Global overview of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents over the past 20 years: a bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this paper is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to examine the research status and development trend of anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction in children and adolescents over the past 20 years. DESIGN: Descriptive Research. METHODS: This study obtained information regarding studies on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Visual and bibliometric analysis were conducted using VOSviewer, Origin 2022, Pajek64 5.18and Excel 2019. These analytic tools facilitated the analysis of various aspects, including countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals and keywords related to the research. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2023, a total of 1328 articles were retrieved in WOS, and 637 articles were selected by two authors. The most productive institutions are Childrens Hosp Philadelphia, Kocher, ms. Their articles have the highest number of publications and citations. The American journal of sports medicine is the most frequently cited journal for articles on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents. The most common keywords used in these articles were "anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction", "injury, children, adolescent", and "skeletally immature patients". CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the research focus of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents. In recent years, there has been significant attention paid to areas of "the return to sport, re-repture rate and functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction" in this specific population. These aspects have emerged as key directions for future research in this field.

Time course of the effects of vibration on quadriceps function in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Quadriceps dysfunction is a common, chronic complication following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) that contributes to aberrant gait biomechanics and poor joint health. Vibration enhances quadriceps function in individuals with ACLR, but the duration of these effects is unknown. This study evaluated the time course of the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) and local muscle vibration (LMV) on quadriceps function. Twenty-four volunteers with ACLR completed 3 testing sessions during which quadriceps isometric peak torque, rate of torque development, and EMG amplitude were assessed prior to and immediately, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min following a WBV, LMV, or control intervention. WBV and LMV (30 Hz, 2g) were applied during six one-minute bouts. WBV increased peak torque 5-11% relative to baseline and control at all post-intervention time points. LMV increased peak torque 6% relative to baseline at 10 min post-intervention and 4-6% relative to control immediately, 10 min, and 20 min post-intervention. The interventions did not influence EMG amplitudes or rate of torque development. The sustained improvements in quadriceps following vibration, especially WBV, suggest that it could be applied at the beginning of rehabilitation sessions to "prime" the central nervous system, potentially improving the efficacy of ACLR rehabilitative exercise.

Trends of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and young adolescents in Italy show a constant increase in the last 15 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this 15-year nationwide study was to investigate the trend in ACL reconstructive surgeries in patients younger than 15 years old in Italy, as well as their social and economic impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Hospital Discharge records (SDO) collected by the Italian Ministry of Health in the 15-year period between 2001 and 2015 were analyzed. This contains anonymous data including patients' age, gender, ICD-9-CM codes for diagnosis and intervention, census region, region of hospitalization, length of the hospitalization, and public or private reimbursement. RESULTS: 1,350 ACL reconstructions were performed in Italy in the population younger than 15 years old, with an incidence rate ranging from 0.16 to 2.04 procedures per 100,000 age-matched individuals. Similarly, the percentage of surgeries in 0-14 year old patients increased with respect to the total number of ACL reconstruction from 0.13% in 2001 to 0.95% in 2015. The age range 10-14 years is the most involved, accounting for 97.3% of surgeries recorded in the study period. The male:female ratio was 1.05 and most of these procedures were performed in the North of Italy (78.3%). CONCLUSION: ACL reconstructions in patients aged 10-14 years are increasing constantly since 2001, and thus, specific actions aimed to define the best management strategy as well as national educational programs to prepare the future surgeons to this new reality are mandatory in the interest of the public health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Single bout of vibration-induced hamstrings fatigue reduces quadriceps inhibition and coactivation of knee muscles after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Persistent quadriceps strength deficits in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr) have been attributed to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of vibration-induced hamstrings fatigue on AMI in patients with ACLr. Eight participants with unilateral ACLr (post-surgery time: M = 46.5, SD = 23.5 months; age: M = 21.4, SD = 1.4 years) and eight individuals with no previous history of knee injury (age: M = 22.5, SD = 2.5 years) were recruited. A fatigue protocol, consisting of 10 min of prolonged local hamstrings vibration, was applied to both the ACLr and control groups. The central activation ratio (CAR) of the quadriceps was measured with a superimposed burst of electrical stimulation, and hamstrings/quadriceps coactivation was assessed using electromyography (EMG) during isometric knee extension exercises, both before and after prolonged local vibration. For the ACLr group, the hamstrings strength, measured by a load cell on a purpose-built chair, was significantly (P = 0.016) reduced about 14.5%, indicating fatigue was actually induced in the hamstrings. At baseline, the ACLr group showed a trend (P = 0.051) toward a lower quadriceps CAR (M = 93.2%, SD = 6.2% versus M = 98.1%, SD = 1.1%) and significantly (P = 0.001) higher hamstrings/quadriceps coactivation (M = 15.1%, SD = 6.2% versus M = 7.5%, SD = 4.0%) during knee extension compared to the control group. The fatigue protocol significantly (P = 0.001) increased quadriceps CAR (from M = 93.2%, SD = 6.2% to M = 97.9%, SD = 2.8%) and significantly (P = 0.006) decreased hamstrings/quadriceps coactivation during knee extension (from M = 15.1%, SD = 6.2% to M = 9.5%, SD = 4.5%) in the ACLr group. In conclusion, vibration-induced hamstrings fatigue can alleviate AMI of the quadriceps in patients with ACLr. This finding has clinical implications in the management of recovery for ACLr patients with quadriceps strength deficits and dysfunction.

