Use of antibiotics in pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis.

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is a frequent and serious condition. However, there is no consensus on the use of antibiotics. The objective of our study was to describe the treatment of this condition and to identify the surgical and medical management parameters to propose an effective and consensual postoperative antibiotic therapy protocol. We retrospectively reviewed pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis of the thumb or fingers treated between 01/01/2013 and 01/01/2018 at a teaching hospital. Inclusion criteria were confirmation of the clinical diagnosis intraoperatively and a minimum post-antibiotic follow-up of 6 months. Comorbidities, type of surgery, antibiotic therapy parameters, and treatment outcome were assessed. One hundred and thirteen patients were included. Fifty-four percent had comorbidities. The most frequent germ was staphylococcus, all patients received postoperative antibiotic therapy. Intravenous or intravenous followed by oral administration did not provide any benefit compared to an exclusively oral treatment (p = 0.46). The duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy (less than 7 days, between 7 and 14 days or more than 14 days) did not lead to any difference in healing rate (p = 0.67). However, treating for less than 7 days versus 7-14 days seemed to be associated with a higher risk of failure, although not statistically significant. Oral postoperative antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin + clavulanic acid for 7-14 days appears to be effective, allowing for outpatient management.

Relevance of antibiotic prophylaxis in the management of surgical emergency open hand trauma.

Surgical site infection after emergency hand surgery can cause considerable morbidity and, in the most severe forms, even toxic shock syndrome. Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis aims to reduce the number of surgical site infections. However, excessive use of antibiotics induces side-effects for patients and antibiotic resistance for society. Contrary to other orthopedic sites, there is no consensus on postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in open hand trauma beyond analogic reasoning with no proven scientific validity. Our hypothesis was that absence of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis after open hand trauma surgery does not affect the rate of surgical site infections. A prospective cohort study included 405 patients, operated on in the emergency hand trauma unit without intra- or post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis. Patients were followed up in consultation at 7, 14 and 30 days. Surgical site infection was defined by need for surgery for detersion and flattening, followed by curative antibiotic therapy. The surgical site infection rate was 2.22%. Four patients were lost to follow-up and counted as surgical site infection as originally planned in the worst-case analysis. There were five surgical revisions followed by antibiotic therapy. These results do not differ from those reported in the literature, and thus confirm our hypothesis that postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated in open hand trauma management.

Intraneural perineurioma of the median nerve at the elbow: A clinical case.

A 31-year-old female patient presented with swelling on the anteromedial aspect of her right elbow with a sensory deficit in the median nerve territory. Biopsies led to the diagnosis of intraneural perineurioma (INP). Surgical excision was performed and followed by an intercalary graft. INP is a rare benign tumor of the peripheral nerves characterized by a multiplication of perineural cells invading the endoneurium. This lesion is often unknown, under-diagnosed, and its treatment is poorly defined. Few cases have been described in the literature; the majority involve the median nerve at the wrist and no references have been found about its localization to the median nerve at the elbow.

Arthroscopic treatment of basal joint arthritis by partial trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction: Short-term results from a prospective study of 20 patients.

Partial trapeziectomy for basal joint arthritis is an alternative to total trapeziectomy that preserves the height of the thumb column. Using arthroscopy reduces the incidence of periarticular lesions and the risks of complications. The purpose of this prospective single-center study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy combined with suspension and interposition ligament reconstruction using half of the abductor pollicis longus tendon. Twenty patients (18 women, 2 men) with a mean age of 55 years (43-65 years) were operated using this technique between November 2013 to February 2015. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. The 20 patients were reviewed after 12 months. The subjective QuickDASH score improved from the 3rd post-operative month (P = 0.0029) from 50.6 preoperatively to 30.3 after 3 months, 17.6 after 6 months and 9.6 after 12 months. Pain was reduced in the 1st month post-operative (P < 0.0001). The Kapandji Score and pinch strength improved from the 3rd month (P = 0.034). Return to work was possible for 19% of employed patients after 1 month, 44% after 3 months and 87.5% after 6 and 12 months. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied after 3 months and 95% after 6 and 12 months. Pain levels, range of motion and QuickDASH Score are similar to those of open partial trapeziectomy described in the literature. However, recovery seems to be faster with this arthroscopic technique. Arthroscopic treatment of basal joint arthritis, which limits capsule and ligament lesions, leads to good short- and medium-term results in terms of pain relief and thumb motion while preserving strength. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 (Prospective, non-randomized).

