturas tipo Schatzker V y VI (p=0,002) y el uso de fijador externo (p<0,001). En lo que respecta a las variables quirúrgicas solo se identificó el mayor tiempo de isquemia (p=0,032) como factor de riesgo. S. aureus fue el microorganismo más frecuentemente identificado (43%), seguido de E. cloacae (35,7%). Conclusión: La tasa global de infección tras osteosíntesis de fractura de meseta tibial fue del 11,3%. Diferentes factores se asocian a más riesgo de infección, entre ellos la diabetes mellitus, las fracturas abiertas, el uso de fijador externo, un mayor grado en la clasificación de Schatzker o un mayor tiempo de isquemia intraoperatoria.(AU)

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are injuries prone to postoperative infection, with its reported incidence being higher than that of other fractures, between 5% and 12%. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the postoperative infection rate of internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) and to identify the risk factors for this. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent TPF osteosynthesis between 2015 and 2020, in the same center. The study population was divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of postoperative infection. Demographic variables related to the fracture, surgical parameters, as well as the need for reoperation were collected. Finally, in the case of debridement, the number of positive cultures and the pathogen responsible for the infection were collected, as well as the treatment applied. Results: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a total of 14 infections (global infection rate of 11.3%). Risk factors for developing infection were open fractures (P=.002), Schatzker V and VI type fractures (P=.002) and the use of external fixation (P<.001). Regarding the surgical variables, only the longest ischemia time (P=.032) was identified as a risk factor. S. aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism (43%), followed by E. cloacae (35.7%). Conclusion: The overall infection rate after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures was 11.3%. Different factors are associated with a higher risk of infection, including diabetes mellitus, open fractures, the use of external fixation, a higher grade in the Schatzker classification or a longer intraoperative ischemia time.(AU)

Risk factors for infection of tibial plateau fractures. / Factores de riesgo de infección de fracturas de meseta tibial.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial plateau fractures are injuries prone to postoperative infection, with its reported incidence being higher than that of other fractures, between 5% and 12%. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the postoperative infection rate of internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPF) and to identify the risk factors for this. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent TPF osteosynthesis between 2015 and 2020, in the same center. The study population was divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of postoperative infection. Demographic variables related to the fracture, surgical parameters, as well as the need for reoperation were collected. Finally, in the case of debridement, the number of positive cultures and the pathogen responsible for the infection were collected, as well as the treatment applied. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a total of 14 infections (global infection rate of 11.3%). Risk factors for developing infection were open fractures (P=.002), Schatzker V and VI type fractures (P=.002) and the use of external fixation (P<.001). Regarding the surgical variables, only the longest ischemia time (P=.032) was identified as a risk factor. S. aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism (43%), followed by E. cloacae (35.7%). CONCLUSION: The overall infection rate after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures was 11.3%. Different factors are associated with a higher risk of infection, including diabetes mellitus, open fractures, the use of external fixation, a higher grade in the Schatzker classification or a longer intraoperative ischemia time.

[Translated article] Risk factors for infection of tibial plateau fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial plateau fractures are injuries prone to postoperative infection, with its reported incidence being higher than that of other fractures, between 5% and 12%. The primary objectives of this study were to quantify the postoperative infection rate of internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) and to identify the risk factors for this. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent TPF osteosynthesis between 2015 and 2020, in the same center. The study population was divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of postoperative infection. Demographic variables related to the fracture, surgical parameters, as well as the need for reoperation were collected. Finally, in the case of debridement, the number of positive cultures and the pathogen responsible for the infection were collected, as well as the treatment applied. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a total of 14 infections (global infection rate of 11.3%). Risk factors for developing infection were open fractures (p=.002), Schatzker V and VI type fractures (p=.002) and the use of external fixation (p<.001). Regarding the surgical variables, only the longest ischemia time (p=.032) was identified as a risk factor. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism (43%), followed by Enterobacter cloacae (35.7%). CONCLUSION: The overall infection rate after osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures was 11.3%. Different factors are associated with a higher risk of infection, including diabetes mellitus, open fractures, the use of external fixation, a higher grade in the Schatzker classification or a longer intraoperative ischemia time.