Incidence and risk factors of joint stiffness after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Joint stiffness is a common complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, which seriously affects the efficacy of the operation and patient satisfaction. After ACL reconstruction, the identification of joint stiffness' risk factors can help its prevention. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate joint stiffness' risk factors and incidence after ACL reconstruction and provide guidance on its prevention. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to obtain relevant studies. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all potential risk factors were analyzed using fixed or random-effects meta-analysis in RevMan 5.2. RESULTS: In total, there were 37 studies and 113,740 patients that were included in this study. After ACL reconstruction, joint stiffness' incidence negatively correlated with the studies publication time (R = -0.62, P = 0.0094). After ACL reconstruction, the joint stiffness overall pooled incidence was 3% (95% CI, 3-4%). Gender (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.38-0.68; P < 0.00001) was identified as a risk factor. Potential risk factors, such as trauma to surgery time interval, graft type, and concomitant surgery with meniscus injury, have no significant correlation with joint stiffness after ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that joint stiffness' incidence after ACL reconstruction is 3% and that gender is a risk factor for joint stiffness after ACL reconstruction.

Tendencias en reconstrucción en ligamento cruzado anterior: encuesta a 103 cirujanos / Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction tendencies among 103 surgeons

OBJETIVO: Describir las tendencias en reconstrucción de LCA (R-LCA) entre los traumatólogos ejerciendo en Chile, delineando sus preferencias en cuanto a la técnica quirúrgica. MÉTODO: encuesta online de selección múltiple y recolección anónima de datos, dirigida a todos aquellos cirujanos que realizan R-LCA en Chile. Fue enviada por correo electrónico desde la Sociedad Chilena de Ortopedia y Traumatología a todos sus afiliados. RESULTADOS: 103 cirujanos completaron la encuesta, realizando su práctica quirúrgica en Santiago (53%) y regiones (47%). En el 53% de los encuestados la cirugía de rodilla representaba más del 75% de su práctica, mientras que sólo en 9 ellas eran menos del 25%. El autoinjerto de isquiotibiales es utilizado en el 70% de R-LCA, seguido por el autoinjerto de tendón patelar (27%). En cuanto a la preparación de túneles, 33% utiliza técnica transtibial y 67% túneles independientes (13% fresado retrógrado, 54% portal medial). Para la fijación de injerto isquiotibiales, botones corticales es lo más utilizado en el fémur (73%), y tornillos interferenciales en la tibia (82%). Para la fijación femoral y tibial de injerto de tendón patelar, los tornillos metálicos son los más utilizados (75%). Un 41% realiza un pretensado del injerto, un 59% lo ciclan una vez fijo, y sólo 8 aplican una solución antibiótica sobre el injerto. La mayoría (89%) realiza la fijación en 10°-20° de flexión, ya sea con rotación externa (36%) o neutra (53%). En un 7% de las R-LCA primarias y en un 27% de las revisiones agregan una reconstrucción anterolateral. CONCLUSIÓN: la tendencia en R-LCA en Chile es el uso de autoinjerto de isquiotibiales, con fresado independiente del túnel femoral y fijación en flexión con botones corticales y tornillos interferenciales.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) among Orthopaedic surgeons working in Chile, outlining their preferences regarding surgical technique. METHOD: An online, multiple choice, anonymous survey was sent via email from the Chilean Orthopaedic and Trauma Society to all its members, with instructions to be completed by surgeons who perform ACL-R. RESULTS: 103 surgeons completed the survey from Santiago (53%) and other regions (47%). For 53% of the surgeons, knee surgeries represented more than 75% of their practice, and in only 9 cases it was less than 25% of it. The autologous hamstring tendon graft was in 70% of the ACL-R, while patellar tendon graft in 27%. For tunnel drilling, 33% of surgeons use transtibial technique, and 67% prefer independent tunnel drilling (13% retrodrill, 54% medial portal). Fixation method for hamstring tendon graft is mostly with cortical buttons on femur (73%), and interference screws for the tibia (82%). Patellar graft was fixed with metal screws (75%) in both femur and tibia. 41% of surgeons pretensed the graft, 59% cycle it once, and only 8 coated the graft with antibiotic solutions. Most (89%) fixate de graft in 10°-20° of knee flexion, with either external rotation (36%) or neutral (53%). Antero-lateral reconstruction is used in 7% of primary ACL-R and in 27% of revision surgeries. CONCLUSION: the chilean tendency for ACL-R is to use an autologous hamstring tendon graft, with independent drilling technique, and fixation with cortical buttons and interference screws for femur and tibia respectively.