Allograft tendons are a safe and effective option for revision ACL reconstruction: a clinical review.

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction remains a challenge, especially optimising outcome for patients with a compromised knee where previous autogenous tissue has been used for reconstruction. Allograft tissue has become a recognized choice of graft for revision surgery but questions remain over the risks and benefits of such an option. Allograft tendons are a safe and effective option for revision ACL reconstruction with no higher risk of infection and equivalent failure rates compared to autografts provided that the tissue is not irradiated, or any irradiation is minimal. Best scenarios for use of allografts include revision surgery where further use of autografts could lead to high donor site morbidity, complex instability situations where additional structures may need reconstruction, and in those with clinical and radiologic signs of autologous tendon degeneration. A surgeon needs to be able to select the best option for the challenging knee facing revision ACL reconstruction, and in the light of current data, allograft tissue can be considered a suitable option to this purpose.Level of evidence IV.

Creep and Wear in Vitamin E-Infused Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Cups for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening, the most common indication for revision surgery in total hip arthroplasty, can result from osteolysis caused by polyethylene (PE) wear particles. PE wear is increased by age-related oxidation of PE and free radicals emerging during irradiation cross-linking. Diffusion of vitamin E into PE stabilizes free radicals to maintain the biomechanical properties of PE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked PE cups could reduce wear rates. METHODS: We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial, in which 62 patients were allocated to 2 groups: a study group that received a vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked PE (HXLPE/VitE) cup and a control group that received an ultra-high molecular weight PE (UHMWPE) cup. Using radiostereometric analysis, we measured the penetration of the femoral head into the cup 7 days after surgery (baseline) and then again at 6 months and at 1, 2, and 3 years later. RESULTS: Baseline variables did not differ significantly between the groups. At 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery, the HXLPE/VitE cup showed significantly less cumulative penetration (creep and wear) than the UHMWPE cup (p = 0.004, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively). The cumulative penetration after 3 years was 0.200 mm for the HXLPE/VitE cup versus 0.317 mm for the UHMWPE cup (p < 0.0001). From 1 to 3 years after surgery, after creep had stabilized and further penetration was mainly due to wear, the mean penetration increased only 0.04 mm in the HXLPE/VitE cup and 0.116 mm in the UHMWPE cup. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that wear rates over the first 3 years following surgery were lower in HXLPE/VitE cups than in UHMWPE cups. This suggests that HXLPE/VitE cups may prevent osteolysis, implant loosening, and eventually revision surgery. Long-term follow-up data continue to be collected to confirm these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Hamate hook stress fracture in a professional bowler: Case report of an unusual causal sport.

Stress fracture of the hook of the hamate is uncommon and is usually seen in sports involving a club, racquet or bat (i.e., golf, tennis or baseball). It is caused by direct blunt trauma. We report an unusual case of stress fracture with non-union in a 23-year-old professional bowler, probably caused by endogenous constraints, 1 year after the start of symptoms. Treatment consisted of surgical resection of the hook of the hamate. Multimodal imaging of this fracture is reviewed.

Developments in ambulatory surgery in orthopedics in France in 2016.

Under the new categorization introduced by the Health Authorities, ambulatory surgery (AS) in France now accounts for 50% of procedures, taking all surgical specialties together. The replacement of full hospital admission by AS is now well established and recognized. Health-care centers have learned, in coordination with the medico-surgical and paramedical teams, how to set up AS units and the corresponding clinical pathways. There is no single model handed down from above. The authorities have encouraged these developments, partly by regulations but also by means of financial incentives. Patient eligibility and psychosocial criteria are crucial determining factors for the success of the AS strategy. The surgeons involved are strongly committed. Feedback from many orthopedic subspecialties (shoulder, foot, knee, spine, hand, large joints, emergency and pediatric surgery) testify to the rise of AS, which now accounts for 41% of all orthopedic procedures. Questions remain, however, concerning the role of the GP in the continuity of care, the role of innovation and teaching, the creation of new jobs, and the attractiveness of AS for surgeons. More than ever, it is the patient who is "ambulatory", within an organized structure in which surgical technique and pain management are well controlled. Not all patients can be eligible, but the AS concept is becoming standard, and overnight stay will become a matter for medical and surgical prescription.

Outcome of patients with streptococcal prosthetic joint infections with special reference to rifampicin combinations.

