Surgical treatment of chronic proximal patellar tendon tears grades 3 and 4 using augmentation with quadriceps tendon-bone graft.

BACKGROUND: Chronic proximal patellar tendinosis with partial tendon tears represents a multifactorial overuse injury. Several surgical techniques have been described with various outcomes and the return to sports may fail. HYPOTHESIS: Reconstruction of the proximal patellar tendon with augmentation using a quadriceps tendon-bone (QTB) graft improves knee function in patients presenting with proximal patellar tendinosis and partial tendon tears. METHODS: Forty-seven patients (32 males, 15 females) with chronic proximal patellar tendinosis and tendon tears grade 3 and 4 were treated between 1992 and 2018. Patients were evaluated retrospectively using the Popkin-Golman (PG) MRI grading system and the removed tendon parts. The Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain were used as outcome measures before surgery and at follow up. Complete data were available in 100% of cases at 6 months follow up, and fifteen of them at later follow up. RESULTS: The average follow up was 1.5 years (range, 0.5-16). The TAS improved from a mean preoperative score of 3.7 to a mean postoperative score of 9.1. The median NRS status decreased from an average of 6.4 to 1.1. Two patients needed additional arthroscopic scar tissue removal. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of proximal patellar tendon tears grades 3 and 4 with augmentation using a QTB graft is a valuable surgical salvage procedure in chronic cases. It improves knee function and yields good to excellent results in most cases including high level athletes. The use of MRI with the PG classification of tendon tears is highly recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic case series, Level IV.

Patellar tendon lengthening and augmentation with quadriceps tendon graft for treatment of severe patella infera.

BACKGROUND: Patella infera represents a permanent abnormally low position of the patella with three characteristics: distal position of the patella in the femoral trochlea, permanent shortening of the patellar tendon, and decreased distance between the inferior pole of the patella and the articular surface of the tibia. Several surgical techniques have been described to resolve this disabling condition with varying outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Lengthening of the shortened patellar tendon with augmentation using a quadriceps tendon graft in combination with excessive intra-articular release improve knee function in patients presenting with severe and permanent patella infera. METHODS: Nine patients (four males, five females) with significant patella infera were treated between 2004 and 2020. The low position of the patella was documented using the Caton-Deschamps index. The Tegner Lysholm knee scoring scale and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain were used as outcome measures before surgery and at follow up. Complete data were available in 100% of cases at 12 months follow up, and in 78% at final follow up. RESULTS: The average follow up was 4.2 years (range, 1-16 years). The Tegner Lysholm score improved from a mean preoperative score of 43.8 to a mean postoperative score of 80.5. The median NRS status decreased from an average of 6.7 (range, 5-8) to 2.3 (range, 1-7). The median preoperative flexion was 103.3° (range, 40-125°), rising to 126.6° (range, 40-145°). The median preoperative Caton-Deschamps ratio of 0.32 (range, 0-0.6) improved to 0.99 (range, 0.9-1.1) at final follow up. Two patients needed additional surgical treatment (arthroscopic scar tissue removal and proximalisation of the tibial tuberosity). CONCLUSION: Lengthening of a shortened patellar tendon with augmentation using a quadriceps tendon graft combined with excessive intra-articular release is an individually adapted surgical salvage procedure to treat permanent patella infera. It improves knee function and yields good to excellent results in most cases.

Patella Alta: When to Correct and Impact on Other Anatomic Risk Factors for Patellofemoral Instability.

Patella alta is described as abnormally high-riding patella in relation to the femur, the trochlear groove, or the tibia with decreased bony stability. Patella alta represents an important predisposing factor for patellofemoral instability. Different measurement methods are used to define patella alta. Despite the clinical importance of patella alta, there is only limited consensus on cutoff values, indications for treatment, and ideal correction. In addition, the impact of patella alta on other risk factors for lateral patellar instability is significant. This must be considered when assessing clinical complaints and choosing the best individual treatment. Combined surgical interventions may be necessary.

Reflections on Rotational Osteotomies around the Patellofemoral Joint.