Comparison of concomitant injuries and patient-reported outcome in patients that have undergone both primary and revision ACL reconstruction-a national registry study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision surgery has been associated with inferior outcome compared with primary ACL reconstruction. However, this has rarely been investigated in a consecutive cohort limited to patients that have undergone both primary and revision ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to assess differences in outcome and concomitant injuries between primary and revision ACL reconstruction in such a cohort, and to identify predictors of the patient-reported outcome after ACL revision. METHODS: Patients who had undergone both primary and revision ACL reconstruction were identified in the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. Patients aged 13-49 years with hamstring tendon primary ACL reconstruction and data on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) on at least one occasion (preoperative or one year postoperatively) at both surgeries were eligible. Concomitant injuries and the KOOS were compared between each patient's primary and revision ACL reconstruction. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of the one-year KOOS after ACL revision. RESULTS: A total of 1014 patients were included. Cartilage injuries increased at ACL revision (p < 0.001), as 23.0% had a cartilage injury at ACL revision that was not present at primary ACL reconstruction. The 1-year KOOS was lower after ACL revision compared with primary ACL reconstruction, with the largest difference in the KOOS sports and recreation (5.2 points, SD 32.2, p = 0.002). A posterolateral corner (PLC) injury at ACL revision was a negative predictor of KOOS, with the largest effect on the sports and recreation subscale (ß = - 29.20 [95% CI - 50.71; - 6.69], p = 0.011). The use of allograft for ACL revision was an independent predictor of a poorer KOOS QoL (ß = - 12.69 [95% CI - 21.84; - 3.55], p = 0.0066) and KOOS4 (ß = - 11.40 [95% CI - 19.24; - 3.57], p = 0.0044). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing ACL revision reported a 1-year outcome that was slightly inferior to the 1-year outcome after their primary ACL reconstruction. An ACL revision was associated with an increase in cartilage injuries. A PLC injury at ACL revision and the use of allograft for ACL revision predicted a clinically relevant poorer KOOS one year after ACL revision.

Epidemiological Trends of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Canadian Province.

