Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with greater tibial tunnel widening when using a bioabsorbable screw compared to an all-inside technique with suspensory fixation.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes and tunnel widening following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) performed with an all-inside technique (Group A) or with a bioabsorbable tibial screw and suspensory femoral fixation (Group B). METHODS: Tunnel widening was assessed using computed tomography (CT) and a previously validated analytical best fit cylinder technique at approximately 1-year following ACLR. Clinical follow-up comprised evaluation with IKDC, KSS, Tegner, Lysholm scores, and knee laxity assessment. RESULTS: The study population comprised 22 patients in each group with a median clinical follow-up of 24 months (range 21-27 months). The median duration between ACLR and CT was 13 months (range 12-14 months). There were no significant differences in clinical outcome measures between groups. There were no differences between groups with respect to femoral tunnel widening. However, there was a significantly larger increase in tibial tunnel widening, at the middle portion, in Group B (2.4 ± 1.5 mm) compared to Group A (0.8 ± 0.4 mm) (p = 0.027), and also at the articular portion in Group B (1.5 ± 0.8 mm) compared to Group A (0.8 ± 0.8 mm) (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Tibial tunnel widening after ACLR using hamstring tendon autograft is significantly greater with suspensory femoral fixation and a bioabsorbable tibial interference screw when compared to an all-inside technique at a median follow-up of 2 years. The clinical relevance of this work lies in the rebuttal of concerns arising from biomechanical studies regarding the possibility of increased tunnel widening with an all-inside technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Isokinetic flexion strength recovery after ACL reconstruction: a comparison between all inside graft-link technique and full tibial tunnel technique.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, a new minimally invasive single bundle technique for anatomic ACL reconstruction has been described, called the 'All-Inside graft-link technique'. One of the advantages of this procedure is the reduced morbidity at the donor site as the graft choice is the quadrupled semitendinosus, thus sparing the gracilis tendon. The aim of this study was to evaluate isokinetic flexion strength recovery in patients who underwent a gracilis sparing technique compared to those with a full-tibial tunnel technique using a doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendons (DGST) graft. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (22 patients) who underwent ACL reconstruction performed with an All-Inside graft-link technique; Group B (22 patients) who underwent ACL reconstruction with an Out-In technique and DGST graft. At a mean follow-up of 13 months, quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic peak torque deficits were recorded. RESULTS: In group A, the mean side to side peak torque flexion difference between the operated and non-operated limbs was -3% and the mean torque at 30° was -7.5% at high angular velocity (180°/sec); the mean peak flexion torque was 7.2% and the mean torque at 30° was 3.1% at low angular velocity (60°/sec). In group B, the mean side to side peak flexion torque was -3.5% and the mean torque at 30° was -7.6% at high angular velocity (180°/sec); the mean peak flexion torque was -7.2% and the mean torque at 30° was -11% at low angular velocity (60°/sec). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups at lower angular velocity both for the mean peak flexion torque and the mean torque at 30° (p = 0.009), with better results in the study group. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Gracilis sparing technique is a minimally invasive technique for ACL reconstruction and yielded a significantly better flexion strength recovery at lower angular velocity compared to a full tibial tunnel technique with DGST for ACL reconstruction.

Intraoperative Workflow for All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An In Vitro Biomechanical Evaluation of Preconditioning and Knot Tying.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effect of preconditioning according to intraoperative workflow on the elongation behavior of single-side and fully knotted all-inside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction configurations in a biomechanical in vitro study. METHODS: Four full construct all-inside ACL reconstruction groups (n = 8 per group) were tested using porcine tibias and bovine tendons. Groups included both an all-inside configuration with one- (group 1) and both-side knotted adjustable loop-length devices (group 2), without and with performing intraoperative preconditioning (group 1-intraoperative preconditioned [IPC], group 2-IPC). Adjustable loop-length devices for control groups were knotted according to test configurations. Intraoperative preconditioning specimens were further precycled for 10 times at 0.5 Hz and manually retensioned before knotting. All groups underwent dynamic cycling in position and force control mode each for 1,000 cycles at 0.75 Hz according to in vitro loading parameters replicating the in vivo ACL environment. Finally, a load-to-failure test at 50 mm/min was performed. RESULTS: Intraoperative preconditioning increases initial graft tension for single- (242 ± 22 N vs 174 ± 13 N; P < .0001) and both-side knotted configurations (225 ± 15 N vs 159 ± 10 N; P < .0001) compared with controls and allows maintained graft tension at higher levels until reaching the end of position-controlled cyclic loading. Furthermore, dynamic elongation is reduced for one- (1.93 ± 0.28 vs 0.76 ± 0.12; P < .0001) and both-side knotted (1.84 ± 0.20 vs 0.96 ± 0.32; P < .0001) configurations by 61% and 47%, respectively. No intergroup (group 1 vs group 2 and group 1-IPC vs group 2-IPC) statistically significant differences could be found between one- and both-side knotted configurations. CONCLUSIONS: All-inside ACL reconstruction with preconditioning according to intraoperative workflow leads to a statistically significant improved mechanical behavior and may allow for optimizing initial graft tension and elongation for all-inside ACL reconstruction to reduce knee laxity. A single-side knotted configuration achieves similar stabilization strength to fully knotted constructs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Graft insertion until tunnel docking increases the intratunnel graft portion that may optimize graft incorporation. Eliminating a suture knot stack may improve intraoperative workflow and reduce postoperative knot irritation.