Torsional abnormalities of the femur represent a significant risk factor for patellar instability or patellofemoral complaints. Although their clinical implication has been demonstrated, there is still a debate going on about different aspects. These include, especially, the various methods of measurements with a wide range of physiologic values, the indication or clear recommendation for surgical correction, and the site of the rotational osteotomy. Nevertheless, good subjective and objective functional results were reported after femoral rotational osteotomies. This is mostly not a review of the literature, but a collection of personal thoughts and observations.

Combined deepening trochleoplasty and supracondylar external rotation osteotomy for recurrent patellar instability in patients with trochlear dysplasia and increased femoral antetorsion.

BACKGROUND: Deepening trochleoplasty has become a part of surgical management in patients with patellar instability and severe trochlear dysplasia. In addition, increased femoral antetorsion is treated most commonly by proximal femoral external rotation osteotomy. HYPOTHESIS: Deepening trochleoplasty and supracondylar femoral external rotation osteotomy in combination improve patellar stability and function in patients presenting with recurrent patellar instability due to trochlear dysplasia and increased femoral antetorsion. STUDY DESIGN: Therapeutic case series; Level IV. METHODS: Combined deepening trochleoplasty and supracondylar external rotation osteotomy were performed in seven female patients (nine knees) with recurrent patellar instability. Trochlear dysplasia (Dejour classification) and increased femoral antetorsion (Murphy computed tomography (CT)-based measurement) were documented using magnetic resonance imaging and CT scans. Data were collected prospectively preoperatively, at 12 months, and at final follow-up. Complete data were available in 100% of cases. Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Kujala score and Tegner activity level scale. RESULTS: The average age at the time of surgery was 22.2 years (range, 17-29 years). Preoperative MRI-based findings demonstrated in all patients significant trochlear dysplasia (B in two, C in five, and D in two knees). Femoral antetorsion was 37.8° on average (range, 27-51°). The mean follow-up was 2.1 years after surgery (range, 1-5.5 years). The median Kujala score was 41.2 preoperatively, rising to 83.1 at final follow-up (P = .015). The Tegner activity score improved from a mean preoperative score of 2.7 to a mean postoperative score of 6.0 (P = .020). Good patellar stability without positive apprehension sign was found in all patients. Poor outcome was associated with significant patellofemoral cartilage damage (grade IV) at the time of surgery. A total of 88.8% of patients were satisfied with the knee function at final follow-up. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The combination of deepening trochleoplasty and supracondylar external rotation osteotomy performed in one step is an individually adapted surgical procedure for restoring both horizontal limb alignment and trochlear geometry. It improves patellar stability and yields good subjective and objective functional results in most cases. The condition of the cartilage at the time of surgery is crucial for the outcome with respect to the pain.

Patella Alta: A Comprehensive Review of Current Knowledge.

We systematically reviewed patella alta with respect to type of measurements, reported cutoff values, cutoff values for surgical correction, and proposed surgical techniques. Using the term patella alta, we performed a systematic literature search on PubMed. Inclusion criteria were original study or review articles, publication in peer-reviewed English-language journals between 2000 and 2017, and narrative description or measurement of human patellar height on plain radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All evidence levels were included. Of 211 articles identified, 92 met the inclusion criteria for original study, and 28 for review. The 92 original study articles defined patella alta mostly with imaging-based measurements (81.5%) and more rarely by description only (18.5%). Eighteen types of measurement methods with 27 different cutoff values were used to assess patella alta; these methods included lateral radiographs, sagittal MRI, radiographic ratios measured on MRI, and patellar tendon length. The Insall-Salvati index (ISI) was used more than the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI); cutoff values for patella alta varied from >1.2 to >1.5 for ISI and from >1.2 to >1.3 for CDI. Both indices were seldom used on MRI; cutoff values were similar to those for conventional radiographs. On sagittal MRI, the patellotrochlear index was used most; cutoff values ranged from <0.125 to 0.28. Eleven studies used patellar tendon length and found it was increased (>52 mm to >56 mm). The 28 reviews described patella alta mostly with ISI (75%) or CDI (64%). However, 12 (57%) of the 21 review studies that used ISI and 7 (39%) of the 18 review studies that used CDI did not report cutoff values. Only 2 review studies suggested an ideal patellar height after surgery. Different procedures were used to treat patella alta: tibial tubercle distalization with and without patellar tendon tenodesis, tibial tubercle distalization and medialization, and distal advancement of the patellar tendon. Only 11 original studies proposed a critical patellar height as an indication for surgery; however, these studies mainly used CDI, and only 4 mentioned a desired postoperative patellar height after correction. Our review revealed many variations in patella alta definitions and descriptions, measurement methods, cutoff values, and treatment options. Presence of patella alta depends on the measurement method used. Unfortunately, there is no generally accepted consensus on patella alta. Given its influence on patellofemoral loading/stress and patellar stability, however, we must strive to establish a consensus in the near future.

