Tibial tubercle to trochlear groove and the roman arch method for tibial tubercle lateralisation are reliable and distinguish between subjects with and without major patellar instability.

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral (PF) instability recurrence depends on several factors including the relative lateralisation of tibial tubercle (TT) regarding the trochlear groove (TG). TT relative lateralisation quantification has long been a topic of debate. Multiple measuring techniques have been described including TT-trochlear groove (TT-TG), TT-posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL) and TT-roman arch (TT-RA), with no clear consensus regarding the most reliable index or pathologic threshold. We set out to determine the normal value range of each index and their association with age, sex and PF instability status. Also, this study aims to determine a reliable pathologic distance threshold to effectively predict patellar dislocation. METHODS: Skeletally mature patients up to 45 years of age who presented a CT Scan and an MRI of the same knee between 2014 and 2018 were included and divided into subgroups based on history of PF instability. Three indexes (TT-TG, TT-PCL and TT-RA) were assessed by two independent observers blinded to instability history. ROC curves were performed for each index to obtain the cut point that better predicts instability. Univariate and multivariate models adjusted by age, sex, instability history and type of imaging technique were performed to test the influence of these variables. RESULTS: 208 patients were included. Mean age was 27.93 â€‹± â€‹8.48 years, 67.3% were female and 71 patients (34.1%) presented major instability history. Good or excellent inter and intraobserver reliability was found for all three indexes. All indexes presented significantly different distributions between subjects with and without major instability (p â€‹< â€‹0.001), except for TT-PCL. Different cut point values differing between imaging modalities were found: 11.4 â€‹mm for MRI TT-TG, 17 â€‹mm for CT TT-TG, 15.6 â€‹mm for MRI TT-RA and 18.2 â€‹mm for CT TT-RA. CONCLUSIONS: All indexes studied had good or excellent inter and intraobserver reliability. Measurements between imaging techniques (CT and MR) are not interchangeable. Both TT-TG and TT-RA correctly distinguish between subjects with and without major instability, while TT-PCL does not, recommending caution when evaluated on its own. Specific threshold values depending on imaging technique should be considered for surgical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Diagnostic Test.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Skeletally Immature Patients.

In the past 20 years, sports injuries in pediatric and adolescent athletes have increased dramatically, with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries accounting for more than 25% of all knee injuries at this age. Diagnosis is based on detailed clinical history, physical examination, and imaging assessment, where magnetic resonance imaging plays a central role. The growing immature skeleton presents specific characteristics, which require unique methods for surgical reconstruction, ideally avoiding the physes or minimizing the risk of damaging them. Specific rehabilitation protocols are needed, and these patients face a higher risk of recurrent and contralateral ACL injury. Nonsurgical treatment or delayed reconstruction has been associated with persistent instability, activity modifications, worst functional outcomes, and increased risk of irreparable injuries to menisci and articular cartilage. Consequently, surgical stabilization is the preferred treatment for most patients, despite the eventual risk of angular deformities or limb-length discrepancies due to iatrogenic physeal injury. A variety of surgical techniques have been described, depending on the skeletal maturity and growth remaining. Targeted prevention programs play a key role in reducing the risk of ACL injury, are easy to implement, and require no additional equipment. High-quality evidence supports its use in all pediatric athletes.

Fracturas avulsivas tibiales del ligamento cruzado posterior fijadas con tornillos: un estudio clínico y radiológico / Screw fixation of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures: a clinical and radiographic study

OBJETIVO: Realizar la evaluación clínica, imagenológica y funcional de pacientes con fracturas avulsivas tibiales del ligamento cruzado posterior (FTALCPs) fijadas con tornillos canulados con técnica abierta. MÉTODOS: Los pacientes con FTALCP operados entre 2010 y 2017 fueron revisados retrospectivamente. Criterios de inclusión: fracturas agudas, desplazadas, test de cajón posterior grado III, lesiones combinadas de rodilla, seguimiento > 12 meses. Se excluyeron pacientes > 65 años, con FTALCPs bilaterales, lesiones del ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) intrasustancia, test de cajón posterior grados I-II, fracturas expuestas, lesiones neurovasculares, y seguimientos < 12 meses. Objetivo primario: medir la estabilidad clínica mediante test de cajón posterior y radiografía de estrés arrodillada comparativa. Objetivos secundarios: nvaluar la consolidación en radiografías, complicaciones y funcionalidad con las escalas de Lysholm y Tegner. Resultados Se incluyeron 20 pacientes, con edad media de 41 años (rango: 32 a 61 años). El seguimiento promedio fue de 33,9 meses (rango: 12 a 82 meses). La estabilidad clínica mejoró en 93% (cajón posterior postoperatorio grados 0 y I) de los pacientes. La radiografía de estrés arrodillada mostró una diferencia promedio de 2,6 mm (rango: 0,1 mm a 6,8 mm) de traslación posterior al comparar con el lado sano. Todas las fracturas consolidaron. Siete pacientes presentaron complicaciones. El puntaje promedio de la escala de Lysholm al final del seguimiento fue de 85,17. El promedio preoperatorio del puntaje en la escala de Tegner no varió significativamente en comparación con el postoperatorio. CONCLUSIONES: La fijación de fracturas avulsivas tibiales del LCP con tornillos canulados con técnica abierta es efectiva en restaurar la estabilidad posterior y lograr la consolidación ósea. La funcionalidad clínica a mediano plazo es buena, a pesar del alto número de complicaciones y lesiones concomitantes. NIVEL DE EVIDENCIA: tipo IV.