OBJECTIVE: To determine epidemiological trends of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) in a Canadian province, estimate the national incidence, and compare with internationally published data. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: All hospitals that performed ACL reconstructions in Manitoba between 1980 and 2015. PARTICIPANT: All patients that underwent ACL-R in Manitoba between 1980 and 2015. INTERVENTION: This is a retrospective review looking at deidentified, individual-level administrative records of health services used for the entire population of Manitoba (approximately 1.3 million). Codes for ACL and cruciate ligament reconstruction were searched from 1980 to 2015. Patient demographics included age, sex, geographic area of residence, and neighborhood income quintile. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trends of ACL reconstructions from 1980 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 10 114 ACL-R were performed during the 36-year study period and patients were predominantly male (63.1%). The mean age at ACL-R was 29.5 years (SD 10.0) for males and 28.5 years (SD 11.9) for females, whereas age younger than 40 years accounted for 81.7% of all ACL-R. The incidence of ACL-R increased from 7.56/100 000 inhabitants in 1980 to 48.45/100 000 in 2015. The proportion of females undergoing ACL-R has increased from 29.3% in 1980% to 41.9% in 2015, and female patients now comprise the majority of ACL-R in the under-20 age category. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ACL-R has significantly increased since 1980; female patients now make up a greater proportion than males of the ACL-R population younger than 20 years. This information can be used to guide resource allocation planning and focus injury prevention initiatives.

Feasibility of T1rho and T2 map magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating graft maturation after anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Although T1rho and T2 map magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been perceived as useful diagnostic modalities for cartilage degeneration, no studies have assessed whether these two sequences are useful for monitoring ACL graft maturation after ACL reconstruction. The present study examined whether the two sequences reflect graft function and maturation after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients who consented to undergo MRI at 3, 6, and 12 months after double-bundle ACL reconstruction were enrolled. MRI was performed using T1 rho and T2 map sequences in a single session. Temporal changes in T1rho and T2 values of a purely tendinous portion of graft were assessed at each time point. Correlations were analyzed between T1rho or T2 map values and clinical results, including anteroposterior laxity at 2 and 4 years postoperatively, pivot shift test results at 4 years, and graft tension on second-look arthroscopy. Separate analyses were performed for the anteromedial bundle (AMB) and posterolateral bundle (PLB). RESULTS: T1rho sequence was able to visualize the tendinous portions of AMB and PLB more clearly than T2 map sequence even on gray-scale images. Mean T1rho and T2 map values gradually decreased during the first operative year, but the trend was more prominent and consistent for T1rho values than for T2 map values. Correlation analysis revealed that T1rho and T2 map values at 1 year correlated significantly with anteroposterior laxity at 2 and 4 years. This trend was found in both AMB and PLB. Both T1rho and T2 map values failed to exhibit a statistical correlation with arthroscopic findings of graft tension. CONCLUSIONS: The present study was the first trial to assess the feasibility of T1rho and T2 map sequences to objectively monitor the course of graft maturation after ACL reconstruction. Both sequences successfully detected purely tendinous portions of graft, and mean values gradually decreased during the first year postoperatively. Both values at 1 year correlated significantly with anteroposterior laxity of the knee joint at 4 years, indicating that the values reflected graft fate.

ACL reconstruction with quadriceps tendon graft and press-fit fixation versus quadruple hamstring graft and interference screw fixation - a matched pair analysis after one year follow up.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to compare the results of a primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using the press-fit fixation technique for a quadriceps tendon (QT) graft to a standard quadrupled hamstring (HT) graft with interference screw fixation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with a 12-month follow up provided data for 92 patients. Exclusion criteria were accompanying ligament injuries and contralateral ACL injury. Patients who suffered a graft failure, which was defined as a side-to-side difference of > 3 mm, or infection were rated 'D' according to the IKDC and excluded from further evaluation. Forty-six patients underwent primary ACLR using the press-fit fixation technique for autologous bone QT graft. These patients were matched in terms of age, gender, accompanying meniscus tear and cartilage injury to 46 patients who underwent standard HT graft with interference screw fixation. Patients were evaluated according to the Lachman test, Pivot-Shift test, IKDC score, Tegner score, Rolimeter measurements, one-leg hop test, thigh circumference and donor side morbidity. RESULTS: No significant differences in Tegner score (p = 0.9), subjective or objective IKDC score (p = 0.9;p = 0.6), knee stability (Lachman Test p = 0.6; Pivot-Shift Test p = 0.4; Side-to-Side Difference p = 0.4), functioning testing (One-Leg Hop Test p = 0.6; Thigh Circumference p = 0.4) or donor side morbidity (p = 0.4) were observed at the follow up. The Lachman test was negative for 85% of the QT group and 83% of the HT group. The Pivot Shift Test was negative for 80% of the QT group and 85% of the HT group. The mean side-to-side difference was 1.6 ± 0 .2mm in both groups. The one-leg hop test revealed a collateral-side jumping distance of 96.2 ± 8.5% for the QT group and 95.5 ± 8.5% for the HT group. The thigh circumference of the injured leg was 98.3 ± 3.0% on the uninjured side in the QT group and 99.7 ± 3.0% in the HT group. A knee walking test resulted in no discomfort for 90% of the QT group and 85% of the HT group. The graft failure rate was 7.3% in the QT group and 9.8% in the HT group. CONCLUSION: QT grafts fixated using the press-fit technique are a reliable alternative for primary ACL surgery.

