Risk of overconstraining femorotibial rotation after anatomical ACL reconstruction using bone patella tendon bone autograft.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous studies have focused on the anteroposterior stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, with less emphasis on rotational stability. It has been hypothesized that bone patella tendon bone (BTB) autograft for ACL reconstruction restores knee rotation closely to normal due to its comparable fiber orientation to the native ACL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with unilateral ACL rupture and an uninjured contralateral knee were included in this study. The ACL was reconstructed using the medial third of the patellar tendon. Tunnel placement was controlled by fluoroscopy. Implant-free press-fit graft fixation was used on both femoral and tibial side. Bone blocks were carefully placed to restore fiber orientation of both the anteromedial and posterolateral bundle, similar to the native ACL. Rotatory laxity of both knees was measured at 0° and 25° of flexion pre- and post-surgery, using an active opto-electronical motion-analysis system (LUKOTRONIC AS 100®). All measurements were performed under general anesthesia during surgery. RESULTS: Knee rotation was reduced significantly in both 0°and 25° of flexion following ACL reconstruction (p < 0.001). The side to side difference (SSD) of the rotatory laxity in extension was greater in the ACL-deficient knee (14.9° ± 8.9°), but decreased significantly after ACL reconstruction (- 5.9° ± 7.7°, minus value means less than in the uninjured knee). There was a similar finding at 25° of knee flexion where greater rotation of the ACL-deficient knee (5.7° ± 10.3°) prior to surgery changed to lower degree of rotation after surgery (- 11.3° ± 8.4°) in comparison to the uninjured knee. CONCLUSIONS: ACL reconstruction with a BTB graft in anatomical position using press-fit implant-free fixation is able to restore rotatory knee stability close to the intact contralateral knee. Despite the fact that the BTB graft offers fiber orientation close to the natural ACL, the surgeon should be aware of the potential risk of over-constraining the knee in terms of rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

In-vivo three-dimensional MR imaging of the intact anterior cruciate ligament shows a variable insertion pattern of the femoral and tibial footprints.

PURPOSE: Failure to reconstruct the natural footprints of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may lead to premature graft-failure. Therefore, precise analyses of insertion site anatomy and inter-individual variations of the morphology of the ACL are highly important to facilitate optimal individualized graft placement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the inter-individual variation of the morphology of the femoral and tibial ACL footprints. METHODS: Thirty subjects with an intact ACL were included in this study for MR imaging of their knee joint. A three-dimensional (3D) dual-echo steady-state sequence with near 0.8 mm isotropic resolution was acquired on a 3 T system with a 15-channel knee-coil. The ACL was subsequently manually segmented using dedicated medical imaging software (VitreaAdvanced®, Vital Images). The lengths and widths of the footprints were measured after reconstructing an axial oblique (tibial footprint) or coronal oblique (femoral footprint) section at the bone-ligament junction and descriptive analysis was conducted to describe morphology orientation of the footprint. RESULTS: The femoral footprint measured on average 14 mm ± 2 mm (range 8-19 mm) in length and 5 mm ± 1 mm (range 3-8 mm) in width. The mean value of the tibial footprint measured 10 mm ± 2 mm (range 5-14 mm) in length and 7 mm ± 2 mm (range 5-13 mm) in width. Descriptive analysis showed a stretched, ribbon-like appearance of the femoral footprint, while the tibial footprint revealed larger variability, stretching from anterolateral to posteromedial around the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. CONCLUSION: 3D imaging of the ACL footprints reveals a distinct difference in insertion site morphology and fiber bundle orientation between the femoral and tibial footprint. This questions the concept of strict anatomical separation of the ACL into an anteromedial and posterolateral bundle.

[Treatment of degenerative meniscal lesions : From eminence to evidence-based medicine]. / Therapie degenerativer Meniskusläsionen : Von der eminenz- zur evidenzbasierten Medizin.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of degenerative meniscal lesions has received increased attention since the publication of several Level 1 studies over the last few years. The following review of literature including the consensus statement given by ESSKA reports on the management of patients with degenerative meniscal lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis includes the literature of Level 1 to 4 studies and the statement of the consensus group of ESSKA concerning the surgical or conservative management of these patients. RESULTS: Meniscal lesions cause progression in osteoarthritis. Patients presenting a combination of degenerative meniscal lesion and osteoarthritis show inferior clinical outcome. The average clinical outcome after surgical treatment was 70 points based on the Lysholm score. Level 1 studies show no difference in clinical outcome. However, over 30% of these patients require arthroscopy at the second stage after an interval of 3 to 6 months. Patients presenting a flap tear or complaining about mechanical symptoms show poor outcome after conservative treatment. DISCUSSION: Level 1 studies have focused on very selected patients. These patients do not represent the daily practice of orthopaedic surgeons. The findings of the level 1 studies should, therefore, not be generalized. According to the consensus statement of ESSKA, the treatment of degenerative meniscal lesions should start with conservative management. In the case of persistent symptoms, surgery should be considered after 3 months. In the case of mechanical symptoms, arthroscopy might be indicated earlier. Arthroscopy in advanced osteoarthritic knees is not indicated due to inferior clinical outcome.