OBJECTIVE: To report mid-term clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes following open reduction and fixation of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures (PCLTAFs) with cannulated screws. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with PCLTAF operated on from August 2010 to April 2017. Patients with acute fractures, with more than 2 mm of displacement and grade III on the posterior drawer test, combined or not to knee injuries, were included. Patients older than 65 years of age, with bilateral avulsion fractures, intrasubstance posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) lesions, stable grade-I to -II on the posterior drawer test, concomitant neurovascular injuries, mid-substance tears, open fractures, and less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. Primary outcomes: the clinical stability was assessed using the posterior drawer test and a single comparative knee stress radiograph. Secondary outcomes: radiographic consolidation, complications, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score. RESULTS: In total, 20 patients with a mean age of 41 years (range: 32 to 61 years) were included. The mean follow-up was of 33.9 months (range: 12 to 82 months). Clinical stability (grade 0 or I on the posterior drawer test) was observed in 93% of the patients. The mean difference in contralateral posterior displacement was of 2.6 mm (range: 0.1 mm to 6.8 mm) on a single comparative knee stress radiograph. All fractures presented radiological consolidation. Seven patients developed complications. The mean Lysholm score at the last follow-up visit was of 85.17. The postoperative Tegner activity scores did no vary significantly compared to the preinjury scores. CONCLUSIONS: Cannulated screw fixation of a displaced PCLTAF through a posterior approach restores clinical and radiographic stability and has excellent union rates. The mid-term functional outcomes are good despite the high rates of combined knee lesions and postoperative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Fracture of the anterior tibial tuberosity in children.

Fractures of the anterior tibial tuberosity during childhood are an infrequent pathology (around 3% of all proximal tibial fractures), but the incidence of this injury has risen over recent years, likely due to the increased involvement of this age group in sports activities.This fracture is more commonly seen in children 12-14 years old.It is vital to identify the anatomical structures associated with this type of fracture, along with the pathophysiological mechanisms involved.Treatment includes non-operative and operative options, with the goal of achieving articular congruency, restoring the extensor mechanism function, and avoiding damage to the proximal tibial physis.Understanding the management of this fracture, and the complications that might arise, is critical. The provision of an appropriate clinical management plan and the avoidance of complications are vital in the prevention of disability. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:260-267. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190026.

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.

Reconstrucción de esquina posteromedial: reporte de 30 casos / Posteromedial corner reconstruction: a report of 30 cases

OJETIVO: Reportar la experiencia, después de 1 año de seguimiento, de una serie de 30 pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de la esquina posteromedial (EPM) con la técnica descrita por La Prade. MÉTODO: Cohorte retrospectiva de 30 pacientes con lesión de EPM operados por el mismo equipo quirúrgico. Criterios de inclusión: diagnóstico clínico, radiografía con estrés y resonancia magnética compatibles con lesión de EPM, inestabilidad grado III luego de 3 meses de tratamiento ortopédico, técnica de reconstrucción de La Prade, al menos 12 meses de seguimiento. Criterios de exclusión: discordancia entre clínica e imagenología, inestabilidad grado I o II, y otra técnica quirúrgica. Evaluación con IKDC y Lysholm antes de la cirugía, a los 6 y 12 meses de seguimiento postcirugía. RESULTADOS: 30 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Promedio de edad 43 años (24­69). Veintiocho pacientes presentaron lesiones de alta energía, 20 pacientes fueron diagnosticados en agudo, mientras que 10 fueron diagnosticados luego de malos resultados en reconstrucción de otros ligamentos. Veintiocho presentaron lesiones asociadas: 11 casos asociados a lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior, 3 casos asociados a lesión de ligamento cruzado posterior, 3 casos en asociación con lesiones meniscales, 9 casos con lesión asociada de ligamento cruzado anterior y posterior, y 2 casos en asociación con ligamento cruzado anterior, posterior y ligamento colateral lateral. Promedio de tiempo hasta la reconstrucción de EPM fue de 5 meses (rango 2­32). Puntuación en Lysholm e IKDC (preoperatorio 18,2 y 24,3 respectivamente), mejoraron a 76,7 y 70,7 después de 1 año de seguimiento. Al fin del seguimiento, el rango articular promedio era 113° (90­140), la mayoría de los pacientes (24) tuvieron estabilidad tipo A según IKDC. CONCLUSIÓN: La reconstrucción de lesiones de EPM mejora los resultados clínicos en pacientes con inestabilidad crónica posteromedial de rodilla. Se observó mejoría en la estabilidad y scores funcionales de todos los pacientes.