BACKGROUND: Outcome of patients with streptococcal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) is not well known. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study that involved patients with total hip/knee prosthetic joint (THP/TKP) infections due to Streptococcus spp. from 2001 through 2009. RESULTS: Ninety-five streptococcal PJI episodes (50 THP and 45 TKP) in 87 patients of mean age 69.1 ± 13.7 years met the inclusion criteria. In all, 55 out of 95 cases (57.9 %) were treated with debridement and retention of the infected implants with antibiotic therapy (DAIR). Rifampicin-combinations, including with levofloxacin, were used in 52 (54.7 %) and 28 (29.5 %) cases, respectively. After a mean follow-up period of 895 days (IQR: 395-1649), the remission rate was 70.5 % (67/95). Patients with PJIs due to S. agalactiae failed in the same proportion as in the other patients (10/37 (27.1 %) versus 19/58 (32.7 %); p = .55). In the univariate analysis, antibiotic monotherapy, DAIR, antibiotic treatments other than rifampicin-combinations, and TKP were all associated with a worse outcome. The only independent variable significantly associated with the patients' outcomes was the location of the prosthesis (i.e., hip versus knee) (OR = 0.19; 95 % CI 0.04-0.93; p value 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of streptococcal PJIs may not be as good as previously reported, especially for patients with an infected total knee arthroplasty. Rifampicin combinations, especially with levofloxacin, appear to be suitable antibiotic regimens for these patients.

Outcome of cartilage at 12years of follow-up after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: In cases of chronic anterior laxity, reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can slow the development of osteoarthritis. This study was conducted to determine the overall prevalence of osteoarthritis and to identify the risk factors after ACL reconstruction. HYPOTHESIS: Meniscus tears, time from injury to surgery, body mass index (BMI), residual laxity, and cartilage lesions influence the progression towards osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study on the outcome of cruciate ligaments at 12 years of follow-up was conducted within the 2014 SOFCOT Symposium. The cohort included 675 arthroscopic reconstructions of the ACL from January 2002 to December 2003. The clinical evaluation included the objective and subjective IKDC score. Osteoarthritis was analyzed on 589 knee X-rays according to the IKDC classification. The predictive factors of osteoarthritis development studied were age, gender, BMI, time from injury to surgery, activity level, medial or lateral meniscectomy, type of graft, medial or lateral chondropathy, tunnel positioning, and residual laxity. Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 11.9±0.8 years. The subjective IKDC score was 83.7±13. At 12 years, the rate of moderate to severe osteoarthritis l (IKDCC or D) was 19% (16% medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, 4% lateral tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, and 2% patellofemoral osteoarthritis). The prognostic factors were age at surgery greater than 34 years (P<0.05), cartilage lesions at surgery (P<0.05), medial or lateral meniscectomy (P<0.05), and residual laxity (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale study identified risk factors for osteoarthritis that should improve the information provided to patients on long-term progression after ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, level IV.

Ten-year follow-up of acute arthroscopic Bankart repair for initial anterior shoulder dislocation in young patients.

INTRODUCTION: Early treatment of initial anterior glenohumeral dislocation in young patients is controversial and the interest of surgery, and notably arthroscopic stabilization, has not been demonstrated. A prospective study was therefore performed to assess (1) short-to-medium-term recurrence rate, (2) functional outcome, and (3) and medium-term osteoarthritis rate. HYPOTHESIS: Early arthroscopic stabilization by anterior capsule-labrum reinsertion after initial anterior shoulder dislocation is associated with low recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with initial anterior dislocation were included between June 2002 and February 2004. All patients underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair within 30 days of dislocation. Patients were followed up prospectively, with clinical (Duplay and Constant scores) and radiological assessment (osteoarthritis). RESULTS: There were 5 recurrent dislocations (25%); 2 patients reported sensations of subluxation: i.e., 7 failures (35%). Mean Walch-Duplay score at 10 years was 88±1 (range, 30-100) and mean Rowe score 86±22 (range, 35-100). There was significant internal rotation deficit of one vertebral level between operated and contralateral shoulder (P < 0.005). At 10 years, 3 shoulders (15%) showed Samilson grade 1 centered glenohumeral osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Early arthroscopic capsule-labrum reinsertion by the Bankart technique in the month following initial anterior dislocation of the shoulder in patients under 25 years of age provided a low recurrence rate (35%) compared to the literature, including dislocation (25%) and subluxation (10%). Functional outcome was satisfactory, and osteoarthritis rate was low (15% Samilson grade 1). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, prospective non-comparative study.