Cortical desmoids in adolescent top-level athletes.

Two adolescent, highly active athletes are presented with unspecific symptoms of anterior knee pain. Conventional radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a suspicious but pathognomonic cortical irregularity of the dorsal, medial femoral condyle. Cortical desmoid is one of the most common incidental osseous findings on conventional radiographs and MRI of the knee. It often needs no follow-up examination in asymptomatic patients. Malignancy needs however to be ruled out.

Surgical management of traumatic avulsion of the ischial tuberosity in young athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Complete traumatic avulsion of the ischial tuberosity in young athletes is rare, and the optimal treatment is unclear. The purpose of this article is to present our experience and the efficacy of surgical repair of avulsions of the ischial tuberosity with bony dislocation of more than 2 cm and to discuss the complex postoperative rehabilitation. METHODS: Three young athletes sustained complete avulsion of the ischial tuberosity with bony dislocation during different sport activities (long jump, soccer, sprinting). The age at the time of injury ranged from 13.8 to 15 years. All underwent surgical repair with reattachment of the hamstring muscle complex to the origin on the ischium. The time from injury to repair varied from 2 to 22 weeks. All patients underwent a specific postoperative rehabilitation program. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 24 months. RESULTS: All athletes had improved with surgery and had good subjective and objective functional results. One patient needed operative revision 1 day after primary repair because of suture loosening because of excessive muscle contractions during wake up after general anesthesia. Finally, all returned to their preinjury sport at the same level. CONCLUSIONS: Young athletes with traumatic avulsion of the ischial tuberosity and dislocation of more than 2 cm benefit from operative repair. Good results were achieved in all cases on the basis of functional recovery and patient satisfaction. Chronic complaints could be avoided, and also return to sport was possible. Surgery under spinal anesthesia is recommended.

Radiological evaluation for conflict of the femoral tunnel entrance area prior to anterior cruciate ligament revision surgery.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision surgery is a demanding procedure and requires meticulous pre-operative clinical and radiological assessment. In clinical practice the position of the femoral tunnel is identified mainly using plain radiographs (XR). Two-dimensional computed tomography (2D-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not yet routine imaging methods and are only performed in specific clinical indications or in the scientific setting. Several measurement methods describe the femoral tunnel after ACL reconstruction and indicate 'ideal or wrong' placement to the surgeon. The aim of this study is to provide a reliable measurement method to predict potential conflict between the pre-existing and the planned femoral tunnel entrance area (FTEA). METHODS: Ten patients with primary ACL reconstruction served as a reference group to describe our desired FTEA. Their femoral tunnel positioning was measured on XR and 2D-CT according to published measurement methods. These results were compared to the FTEA measured with a new technique on 3-dimensionally reconstructed CT-images (3D-CT) based on intra-operative landmarks. Twenty patients requiring ACL revision surgery underwent identical radiological examination. The mean values of the reference group were compared to each measurement of the patients requiring revision surgery. RESULTS: 3D-CT measurements found potential conflicts in nine out of 20 patients, which all proved to be true during arthroscopic revision surgery. Only one of these patients was identified in all XR and 2D-CT measurements. In 12 out of all 30 patients some measurements on XR or 2D-CT could not be recorded. CONCLUSION: 3D-CT reconstruction shows the most accuracy in depicting conflict of the pre-existing and desired femoral tunnel prior to ACL revision surgery. The desired FTEA must be defined for each surgeon and his individual technique. In contrast, precision of conventional measurement techniques on XR and 2D-CT is low and does not qualify for this purpose.

