Male sex, revision surgery, low volume of anterior cruciate ligament remnant, and significant instability are risk factors for Posterior Root Tear of the Lateral Meniscus in patients undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: This multicenter study aimed to determine the incidence of lateral meniscus posterior root tears (LMPRTs) in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction and identify associated risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study using data from the Francophone Arthroscopic Society's registry. The study included all the patients in the registry who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery between June 2020 and June 2023, we excluded incomplete data. We compared delay from injury to surgery between LMPRTs group and No LMPRTs group. Variables investigated as potential risk factors for LMPRTs included age, sex, nature of surgery (primary or revision), pivot shift test result, side-to-side laxity under anesthesia, presence of ACL remnant, occurrence of medial meniscal tear, and presence of collateral ligament injury. Risk factors were analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Among the 5359 patients analyzed, LMPRTs occurred in 7.0% (n=375) of cases during ACL reconstruction. Mean age at surgery was 29.3 +/- 10.3 years old [11-77]. Concerning delay to surgery, the mean time was 8.4 +/- 23.1 weeks [0.0-347.2] in the No LMPRTs group and 6.5 +/- 10.2 weeks [0.2-61.6] in the LMPRTs group (p = 0.109). Univariate analysis revealed that male sex (p < 0.001), revision surgery (p < 0.001), medial meniscal injury (p = 0.007), ACL remnant (0% vs > 70%, <10% vs > 70%, 10 to 30% vs > 70%, 30 to 50% vs > 70%, 50 to 70% vs > 70%; p < 0.001) and higher pivot shift grade (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with a presence of LMPRTs. Age, side-to-side laxity, and collateral ligament injury were not found to be significant risk factor In multivariate analysis : male sex, revision surgery, pivot shift test result and a low volume of ACL remnant remained significant. Side to side laxity was also a significant factor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: This study identified male sex, revision surgery, low volume of ACL remnant, side to side laxity and higher grade of pivot shift as significant risk factors for LMPRTs during ACL reconstruction.

Risk factors and prevalence of ramp lesions in ACL ruptures: An analysis from the registry of the Francophone Arthroscopic Society.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ramp lesions among patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and identify risk factors associated with these lesions. METHODS: A retrospective, multicentre cohort study was conducted using data from the Francophone Arthroscopic Society's registry, including 5359 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) from June 2020 to June 2023. Potential risk factors for ramp lesion such as patient demographics, revision surgery, pivot shift, side-to-side anteroposterior laxity, medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, lateral meniscal tear and the volume of ligament remnant were evaluated using multivariate regression analyses. BMI and delay to surgery were also assessed. RESULTS: Ramp lesions were identified in 822 patients (15.3%). Univariate analysis identified male sex, younger age, revision surgery, lateral meniscal injury, percentage of ACL remnant (all p < 0.0001) and pivot shift (p = 0.0103) as significant risk factors. MCL injury was associated with a lower risk (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, male sex, younger age, revision surgery, lateral meniscal injury and percentage of ACL remnants remained significant risk factors, while MCL injury remained a protective factor. The anteroposterior laxity wasn't a significant predictor in either analysis. In subgroup analysis, there were differences concerning body mass index (n.s) and the delay to surgery (n.s). CONCLUSION: The study identified male sex, younger age, revision surgery, lateral meniscal injury and pourcentage of ACL remnant as significant risk factors for ramp lesions, with MCL injury acting as a protective factor. This will help regarding the suspicion and identification of ramp lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Construction and validation of a functional diagnostic score in anterior cruciate ligament ruptures of the knee in the immediate post-traumatic period. Preliminary results of a multicenter prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Knee ligament injuries are frequent and their number is constantly increasing with the development of sports activities. Dynamic knee maneuvers usually make it possible to diagnose anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries but they remain difficult to perform in the early post-traumatic phase. This leads to the almost systematic use of MRI scans, many of which turn out to be superfluous. The aim of this study was to construct a screening score based solely on history-taking, in order to help diagnose ACL injuries, and to define thresholds that could help inform recommendations for MRI usage. The hypothesis was that this score could distinguish a population of patients with a ruptured ACL from a population of patients with other knee injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective multicenter study included 166 patients. Patients were included if they were between 18 and 55 years of age, with knee trauma that had occurred in the last 10 days, and without a bone fracture on standard radiographs. They were excluded if the trauma required immediate surgical management and if they had a history of knee trauma. The screening score was completed by the physician. The score included the following items: assessment of pain, immediate post-traumatic functional impairment, notion of a "pop", feeling of instability and presence of a swelling. An MRI was systematically performed and the patient consulted a referring physician to compare the initial score with the diagnosis. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients had an injured ACL and 80 had a healthy ACL. Two thresholds could be identified. For a score lower than 4, the risk of an ACL injury was low with a sensitivity of 96% and a negative predictive value of 87%. For a score above 8, the ACL injury was highly probable with a specificity of 88% and a positive predictive value of 83%. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The score was able to distinguish a population of patients with a ruptured ACL from a population of patients with other knee injuries. These preliminary results confirm that the selected items are relevant and that the score can help improve the diagnostic orientation of patients with recent knee trauma. Increasing the sample size in combination with an analysis of influencing factors will determine whether the performance of this score can be refined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II prospective multicenter study.