ACL anatomy: Is there still something to learn?

BACKGROUND: The different bony and soft tissue reference points and the micro and macroscopic structures of the knee continue to be the object of focused study and analysis. Upon reviewing the most recent literature, we saw the wide spectrum of studies that seek to define the different anatomical aspects of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent publications on the ACL and its morphology in which its microscopic composition and macroscopic anatomy are addressed. RESULTS: The ACL consists of type I (90%) and type III (10%) collagen matrix. Its length ranges from 27 to 38mm and its width from 10 to 12mm. The ACL cross-section area measures an average of 44mm2, and its shape resembles that of an hourglass or a bow tie. ACL bundles have been defined as anteromedial, intermediate, and posterolateral. Femoral and tibial footprints were seen to present a high degree of variability in shape and size. Furthermore, the blood supply is given by the medial genicular artery and innervation by the tibial nerve branches. Additionally, the ACL functionally prevents anterior translation of the tibia and stabilizes against the internal rotation of the tibia and valgus angulation of the knee. CONCLUSIONS: There is great variability in the anatomy of the ACL as well as its attachment sites. At the same time, the shape and size of its footprint has become a factor in determining individualized ACL reconstruction. The persistence of morphological variability in the aging of the ACL and important aspects of surgical planning and decision making with respect to anatomical risk factors suggest that further studies are called for.

Anxiety is the cause of the worse outcomes of allergic patients after total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The presence of allergies has been proposed as a risk factor for worse outcomes in total knee arthroplasty surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate if the presence of some psychiatric disorders is more frequent in patients who report allergies and if they could be the main cause for the worse outcomes. METHODS: A prospective study, including patients undergoing a primary total knee arthroplasty, was designed. In the preoperative visit, all the patients completed a questionnaire about the presence of allergies and also psychiatric tests for anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-STAI-), depression (Remission from Depression Questionnaire-RDQ-), somatization disorder (Patient Health Questionnaire-15-PHQ-15-), pain catastrophizing syndrome (Pain Catastrophizing Scale-PCS), and personality disorder (Reduced NEO-Inventory of Five Factors-NEO-FFI-). In the preoperative and at 6 months of follow up, the functional results of the surgery were assessed by the WOMAC, the SF-12, and the KSS scores. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients was included: 136 (65%) did not have reported allergies and 73 (35%) did report some allergies. The psychiatric questionnaires showed that the presence of anxiety was more prevalent in the group of patients with reported allergies (STAI-T: no allergies 24.08 points vs. allergies 19.18 points, p = 0.039). When comparing the functional outcomes at 6 months of follow up, most of the analyzed scores improved less in the group of patients with reported allergies than in the no allergy-referred group: WOMAC-total score (34.37 vs. 40.10 points, p = 0.023), WOMAC-pain score (6.03 vs. 7.50 points, p = 0.018), WOMAC-function score (22.97 vs. 27.24 points, p = 0.023), KSS-knee score (25.37 vs. 33.79 points, p = 0.002), and SF-12 physical score (7.89 vs. 11.15 points, p = 0.046). The significance of the difference in the outcomes scores in this group was lost after adjusting for anxiety (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Allergies reported by patients are confirmed as a risk factor for worse results after TKA surgery. The relationship with anxiety disorder seems to explain the association between self-reported allergies and sub-optimal outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Pressure algometry is an excellent tool to measure knee pain relief after a closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the utility of pressure algometry (PA) to measure pain relief in the medial part of the knee after a closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO). METHODS: Prospective study including 44 CWHTO. Pain relief was evaluated with the visual analogue scale (VAS) and PA, a radiological study was done and a functional assessment was carried out with the KSS preoperatively, at 6-months and at 1-year after the surgery. PA was applied to the medial and lateral part of the knee and to the infra-clavicular fossa as a control point. RESULTS: The mechanical femorotibial angle was changed from 172.2° (SD2.2) to 180.6° (SD2.6) (p=0.00). KSS Knee improved from 53.4 (SD11.2) to 92.8 (SD7.3) (p=0.00), KSS Function from 69.4 (SD9.3) to 93.1 (SD8) (p=0.00). The VAS went from 6.84 (SD1.5) to 2.5 (SD2.1) (p=0.00) at the 1-year follow-up. The pressure pain threshold (PPT), measured with PA in the medial part of the knee also improved from 348.8kPa (SD159.3) to 447.1kPa (SD218.8) (p=0.01). However, the PPT in the lateral part of the knee and in the sub-clavicular fossa remained the same from the preoperative period to 6-months and 1-year, postoperatively. Neither were there any differences between the 6-month and 1-year postoperative values in terms of the different functional, radiological and pain relief obtained. CONCLUSION: The pain relief obtained after a CWHTO in the medial part of the knee can be measured by using PA. Furthermore, the functional and pain improvement obtained at 1-year follow-up is no better than those obtained at 6-months postoperatively.

Randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of the ultrasound-guided galvanic electrolysis technique (USGET) versus conventional electro-physiotherapeutic treatment on patellar tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Patellar tendinopathy has a high prevalence rate among athletes. Different therapeutic options can be found in the current literature, but none of them has been clearly established as the gold standard. The purpose of this study is to compare, in a randomized controlled trial, the clinical efficacy of eccentric exercise combined with either an ultrasound-guided galvanic electrolysis technique (USGET) or conventional electrophysiotherapy to treat patellar tendinopathy. METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n = 30) received electrophysiotherapy treatment consisting of ultrasound, laser and interferential current techniques. Group 2 (n = 30) received USGET. Both groups did the same standardized eccentric exercise program. Periodic assessments of the subjects were carried out with the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) score. An analysis of means and a survival study were performed. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the VISA-P between the baseline and final follow-up in each treatment group. Group 1 (conventional electrophysiotherapy) went from 52.5 ± 18.8 to 61.9 ± 13.7 (in VISA-P < 90 subgroup) and from 69.1 ± 9.1 to 95.2 ± 2.5 (in VISA-P > 90 subgroup). Group 2 (USGET) went from 51.4 ± 17.9 to 63.3 ± 14.3 (in VISA-P < 90 subgroup) and from 66.3 ± 13.1 to 97.1 ± 1.7 (in VISA-P > 90 subgroup). There were statistically significant correlations between the baseline and final score in the VISA-P > 90 subjects upon completing the study but no statistically significant correlations between subjects with VISA-P < 90. The mean number of sessions applied was 22.6 ± 2.5 in Group 1 and 3.2 ± 0.9 in Group 2. The success probability in Group 1 was 36.1% versus 72.4% in Group 2. The difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results obtained with the combination of USGET and eccentric exercise reported better outcomes than with the conventional electrophysiotherapy techniques in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.

[Precision of arthroscopic surgeons using ultrasound for the first time to measure tendon structures]. / Precisión de los cirujanos artroscopistas al medir por ecografía estructuras tendinosas sin tener experiencia previa en la utilización de este método.

BACKGROUND: The precision of a group of arthroscopic surgeons using ultrasound for the first time was assessed when measuring shoulder and hip tendon structures. METHODS: Twenty-two students and 3 professors participated in a one-day theoretical-practical course. Two measurement rounds were conducted, during which each student identified the greater and lesser axes and the cross-sectional area of the biceps tendon, the supraspinous depth, as well as the lesser and greater axes and the cross-sectional area of the iliac psoas. The mean of the two measurements made by each of the course professors was considered as the reference value. RESULTS: When the 2 measurements made by each of the students of each of the structures were assessed, no significant correlation was found in any of the cases, with a p 0.05. With the exception of the cross-sectional area of the biceps, where there was a significant undersizing of the structure, in the remaining 7 measurements a marked trend to oversize the structures was seen in both the first and second measurements, with a high statistical significance (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is a useful method through which arthroscopic surgeons can identify structures. However, the marked trend to oversize structures compared to the reference values leads to think that the training courses and the daily practice are essential to improve the method.

Se evalúa la precisión de un grupo de cirujanos artroscopistas sin experiencia en la utilización de la ecografía al medir estructuras tendinosas en el hombro y la cadera.

