Arthroscopic Physeal Sparing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis With Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendons.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among young patients have increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to present a physeal-sparing intra- and extra-articular reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendons autograft. In recent years, the management of these injuries in the pediatric population has become increasingly surgical to restore knee function and reduce the risk of meniscal and chondral injury due to persistent knee instability. However, this is a population at high risk for ACL graft rupture, but it can be lowered by an addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). This study shows the pearls and pitfalls of an arthroscopic physeal-sparing ACL reconstruction combined with a concomitant LET using hamstrings autograft.

Clinical Results of Combined ACL and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Narrative Review from the SANTI Study Group.

Lateral extraarticular procedures (LEAPs) in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured knee were widely abandoned in the 1990s but have seen a recent resurgence. The aim of this review was to demonstrate that anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) is associated with evidence of significant advantages and no evidence of historical concerns. A narrative review of the literature was performed. Combined ACL + ALLR is associated with improved outcomes when compared against isolated ACL reconstruction, including a significantly lower risk of ACL graft rupture (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.327, 95% CI: 0.130-0.758), a significantly lower risk of reoperation for secondary meniscectomy following medial meniscal repair at the time of ACL reconstruction (HR: 0.443, 95% CI: 0.218-0.866), significantly increased likelihood of return to the preinjury level of sport following primary (odds ratio [OR]: 1.938, 95% CI: 1.174-3.224) and revision ACL reconstruction (57.1 vs. 25.6%, respectively; p = 0.008), and in chronic ACL injuries, less residual pivot shift (9.1 vs. 35.3%, p = 0.011), and better IKDC (92.7 ± 5.9 vs. 87.1 ± 9.0, p = 0.0013) and Lysholm (95.4 ± 5.3 vs. 90.0 ± 7.1, p < 0.0001) scores, and no evidence of historical concerns. Combined ACLR + ALLR is associated with excellent clinical outcomes with no evidence of the adverse events that led to the historical widespread abandonment of other types of LEAP. Specifically, comparative series have demonstrated significant advantages of ALLR when compared against isolated ACLR with respect to reduced rates of ACL graft rupture, secondary meniscectomy, persistent instability, and significantly improved functional outcomes and improved return to sport metrics.

Patellar Fracture Fixation Using Suture Tape Cerclage.

Transverse patellar fractures are a relatively common injury and typically require surgical fixation. An adequate restoration of patella integrity is essential for proper functioning of the extensor mechanism of the knee and for the prevention of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Currently, the treatment of transverse fractures of the patellar bone involves several surgical techniques, most of which involve the use of metallic implants. Despite good clinical results following surgery, numerous complications exist, including primarily symptomatic hardware following surgical treatment. The purpose of this article is to describe the technique for treatment of a transverse patellar fracture using a high-resistance tape (FiberTape; Arthrex) and a tensioner (Arthrex) instead of traditional metallic implants.

Partial Medial Meniscectomy Using Needle Arthroscopy and a Standardized Local Anesthetic Protocol.

Needle arthroscopic procedures of the knee offer potential advantages over standard arthroscopic procedures. The small size of the instruments allows for surgery without the use of a scalpel or suture, potentially decreased recovery times, and potentially reduced complication rates compared with traditional arthroscopy. In some patients, the procedure can be performed without the use of either general anesthesia or sedation. The purpose of this article is to provide a standardized technique guide for needle arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy under local anesthesia.