Medial meniscal repair in stable knees: Survival rate and risk factors for failure at a minimum of 5 years.

INTRODUCTION: The menisci play a major role in the protection of the knee against osteoarthritis. A medial meniscus (MM) tear occurring in a stable knee is more at risk of repair failure than a suture concomitant with reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. HYPOTHESIS: The survival of MM sutures in stable knees depends on the type of lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out as part of the 2022 Francophone Arthroscopy Society's symposium, across 10 centers (Bordeaux-Mérignac, Caen, Lille, Lille Louvière, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Saint-Étienne, Strasbourg and Versailles) including medial meniscus sutures in stable knees performed before the end of 2017 (minimum 5 years of follow-up) with a collection of demographic, imaging, suture and postoperative protocol data, and a functional evaluation using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS). The aim of this study was to analyze the medial meniscus sutures in stable knees and to evaluate their survival and their risk factors for failure according to the type of lesion; failure being defined by the use of a meniscectomy. RESULTS: Three-hundred and sixty-seven MM sutures, including 122 bucket-handle tears, were included. The KOOS score was improved by the meniscal suture by an average of 22.2 points for each sub-score (p<0.05), with an improvement, which was more marked for the bucket-handle tears. The failure rate, defined by revision surgery by meniscectomy, was 33% on average (42% for bucket-handles tears, 26% for others). The probability of survival was reduced for bucket-handle tears (62% at 5 years versus 77% for the other types). For all lesions, the main risk factor identified for failure was immediate weight-bearing [OR=3.6 (1.62; 7.98), p=0.0016]. Smoking was a failure risk factor for bucket-handle tears [OR=5.76 (1.81; 18.35), p=0.003]. CONCLUSION: MM sutures in stable knees improve knee function but present a different risk of failure depending on the type of lesion treated with a higher risk of failure for bucket-handle tears with the need for caution to be applied with regards to weight-bearing and smoking. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective series.