[Ramp lesions : Tips and tricks in diagnostics and therapy]. / Rampenläsionen : Tipps und Tricks in Diagnostik und Therapie.

There is an increasing biomechanical and anatomical understanding of the different types of meniscal lesions. Lesions of the posterior part of the medial meniscus in the meniscosynovial area have recently received increased attention. They generally occur in association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. They are often missed ("hidden lesions") due to the fact that they cannot be seen by routine anterior arthroscopic inspection. Furthermore, meniscosynovial lesions play a role in anteroposterior knee laxity and, as such, they may be a cause of failure of ACL reconstruction or of postoperative persistent laxity. Little information is available regarding their cause with respect to injury mechanism, natural history, biomechanical implications, healing potential and treatment options. This article presents an overview of the currently available knowledge of these ramp lesions, their possible pathomechanism, classification, biomechanical relevance as well as repair techniques.

Does sterilization with fractionated electron beam irradiation prevent ACL tendon allograft from tissue damage?

PURPOSE: Allografts are frequently used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, due to the inherent risk of infection, a method that achieves complete sterilization of grafts is warranted without impairing their biomechanical properties. Fractionation of electron beam (FEbeam) irradiation has been shown to maintain similar biomechanical properties compared to fresh-frozen allografts (FFA) in vitro. Therefore, aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties and early remodelling of grafts that were sterilized with fractionated high-dose electron beam irradiation in an in vivo sheep model. METHODS: ACL reconstruction was performed in 18 mature merino mix sheep. Sixteen were reconstructed with allografts sterilized with FEbeam irradiation (8 × 3.4 kGy) and two with FFA. Eight FFA from prior studies with identical surgical reconstruction and biomechanical and histological analyzes served as controls. Half of the animals were sacrificed at 6 and 12 weeks, and biomechanical testing was performed. Anterior-posterior laxity (APL) was assessed with an AP drawer test at 60° flexion, and load to failure testing was carried out. Histological evaluation of mid-substance samples was performed for descriptive analysis, cell count, crimp and vessel density. For statistical analysis a Kruskal-Wallis test was used for overall group comparison followed by a Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise comparison of the histological and biomechanical parameters. RESULTS: Biomechanical testing showed significantly decreased stiffness in FEbeam compared to FFA at both time points (p ≤ 0.004). APL was increased in FEbeam compared to FFA, which was significant at 6 weeks (p = 0.004). Median of failure loads was decreased in FEbeam grafts, with 12 reconstructions already failing during cyclic loading. Vessel density was decreased in FEbeam compared to FFA at both time points, with significant differences at 12 weeks (p = 0.015). Crimp length was significantly shorter in FEbeam compared to FFA at both time points (p ≤ 0.004) and decreased significantly in both groups from 6 to 12 weeks (p ≤ 0.025). CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction with fractionated Ebeam sterilization significantly alters the biomechanical properties and the early remodelling process of treated grafts in vivo. Therefore, this sterilization method cannot be recommended for clinical application. As substantial changes in the remodelling are inherent in this study, care in the rehabilitation of even low-dose sterilized allografts, used for ACL reconstruction, is recommended.

[S2k-Guideline on Meniscus Diseases: from Aetiology to Scoring]. / S2k-Leitlinie Meniskuserkrankung: Von der Ätiologie bis zum Scoring.

The number of patients with meniscal injuries is increasing constantly, but the treatment algorithms are undergoing continuous change. The effects of meniscal surgery, as well as the indications for the procedure, are currently a matter of heated debate. Various German speaking associations addressing topics related to the knee have joined forces to develop guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation and therapy of meniscal lesions. The hope is that this first of two publications will shed light on some of the ongoing issues and offer guidance to health care professionals treating these patients.

High-dose electron beam sterilization of soft-tissue grafts maintains significantly improved biomechanical properties compared to standard gamma treatment.