[High recurrence and good functional results after arthroscopic resection of pigmented villonodular synovitis]. / Alta recidiva y buenos resultados funcionales tras la resección artroscópica de la sinovitis villonodular pigmentaria de la rodilla.

INTRODUCTION: Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVS) is a synovial proliferation disorder of uncertain aetiology, with some controversy as regards its proper treatment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional outcome and recurrence rate in a series of patients diagnosed with both the diffuse and the localised type of PVS and treated by arthroscopic resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with PVS were retrospectively assessed. There were 11 cases with the diffuse type, and 13 cases with the localised type of PVS. They were followed-up for a median of 60 months (range, 34-204). They underwent arthroscopic synovectomy, and were functionally evaluated with IKDC, WOMET, and Kujala scores. RESULTS: There was recurrence in 8 out of 13 (61.5%) cases with the diffuse type of PVS. Two of these patients were treated with radiation. One patient underwent surgical resection with an open procedure due to extra-articular involvement. The remaining 5 patients underwent a second arthroscopic resection, and no recurrence was subsequently observed. Cases with localised PVS did not recur after a single arthroscopic resection. IKDC, WOMET and Kujala scores improved by 30.6, 37.4 and 34.03 points, respectively. DISCUSSION: Pigmented villonodular synovitis treated by arthroscopic resection showed good functional results at mid-term follow-up. A single arthroscopic resection was sufficient to treat the localised PVS, whereas the diffuse type of PVS required a second arthroscopic resection in most cases, due to its high rate of recurrence.

Pressure algometry is a useful tool to quantify pain in the medial part of the knee: an intra- and inter-reliability study in healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: Pain quantification is essential for diagnostic and pain monitoring purposes in disorders around the knee. Pressure algometry is a method described to determine pressure pain threshold (PPT) by applying controlled pressure to a given body point. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of this method when it was applied to the medial part of the proximal tibia metaphysis and to evaluate the PPT levels between genders. METHODS: Fifty healthy (mean age; 46.9) volunteers were recruited, 25 men and 25 women. Pressure algometry was applied to a 1 cm(2)-probe area on the medial part of the knee by 2 raters. Intra- and interclass correlation (ICC) was obtained and differences between genders were evaluated. Bland-Altman plots were performed to evaluate the variability of the measures. RESULTS: The mean values of PPT obtained by rater 1 and 2 were 497.5 Kpa and 489 Kpa respectively. The intrarater reliability values (95% IC) for rater 1 and 2 were 0.97 (0.95-0.98) and 0.84 (0.73-0.90) respectively. With regard to interrater reliability, the ICC (95% IC) for the first measurement was 0.92 (0.87-0.95) and 0.86 (0.78-0.92) for the second one. Women showed significant lower values of PPT than men. The Bland-Altmand plots showed excellent agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure algometry has excellent reliability when it is applied to the medial part of the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. Women have lower values of PTT than men. The high reliability of the PA in an individual volunteer makes it a more valuable tool for longitudinal assessment of a given patient than for comparison between them. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. Prospective study.