Rehabilitation protocol after suturing the medial meniscus of a stable knee, a retrospective series of the Francophone Arthroscopy Society.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical meniscal lesions are common and 80% of cases involve the medial meniscus of a stable knee. There is a lack of consensus regarding postoperative rehabilitation protocols and a wide variation between restrictive and accelerated rehabilitation protocols exists. The main objective of this study was to report the functional results and the failure rate of the various rehabilitation protocols of the retrospective series of the French Society of Arthroscopy (SFA) after suturing the medial meniscus of a stable knee, considering whether the tear is stable or unstable. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that accelerated rehabilitation was not associated with an increased risk of failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter study was conducted across 10 centers (6 private hospitals and 4 public hospitals) including all patients tested for a medial meniscus suture in a stable knee between January 1, 2005 and November 31, 2017 for a minimum follow-up of 5years. Demographic, imaging, suturing, rehabilitation protocol, and functional TEGNER and KOOS scores were collected. Failure was defined as performing a secondary meniscectomy. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-seven patients were analyzed with an average follow-up of 82months. Immediate weight bearing was allowed in 85% of cases, the wearing of a brace was present in almost 74% of cases and flexion was limited in 97% of cases. Inter-group comparisons found a higher suture failure rate in the group with immediate weight bearing (35.6% vs. 20%, p=0.011) and in the group with a brace (36.9% vs. 22.4%, p<0.001). There was no difference in the 90° flexion group. The TEGNER score was higher in the non-weight bearing group (6.5 vs. 5.4, p=0.028) and the KOOS QOL score was higher in the group without a brace (82.2 vs. 66.8, p=0.025). According to a multivariate analysis, immediate weight bearing (OR=3.6, [1.62; 7.98], p=0.0016) and wearing a brace (OR=2.83, [1.54; 5.02], p<0.001) were associated with a higher failure rate. In the group of stable lesions, the use of a brace (OR=3.73, [1.62; 8.56], p=0.0019) was associated with a higher failure rate. CONCLUSION: No consensus regarding rehabilitation protocols has been established to date and the results of this retrospective series of the SFA affirm the great variability of practices at a national level. Although accelerated rehabilitation protocols are presently favored, the resumption of immediate full weight bearing should be considered with caution, being associated with a higher risk of failure in this series. Deferring weight bearing for 1 month can be considered in the event of a large tear or in the event of damage to the circumferential fibers. Wearing a brace does not seem to have any influence, while limited flexion achieved a consensus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Functional scores and prosthetic implant placement are different for navigated medial UKA left in varus alignment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes and radiologic position of the knee in two groups of patients after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA): one group with residual varus axis (RVA) alignment and other one with neutral mechanical axis (NMA) of the lower limb. METHODS: All patients who underwent UKA between January 2015 and January 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were: medial UKA for isolated medial femoro-tibial osteoarthritis, a varus deformity of < 15°, and a minimal follow-up of 2 years. All patients had a preoperative and postoperative clinical examination with functional scores (New International Knee Score (NewIKS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and radiographs. Preoperative and postoperative values for continuous outcomes were compared using the Student's t test for paired data and differences between the groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The RVA group consisted of 48 cases of medial UKA in 48 patients (22 females). Mean postoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was 174.3° ± 2.8 and the corresponding mean AKI angle (tibial mechanical angle) was 82.9° ± 2.9. The NMA group consisted of 35 cases of medial UKA in 35 patients (14 females). Mean postoperative HKA angle was 178.9° ± 3 and the corresponding mean AKI angle was 85.5° ± 3.1. A significant difference was found between the two groups for the KOOS score and for global NewIKS, with a better score in the RVA group. CONCLUSIONS: RVA alignment after medial UKA results in a significant improvement in functional knee scores at 2-year post-surgery. Return to sport and recreational activities was better than in patients with postoperative NMA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3; retrospective cohort study.

Association of COVID-19 Lockdown With Increased Rate of Cyclops Syndrome in Patients With Unexpected Home-Based Self-Guided Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction.