Patellar instability with increased knee flexion due to lateral femoral condyle distal dysplasia: a report of two cases.

We present two case reports with clinical and radiological assessment of the anatomical features at the distal lateral end of trochlea and femur in patients with patellar instability in higher knee flexion and how these findings could possibly be involved in the genesis of this rare type of patellar instability. Both patients underwent several (nine and seven) surgical procedures, but the patellar instability could not be successfully eliminated. Our hypothesis was that a short and flattened lateral distal condyle/trochlea may cause lateral patellar instability in higher flexion. We found considerable anatomical variations at the distal lateral femoral condyle and trochlea in both patients. Individually tailored surgical procedures were selected for each patient according to the documented variations and the previous operations. Our surgical interventions consisted of different components, such as osteotomy of the distal lateral femoral condyle/trochlea with lengthening and elevation, balancing of the medial and lateral patellar soft tissue structures, MPFL reconstruction, transposition of the medialised tibial tubercle and the patellar tendon back to lateral to the normal initial anatomical position. With these procedures, lateral patellar instability with increased flexion could be completely eliminated in both patients at the 1- and 2-year follow-up. Our experience of assessment and treatment of these patients let us conclude that variations of the distal lateral femoral condyle/trochlea morphology may be responsible for patellar instability with increased flexion. This is another type of patellar instability caused by distal condyle/trochlea dysplasia compared to the well known and often described types of patellar instability close to extension caused by proximal trochlea dysplasia.

The lateral condyle index: a new index for assessing the length of the lateral articular trochlea as predisposing factor for patellar instability.

The central trochlea has been considered as the major location of dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the lateral trochlea on patellar stability and to establish a new method for measuring the lateral trochlea on sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images. Twenty-eight knees of 23 patients suffering from lateral patellar subluxation (12 knees with radiological signs of central trochlear dysplasia) and of 46 patients without patellofemoral complaints (without central trochlear dysplasia) were analysed. The lateral condyle index was designed to measure the lateral trochlea by comparing the anterior cartilaginous trochlea (a) and the posterior aspect (p) [(a:p)× 100]. The lateral condyle index showed high interrater reliability (r = .94) and was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in symptomatic patients (86%) than in the control group (93%). These results show high clinical relevance of the lateral trochlea as another factor for patellar instability.

Anterior-posterior trochlear measurements of normal and dysplastic trochlea by axial magnetic resonance imaging.

Different surgical techniques have been described to correct trochlear dysplasia, without clear descriptions of the various types of trochlear dysplasia. In describing trochlear dysplasia, there exist no clear criteria to distinguish between decreased trochlear depth (heightened trochlea floor) and flattened lateral and/or medial condylar height. The current study aims to build a database of axial MRI measurements of normal and abnormal trochlear shape to create a foundation for the selection of the necessary surgical correction to more normal trochlear anatomy. We prospectively examined 152 subjects: 30 patients with patellar instability due to trochlea dysplasia and 122 subjects without any symptoms or objective findings related to the patellofemoral joint. MRI was performed in both groups. The height of the medial and lateral condyle, and the center of the trochlea was measured on axial MR images. The height of these different locations was compared to the total width of the femoral condyle and expressed in percentages. The statistical analysis was conducted with the Student's t test at SPSS software. For intraobserver reliability 20 randomly taken MRI were evaluated twice. The intraobserver reliability was determined by calculating the kappa values investigated parameter. In normal subjects, the height of the lateral condyle was 81% of the width of the femoral condyle (100 units),the trochlear central height was 73%, the medial condylar height was 76%. In patients with patellar instability, the lateral condylar height was 82% and showed no significant difference compared to the normal group (P = 0.082). The trochlear central (77%) and medial condylar height (79%) were significantly different (P < 0.001) compared to the normal subjects. The location of pathology in patients with patellar instability was decreased lateral condylar height in five cases (16.6%) and decreased central/medial height in 25 cases (83.4%). A height of the lateral condyle <77% was documented to be pathologic. There was also a significant difference (P < 0.001) between males and females comparing the different heights of the trochlea to the total width of the femoral condyle. The resultant percentages of all three height measurements, the lateral, central, and medial heights, were greater in males than in females. The intraobserver reliability was perfect for all investigated parameters. In conclusion, (1) the presented measurement scheme on axial MRI is a reliable method to calculate the height of the trochlea in different locations, (2) a more objective assessment of the trochlear pathology is possible, (3) in five of six cases the pathology is located in the center and/or medial trochlea, and (4) in our series of patellofemoral instability patients, most would benefit from a deepening trochleaplasty as the surgical procedure of choice to correct dysplasia.