Topical and intravenous tranexamic acid reduce blood loss compared to routine hemostasis in total knee arthroplasty: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is becoming widely used in orthopedic surgery to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements, but consensus is lacking regarding the optimal route and dose of administration. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of topical and intravenous routes of TXA with routine hemostasis in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a randomized, multicenter, parallel, open-label clinical trial in adult patients undergoing primary TKA. Patients were divided into three groups of 50 patients each: Group 1 received 1 g topical TXA, Group 2 received 2 g intravenous TXA, and Group 3 (control group) had routine hemostasis. The primary outcome was total blood loss. Secondary outcomes were hidden blood loss, blood collected in drains, transfusion rate, number of blood units transfused, adverse events, and mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients were included. Total blood loss was 1021.57 (481.09) mL in Group 1, 817.54 (324.82) mL in Group 2 and 1415.72 (595.11) mL in Group 3 (control group). Differences in total blood loss between the TXA groups and the control group were clinically and statistically significant (p < 0.001). In an exploratory analysis differences between the two TXA groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.073) Seventeen patients were transfused. Transfusion requirements were significantly higher in Group 3 (p = 0.005). No significant differences were found between groups regarding adverse events. CONCLUSION: We found that 1 g of topical TXA and 2 g of intravenous TXA were both safe strategies and more effective than routine hemostasis to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements after primary TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Clinical results after ultrasound-guided intratissue percutaneous electrolysis (EPI®) and eccentric exercise in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcome of ultrasound (US)-guided intratissue percutaneous electrolysis (EPI(®)) and eccentric exercise in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy during a long-term follow-up. METHODS: Forty patients with patellar tendinopathy were prospectively evaluated over a 10-year follow-up period. Pain and function were evaluated before treatment, at 3 months and at 2, 5 and 10 years using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) score, the Tegner score and Blazina's classification. According to VISA-P score at baseline, patients were also dichotomized into Group 1 (<50 points) and Group 2 (≥50 points). There were 21 patients in Group 1 and 19 in Group 2. Patient satisfaction was measured according to the Roles and Maudsley score. RESULTS: The VISA-P score improved globally by 41.2 points (p < 0.01) after a mean 4.1 procedures. In Group 1, VISA-P score improved from 33.1 ± 13 to 78.9 ± 14.4 at 3-month and to 88.8 ± 10.1 at 10-year follow-up (p < 0.001). In Group 2, VISA-P score improved from 69.3 ± 10.5 to 84.9 ± 9 at 3-month and to 96.0 ± 4.3 at 10-year follow-up (p < 0.001). After 10 years, 91.2 % of the patients had a VISA-P score >80 points. The same level (80 % of patients) or the Tegner score at no more than one level lower (20 % of patients) was restored, and 97.5 % of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Treatment with the US-guided EPI(®) technique and eccentric exercises in patellar tendinopathy resulted in a great improvement in knee function and a rapid return to the previous level of activity after few sessions. The procedure has proved to be safe with no recurrences on a long-term basis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.

[The geometry of the keel determines the behaviour of the tibial tray against torsional forces in total knee replacement]. / La geometría de la quilla condiciona el comportamiento de la bandeja tibial frente a fuerzas de torsión en prótesis totales de rodilla.

The keel design of the tibial tray is essential for the transmission of the majority of the forces to the peripheral bone structures, which have better mechanical proprieties, thus reducing the risk of loosening. The aim of the present study was to compare the behaviour of different tibial tray designs submitted to torsional forces. Four different tibial components were modelled. The 3-D reconstruction was made using the Mimics software. The solid elements were generated by SolidWorks. The finite elements study was done by Unigraphics. A torsional force of 6 Nm. applied to the lateral aspects of each tibial tray was simulated. The GENUTECH® tibial tray, with peripheral trabecular bone support, showed a lower displacement and less transmitted tensions under torsional forces. The results suggest that a tibial tray with more peripheral support behaves mechanically better than the other studied designs.

[Molecular repair mechanisms using the Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis technique in patellar tendonitis]. / Mecanismos moleculares de reparación mediante la técnica Electrólisis Percutánea Intratisular en la tendinosis rotuliana.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanisms of tissue response after treatment with the Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI(®)) technique in collagenase-induced tendinopathy in Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Tendinopathy was induced by injecting 50 µg of type i collagenase into the patellar tendon of 24 Sprague Dawley rats of 7 months of age and weighting 300 g. The sample was divided into 4 groups: the control group, collagenase group, and two EPI(®) technique treatment groups of 3 and 6 mA, respectively. An EPI(®) treatment session was applied, and after 3 days, the tendons were analysed using immunoblotting and electrophoresis techniques. An analysis was also made of cytochrome C protein, Smac/Diablo, vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor 2, as well as the nuclear transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase, compared to the control group, was observed in the expression of cytochrome C, Smac/Diablo, vascular endothelial growth factor, its receptor 2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in the groups in which the EPI(®) technique was applied. CONCLUSIONS: EPI(®) technique produces an increase in anti-inflammatory and angiogenic molecular mechanisms in collagenase-induced tendon injury in rats.

Cell-free cartilage engineering approach using hyaluronic acid-polycaprolactone scaffolds: a study in vivo.