Background: The risk of cyclops syndrome increases significantly after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) if complete extension is not recovered before the sixth postoperative week. The lockdown in France due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to an absence of supervised rehabilitation, requiring unexpected self-rehabilitation in patients who underwent ACLR just before lockdown. Purpose: To determine the rate of cyclops syndrome after ACLR in patients who underwent self-rehabilitation during lockdown. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 75 patients receiving a hamstring graft for ACLR during the COVID-19 pandemic between February 10, 2022, and March 16, 2020, carried out self-rehabilitation during part of their first 6 postoperative weeks using exercise videos on a dedicated website. Clinical examination was performed at a minimum 1-year follow-up with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, Tegner, and ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scores. This group was compared with a matched-pair control group of 72 patients who underwent surgery in 2019 and completed postoperative supervised rehabilitation with a physical therapist. Rates and reasons for second surgery (arthrolysis, meniscal procedure) were also recorded. Results: In the COVID group (n = 72; 3 patients were lost to follow-up), the mean follow-up was 14.5 ± 2.1 months (range, 13-21) and rate of reoperation for clinical cyclops syndrome was 11.1% (n = 8). The rate of cyclops syndrome was significantly lower (1.4%) in the control group (P = .01). In the COVID group, 8 patients underwent anterior arthrolysis at a mean of 8.6 months after the primary surgery, and 4 patients underwent another surgical intervention (meniscal procedure [n = 3], device removal [n = 1]). In the COVID group, mean Lysholm was 86.6 ± 14.1 (range, 38-100), Tegner was 5.6 ± 2.3 (range, 1-10), subjective IKDC was 80.3 ± 14.7 (range, 32-100) and ACL-RSI score was 77.3 ± 19.7 (range, 33-100). Conclusion: The rate of cyclops syndrome after ACLR was significantly greater in the COVID group versus the matched controls. The dedicated website was not effective at supporting self-guided rehabilitation and could benefit from interactive improvements so it is at least as effective as supervised rehabilitation.

Tibial tunnel expansion does not correlate with four-strand graft maturation after ACL reconstruction using adjustable cortical suspensory fixation.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using a short, quadrupled semitendinosus (ST-4) autograft, fixed  with an adjustable suspensory fixation (ASF), has several potential advantages. However, the construct is suspected to generate micromotion, tunnel widening and poor graft maturation. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-operative tibial tunnel expansion, graft maturation and clinical outcomes for this type of ACLR. METHODS: One-hundred and forty-nine patients were reviewed at a minimum of 2 years following 4-ST ACLR, mean 25.6 ± 3.5 months [24-55], with clinical follow-up and MRI scans. Graft maturity of the intra-articular part of the graft and the tibial tunnel portion was assessed using Signal-to-Noise Quotient (SNQ) and Howell score. Tibial tunnel expansion, bone-graft contact and graft volume in the tibial tunnel were calculated from the MRI scans. RESULTS: Mean tibial tunnel expansion was 13 ± 16.5% [12-122]. Mean SNQ for graft within the tibial tunnel was 3.8 ± 7.1 [ - 7.7 to 39] and 2.0 ± 3.5 [ - 14 to 17] for the intra-articular portion of the graft. The Howell score for graft within the tibial tunnel was 41% Grade I, 37% Grade 2, 20% Grade 3, 2% grade 4, and for the intra-articular part 61% Grade 1, 26% Grade 2, 13% Grade 3 and 1% Grade 4. The mean tibial tunnel bone-graft contact was 81 ± 23% [0-100] and mean graft volume was 80 ± 22% [0-100]. No correlation was found between tibial tunnel expansion and graft maturity assessed at both locations. Graft maturity was correlated with higher graft-bone contact and graft volume in the tibial tunnel (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ST-4 ACLR with ASF had low levels of tunnel enlargement at 2 years. No correlation was found between graft maturation and tibial tunnel expansion. Graft maturity was correlated with graft-bone contact and graft volume in the tibial tunnel. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The Mirror Anterolateral Ligament: A Simple Technique to Reconstruct the Deep Medial Collateral Ligament Using the Gracilis Associated With a Four-Strand Semitendinosus for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

We present a surgical technique to reconstruct the deep portion of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) when associated with an injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Patients could benefit from this procedure in cases of ACL reconstruction and persistent laxity at 20° of flexion of the MCL without any laxity in extension. This surgery uses the gracilis to reconstruct the deep portion of the MCL in the same manner described for the anterolateral ligament on the other side of the knee. The procedure is performed percutaneously, graft and tunnels are independent from the ACL, a screw is used on the femoral side, and a cortical device is used on the tibial side.

Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction reduces the rate of reoperation for graft failure or secondary meniscal lesions in young athletes.