Allografts have gained increasing popularity in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, one of the major concerns regarding allografts is the possibility of disease transmission. Electron beam (Ebeam) and Gamma radiation have been proven to be successful in sterilization of medical products. In soft tissue sterilization high dosages of gamma irradiation have been shown to be detrimental to biomechanical properties of grafts. Therefore, it was the objective of this study to compare the biomechanical properties of human bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) grafts after ebeam with standard gamma irradiation at medium (25 kGy) and high doses (34 kGy). We hypothesized that the biomechanical properties of Ebeam irradiated grafts would be superior to gamma irradiated grafts. Paired 10 mm-wide human BPTB grafts were harvested from 20 donors split into four groups following irradiation with either gamma or Ebeam (each n = 10): (A) Ebeam 25 kGy, (B) Gamma 25 kGy, (C) Ebeam 34 kGy (D) Gamma 34 kGy and ten non-irradiated BPTB grafts were used as controls. All grafts underwent biomechanical testing which included preconditioning (ten cycles, 0-20 N); cyclic loading (200 cycles, 20-200 N) and a load-to-failure (LTF) test. Stiffness of non-irradiated controls (199.6 ± 59.1 N/mm) and Ebeam sterilized grafts did not significantly differ (152.0 ± 37.0 N/mm; 192.8 ± 58.0 N/mm), while Gamma-irradiated grafts had significantly lower stiffness than controls at both irradiation dosages (25 kGy: 126.1 ± 45.4 N/mm; 34 kGy: 170.6 ± 58.2 N/mm) (p < 0.05). Failure loads at 25 kGy were significantly lower in the gamma group (1,009 ± 400 N), while the failure load was significantly lower in both study groups at high dose irradiation with 34 kGy (Ebeam: 1,139 ± 445 N, Gamma: 1,073 ± 617 N) compared to controls (1,741 ± 304 N) (p < 0.05). Creep was significantly larger in the gamma irradiated groups (25 kGy: 0.96 ± 1.34 mm; 34 kGy: 1.06 ± 0.58 mm) than in the Ebeam (25 kGy: 0.50 ± 0.34 mm; 34 kGy: 0.26 ± 0.24 mm) and control (0.20 ± 0.18 mm) group that did not differ significantly. Strain difference was not different between either control or study groups (controls: 1.0 ± 0.03; Ebeam 34 kGy 1.04 ± 0.018; Gamma 34 kGy 1.0 ± 0.028; 25 kGy: 1.4 ± 2,0; 34 kGy: 1.1 ± 1.1). The most important result of this study was that ebeam irradiation showed significantly less impairment of the biomechanical properties than gamma irradiation. Considering the results of this study and the improved control of irradiation application with electronic beam, this technique might be a promising alternative in soft-tissue sterilization.

[Post-treatment rehabilitation after autologous chondrocyte implantation: State of the art and recommendations of the Clinical Tissue Regeneration Study Group of the German Society for Accident Surgery and the German Society for Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery]. / Nachbehandlung bei der autologen Chondrozytentransplantation: Eine Bestandsaufnahme und Empfehlung der AG Klinische Geweberegeneration der DGU/DGOOC.

BACKGROUND: Over the course of the past two decades autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has become an important surgical technique for treating large cartilage defects. The original method using a periostal flap has been improved by using cell-seeded scaffolds for implantation, the matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation (mb-ACI) procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Uniform nationwide guidelines for post-ACI rehabilitation do not exist. A survey was conducted among the members of the clinical tissue regeneration study group concerning the current rehabilitation protocols and the members of the study group published recommendations for postoperative rehabilitation and treatment after ACI based on the results of this survey. RESULTS: There was agreement on fundamentals concerning a location-specific rehabilitation protocol (femoral condyle vs. patellofemoral joint). With regard to weight bearing and range of motion a variety of different protocols exist. Similar to this total agreement on the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for postsurgical care was found but again a great variety of different protocols exist. CONCLUSIONS: This manuscript summarizes the recommendations of the members of the German clinical tissue regeneration study group on postsurgical rehabilitation and MRI assessment after ACI (level IVb/EBM).

[MRI after patellar dislocation: assessment of risk factors and injury to the joint]. / MRT nach Patellaluxation: Quantifizierung der Risikofaktoren und Beschreibung der Folgeschäden.