Polycaprolactone scaffolds modified with cross-linked hyaluronic acid were prepared in order to establish whether a more hydrophilic and biomimetic microenvironment benefits the progenitor cells arriving from bone marrow in a cell-free tissue-engineering approach. The polycaprolactone and polycaprolactone/hyaluronic acid scaffolds were characterized in terms of morphology and water absorption capacity. The polycaprolactone and polycaprolactone/hyaluronic acid samples were implanted in a chondral defect in rabbits; bleeding of the subchondral bone was provoked to generate a spontaneous healing response. Repair at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks was assessed macroscopically using the International Cartilage Repair Society score and the Oswestry Arthroscopy Score and microscopically using immunohistological staining for collagen type I and type II, and for Ki-67. The presence of hyaluronic acid improves scaffold performance, which supports a good repair response without biomaterial pre-seeding.

Efficacy and safety of fibrin glue and tranexamic acid to prevent postoperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative blood loss in patients after total knee arthroplasty may cause local and systemic complications and influence clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to assess whether fibrin glue or tranexamic acid reduced blood loss compared with routine hemostasis in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: A randomized, single-center, parallel, open clinical trial was performed in adult patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty. Patients were divided into four groups. Group 1 received fibrin glue manufactured by the Blood and Tissue Bank of Catalonia, Group 2 received Tissucol (fibrinogen and thrombin), Group 3 received intravenous tranexamic acid, and Group 4 (control) had no treatment other than routine hemostasis. The primary outcome was total blood loss collected in drains after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the calculated hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, number of blood units transfused, adverse events, and mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-two patients were included. The mean total blood loss (and standard deviation) collected in drains was 553.9 ± 321.5 mL for Group 1, 567.8 ± 299.3 mL for Group 2, 244.1 ± 223.4 mL for Group 3, and 563.5 ± 269.7 mL for Group 4. In comparison with the control group, Group 3 had significantly lower total blood loss (p < 0.001), but it was not significantly lower in Groups 1 and 2. The overall rate of patients who had a blood transfusion was 21.1% (thirty-five of 166 patients analyzed per protocol). Two patients required transfusion in Group 3 compared with twelve patients in Group 4 (p = 0.015). No significant difference was observed between the two fibrin glue groups and the control group with regard to the need for transfusion. There was no difference between groups with regard to the percentage of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Neither type of fibrin glue was more effective than routine hemostasis in reducing postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements, and we no longer use them. However, this trial supports findings from previous studies showing that intravenous tranexamic acid can decrease postoperative blood loss.

Knee joint infection after ACL reconstruction: prevalence, management and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: Septic arthritis after an ACL reconstruction is a rare but serious complication. Functional outcomes of these patients have not been studied in depth in large series. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and management of knee joint infection following ACL reconstruction and to assess the functional outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective assessment of knee joint infections occurring after arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstructions done from 2006 to 2009 in two hospitals by the same surgical team is presented. Patients with signs and symptoms of joint infection along with blood and synovial effusion laboratory parameters suggestive of infection were considered as septic arthritis. All the patients were treated with antibiotic therapy according to antibiotic sensitivity and had at least one arthroscopic lavage. Final outcomes were assessed and compared with a control group using the KT-1000 arthrometer, functional testing and radiological examination. RESULTS: Fifteen (1.8 %) out of 810 patients included in the study were considered as a joint infection. Microbiology showed that coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was present in 10 patients, Staphylococcus Aureus in three patients (2 MSSA and 1 MRSA) and Propinebacterium sp. in one patient. In one patient, the micro-organism was unknown. At a mean follow-up of 39.3 ± 13 months, the Lysholm score was 77.7 ± 15.3, the IKDC score was 70.4 ± 19.5, and the KT-1000 compared to the non-injured contralateral knee showed a mean difference of 1.3 ± 2 mm. Functional outcomes in the control group were slightly better than those obtained in the infected group (Lysholm score; 90.7 ± 9.4, p = 0.007. IKDC score; 86.6 ± 6.8, p = 0.004). All but one patient retained their reconstructed ACL. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of septic arthritis after an ACL reconstruction in this series was 1.8 %. Arthroscopic lavages along with antibiotic treatment led us to preserve all but one graft. Functional outcomes in the infected patients were not as good as those obtained in patients without infection.