PURPOSE: Graft failure and secondary meniscal tears are major concerns after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in young athletes. The aim was to evaluate the link between ACL reconstruction with and without anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction and outcomes in young patients participating in pivoting sports. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of data collected prospectively. Patients less than 20 years, involved in pivoting sports and undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with a quadruple hamstring tendon (4HT) graft or 4HT graft combined with anterolateral ligament reconstruction (4HT + ALL) were included. Survival analysis was performed to identify the prognostic indicators for reoperation due to graft failure or secondary meniscal lesions. Knee laxity was assessed and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients (mean (± SD) age: 16.3 ± 2 years) with a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 0.9 (range: 3.3‒6.8) years were included. There were 101 4HT and 102 4HT + ALL grafts. Graft rupture rates were 11.9% for 4HT grafts and 5.8% for 4HT + ALL grafts (n.s.). There were 9.9% secondary meniscal procedures for 4HT grafts vs. 1.9% for 4HT + ALL grafts (p = 0.02). With reoperation for graft failure or secondary meniscal lesions at final follow-up as the endpoint, survival was better in the 4HT + ALL group (91.4% vs. 77.8%, respectively; p = 0.03). Absence of ALL reconstruction (HR = 4.9 [95%CI: 1.4-17.9]; p = 0.01) and preoperative side-to-side laxity > 3 mm (HR = 3.1 [95%CI: 1.03-9.1]; p = 0.04) were independently associated with an increased rate of reoperations. Mean (± SD) side-to-side laxity was 1.3 ± 1.3 mm (range: - 2 to 5) for 4HT grafts vs. 0.9 ± 1.3 mm (range: - 6 to 4.8) for 4HT + ALL grafts (n.s.) 6 months post-surgery. The rate of return to the same sport at the same level was 42.2% for 4HT grafts vs. 52% for 4HT + ALL grafts (n.s.). There was no significant difference in subjective outcomes including PROMs between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Combined ALL + ACL reconstruction reduced the rate of graft failure and secondary meniscal injury in young athletes when compared to ACL reconstruction alone. Subjective results were comparable, with a similar rate of complications. Combined reconstruction should be preferred in this young population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Meniscal Ramp Lesions Repair: An Under-Meniscus All-Inside Suture in Cases of Isolated Meniscotibial Ligament Tears.

Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures are commonly associated with ramp lesions of the medial meniscus. These posterior longitudinal peripheral tears induce medial meniscus instability and increase the anteroposterior and rotational knee laxity. We divided ramp lesions in 3 types: meniscocapsular ligament tears, meniscotibial ligament tears, and a combination of both lesions. The conventional surgical technique for treating meniscal ramp lesions is to use a suture hook device through a posteromedial approach, which is a complex process requiring a learning curve and extensive surgical time. An anterior approach often is criticized as underestimating the true incidence of ramp lesion and to offer insufficient operating space. The purpose of this technical note is to describe our arthroscopic repair technique in cases of isolated meniscotibial ligament tears. The suture is performed by an under-meniscus anterior approach with a percutaneous medial collateral ligament release to create an additional opening of the medial compartment. This simple procedure allows for accurate diagnoses of the meniscotibial lesions and enables repair of the lesions with an all-inside suture device without the usual drawbacks of a posteromedial approach.

Two-year postoperative MRI appearances of anterior cruciate ligament hamstrings autografts are not correlated with functional outcomes, anterior laxity, or patient age.