The patellotrochlear index: a new index for assessing patellar height.

The radiological methods to determine patellar height described in the literature are variable, not reliable and depend on the chosen ratio. The purpose of this paper is to describe another method of measuring patellar height on sagittal MRI using the true articular cartilage patellotrochlear relationship. An analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) examinations of 66 consecutive patients was performed. The most common diagnoses were meniscal or anterior cruciate ligament pathologies. No patient suffered from patellofemoral complaints. Measurements on sagittal MR images included different parameters using the articular cartilage of the patella and the trochlea. The ratio patella : trochlea of the cartilage baselines was measured in percentages and described as patellotrochlear index. The measurements were assessed at two different times by three raters under blinded conditions. The mean patellotrochlear index was 31.7% (CI: 12.5-50.0; range -5.0 to 61.1%; SD +/-11.6). The intraobserver variability showed only in the "second observer" a difference of the mean values of the two different measurements (t=2.189; P=0.032). The interobserver correlation was high and significant (0.663-0.893; P=0.000). Our results indicate that the patellotrochlear index is a reliable and precise method to determine the exact articular correlation of the patellofemoral joint and the patellar height. The results represent the average patellotrochlear index in the normal population without patellofemoral complaints. Measurements of the articular cartilage congruence can be helpful to define an underlying pathology of patellar height, such as patella alta or infera.

Surgical treatment for persistent complaints following rupture of the fascia of the plantaris longus muscle: a case report.

We report an unusual injury of the plantaris longus muscle with failed conservative treatment but successful surgical intervention. A simple surgical technique offers a minimally-invasive solution for treating persistent complaints.

Symphysis syndrome in athletes: surgical treatment for chronic lower abdominal, groin, and adductor pain in athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the results of surgical treatment on athletes presenting with chronic symphysis syndrome (lower abdominal, groin, and adductor pain). DESIGN: Retrospective nonrandomized study. SETTING: Swiss Olympic Medical Center associated with Institute of Sports Sciences. PATIENTS: Twenty-four athletes who were treated for chronic symphysis syndrome, a combination of abdominal, groin, and adductor pain, were evaluated for an average of 6.6 years after surgery. All athletes were males, with a mean age of 25.8 years. The average duration of chronic symptoms was 17 months. INTERVENTIONS: Of patients, 20 underwent spreading of the lateral border of the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle together with an epimysial adductor release, and 4 had only the reconstruction of the rectus abdominis muscle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective (questionnaire) and objective (clinical examination) follow-up data using point scores were obtained at a mean of 6.6 years posttreatment. RESULTS: The mean point score in the subjective overall rating was 10.2 (maximum 12) and in the objective rating was 12.0 (maximum 13). Of athletes, 21 were very content, 2 were content, and 1 was not content. Full sports activity was noted in 23 of 24 athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of chronic symphysis syndrome is successful and can salvage the career of athletes.

Sources of anterior knee pain.

The anterior part of the knee consists mainly of structures belonging to the patellofemoral joint, which includes a variety of tissues, such as cartilage, subchondral bone, synovial plicae, infrapatellar fat pad, retinacula, capsule, and tendons. Each of these structures, alone or in combination, can be a source of anterior knee pain. Unphysiologic load or changed metabolic activities can lead to structural failure with loss of homeostatic conditions.

Overuse injuries of the extensor mechanism in athletes.

This article reviews the functional anatomy, pathophysiology, and overall management of overuse injuries of the extensor mechanism in athletes.