Allograft or autograft in skeletally immature anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective evaluation using both partial and complete transphyseal techniques.

OBJECTIVE: We compared autografts and allograft using partial and complete transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques among skeletally immature individuals. METHODS: Male and females younger than 18 and 16 years old, respectively, diagnosed with ACL tear from April 2006 to March 2012 entered the study. One group had four-strand hamstring autograft, and the other had tibialis posterior allograft reconstruction. Those who had allografts either had hyper-laxity or recurvatum. RESULTS: Achieved mean (± SD) 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score was not statistically different (P = 0.385) between allograft (n = 13) (84.3 ± 3.2) and autograft groups (n = 18) (85.6 ± 4.4). Mean Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale Knee-Related Quality of Life at 2 years was 78.0 ± 7.2 and 75 ± 7.4 for allograft and autograft groups, respectively (p = 0.261). Mean 2-year KOOS subscale Sports and Recreation was 82.1 ± 5.8 and 84.8 ± 6.6 for allograft and autograft groups, respectively (p = 0.244). No patient reported instability, giving way, or locking of the knee. Pivot shift test was negative in all patients; however, a minor positive Lachman test was found in six cases (46%) within the allograft group and seven cases (39%) in the autograft group. One postoperative septic arthritis was documented in the autograft group. CONCLUSION: Considering existing concern that joint laxity and recurvatum are among the precursors of non-contact ACL injury in adolescents, bone-patellar-bone autografts are not applicable in this age group because of the open physis; furthermore, considering that hamstring autografts are insufficient (size thickness and stretchability), we recommend soft tissue allografts for ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients.

Recovery of knee extension and incidence of extension deficits following anterior cruciate ligament injury and treatment: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Knee extension deficit or loss of extension (LOE) is a potential complication following ACL reconstruction (ACLR); however, the change in postoperative knee extension during rehabilitation is not well defined. The aim of this review is to establish the trajectory of knee extension recovery and incidence of knee extension deficit during rehabilitation after ACL rupture. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic search will be conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and relevant trials databases of English language papers in publication as of May 2018, with no restrictions on publication year applied. References will be screened and assessed for eligibility by two independent reviewers as per the PRISMA guidelines. Cohort, cross-sectional or case-controlled studies will be included for the analysis. Data extraction will be conducted using a predefined template and quality of evidence assessed. Statistical summaries and meta-analyses will be performed as necessary. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review will provide clearer definitions for the measurement and interpretation of postoperative knee extension and establish its natural history after ACL reconstruction. Evidence of the incidence and factors associated with loss of extension will be identified. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national/international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews prior to commencement (registration number CRD42018092295 ).