AIMS: MRI has been suggested as an objective method of assessing anterior crucate ligament (ACL) graft "ligamentization" after reconstruction. It has been proposed that the MRI appearances could be used as an indicator of graft maturity and used as part of a return-to-sport assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between MRI graft signal and postoperative functional scores, anterior knee laxity, and patient age at operation. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of 149 patients who had undergone semitendinosus autograft ACL reconstruction, using femoral and tibial adjustable loop fixations, were evaluated retrospectively postoperatively at two years. All underwent MRI analysis of the ACL graft, performed using signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and the Howell score. Functional outcome scores (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, and IKDC objective) were obtained and all patients underwent instrumented side-to-side anterior laxity differential laxity testing. RESULTS: Two-year postoperative mean outcome scores were: Tegner 6.5 (2 to 10); Lysholm 89.8 (SD 10.4; 52 to 100); and IKDC subjective 86.8 (SD 11.8; 51 to 100). The objective IKDC score was 86% A (128 patients), 13% B (19 patients), and 1% C (two patients). Mean side-to-side anterior laxity difference (134 N force) was 0.6 mm (SD 1.8; -4.1 to 5.6). Mean graft SNQ was 2.0 (SD 3.5; -14 to 17). Graft Howell scores were I (61%, 91 patients), II (25%, 37 patients), III (13%, 19 patients), and IV (1%, two patients). There was no correlation between either Howell score or SNQ with instrumented anterior or Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores, nor was any correlation found between patient age and ACL graft SNQ or Howell score. CONCLUSION: The two-year postoperative MRI appearances of four-strand, semitendinosus ACL autografts (as measured by SNQ and Howell score) do not appear to have a relationship with postoperative functional scores, instrumented anterior laxity, or patient age at surgery. Other tools for analysis of graft maturity should be developed. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):569-575.

The posteromedial corner of the knee: an international expert consensus statement on diagnosis, classification, treatment, and rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: To establish recommendations for diagnosis, classification, treatment, and rehabilitation of posteromedial corner (PMC) knee injuries using a modified Delphi technique. METHODS: A list of statements concerning the diagnosis, classification, treatment and rehabilitation of PMC injuries was created by a working group of four individuals. Using a modified Delphi technique, a group of 35 surgeons with expertise in PMC injuries was surveyed, on three occasions, to establish consensus on the inclusion or exclusion of each statement. Experts were encouraged to propose further suggestions or modifications following each round. Pre-defined criteria were used to refine item lists after each survey. The final document included statements reaching consensus in round three. RESULTS: Thirty-five experts had a 100% response rate for all three rounds. A total of 53 items achieved over 75% consensus. The overall rate of consensus was 82.8%. Statements pertaining to PMC reconstruction and those regarding the treatment of combined cruciate and PMC injuries reached 100% consensus. Consensus was reached for 85.7% of the statements on anatomy of the PMC, 90% for those relating to diagnosis, 70% relating to classification, 64.3% relating to the treatment of isolated PMC injuries, and 83.3% relating to rehabilitation after PMC reconstruction. CONCLUSION: A modified Delphi technique was applied to generate an expert consensus statement concerning the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and rehabilitation practices for PMC injuries of the knee with high levels of expert agreement. Though the majority of statements pertaining to anatomy, diagnosis, and rehabilitation reached consensus, there remains inconsistency as to the optimal approach to treating isolated PMC injuries. Additionally, there is a need for improved PMC injury classification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a reliable option to treat knee instability in patients over 50 years old.

PURPOSE: To evaluate return to sport and clinical outcomes with at least 2 years followup after arthroscopic reconstruction ACL in population over 50 years-old. METHODS: eighty-one patients aged 50 years or older underwent isolated, primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft between 2014 and 2016. In all patients, a period of conservative treatment had failed (minimum 6 months), and they complained of functional instability and/or limitation during daily activity. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at the latest follow-up with a physical examination, return to sports activity, the Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and the Tegner activity scale. Data regarding complications and revision surgeries were collected at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, significant improvement in outcome scores from pre- to postoperative assessments was found. The mean overall IKDC score increased from a preoperative mean of 54.4-82.9 (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative Lysholm score increased from a preoperative mean of 67.4-90.4 (p < 0.001). The mean overall KOOS score increased from a preoperative mean (p < 0.001). Median preoperative Tegner score was 5 (range 2-8) and median postoperative score was 5 (range 1-7). 86% of patients returned to the sport, 51% to their preinjury sports level. Tegner score, before accident, was the only positive influencing factor a return to pre-injury level of the sport. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic reconstruction ACL in patients over 50 years-old resulted in excellent functional outcomes, with most patients returning to sport and at the same level they had before the injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