Arthrodesis of thumb interphalangeal and finger distal interphalangeal joints using the intramedullary X-Fuse(®) implant: Retrospective analysis of 38 cases.

Various indications exist for thumb interphalangeal and finger distal interphalangeal arthrodesis. Various fixation techniques (compression screws, tension band wiring, K-wires) have been described with fusion rates varying between 80 and 100%. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of interphalangeal arthrodesis using the X-Fuse(®) intramedullary implant in terms of fusion rate and fusion position. A continuous series of 38 arthrodesis procedures was reviewed retrospectively to determine the fusion rate and evaluate complications linked to this fixation technique. The position of the fused joint was compared to that obtained at the end of the procedure so as to evaluate the reliability of implant placement. The fusion rate was 94.8%; two arthrodeses had to be redone with satisfactory results. A moderate change of less than 10 degrees in the arthrodesis position between the immediate postoperative period and fusion was observed in the frontal and sagittal planes that had no clinical consequences. The fusion rate reported here is similar to the best rates published with other fusion techniques, and few complications occurred. Use of this intramedullary implant seems to be a viable alternative to the other techniques.

Epidemiology of distal femur fractures in France in 2011-12.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological study of femoral fractures has been dominated by proximal fractures. Distal fracture requires equal attention for correct management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study in 12 French hospital centres between June 1st, 2011 and May 31st, 2012 recruited cases of non-pathologic distal femoral fracture in patients over 15 years of age without ipsilateral knee prosthesis. RESULTS: There were 183 fractures in 177 patients. Mean age was 63.5 years. Female patients (60.5%) were significantly older than males (mean age, respectively 73 versus 48.4 years). Walking was unrestricted in only 83 patients (46.89%). On the AO/OTA (Orthopaedic Trauma Association) classification, there were 86 type A fractures (47%), 29 type B (15.8%) and 68 type C (37.2%). Fractures were open in 32 cases (17.5%), most frequently in male, young patients and type C fracture. Causal trauma was low-energy (fall from own height) in 108 cases, most frequently in female patients and type A fracture. Forty-five patients were proximal femoral implant bearers. CONCLUSION: Distal femoral fracture shows highly variable epidemiology. AO/OTA type A fracture mainly involves elderly, relatively dependent female subjects. Outcome study requires radiographic data and assessment of functional capacity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Prospective cohort study.

Ultrasound-guided surgical treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment: a cadaver study.

Several open and endoscopic techniques for the surgical treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) have been described that provide decompression with or without anterior transposition. Based on our experience with US-guided decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome in our department, we developed a similar surgical technique for the decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Using sixteen cadaver upper limbs, we performed decompression of all the structures possibly responsible for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. The structures involved were Struthers' arcade, the cubital tunnel retinaculum, Osborne's fascia and Amadio-Beckenbaugh's arcade. The procedure was followed by anatomical dissection to confirm complete sectioning of the compressive structures, absence of iatrogenic vascular or nervous injuries and absence of nerve dislocation or instability. There were no remaining compressive structures after the release procedure. There was no iatrogenic damage to the nerves and no nerve dislocation was observed during elbow flexion or extension. In 3.4% cases, a thin superficial layer of one or more of the identified structures remained but these did not appear to compress the nerve based on US imaging. Using ultrasonographic visualization of the nerve and compressive structures is easy. Each procedure can be tailored according to the nerve compression sites. Our cadaveric study shows the feasibility of an US-guided percutaneous surgical release for ulnar nerve entrapment.

ACL reconstruction in children: a transphyseal technique.

The annual incidence of ACL tears is increasing steadily in pediatric patients. Chronic anterior instability causes meniscal lesions at a frequency that increases significantly with the injury-to-surgery interval. Conservative therapy, simple suturing, and isolated extra-articular tendon reconstruction are associated with high failure rates. Intra-articular arthroscopy-assisted tendon reconstruction is a good treatment method, although several different techniques have been described. We used a transphyseal technique with a hamstring tendon graft to treat 14 knees in 13 patients with a mean age of 13 years and 7 months. Mean injury-to-surgery interval was 6 months. Strict compliance with technical rules is required when using this technique. Bone tunnel diameter must not exceed 8 mm. Bone tunnels must be as vertical and central as possible. The fixation material must not bridge the physis (at the femur, cortical fixation; and at the tibia, fixation using a resorbable screw no longer than 25 mm combined with a staple). Meniscal lesions were present in half the knees and meniscal preservation considered mandatory. Conservative treatment of concomitant lesions was performed routinely. After a mean follow-up of 15 months, no recurrent tears or revision procedures for meniscectomy had been recorded. The IKDC grade was A or B in 93% of knees. The mean subjective IKDC score was 83.3 and the Lysholm score was in the excellent or good range in 93% of knees. Of the 14 knees, 2 exhibited signs suggesting femoral epiphysiodesis, with 4° of valgus deformity compared to the contra-lateral knee and no clinical consequences. Transphyseal reconstruction with open physes conducted in strict compliance with technical rules can be performed to control the instability and preserve the menisci. Nevertheless, this technique carries a risk of epiphysiodesis, chiefly at the femur.