The Effect of Sequential Tearing of the Anterior Cruciate and Anterolateral Ligament on Anterior Translation and the Pivot-Shift Phenomenon: A Cadaveric Study Using Navigation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of progressive lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) on anterior tibial translation (ATT) as evaluated through the Lachman test and internal tibial rotation (ITR) during a dynamic pivot-shift test in a cadaveric model. METHODS: A total of 7 specimens were tested using a navigation system (2.2 OrthoPilot ACL navigation system). The anterior stability of the knee was measured through the Lachman test and dynamic rotational stability was measured through the pivot-shift test in 3 different conditions: intact knee; ACL-deficient knee; and finally, ACL- and ALL-deficient knee. The resulting measurements from the navigation system recorded the real-time changes in both translation and internal rotation during the Lachman and pivot-shift maneuvers. RESULTS: Mean ATT was 7.57 ± 0.53 mm in the intact knee, 14 ± 2.44 mm in the ACL-deficient knee, and 14 ± 2.44 mm in the ACL- and ALL-deficient knee. Mean ITR during the pivot-shift test was 10.14° ± 2.26° in the intact knee, 12.14° ± 2.19° in the ACL-deficient knee, and 18.86° ± 2.73° in the ACL- and ALL-deficient knee. There was a statistically significant difference in static ATT between the intact and ACL-deficient knees (P = .039) but no difference through the addition of an ALL lesion (P = .068). For dynamic rotational control testing, there was no significant difference in ATT between groups but a significant difference in ITR was found (F = 25.17, P = .00034). CONCLUSIONS: During the pivot-shift test, a combined lesion of the ACL and ALL has a significant effect on ITR whereas an isolated lesion of the ACL has no effect on either ATT or ITR. During the Lachman test, an isolated lesion of the ACL has a significant effect on ATT but an additional lesion of the ALL does not affect ATT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dynamic rotational control as tested by the pivot-shift test is greatly influenced by a combined lesion of the ACL and ALL. In clinical cases of a pivot shift, addressing the anterolateral structures may be considered.

Functional treatment in rotator cuff tears: is it safe and effective? A retrospective comparison with surgical treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare rehabilitation protocol and operative treatment in a population of patients with a diagnosis of small to medium rotator cuff tears (≤3 cm), the null hypothesis being that there would been no difference in terms of clinical outcomes and patient's satisfaction between the rehabilitation protocol and the surgical treatment. METHODS: Patients with small to medium supraspinatus tears were retrospectively enrolled in this study and divided in 2 groups: arthroscopic repair (group A, 20 patients) and reinstated (group B, 18 patients). At a mean follow-up of 18 months, both groups underwent clinical (Constant, QuickDash, VAS), dynamometric and ultrasonographic evaluation. RESULTS: In both groups a significant clinical improvement was registered compared to baseline. However, surgical treatment yielded better results in Constant (p=0.004), Quick-Dash (p=0.0012), VAS (p=0.048) and strength evaluation (p=0.0014). In group A the re-tear rate was 10%, while in group B only 11% of increased tear size was registered. CONCLUSION: At a short term follow-up, the surgical treatment of small to medium supraspinatus tears yielded better clinical outcomes compared to the rehabilitation protocol, with better strength outcomes and 10% re-tear rate. Nevertheless, physiotherapy still offers acceptable results and could be a valuable option in patients not undergoing surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Chest pain caused by multiple exostoses of the ribs: A case report and a review of literature.