Trends in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Last Decade: A Web-Based Analysis.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is known to be one of the most common knee joint injuries. ACL reconstruction can be similar to the native ACL in respect of graft morphology, tension, position, and orientation. ACL reconstruction can be applied with different surgery techniques, graft and fixation devices, and rehabilitation as ACL reconstruction is just as important as surgery. Although commonly known as a sports injury, ACL injuries are increasingly seen in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in ACL injury treatment in the last decade especially the graft choice. The abstracts of a total of 2,622 papers which stated ACL in the title were investigated through a search on the Web of Knowledge. Main topics were created as the ACL reconstruction theme. ACL reconstruction was examined in the abstracts with graft choice as the main theme followed by single bundle, double bundle, sports, rehabilitation, revision, complication, skeletally immature, biomechanics and kinematics, fixation devices, meniscus, anesthesia and pain, tunnel, cell, and intra-articular injection. Of the total 2,622 documents, 2,129 were original articles and 181 were reviews. Most of the documents, 436 in number (16.6%), were published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, followed by the Journal of Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy at 264. Of the total documents published, 36.3% were from the United States followed by 8.5% from Japan. The author with the most publications was F.H. Fu with 94 publications followed by B.R. Bach with 41 publications. The hamstring graft was most used at 187 single use and comprising 52% of the total graft combinations. Most papers were published in 2016. In 2012, single and double bundle grafts were determined to a total of 23. The most common title investigated in papers was biomechanics and kinematics with a total of 241 publications followed by rehabilitation at 208. Throughout the years of the study period, the most common graft choice was hamstring autograft. Biomechanics and kinematics was the most common title investigated as biomechanics and rehabilitation are known to be just as important as surgery for a successful outcome and patient satisfaction.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve for Postoperative Analgesia Following Ambulatory Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Proof of Concept Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective proof of concept study was to investigate the feasibility of using percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation of the femoral nerve to treat pain in the immediate postoperative period following ambulatory anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a patellar autograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperatively, an electrical lead (SPRINT, SPR Therapeutics, Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA) was percutaneously implanted with ultrasound guidance anterior to the femoral nerve caudad to the inguinal crease. Within the recovery room, subjects received 5 min of either stimulation or sham in a randomized, double-masked fashion followed by a 5-min crossover period, and then continuous active stimulation until lead removal postoperative Day 14-28. Statistics were not applied to the data due to the small sample size of this feasibility study. RESULTS: During the initial 5-min treatment period, subjects randomized to stimulation (n = 5) experienced a slight downward trajectory (decrease of 7%) in their pain over the 5 min of treatment, while those receiving sham (n = 5) reported a slight upward trajectory (increase of 4%) until their subsequent 5-min stimulation crossover, during which time they also experienced a slight downward trajectory (decrease of 11% from baseline). A majority of subjects (80%) used a continuous adductor canal nerve block for rescue analgesia (in addition to stimulation) during postoperative Days 1-3, after which the median resting and dynamic pain scores remained equal or less than 1.5 on the numeric rating scale, respectively, and the median daily opioid consumption was less than 1.0 tablet. CONCLUSIONS: This proof of concept study demonstrates that percutaneous femoral nerve stimulation is feasible for ambulatory knee surgery; and suggests that this modality may be effective in providing analgesia and decreasing opioid requirements following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02898103.

Current practice: postoperative and return to play trends after ACL reconstruction by fellowship-trained sports surgeons.

PURPOSE: Advances in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have allowed for many progressions in postoperative management. However, there is no standardized protocol for immediate postoperative management or return to play. Our objective was to evaluate current trends in immediate postoperative and return to sport practices after ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cross sectional study, Level IV. METHODS: Surveys were obtained from four large sports fellowship alumni networks. Demographics included years of practice and ACLs performed per year. Postoperative questions included weight bearing status, brace use and continuous passive motion (CPM) use. Return to play included time for return, brace use and metrics used for clearance to sport. RESULTS: A total of 143 surveys were completed (32% response rate). Average years in practice were 15.1 years. Average ACL reconstructions performed per year was 20-50 in 44% and 50-100 in 29%. 26% used CPM in all patients, 8% if concomitant meniscal repair and 66% never. Bracing after surgery was used in 84% and 48% after return to play. Return to play was allowed at 6-9 months in 67% and overall 94% from 6 to 12 months. No consensus on return to play metrics was used, with the hop test being most important followed by specific time point after surgery. CONCLUSION: Immediate weight bearing after surgery is commonplace with intermittent CPM use. Bracing is common postoperatively and half the time with return to play. Return to play is typically allowed after at least 6 months with no consensus on return to sport metrics. Years after fellowship and ACLs performed yearly had no correlation with postoperative practices.

Treatment of ACL Tears in the Skeletally Immature Patient.