Coracoacromial ligament section under ultrasonographic control: a cadaveric study on 20 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The coracoacromial ligament is a complex anatomical structure involved in the development of subacromial impingement; treatment is founded on sectioning the ligament, with or without associated arthroscopic acromioplasty and debridement. HYPOTHESIS: Complete coracoacromial ligament section can be performed under ultrasound, without lesion to surrounding structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The coracoacromial ligament was sectioned on the coracoid side, under ultrasound navigation, in 10 cadavers donated to science: i.e. 20 shoulders. After ultrasound location of the shoulder structures, sectioning was performed with a skin incision at the level of the deltopectoral sulcus. Secondary surgical control checked conservation of the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery, and the quality of the procedure. RESULTS: Mean surgery duration was 18.5 minutes (±5 min). Seventeen sections were complete (85%). Artery location was hampered by the impossibility of using Doppler on these cadavers, yet even so there were only 2 vascular lesions. There were no accidental rotator cuff or cartilaginous lesions. CONCLUSION: This relatively non-invasive technique is quick and less heavy than open surgery, opening up new treatment perspectives. It could be indicated in coracoid and subacromial impingement before opting for surgery, or as a complement to surgery. It does, however, involve a learning curve and requires solid ultrasound skills.

Axial MRI index of patellar engagement: a new method to assess patellar instability.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to define a new index to measure lateral patellar displacement (LPD) using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an axial index of engagement of the patella (AEI) obtained from two different axial MRI views then to validate its use in a prospective series of patients presenting an objective patellar instability (OPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five patients with OPI and no history of surgery of the patella were included in a prospective study organized by the French Society of Arthroscopy performed between June 2010 and August 2012. All patients underwent axial and sagittal MRI. The AEI was obtained by projecting predefined patellar and trochlear landmarks (cartilaginous landmarks) on 2 different axial MRI views (one trochlear and one patellar). The results were compared with a series of controls (n=45). RESULTS: The preoperative AEI of the patella was 0.94 ± 0.09 for the control group and 0.84 ± 0.16 for OPI group (P=0.000016). The AEI could be obtained in 100% of the cases if it was measured on 2 MRI views while it could not be measured in 38.5% of the cases if the measurement was only obtained from one MRI view or whenever the widest part of the patella was not across from the femoral trochlea. The AEI did not significantly depend on dysplasia or the presence of a supratrochlear spur. The lowest AIE values were associated with trochlear dysplasia with a supratrochlear spur (P=0.0023) and a more prominent trochlea (P=0.0016). The AEI was correlated with patellar tilt (P<0.000001) and TT-TG on MRI (P<0.000001). DISCUSSION: AEI is a new index to measure LPD. It can be obtained in all cases because it is obtained from two different MRI views. The normal value is close to 1. It can be used to measure patellar instability on the axial plane in patients with OPI, especially in the most severe cases.

The introduction of a new MRI index to evaluate sagittal patellofemoral engagement.