The role of Superior Capsule Reconstruction in the irreparable rotator cuff tear - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Irreparable rotator cuff tears in active patients provide a significant challenge and a consensus on the gold standard treatment is currently lacking. Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) has recently been advocated and functions by providing a passive biological constraint to superior humeral head migration. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature to evaluate the role of SCR in terms of functional outcome scores and failure rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review of the online databases Medline and EMBASE was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines on the 28th January 2019. Clinical studies reporting SCR using any type of graft or surgical technique were included if reporting either functional outcome scores or rate of secondary surgery. The studies were appraised using the Methodological index for non-randomised studies tool. RESULTS: The search strategy identified nine studies eligible for inclusion; five reported on fascia lata autografts and four studies reported on dermal allografts. All nine studies reported significant improvement in functional scores after SCR. Rates of secondary surgery were only provided in the dermal allograft studies at short-term follow-up (mean 10.9 to 32.4months) and ranged from 0 to 18.6%. Radiological assessment revealed graft failure in 5.5 to 55% of dermal allografts and 4.2 to 36.1% of fascia lata autografts. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates that SCR is a useful treatment modality for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. SCR was associated with significantly improved functional outcome scores in all studies. All studies reported a preserved or increased mean AHD. The radiological graft failure rate ranged from 4.2 to 55% and the short duration of follow-up in most studies means that this remains an important concern that requires longer-term evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, systematic review.

Arthrogenic muscle inhibition after ACL reconstruction: a scoping review of the efficacy of interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether reported therapeutic interventions for arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in patients with ACL injuries, following ACL reconstruction, or in laboratory studies of AMI, are effective in improving quadriceps activation failure when compared with standard therapy in control groups. DESIGN: A scoping review of the efficacy of interventions was conducted in accordance with the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Search terms included 'arthrogenic muscle inhibition', 'quadriceps activation following knee injuries', 'anterior cruciate' or 'knee' combined with 'quadriceps activation', 'quadriceps inhibition', 'corticomotor', 'arthrogenic', 'brain activation' and 'neuroplasticity'. Articles were evaluated for risk of bias using the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) criteria. The overall quality of evidence for each intervention was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Isolated case reports and articles reporting outcomes in patients with chronic disease or major trauma were excluded. All other original research articles were included. RESULTS: 780 potential articles were identified. 20 met the inclusion criteria. These studies provided a moderate quality of evidence to support the efficacy of cryotherapy and physical exercises in the management of AMI. There was low-quality evidence for efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and very low-quality evidence for efficacy of ultrasound and vibration. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review demonstrated moderate-quality evidence for the efficacy of cryotherapy and physical exercises in improving quadriceps activation failure after ACL injury and reconstruction. These therapeutic modalities are therefore recommended in the management of AMI.

Anatomic and Histological Study of the Anterolateral Aspect of the Knee: A SANTI Group Investigation.

BACKGROUND: The structure and function of the anterolateral aspect of the knee have been significantly debated, with renewed interest in this topic since the description of the anterolateral ligament (ALL). PURPOSE: To define and describe the distinct structures of the lateral knee and to correlate the macroscopic and histologic anatomic features. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Twelve fresh-frozen human cadavers were used for anatomic analysis. In the left knee, a layer-by-layer dissection and macroscopic analysis were performed. In the right knee, an en bloc specimen was obtained encompassing an area from the Gerdy tubercle to the posterior fibular head and extending proximally from the anterior aspect to the posterior aspect of the lateral femoral epicondyle. The en bloc resection was then frozen, sliced at the level of the joint line, and reviewed by a musculoskeletal pathologist. RESULTS: Macroscopically, the lateral knee has 4 main layers overlying the capsule of the knee: the aponeurotic layer, the superficial layer including the iliotibial band (ITB), the deep fascial layer, and the ALL. Histologically, 8 of 12 specimens demonstrated 4 consistent, distinct structures: the ITB, the ALL, the lateral collateral ligament, and the meniscus. CONCLUSION: The lateral knee has a complex orientation of layers and fibers. The ALL is a distinct structure from the ITB and is synonymous to the previously described capsulo-osseous layer of the ITB. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increasingly, lateral extra-articular procedures are performed at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Understanding the anatomic features of the anterolateral aspect of the knee is necessary to understand the biomechanics and function of the structures present and allows surgeons to attempt to replicate those anatomic characteristics when performing extra-articular reconstruction.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Suture Tape Augmentation.

The advent of suture tape augmentation has led to increased use in knee, elbow, and ankle ligament repairs and reconstructions. Recent biomechanical analysis of the use of suture tape augmentation have shown superior strength characteristics compared with repair or reconstruction alone. Despite its increased use in extra-articular ligament procedures, its use as an augment to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has not been widely described. This article details a simple technique to incorporate the use of suture tape augmentation during concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring autograft.

Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Protects the Repaired Medial Meniscus: A Comparative Study of 383 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions From the SANTI Study Group With a Minimum Follow-up of 2 Years.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of osteoarthritis after successful meniscal repair is significantly less than that after failed meniscal repair. PURPOSE: To determine whether the addition of anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) confers a protective effect on medial meniscal repair performed at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed to include all patients who had undergone primary ACLR with concomitant posterior horn medial meniscal repair through a posteromedial portal between January 2013 and August 2015. ACLR autograft choice was bone-patellar tendon-bone, hamstring tendons (or quadrupled hamstring tendons), or quadrupled semitendinosus tendon graft with or without ALLR. At the end of the study period, all patients were contacted to determine if they had undergone reoperation. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to perform multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 383 patients (mean ± SD age, 27.4 ± 9.2 years) were included with a mean follow-up of 37.4 months (range, 24-54.9 months): 194 patients underwent an isolated ACLR, and 189 underwent a combined ACLR + ALLR. At final follow-up, there was no significant difference between groups in postoperative side-to-side laxity (isolated ACLR group, 0.9 ± 0.9 mm [min to max, -1 to 3]; ACLR + ALLR group, 0.8 ± 1.0 mm [min to max, -2 to 3]; P = .2120) or Lysholm score (isolated ACLR group, 93.0 [95% CI, 91.3-94.7]; ACLR + ALLR group, 93.7 [95% CI, 92.3-95.1]; P = .556). Forty-three patients (11.2%) underwent reoperation for failure of the medial meniscal repair or a new tear. The survival rates of meniscal repair at 36 months were 91.2% (95% CI, 85.4%-94.8) in the ACLR + ALLR group and 83.8% (95% CI, 77.1%-88.7%; P = .033) in the ACLR group. The probability of failure of medial meniscal repair was >2 times lower in patients with ACLR + ALLR as compared with patients with isolated ACLR (hazard ratio, 0.443; 95% CI, 0.218-0.866). No other prognosticators of meniscal repair failure were identified. CONCLUSION: Combined ACLR and ALLR is associated with a significantly lower rate of failure of medial meniscal repairs when compared with those performed at the time of isolated ACLR.

The Anterolateral Ligament: An Anatomic Study on Sex-Based Differences.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral ligament (ALL) has been shown to have an important role in rotatory stability of the knee. While there is abundant research on sex-based differences related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, there is a paucity of literature related to such differences in the ALL. PURPOSE: To define any sex-based differences in the ALL with regard to length, width, and thickness. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: The ALL was initially evaluated in 165 unpaired knees (92 males and 65 females after exclusion criteria applied). The length, width, and thickness of the ALL were measured using a digital caliper. Width and thickness were measured at the joint line just superior to the lateral meniscus. The Mann-Whitney test and Student t tests were used to compare measurements between males and females. The Pearson product-moment correlation was subsequently used to determine the correlation between height and weight and the statistically different morphometric variables. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) thickness of the ALL in males was 2.09 ± 0.56 mm, almost twice as thick as females (1.05 ± 0.49 mm; P = 8.8 × 10-20). There was also a statistically significant difference in ALL length (P = 3.8 × 10-7), but no significant difference was found for width. A moderate association was found between donor height and ALL thickness and length. CONCLUSION: The anatomic measurements of the ALL demonstrate a difference between sexes, and the ALL is significantly thicker in males than females. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As the role of the ALL in rotatory stability of the knee becomes better understood, the difference in the thickness of the ALL we have found between the sexes may be another factor why female athletes have an increased incidence of ACL rupture compared with males. This may also help explain why females have issues with knee laxity and rotatory instability.

Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Is Associated With Significantly Reduced ACL Graft Rupture Rates at a Minimum Follow-up of 2 Years: A Prospective Comparative Study of 502 Patients From the SANTI Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Graft failure and low rates of return to sport are major concerns after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, particularly in a population at risk. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between reconstruction techniques and subsequent graft rupture and return-to-sport rates in patients aged 16 to 30 years participating in pivoting sports. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A prospective study of patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with a bone-patellar tendon-bone (B-PT-B) graft, quadrupled hamstring tendon (4HT) graft, or hamstring tendon graft combined with anterolateral ligament reconstruction (HT+ALL) was conducted by the Scientific ACL NeTwork International (SANTI) Study Group. Survivorship data from Kaplan-Meier analysis were analyzed in multivariate Cox regression models to identify the prognosticators of graft ruptures and return to sport. RESULTS: Five hundred two patients (mean age, 22.4 ± 4.0 years) with a mean follow-up of 38.4 ± 8.5 months (range, 24-54 months) were included. There were 105 B-PT-B, 176 4HT, and 221 HT+ALL grafts. The mean postoperative scores at latest follow-up were the following: Lysholm: 92.4 ± 8.6, Tegner: 7.4 ± 2.1, and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC): 86.8 ± 10.5 for B-PT-B grafts; Lysholm: 91.3 ± 9.9, Tegner: 6.6 ± 1.8, and subjective IKDC: 85.4 ± 10.4 for 4HT grafts; and Lysholm: 91.9 ± 10.2, Tegner: 7.0 ± 2.0, and subjective IKDC: 81.8 ± 13.1 for HT+ALL grafts. The mean side-to-side laxity was 0.6 ± 0.9 mm for B-PT-B grafts, 0.6 ± 1.0 mm for 4HT grafts, and 0.5 ± 0.8 mm for HT+ALL grafts. At a mean follow-up of 38.4 months, the graft rupture rates were 10.77% (range, 6.60%-17.32%) for 4HT grafts, 16.77% (range, 9.99%-27.40%) for B-PT-B grafts, and 4.13% (range, 2.17%-7.80%) for HT+ALL grafts. The rate of graft failure with HT+ALL grafts was 2.5 times less than with B-PT-B grafts (hazard ratio [HR], 0.393; 95% CI, 0.153-0.953) and 3.1 times less than with 4HT grafts (HR, 0.327; 95% CI, 0.130-0.758). There was no significant difference in the graft failure rate between 4HT and B-PT-B grafts (HR, 1.204; 95% CI, 0.555-2.663). Other prognosticators of graft failure included age ≤25 years ( P = .012) and a preoperative side-to-side laxity >7 mm ( P = .018). The HT+ALL graft was associated with higher odds of returning to preinjury levels of sport than the 4HT graft (odds ratio [OR], 1.938; 95% CI, 1.174-3.224) but not compared with the B-PT-B graft (OR, 1.460; 95% CI, 0.813-2.613). CONCLUSION: In a high-risk population of young patients participating in pivoting sports, the rate of graft failure with HT+ALL grafts was 2.5 times less than with B-PT-B grafts and 3.1 times less than with 4HT grafts. The HT+ALL graft is also associated with greater odds of returning to preinjury levels of sport when compared with the 4HT graft.

Surgical Management of Rectus Femoris Avulsion Among Professional Soccer Players.

BACKGROUND: Rectus femoris injuries are common among athletes, especially in kicking sports such as soccer; however, proximal rectus femoris avulsions in athletes are a relatively rare entity. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to describe and report the results of an original technique of surgical excision of the proximal tendon remnant followed by a muscular suture repair. Our hypothesis was that this technique limits the risk of recurrence in high-level athletes and allows for rapid recovery without loss of quadriceps strength. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Our retrospective series included 5 players aged 31.8 ± 3.9 years with acute proximal rectus femoris avulsion injuries who underwent a surgical resection of the proximal tendon between March 2012 and June 2014. Four of these players had recurrent rectus femoris injuries in the 9 months before surgery, while 1 player had surgery after a first injury. Mean follow-up was 18.2 ± 12.6 months, and minimum follow-up was 9 months. We analyzed the age, sex distribution, physical examination outcomes, type and mechanism of injury, diagnosis, treatment and complications during surgery, postoperative follow-up, and time to return to play. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Marx scores were obtained at 3-month follow-up, and isokinetic tests were performed before return to sports. A telephone interview was completed to determine the presence of recurrence at an average follow-up of 18.2 months. RESULTS: At 3-month follow-up, all patients had Marx activity scores of 16 and LEFS scores of 80. Return to the previous level of play occurred at a mean of 15.8 ± 2.6 weeks after surgery, and none of the athletes suffered a recurrence. Isokinetic test results were comparable between both sides. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of proximal rectus femoris avulsions, consisting of resection of the tendinous part of the muscle, is a reliable and safe technique allowing a fast recovery in professional athletes.