The aim of this paper is to report an exceptional case of multiple internal exostoses of the ribs in a young patient affected by multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) coming to our observation for chest pain as the only symptom of an intra-thoracic localization. A 16 years old patient with familiar history of MHE came to our observation complaining a left-sided chest pain. This pain had increased in the last months with no correlation to a traumatic event. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the presence of three exostoses located on the left third, fourth and sixth ribs, all protruding into the thoracic cavity, directly in contact with visceral pleura. Moreover, the apex of the one located on the sixth rib revealed to be only 12 mm away from pericardium. Patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy with an additional 4-cm mini toracotomy approach. At the last 1-year follow-up, patient was very satisfied and no signs of recurrence or major complication had occured. In conclusion, chest pain could be the only symptom of an intra-thoracic exostoses localization, possibly leading to serious complications. Thoracic localization in MHE must be suspected when patients complain chest pain. A chest CT scan is indicated to confirm exostoses and to clarify relationship with surrounding structures. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be considered a valuable option for exostoses removal, alone or in addiction to a mini-thoracotomy approach, in order to reduce thoracotomy morbidity.

Biomechanical comparison of four coupled fixation systems for ACL reconstruction with bone socket or full-tunnel on the tibial side.

BACKGROUND: To compare in an animal model the biomechanical properties of four coupled fixation devices currently used in ACL reconstruction. Three out of four devices used a full tibial tunnel with an interference screw, while the other one system used a tibial socket and an adjustable loop suspension device. The null hypothesis is that there are no biomechanical differences between all the techniques tested. METHODS: Thirty two femur-graft-tibia complexes were mounted on a tensile machine using bovine digital extensor tendons, porcine knees and four different fixation device combinations: After a preconditioning with a tensile load of 90N for five minutes, 1000cycles between 0 and 150N were applied to the complex before the final pulled to failure. Stiffness and strength were evaluated at the final pullout, as was the displacement (slippage) at one, 100, 500, and 1000cycles. RESULTS: The multiple mean comparison led to a significant difference for the case of stiffness, with worse results in group C compared to group A (p=0.037). Conversely, no differences were found in UFL and slippage between all groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: All the tested systems demonstrated in an animal model sufficient properties for a safe postoperative rehabilitation both for strength and for stiffness and slippage under cyclic loading.

In-out versus out-in technique for ACL reconstruction: a prospective clinical and radiological comparison.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have recently shown better restoration of normal knee kinematics and improvement of rotator knee stability after reconstruction with higher femoral tunnel obliquity. The aim of this study is to evaluate tunnel obliquity, length, and posterior wall blowout in single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, comparing the transtibial (TT) technique and the out-in (OI) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients operated on for ACL reconstruction with hamstrings were randomly divided into two groups: group A underwent a TT technique, while group B underwent an OI technique. At mean follow-up of 10 months, clinical results and obliquity, length, and posterior wall blowout of femoral tunnels in sagittal and coronal planes using computed tomography (CT) scan were assessed. RESULTS: In sagittal plane, femoral tunnel obliquity was 38.6 ± 10.2° in group A and 36.6 ± 11.8° in group B (p = 0.63). In coronal plane, femoral tunnel obliquity was 57.8 ± 5.8° in group A and 35.8 ± 8.2° in group B (p = 0.009). Mean tunnel length was 40.3 ± 1.2 mm in group A and 32.9 ± 2.3 mm in group B (p = 0.01). No cases of posterior wall compromise were observed in any patient of either group. Clinical results were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The OI technique provides greater obliquity of the femoral tunnel in coronal plane, along with satisfactory length of the tunnel and lack of posterior wall compromise. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective study.

The Fascia Lata Anterolateral Tenodesis Technique.

A technique for anatomic reconstruction of the anterolateral complex addressing anterolateral rotatory instability both in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and in revision cases is presented. The extra-articular reconstruction is performed with a pedicle strip of iliotibial tract, fixed on the anatomic origin and insertion points of the anterolateral ligament of the knee in a double-bundle V-shaped fashion.

Can the outside-in half-tunnel technique reduce femoral tunnel widening in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A CT study.

BACKGROUND: There are different techniques for drilling the femoral tunnel in the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but their influence in the bone tunnel enlargement in unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare two different surgical techniques for evaluating femoral tunnel enlargement in ACLR. The hypothesis was that tunnel placement using the outside-in technique leads to less tunnel enlargement compared to the transtibial technique. METHODS: Forty-four patients treated for ACLR between March 2013 and March 2014 were prospectively enrolled in this study. According to the surgical technique, subjects were assigned to Group A (Out-in) or Group B (Transtibial). All patients underwent CT examination in order to evaluate the femoral tunnel enlargement at four different levels. Moreover, all patients were evaluated with the Lachman test and pivot shift test, and the KT1000 arthrometer was used to measure the anterior laxity of the knee. A subjective evaluation was performed using the 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee score, Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity scale. All patients were assessed after 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in femoral tunnel enlargement between the two groups at all four femoral levels in favor of the out-in group. No statistical significant differences were found in the objective and subjective clinical outcomes between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In ACLR with a suspension system, the outside-in technique leads to less enlargement of the femoral tunnel lower than the transtibial technique.