ACL injuries before 15 years of age: could the young become an athlete?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically assess the possibility for a patient younger than 15 to return to a competitive level of sport following an ACL injury. METHODS: Four databases were analyzed (PubMed, MedLine, Cinahl, Cochrane Library and LISTA). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to guide the screening of the literature. Studies about functional and surgical treatments were included with a minimum of 5 years of mean follow-up. Methodological quality of individual studies was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scale. RESULTS: Ten studies were included, corresponding to a total of 217 patients. All studies were retrospective with level 4 evidence. Seven studies reported results of a transphyseal technique reconstruction, two studies a physeal-sparing reconstruction, and one studied the results of a repair (« healing response ¼). Only one study compared functional treatment and surgery. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 12.29 years (range 2-16) with a mean follow-up of 7.9 years (range 5.5-18.3). Return to sport was possible for 80 to 100% of patients (average of 91.7%) at the final follow-up but the level for return to sport was reported in only four studies and found between 61 and 89% for return to the same level and at 42% for return to a competitive level. Evolution of the Tegner score was analyzed in five studies and was reported to decrease at the follow-up in three studies. ACL re-ruptures can be considered as failure of the graft (nine studies with surgical technique) and occurred with an average of 16%. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrate that ACL reconstruction is superior to conservative treatment and 'healing response' in terms of revision rates and knee laxity. Return to sport is possible for more than 4/5 of patients but only two thirds of them were able to return to the same level or to competitive level, and failure rates of the graft were not superior to global population. However, qualities of included studies and variability of treatment limited the clinical application of results. Despite this, patients and parents should be informed that ACL injuries are lesions that may influence the level of sport at a 5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review.

Very long-term osteoarthritis rate after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: 182 cases with 22-year' follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available on the 20-year outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis at least 20 years after ACL reconstruction. HYPOTHESIS: Factors associated with progression to knee osteoarthritis include meniscal lesions, level of physical activity, injury-to-surgery time, body mass index, residual laxity, tunnel position and cartilage injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty two patients were included in a multicentre retrospective study conducted in the setting of a SoFCOT symposium. Females contributed two-thirds of the study population. ACL reconstruction was performed arthroscopically in 82% of cases, and a bone-patellar tendon-bone transplant was used in 92.8% of cases. Mean age at surgery was 26±7years. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the objective and subjective IKDC scores and on the KOOS. Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis was classified according to the IKDC. Factors evaluated for their ability to predict progression to osteoarthritis included age, sex, body mass index, level of physical activity, injury-to-surgery time, meniscectomy, cartilage injury, tunnel position and residual laxity. RESULTS: At last follow-up, the objective IKDC score was A (normal) for 48%, B for 35%, and C or D for 17% of the knees. The mean subjective IKDC score was 82.7±13.1. Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis was present in 29% of cases. The following risk factors for osteoarthritis were identified: medial or lateral meniscectomy, residual laxity, age >30years at surgery, and engaging in a pivoting sport. Meniscectomy was a major contributor to the development of osteoarthritis (17% of knees without vs. 46% with meniscectomy). Finally, the ACL re-tear rate was 13%. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction provides satisfactory knee stability. The risk of subsequent osteoarthritis depends chiefly on the status of the menisci. Residual laxity is also associated with the development of osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective cohort study.

Hemorrhagic Cyclops Syndrome after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction - A Rare Cause of Recurrent Hemarthrosis: About Two Cases and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Cyclops syndrome is a classic complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and usually manifests as an extension deficit. A presentation dominated by recurrent hemarthrosis has never been reported. CASE REPORT: We report the cases of two patients who underwent ACL hamstring reconstruction and whose post-operative recurrent hemarthrosis revealed the presence of a cyclops syndrome typical lesion. CONCLUSION: Theses atypical presentations of cyclops syndrome should alert surgeons that post-operative hemarthrosis after ACL reconstruction may reveal fibrous nodule at the tibial insertion of the graft by a cyclops lesion and that a puncture should be performed to bring back hemorrhagic fluid. It is imperative that treatment should include coagulation of this hypervascularization to avoid any recurrence.