The understanding and treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tears in skeletally immature patients continues to evolve. While conservative management was a mainstay of treatment, poor outcomes have led to several surgical techniques aimed at stabilizing the knee, optimizing outcome, and minimizing the chance of growth disturbance. Current techniques have, in large part, accomplished these goals but challenges remain. Looking to the future, different graft options, primary repair techniques, and rigorous prospective studies will help improve outcomes for this challenging patient population.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

The past 3+ decades have been a period of intense interest in the anterior cruciate ligament. Graft choices, techniques, and fixation devices have all evolved. Our understanding of the anatomy has improved. Our follow-up and criteria for success have also expanded. Over the next several years advanced repair techniques, extra-articular augmentation, and addressing elevated tibial slope will all have to have their indications defined.

Enhanced tendon-bone healing with acidic fibroblast growth factor delivered in collagen in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction model.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of acidic fibroblast growth factor delivered in collagen (aFGF/collagen) for promoting tendon-bone interface healing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in rabbits. METHODS: ACL reconstructions were performed in the right hind limbs of New Zealand rabbits. Each left long digital extensor tendon was harvested as an autograft, and collagen incorporating different concentrations of aFGF or same amount of collagen alone was applied at the tendon-bone interface after ACL reconstruction. The control group underwent ACL reconstruction only. There were high and low aFGF/collagen groups, collagen alone group, and control group (n = 21 rabbits per group). Histological and biomechanical analyses were performed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively to evaluate the effect of aFGF/collagen on tendon-bone interface healing. RESULTS: Results of biomechanical tests showed that at both 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively, the elastic modulus and stiffness in both the high and low aFGF/collagen treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the control group and collagen alone group, with that in the high aFGF/collagen concentration group being the highest. Histological analysis showed that at 8 weeks, tightly organized Sharpey-like fibers were observed in both aFGF/collagen groups with new bone growth into the tendon in the high concentration group. At 12 weeks postoperatively, a fibrocartilage transition zone was observed in the bone tunnels in both aFGF/collagen groups, especially in the high aFGF/collagen group. CONCLUSION: Application of the aFGF/collagen composite could enhance early healing at the tendon-bone interface after ACL reconstruction, especially with the use of a high aFGF/collagen concentration.

Trends in Incidence of ACL Reconstruction and Concomitant Procedures Among Commercially Insured Individuals in the United States, 2002-2014.

BACKGROUND:: Few population-based descriptive studies on the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and concomitant pathology exist. HYPOTHESIS:: Incidence of ACL reconstruction has increased from 2002 to 2014. STUDY DESIGN:: Descriptive clinical epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level 3. METHODS:: The Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, which contains insurance enrollment and health care utilization data for approximately 158 million privately insured individuals younger than 65 years, was used to obtain records of ACL reconstructions performed between 2002 and 2014 and any concomitant pathology using Current Procedures Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. The denominator population was defined as the total number of person-years (PYs) for all individuals in the database. Annual rates were computed overall and stratified by age, sex, and concomitant procedure. RESULTS:: There were 283,810 ACL reconstructions and 385,384,623 PYs from 2002 to 2014. The overall rate of ACL reconstruction increased 22%, from 61.4 per 100,000 PYs in 2002 to 74.6 per 100,000 PYs in 2014. Rates of isolated ACL reconstruction were relatively stable over the study period. However, among children and adolescents, rates of both isolated ACL reconstruction and ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscal surgery increased substantially. Adolescents aged 13 to 17 years had the highest absolute rates of ACL reconstruction, and their rates increased dramatically over the 13-year study period (isolated, +37%; ACL + meniscal repair, +107%; ACL + meniscectomy, +63%). Rates of isolated ACL reconstruction were similar for males and females (26.1 vs 25.6 per 100,000 PYs, respectively, in 2014), but males had higher rates of ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscal surgery than females. CONCLUSION:: Incidence rates of isolated ACL reconstruction and rates of concomitant meniscal surgery have increased, particularly among children and adolescents. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:: A renewed focus on adoption of injury prevention programs is needed to mitigate these trends. In addition, more research is needed on long-term patient outcomes and postoperative health care utilization after ACL reconstruction, with a focus on understanding the sex-based disparity in concomitant meniscal surgery.