Interlocking horizontal mattress suture versus Kakiuchi technique in repair of Achilles tendon rupture: a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the type of surgical treatment for Achilles tendon rupture has been the subject of controversial debate. This biomechanical study evaluates for the first time in literature the ultimate failure load (UFL) of interlocking horizontal mattress (IHM) suture as compared with Kakiuchi suture in Achilles tendon rupture. The hypothesis is that IHM suture can be performed also for Achilles tendon rupture and ensures higher resistance compared with the traditional Kakiuchi suture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty fresh bovine Achilles tendons were obtained. Ten preparations were randomly assigned to each of two different groups: group A (10 specimens) sutured by IHM technique, and group B (10 specimens) sutured by Kakiuchi technique. Each construct was mounted and fixed on a tensile testing machine. Static preconditioning of 50 N was applied for 5 min as initial tensioning to stabilize the mechanical properties of the graft, then a load to failure test was performed at crosshead speed of 500 mm/min. RESULTS: Ten specimens were tested for each group. The mean UFL was 228.6 ± 98.6 N in the IHM suture group and 96.57 ± 80.1 N in the Kakiuchi suture group. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) with better UFL in the IHM group. In both groups, the failure mode registered in each specimen was suture breakage (rupture of suture thread). CONCLUSIONS: IHM suture achieved better UFL compared with Kakiuchi suture in an animal model of Achilles tendon repair. These results seem to support IHM as a valid option in Achilles tendon rupture.

Single harvesting in the all-inside graft-link technique: is the graft length crucial for success? A biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: The all-inside graft-link technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is performed with two cortical suspension devices with adjustable loops on both femur and tibia. This technique requires meticulous graft preparation. The aim of this study was to biomechanically test three different graft configurations resulting from differences in initial graft length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty bovine digital extensor tendons were arranged in three different ways: "half-quadrupled", "tripled" and "quadrupled". The final graft length was 65-75 mm. The specimens were fixed vertical to the loading axis of a tensile testing machine. After a static pre-conditioning of 50 N for 5 min, a load to failure test was performed and data regarding the ultimate failure load (UFL), the stiffness and mode of failure were recorded. RESULTS: The evaluation of UFL showed a significant differences between group means as determined by one-way analysis of variance (F = 21.92, p = 0.002). Post hoc comparisons showed a significantly better UFL of "tripled" (p = 0.007) and "quadrupled" preparations (p = 0.014) compared to the "half-quadrupled" configuration, with no significant differences between "tripled" and "quadrupled" grafts (p = 0.061). No significant differences were found when evaluating the stiffness between the groups. Failure occurred by tendon slippage across the suture in all specimens. CONCLUSION: The "quadrupled" tendon achieved the best UFL, with even the "tripled" configuration having sufficient biomechanical characteristics to withstand the loads experienced during early rehabilitation. For this reason, with a total semitendinosus length of less than 260 mm it could be better to "triple" instead of "half-quadruple" it to achieve better performance of the graft.

Prevalence and Classification of Injuries of Anterolateral Complex in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears.

PURPOSE: To report on the prevalence of injuries of the lateral compartment occurring in cases of apparently isolated acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and to present a classification system of anterolateral complex injuries based on the data obtained. METHODS: Sixty patients operated on for an acute apparently isolated ACL tear, revealed by clinical examination and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, were prospectively selected. The lateral compartment was exposed and injuries were detected. Based on the data obtained, lesions of the anterolateral complex were classified as follows: Type I: multilevel rupture with individual layers torn at different levels with macroscopic hemorrhage involving the area of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and extended to the anterolateral capsule. Type II: multilevel rupture with individual layers torn at different levels with macroscopic hemorrhage extended from the area of the ALL and capsule to the posterolateral capsule. Type III: complete transverse tear involving the area of the ALL near its insertion to the lateral tibial plateau, distal to the lateral meniscus. Type IV: bony avulsion (Segond fracture). The pivot-shift test was repeated intraoperatively after repair of lateral tears before the ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: Although magnetic resonance imaging was able to detect only bony injuries (Segond fracture), macroscopic tears of the lateral capsule were clearly identified at surgery in 54 of 60 patients and classified as follows: Type I: 19/60 Type II: 16/60 Type III: 13/60 Type IV: 6/60 In all cases, repair resulted in a marked reduction or apparent disappearance of the pivot-shift phenomenon. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between lesions of the lateral compartment, regardless of the type described, and a pivot shift graded 2 or 3. CONCLUSIONS: Because injuries of secondary restraints often occur in cases of acute ACL tears, recognition and repair of such lesions could be considered to help ACL reconstruction to better control rotational stability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Partial tendon tear as unusual cause of trigger finger: a case report.