Patellar Tendon Reconstruction Using Hamstring Tendon and Adjustable Suspensory Cortical Fixation.

Chronic patellar tendon rupture is a rare injury; extensor mechanism impairment leads to great disability in daily life. The delayed diagnosis and reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon ruptures are technically challenging. Numerous surgical procedures have been described with bone-tendon-bone graft, hamstring graft, artificial ligament, and allograft. We describe safe, reproducible anatomic reconstruction of the patellar tendon using hamstring tendon and adjustable suspensory fixation. After harvesting of the hamstrings, the graft is prepared with 2 adjustable suspensory fixation devices. Then, a complete tibial tunnel and a patellar tunnel with a socket are drilled with the appropriate diameter, and the graft is pulled through the tunnels. Finally, the suspensory fixation devices on the tibial and patellar sides are tensioned. The aim of this procedure is to obtain complete mobility of the knee, using a procedure similar to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in graft preparation.

The Migratory Cortical Button: A Rare Case of Hypersensitivity to Titanium after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Allergy to metal, especially to titanium, is a poorly known subject in orthopedic surgery and is mostly found after arthroplasty. Here, we describe an original case of titanium allergy that developed after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction of the left knee in a patient with a history of severe atopic dermatitis. Three years after the surgery, he returned to the clinic with the femoral cortical button in his hand; he removed the device from the wound when the skin spontaneously opened at the lateral part of the thigh. The wound healed with dressings without use of any antibiotics. Clinical and functional results were favorable and magnetic resonance imaging signal of the graft was normal. We ruled out the possibility of infection and the final diagnosis was allergy to titanium. This case demonstrates the need to investigate the presence of allergy to metal, including titanium, before an ACL reconstruction.

MRI study of the ligamentization of ACL grafts in children with open growth plates.

INTRODUCTION: There is little published information on the ligamentization of pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts. The aims of our study were to compare the MRI appearance of ACL grafts performed in a population with open growth plates to normal ACLs in adolescents and to determine whether the MRI signal in the grafts at 6 months could predict a retear. We hypothesized that ligamentization was a slow, gradual process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter study of 100 ACL grafts (quadriceps tendon, hamstring tendon, fascia lata) in children 7 to 16 years of age. Of these, 65 intact grafts underwent one or more MRI examinations between 6 months and 2 years postoperative. MRI images were also analyzed in 7 patients who suffered a retear and in the intact ACL of 20 adolescents (15 to 18 years of age). The other 28 patients did not undergo an MRI during the postoperative phase. For each MRI, the signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) was calculated in three different areas in the ACL (proximal, middle, distal) along with the Howell intra-articular and intra-tibial grades from I to IV. The Mantel-Haenszel Chi-square, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Student's t-test were used to compare groups. The Lin concordance correlation coefficients were calculated for inter-rater consistency. RESULTS: There was a difference in the SNQ between the three zones of a normal ACL. Most were Howell grade III (55% Howell III, 25% Howell II and 20% Howell I). For intact grafts, the SNQ improved significantly between 6 and 12 months and between 6 and 24 months. There was no difference in the SNQ between the three zones independent of the postoperative time point. The intra-articular Howell grade improved significantly between 6 and 24 months and between 12 and 24 months. The intra-tibial Howell grade improved significantly between 12 and 24 months. There were no significant differences between patients with intact grafts and those who suffered a retear. There were no differences between the various types of grafts used. CONCLUSION: Normal ACLs in adolescents have inhomogeneous SNQ and Howell grades. The SNQ and Howell grades in ACL grafts are more homogeneous and continue to improve out to 2 years, but do not reach that of a normal ACL. The signal and appearance of an ACL graft and normal ACL are very different, and the MRI signal at 6 months postoperative is not predictive of retear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, prospective study.