Patellar dislocation is the lateral displacement of the patella from the femoral trochlea. Affected individuals typically have underlying anatomic risk factors of variable magnitude, which, in conjunction with leg rotation, cause the event. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) permits straightforward diagnosis of the typical features of recent patellar dislocation: contusion edema of the inferomedial patella and the lateral femoral condyle as well as rupture of the medial patellofemoral ligament. In case of concomitant osteochondral injury, early surgical refixation may be indicated, depending on the size. After a first dislocation, which can damage the capsuloligamentous stabilizers, subjects may sustain further dislocations or even develop chronic patellofemoral instability, depending on the presence and severity of anatomic variants. A wide range of conservative and surgical treatments are available. While a first patellar dislocation is often treated conservatively, surgical strategies after a second dislocation depend on the pattern of injury and the severity of underlying anatomic risk factors. The most relevant predisposing variants are trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and an abnormal tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance (TT-TG). The radiologist's report should give a quantitative estimate of both the injuries resulting from dislocation and the underlying anatomic risk factors. An accurate characterization of the individual pathomechanism is crucial for tailoring treatment.

Fractionation of high-dose electron beam irradiation of BPTB grafts provides significantly improved viscoelastic and structural properties compared to standard gamma irradiation.

PURPOSE: Irradiation >30 kGy is required to achieve sterility against bacterial and viral pathogens in ACL allograft sterilization. However, doses >20 kGy substantially reduce the structural properties of soft-tissue grafts. Fractionation of irradiation doses is a standard procedure in oncology to reduce tissue damage but has not been applied in tissue graft sterilization. METHODS: Forty-four human 10-mm wide bone-patellar-tendon-bone grafts were randomized into four groups of sterilization with (1) 34 kGy of ebeam (2) 34 kGy gamma (3) 34 kGy fractionated ebeam, and (4) non sterilized controls. Graft´s biomechanical properties were evaluated at time zero. Biomechanical properties were analyzed during cyclic and load-to-failure testing. RESULTS: Fractionation of ebeam irradiation resulted in significantly higher failure loads (1,327 ± 305) than with one-time ebeam irradiation (1,024 ± 204; P = 0.008). Compared to gamma irradiation, significantly lower strain (2.9 ± 1.5 vs. 4.6 ± 2.0; P = 0.008) and smaller cyclic elongation response (0.3 ± 0.2 vs. 0.6 ± 0.4; P = 0.05), as well as higher failure loads (1,327 ± 305 vs. 827 ± 209; P = 0.001), were found. Compared to non-irradiated BPTB grafts, no significant differences were found for any of the biomechanical parameters. Non-irradiated controls had significantly lower cyclic elongation response and higher failure loads than ebeam and gamma irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was found that fractionation of high-dose electron beam irradiation facilitated a significant improvement of viscoelastic and structural properties of BPTB grafts compared to ebeam and gamma irradiation alone, while maintaining levels of non-irradiated controls. Therefore, this technique might pose an important alternative to common methods for sterilization of soft-tissue allografts.

Mid to long-term results of open acromioclavicular-joint reconstruction using polydioxansulfate cerclage augmentation.

INTRODUCTION: There is still controversy about the optimal operative treatment of acromioclavicular (AC)-joint dislocations. However, in the current literature, only few studies are available on mid- to long-term results of different stabilization methods. This retrospective study presents the clinical and radiographical results after open reduction and stabilization of AC-joint dislocations using polydioxanesulfate (PDS) cerclage augmentation. METHODS: Fifty patients with a mean age of 35 years were treated with open reduction and PDS cerclage augmentation. Rockwood classification showed 44 type V, 5 type III and 1 type IV AC-joint dislocation. The clinical and radiographic follow-up (Constant Score, DASH Score, subjective shoulder value and stress radiographs of the shoulder girdle) were performed postoperatively at an average of 70 months. RESULTS: Clinical scores were good to excellent with a mean constant score of 91.7 +/- 8.7 points. The mean DASH Score was 5 +/- 8.8 points and the mean subjective shoulder value was 92 +/- 10.7. Radiographically, 80% showed a difference of coracoclavicular distance in comparison to the contralateral side of <5 mm, 14% of 5-10 mm and 6% of >10 mm. Radiographical signs of osteoarthritis were present in 37 and in 6% of all patients also evident during clinical examination. Coracoclavicular calcifications were seen in 68%. Complications were: one superficial wound infection, one extensive coracoclavicular calcification and two complete secondary redislocations. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of AC-joint dislocation using PDS cerclage augmentation leads to good to excellent clinical results. However, mid- to long-term follow-up reveals a high incidence of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis of the AC-joint. Whether this is due to the surgical technique and could be reduced using other, more anatomical fixation techniques or whether the injury itself leads to these changes, need to be shown.