We report a case of post-traumatic trigger finger due to a partial longitudinal tear of the flexor digitorum superficialis. The suspect came from the clinical history and the young age of the patient. It was successfully treated with tendon flap suture and pulley A1 release.

Extra-articular tenodesis combined with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in acute anterior cruciate ligament tear in elite female football players.

PURPOSE: The growing popularity of elite soccer among female participants has led to increased incidents of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Many authors underline a positive glide after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), especially in women. In fact, an isolated intra-articular ACLR may be inadequate to control rotational instability after a combined injury of the ACL and the peripheral structures of the knee. Extra-articular procedures are sometimes used in primary cases displaying excessive antero-lateral rotatory instability. The purpose of this case series was to report subjective and objective outcomes after combined ACL and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) with a minimum 4-year follow-up in a selected high-risk population of elite female football players. METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2010, 16 elite Italian female football players were included in the study. All patients underwent the same surgical technique: anatomical ACLR with autogenous semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. After the intra-articular reconstruction was performed, an additional extra-articular MacIntosh modified Coker-Arnold procedure was carried out. Patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively with the subjective and objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation form, Tegner activity scale (TAS) and Lysholm score. Joint laxity was assessed with KT-1000 by measuring the side-to-side (S/S) differences in displacement at manual maximum (mm) testing. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 72.6 ± 8.1 months, two independent examiners reviewed all players. All of the patients had a fully recovered range of motion. Lachman test was negative in all patients (100 %). The evaluation of joint laxity and clinical evaluation showed a statistically significant improvement. No patients experienced complication or a re-rupture. DISCUSSION: The rationale of combining extra-articular procedures with ACLR is to restrict the internal rotation of the reconstructed knee, taking advantage of its long lever arm and thus providing more stability in the rotational axis and preventing the ACL graft from undergoing further excessive strain. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of an LET with ACLR in elite female football players demonstrated excellent results in terms of subjective scales, post-operative residual laxity and re-rupture rate with no complication, and a complete return to sport activity.

Salter-Harris type III and IV displaced fracture of the hallux in young gymnasts: A series of four cases at 1-year follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to describe four exceptional cases of Salter-Harris type III and IV fractures of the proximal phalanx of the hallux in young high-level gymnasts. All gymnasts underwent the same mechanism of injury of hyperadduction, which indicates a role of the abductor hallucis muscle in the genesis and displacement of these fractures. An open reduction and internal fixation was performed to achieve an anatomical reduction and avoid chronic disability. At 1-year follow-up, all patients had an excellent American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score (100 points), and there was no shortening or angulation of the first ray and no evidence of degenerative joint disease on X-ray. Moreover, all the gymnasts had returned to pre-injury levels of sporting activity. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies that address these types of injuries and how they are handled in gymnasts.

Shoulder adhesive capsulitis: manipulation and arthroscopic arthrolysis or intra-articular steroid injections?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare shoulder manipulation and arthroscopic arthrolysis with glenohumeral steroid injections in patients affected by idiopathic adhesive shoulder capsulitis. METHODS: In this prospective study we randomly assigned patients to enter group A (23 patients, shoulder manipulation and arthroscopic arthrolysis) and group B (21 patients, glenohumeral steroid injections). Patients were followed-up at three, six and 12 weeks, and at six and 12 months with the Constant and Murley, ASES, UCLA and SST evaluation scales. Moreover, passive forward flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotations were recorded. RESULTS: Range of motion showed satisfactory results in both groups at final follow-up: in group A the mean ABD increased from 60° to 154°, ER from 20° to 40°, and FF from 75° to 174°; in group B, ABD raised from 76° to 145°, ER from 20° to 35°, and FF from 115° to 164°. All the evaluation scales performed increased significantly at final follow-up in both groups. However, while patients of group A had already reached significant improvement at the six-week follow-up (p <0.03), in group B this happened only at the 12 week follow-up (p <0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Both types of treatment were effective in improving final range of motion; however, while patients of group A accomplished their goal by the six-week follow-up, in group B the same result was obtained at the 12-week follow-up.