Hamstring Contracture After ACL Reconstruction Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Cyclops Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cyclops syndrome is characterized by loss of terminal knee extension due to proliferative fibrous nodule formation in the intercondylar notch. This complication occurs in the early postoperative period after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The pathogenesis of Cyclops syndrome is not well understood. HYPOTHESIS: Persistent hamstring contracture after ACLR is associated with an increased risk of subsequent Cyclops syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The files of 45 patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement of a Cyclops lesion after ACLR were analyzed. Recorded data included demographic information and technical details of surgery. Preoperative magnetic resonance images were also analyzed, and patients with femoral bone bruising were identified. Passive and active range of motion were recorded in all patients preoperatively and at 3 and 6 weeks after surgery to address the Cyclops lesion. Passive extension deficit was evaluated in comparison with the contralateral limb and classified as secondary to hamstring contracture when contracture was observed and palpated in the prone position and when the extension deficit was reversed after exercises performed to fatigue the hamstrings. A control group was selected using a random numbers table among our entire ACLR cohort. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze differences between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to age at ACLR, sex distribution, time from injury to surgery (P > .05), proportion of professional athletes, presence of femoral bone bruise, or technical aspects of surgery. The overall extension deficit incidence was significantly higher in the Cyclops group at 3 weeks (Cyclops, 71%; control, 22%) (P < .001) and at 6 weeks (Cyclops, 60%; control, 7%) (P < .001). The extension deficit related to hamstring contracture was significantly higher in the Cyclops group at 3 weeks (Cyclops, 58%; control, 22%) (P < .001) and at 6 weeks (Cyclops, 29%; control, 2%) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The Cyclops lesion is associated with a persistent hamstring contracture at 3 and 6 weeks after ACLR.

Reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon rupture with contralateral bone-tendon-bone autograft.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and functional outcome following the reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon ruptures using the contralateral bone-tendon-bone (BTB) autograft. METHODS: The records of seven patients who underwent reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon rupture with contralateral patellar BTB were retrospectively reviewed. Chronic tears were defined as a minimum of 3 months from injury to initial clinical evaluation. Clinical assessments included range of motion of the knee, Tegner, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and a radiographic analysis of patellar height (Caton-Deschamps index). Postoperative complications and quadriceps strength at last follow-up were reported. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients undergoing surgery was 33 (±10.5) years with a mean follow-up of 41.3 (±29.7) months. Reconstruction surgery was performed at an average of 16 months (3-60 months) after the injury. 86 % of the patients had a normal patella height with mean of patellar height of 1.5 (±0.2) in preoperative radiographs and of 1.2 (±0.07) on postoperative evaluation (p = 0.0136). The mean IKDC was 45.5 (±10.8) before surgery and 64.5 (±12.4) at the last follow-up (p = 0.0001), and Lysholm score was 45.4 (±11.3) and 79 (±11.8), respectively (p = 0.0001). The median Tegner activity scale preinjury was 6 (range 5-7), preoperatively was 1 (range 1-2) and 4 (range 2-5) postoperatively (p = 0.0001). All patients had quadriceps wasting with a difference in thigh girth between the injured side and healthy side of 3.6 ± 0.7 cm (ns). No surgical complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: In this limited cohort, surgical reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon ruptures using contralateral bone-tendon-bone graft was a safe and viable option that improves clinical and functional outcomes compared to presurgical function. However, despite the restoration of a normal patellar height, function did not return to preinjury level.