Graft remodeling and ligamentization after cruciate ligament reconstruction.

After reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments, replacement grafts have to undergo several phases of healing in the intra-articular graft region and at the site of graft-to-bone incorporation. The changes in the biological and mechanical properties of the healing graft in its intra-articular region are described as the ligamentization process. Significant knowledge has been added in the understanding of the several processes during the course of graft healing and is summarized in this article. The understanding of the spatial and time-dependent changes as well as the differences between the different models of graft healing are of significant importance to develop strategies of improved treatment options in cruciate ligament surgery, so that full restoration of function and mechanical strength of the intact cruciate ligaments will be achieved.

Autoimmune reactivity against the 20S-proteasome includes immunosubunits LMP2 (beta1i), MECL1 (beta2i) and LMP7 (beta5i).

OBJECTIVES: Autoantibodies against the 20S-proteasome display a broad diversity with a remarkably low frequency of individual cross-reactivity against the different subunits of the proteasome. Although their pathogenic and diagnostic significance remains obscure, an involvement in the clearance of circulating proteasomes as well as an interaction with the activity of the proteolytic complex was assumed in previous studies. METHODS: To investigate the anti-proteasome response in more detail and to disclose reactivities against former neglected subunits, two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting was used. As a novel antigen source, the immunosubunits LMP2 (beta1i) and LMP7 (beta5i) were expressed as recombinant proteins and employed in ELISA. RESULTS: The subunits Iota (alpha1) and Zeta (alpha5) of the outer rings as well as the catalytic subunit Delta (beta1) and all three immunosubunits [MECL-1 (beta2i), LMP2 (beta1i) and LMP7 (beta5i)] of the inner rings of the proteasome were identified as autoantigens for the first time. Using a panel of anti-proteasome antibody-positive sera of patients with SLE, autoimmune myositis (PM/DM) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), an autoimmune response was documented against LMP2 (beta1i) and LMP7 (beta5i) in all three patient groups in ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: The frequent autoimmune response against LMP2 (beta1i) and LMP7 (beta5i) might indicate a role of inflammatory processes in the primary induction of the anti-proteasomal immune reaction, while the diversity of the humoral response against the proteasome system supports the assumption of a specific antigen-driven process leading to these extended autoimmune reactivities.

The extracellular remodeling of free-soft-tissue autografts and allografts for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: a comparison study in a sheep model.

Our study was aimed to advance the currently limited knowledge about differences in the biological remodeling of free soft-tissue tendon allografts and autografts for ACL reconstruction. Allogenic and autologous ACL reconstructions were performed in a sheep model using the flexor digitalis superficialis tendon. After 6, 12 and 52 weeks the animals were sacrificed. We analyzed the collagen crimp formation and its relationship to expression of contractile myofibroblasts in both graft types. Additionally, structural properties and ap-laxity were compared during biomechanical testing. At 6 weeks only descriptive differences were found between autografts and allografts with a more organized crimp pattern and myofibroblast distribution in autografts. Significant differences in myofibroblast density and crimp formation were found after 12 weeks. At these early stages, the progress of remodeling in autografts was more advanced toward the central areas than in allografts. At 1 year, grafts in both study groups returned to an ACL-similar structure. Structural properties and ap-laxity did not vary significantly between auto- and allografts at early healing stages. However, at 52 weeks, failure loads, stiffness and ap-drawer test showed superior values for autograft ACL reconstruction. Extracellular remodeling of allografts develops slower than in autografts. Therefore, rehabilitation procedures will have to be adapted according to graft and patient selection. Postoperative treatment regimens from autograft primary ACL reconstruction should not be directly transferred to allograft ACL reconstructions.

Biomechanical comparison of human bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts after sterilization with peracetic acid ethanol.

Recent reports of disease transmission following ACL reconstruction with fresh-frozen non-sterilized allografts have highlighted the need for new sterilization techniques that do not impair the mechanical properties as it was shown for most of the current sterilization techniques. In this in-vitro biomechanical study, it was investigated if peracetic acid ethanol sterilization (PES) has any adverse effects on the mechanical properties of human bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts (BPTB). Paired human BPTB grafts either underwent PES or were used as fresh-frozen non-sterilized grafts. Viscoelastic properties (strain, creep) were analyzed during cyclic submaximal loading and mechanical properties were investigated during load-to-failure (LTF) testing. It was found that there were no differences in viscoelastic and mechanical properties between both groups. The findings of this study provide baseline data for future in vitro and in vivo analyses of this promising new sterilization technique for soft-tissue allografts.