INTRODUCTION: Patella alta is one of the primary factors of patellofemoral instability and its importance lies in the reduced engagement between patella and trochlea during the early degrees of flexion. The evaluation of patellar height is based on conventional x-rays, CT scan and, more recently, MRI. The objective of this multicentric prospective study is to describe a novel index to assess in the sagittal plane the functional engagement between patella and trochlea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five patients with objective patellar dislocation were prospectively enrolled between April 2010 and September 2011 and were compared with a second group of 45 controls. All patients underwent a standard MRI and a complete radiographic study. Sagittal engagement was measured as the ratio between the articular cartilage of the patella and the trochlear cartilage length measured on two different MRI slices. RESULTS: The mean Sagittal Patellofemoral Engagement (SPE) index was 0.43 ± 0.18 and ranged from 0.02 to 0.913 in the Objective Patellar Dislocation group versus 0.42 ± 0.11 range 0.22 to 0.55 in controls. In the Patellar Dislocation group the mean Caton-Deschamps index was 1.18 ± 0.21 (range 0.71 to 1.91). There were 58 patients with patella alta, in whom the mean SPE was 0.39 ± 0.18 (range 0.02 to 0.87). Sagittal engagement was significantly higher when compared with patients in the Patellar Dislocation group who had no patella alta (mean 0.46 ± 0.16, range 0.1-0.913). DISCUSSION: The present study introduces a new method to measure the SPE with the use of MRI. The evaluation of the functional engagement of the patella with the femoral trochlea in the sagittal plane can serve as a supplementary tool to the existing methods of evaluating patellar height, and may help to better identify the cases where inadequate engagement is recorded despite the absence of patella alta, so that the need for tibial tuberosity osteotomy may be re-assessed.

Natural history of partial anterior cruciate ligament tears: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is frequent, and indications for surgery may be raised by a diagnostic aspect associating slight laxity with no clear pivot-shift. Unlike that of complete ACL tear, the natural history of partial tear remains controversial. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A systematic literature review searched for referenced publications on the natural history of partial ACL tear. Twelve specific articles were retrieved. Initial diagnosis was systematically confirmed on arthroscopy, without ACL surgery. The following criteria were analyzed: firstly, preoperative: confirmation of inclusion criteria, preoperative clinical data, follow-up, arthroscopic lesion assessment, Lachman test, Pivot shift test, hemarthrosis, associated lesions and secondly, follow-up: Lachman test, Pivot shift test, revision surgery, functional clinical scores, pain, sport and return to sport, meniscal events. RESULTS: Preoperatively, Lachman tests were positive (soft or delayed) in a mean 49.7% of cases (range, 0-100%); pivot shift test was systematically negative. At a mean 5.2 years' follow-up, Lachman test was "positive" in 47.6% of cases (range, 38-59%), with positive pivot shift test in 26.3% (range, 5-51%). 54.3% patients reported pain (range, 36-64%), and mean Lysholm score was 88.4 (17-100%). Fifty-two percent (21-60%) of patients resumed sport at their previous level. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The natural history of non-operated partial ACL tear is good over the medium term, especially if patients limit their sports activities. The greater the functional instability, the more frequent is residual pain. Laxity, although not quantified, seems to progress with time, with a positive pivot shift test emerging in a quarter of cases. Functional management may be recommended in non-athletic patients without meniscal lesion, but surgical treatment may be recommended in other patients. Indications for ACL reconstruction are thus the same in partial as in complete tear.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in partial tear: selective anteromedial bundle reconstruction conserving the posterolateral remnant versus single-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction: preliminary 1-year results of a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are frequent. Conserving ACL remnants is central to the concept of anatomic, biomechanical and biological reconstruction. The interest of such conservation remains theoretical. The present hypothesis was that selective anteromedial (AM) bundle reconstruction is preferable to the standard single-bundle reconstruction in partial ACL tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective randomized study recruited 54 partial ACL tears operated on either by selective AM bundle reconstruction (Group 1, n=29) or by standard anatomic single-bundle reconstruction (Group 2, n=25). All patients were clinically assessed on subjective and objective IKDC, Lysholm and KOOS scores, with a minimum 12 months' follow-up. Comparative pre- to postoperative anterior laxity was measured on the Rolimeter(®) device, with statistical analysis of results. RESULTS: There were no significant preoperative differences between the two groups. All patients were followed-up at 6 months and 1 year. Mean subjective IKDC scores for groups 1 and 2 respectively were 55.8 and 56.8 preoperatively versus 86.2 and 85.7 at 1 year; Lysholm scores were 69.9 and 71.1 versus 90.9 and 91.8. These inter-group differences were non-significant. Differential laxity for groups 1 and 2 respectively was 5.0mm (range, 2-10) and 5.1mm (2-12) preoperatively (P=0.73), versus 1.2mm and 1.9 mm postoperatively (P=0.03). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In partial ACL tear, selective AM bundle reconstruction conserving the posterolateral bundle remnant provides clinical results comparable to the standard single-bundle technique, with better control of anterior laxity. Longer follow-up, however, will be needed to compare evolution in anterior and rotational laxity and in subjective results over time.