OBJETIVE: Report the experience, after 1-year follow-up, of 30 patients with La Prade's anatomical reconstruction of posteromedial corner (PMC) injuries. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. 30 patients with PMC injuries operated by the same surgical team. Inclusion criteria: clinical presentation, stress radiographs and MRI compatible with PMC injury, grade III chronic instability in spite of at least 3 months of orthopedic treatment, La Prade's anatomical technique reconstruction, 12 months follow-up at least. Exclusion criteria: discordance between clinical and image studies, grade I or II medial instability, any other surgical technique. IKDC and Lysholm at the preoperative evaluation, 6 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age 43 years (24­69). 28 patients presented high-energy mechanism of injury. Twenty patients were diagnosed in the acute setting, while 10 had a delayed diagnosis after poor results of other ligament reconstruction. Majority (28) had associated injuries: 11 cases PMC + anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, 3 PMC + posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, 3 PMC + meniscal tears, 9 PMC + ACL + PCL injuries, and 2 PMC + ACL + PCL + lateral collateral ligament injuries. Mean time for PMC reconstruction was 5 months (range 2­32). Preoperative Lysholm and IKDC scores (18,2 and 24,3 respectively) improved to 76,7 and 70,7 after 1-year follow-up. At the end of follow-up, average ROM was 113° (90­140), most patients (24) had type A IKDC stability. CONCLUSION: Acceptable results were achieved following reconstruction of PMC injuries in patients with chronic posteromedial knee instability. We observed instability and functional scores improvement in all patients.

Factores de riesgo relacionados a la falla de la sutura meniscal en niños y adolescentes / Risk factors related to meniscal suture failure in children and adolescents

Las lesiones meniscales en niños son cada día más frecuentes. La preservación meniscal es una prioridad en este grupo de pacientes, sin embargo, existen pocos artículos que muestran los resultados de suturas meniscales en niños. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es identificar factores de riesgo de falla en pacientes sometidos a una sutura meniscal en niños menores de 18 años. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de 35 pacientes sometidos a una sutura meniscal, con una edad promedio de 16 años (13­18) y un seguimiento de 71 meses de media (16­115). Se evaluaron 6 variables: tipo, localización y tamaño de la lesión, edad, técnica quirúrgica y asociación a rotura de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). Los pacientes que presentaron falla de la sutura meniscal fueron identificados y sometidos a una regresión logística usando un modelo Stata V.14.0. RESULTADOS: 9 pacientes (24.3%) presentaron una falla en su cirugía durante el seguimiento. Lesiones iniciales mayores a 16 mm mostraron una tasa de re-rotura de un 73% independiente de la técnica quirúrgica. En lesiones menores a 16 mm, se obtuvo un 78% de reparaciones exitosas. No se encontró relación entre la re-rotura meniscal y lesión de LCA, tipo y localización de la lesión, técnica quirúrgica y edad de los pacientes. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio muestra que la reparación meniscal en niños tiene buenos resultados con una tasa de éxito promedio de un 75%. El riesgo de falla de sutura meniscal se correlacionó con el tamaño inicial de la lesión con un 73% de fallo en lesiones mayores a 16 mm independientemente del tipo de cirugía.

Meniscal tears are uncommon in the pediatric population, with an increasing number. Currently meniscal preservation is a priority when treating these injuries. However, only a few studies have reported the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic meniscal repair in children and its risk factors of failure. OBJECTIVE: Identify risk factors related to meniscal suture failure in patients under 18 years who underwent a meniscal repair. METHODS: Retrospective study of 35 patients with an average age of 16 years (13 - 18) who underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair with a mean follow up of 71.1 months (16­115). We evaluate 6 variables: type, location and size of meniscal tear, age, surgical technique and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) association. Patients with re-rupture were identified and statistical analysis was performed through a logistic regression model using Stata V.14.0. RESULTS: 9 patients (24.3%) presented a suture failure during follow-up. Average time for re-rupture was 16 months (4­60 months). With an initial tear size of 16 mm or bigger, 73% of the meniscal repair will fail despite surgery technique. With an initial tear size smaller than 16 mm, 78% of will heal. No association was found between meniscal re-rupture and ACL rupture, type and location of tear, surgical technique and age. Conclusion: In our study meniscal repairs in pediatric population had good overall results with a global healing rate of 75.7%. The risk of suture failure was related to the initial size of meniscal tear: when meniscal tear is bigger than 16 mm, 73% of them will fail despite surgery.