[Transplant selection for primary replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament]. / Transplantatauswahl für den primären Ersatz des vorderen Kreuzbandes.

Various graft choices have evolved over the past few decades for the primary reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Three predominant autologous graft choices exist today: patellar, hamstring, and quadriceps tendons. Clinical studies have as yet failed to demonstrate significant differences in clinical outcome among these grafts, irrespective of their varying fixation techniques. Therefore, other factors such as graft harvest morbidity have become more important when comparing different grafts. These factors can differ substantially between the grafts, depending on the type of patients' activities, the injury pattern, and the associated injuries of the knee joint. A basic knowledge of these factors and the parameters that affect the mechanical and biological behavior of the reconstructed ACL can help to find the appropriate graft choice for each individual patient. Factors such as harvest site morbidity, fixation techniques, osseous integration, and tunnel widening are discussed based on current clinical and basic science studies. Finally, an outlook is given for future alternatives with evolving techniques for tissue-engineered grafts, allografts, or the transplantation of xenogeneic donor tissue.

Structure and function of the healing medial collateral ligament in a goat model.

In this study knee joint function with a healing medial collateral ligament (MCL) at six weeks was examined with a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system during the application of two loading conditions: (1) 5 Nm valgus moment and (2) 67 N anterior load. Additionally the structural properties of the femur-MCL-tibia complex and the mechanical properties of the MCL substance were determined by uniaxial tensile tests. The histological appearance of the healing MCL was also observed. At 30 degrees and 60 degrees of knee flexion, valgus rotation of the healing knee was significantly increased compared to the sham. The in situ force in the healing MCL was significantly lower (34+/-17 N vs 54+/-12 N) at the same flexion angles (50+/-10 N vs 62+/-7 N). The anterior translation of the knee had returned to normal values at 30 degrees and 60 degrees of knee flexion. However, no differences could be found between the corresponding in situ forces in the healing MCL at all flexion angles examined during application of an anterior load. The stiffness of the healing group (52.5+/-19.4 N/mm) was significantly lower than the sham group (80.3+/-26.4 N/mm) (p<0.04). The modulus of the healing group was also significantly decreased (p<0.05). The findings suggest that the tensile properties of the healing goat MCL and valgus knee rotation have not returned to normal at six weeks after an isolated MCL rupture, however, anterior translation appeared to return to sham levels.

Diagnostic importance of anti-proteasome antibodies.

20S proteasome represents the proteolytic core complex for cytoplasmic protein degradation that is involved in the activation and regulation of the immune response. In this context, proteasome generates antigenic peptides for the MHC class I pathway and activates NF-kappaB. In a recent analysis, we could identify a frequent humoral autoimmune response directed against specific proteasomal subunits in patients with autoimmune myositis, systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren's syndrome. The outer ring subunit HC9(alpha3) was identified as the predominant target of the anti-proteasome response in these entities. In addition to the reactivity against HC9(alpha3), patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome expressed a more polyspecific recognition pattern of proteasomal subunits involving the active inner ring proteins. In follow-up analysis, anti-proteasome antibody titers revealed a correlation with disease activity in patients with autoimmune myositis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The current review summarizes recent data providing evidence that the 20S proteasome represents an important target of the humoral autoimmune response in systemic autoimmune diseases and extends insight into pathogenic aspects of these diseases.

[Current aspects of anchoring hamstring tendon transplants in cruciate ligament surgery]. / Aktuelle Aspekte in der Verankerung von Hamstringsehnen-Transplantaten in der Kreuzbandchirurgie.

The use of hamstring tendon grafts in cruciate ligament surgery has recently raised strong interest. Hamstring tendons are superior to the mid third patellar tendon graft by virtue of lower harvest site morbidity combined with high tensile strength. Osseous graft incorporation relies on a proper tendon-to-bone healing, which relies on specific biomechanical and biological boundary conditions. Several different fixation devices have recently been introduced, with special emphasis on high initial fixation strength and moving the level of fixation closer to the joint line, the so-called aperture fixation. The goal of the present review is to focus on the advantages and disadvantages of different fixation principles for hamstring tendon grafts in order to give a comprehensive insight into current developments, such as interference fit fixation, cross-pin fixation, and the concept of hybrid fixation.