Arthroscopic Modified Broström Repair with Suture-Tape Augmentation of the Calcaneofibular Ligament for Lateral Ankle Instability.

Surgical repair of acute or chronic lateral instability of the ankle may be unsuccessful in the presence of associated anterior fibulotalar ligament (AFTL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injury. This Technical Note presents an arthroscopic double-row repair technique of the AFTL associated with suture tape augmentation of the CFL. The patient is in the supine position with the ankle hanging over the edge of the surgical table. The anteromedial portal is created inside the anterior tibial tendon, and the anterolateral portal is created under arthroscopic control. The ATFL is released from the capsule with a beaver blade. The calcaneal tunnel is created percutaneously at the footprint of the CFL. A soft anchor is impacted at the tip of the lateral malleolus with thread and tape. With the foot in the neutral position, the tape is then passed into the calcaneal tunnel and attached with an interference screw to strengthen the CFL. The ATFL is grasped with a Mini-Scorpion suture passer and pressed against the anchor with the foot in neutral position. A knotless anchor is impacted 5 mm above with the threads of the soft anchor, creating double-row fixation. This technique is indicated in proximal tears of the AFTL associated with a stretched CFL.

How To Avoid Suture Damage in Simultaneous Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Meniscal Posterior Root Reinsertion With the Transtibial Pullout Technique: A Technical Note.

Lateral meniscus posterior root tears (LMPRTs) are estimated to occur in 7% to 12% of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured knees. This topic is of great interest because of their biomechanical consequences in terms of interruption of hoop stress distribution. If left unrepaired, the corresponding compartment is exposed to unfavorable contact dynamics, similar to those resulting from a total meniscectomy. This Technical Note describes a transtibial LMPRT repair using a Knee Scorpion and an 18-gauge spinal needle. It is a reproducible arthroscopic LMPR reinsertion technique combined with concomitant standard ACL + anterolateral ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons and it describes how to safely avoid damage to root traction sutures during the ACL independent tibial tunnel drilling.

Editorial Commentary: Knee Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Procedures: Appropriate Study Design Is Essential for Reducing Conflicting Findings and Unnecessary Controversy in the Orthopaedic Literature.

Knee lateral extra-articular tenodesis procedures (LEAPs) reduce graft rupture rates when performed at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, in the setting of revision ACL reconstruction, LEAPs are less studied and remain controversial. Many studies support combined procedures (ACL + LEAP), yet others do not. When the literature comprises small patient cohorts and short follow-up periods, conflicting results often arise. The controversy surrounding them may be unnecessarily generated by the publication of low-quality studies. Future studies should focus on adequate power; appropriate design and methodology, including matching or randomization to account for potential confounding factors; proper statistical analyses; and avoidance of spin bias.

Clinical Outcomes of Different Management Techniques for Medial Meniscal Type 3 Ramp Lesions in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Analysis Between All-inside Repair, Suture Hook Repair, and Lesions Left In Situ.

BACKGROUND: There is ongoing debate about the best way to manage ramp lesions at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Type 3 lesions are not visible by the transnotch approach without superior debridement, making the management debate even more problematic. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of secondary surgical interventions according to the management method of a type 3 ramp lesion concomitant with primary ACLR. The hypothesis was that the rate of secondary ACL or meniscal interventions would be higher in patients who underwent all-inside repair. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent primary ACLR with a type 3 ramp lesion between January 2012 and May 2020, regardless of the treatment method, was performed. The main criterion analyzed in this cohort was a secondary surgical intervention, defined as revision ACLR or a reintervention of the repaired meniscus. A survivorship analysis was performed to evaluate secondary surgical interventions in 3 groups: all-inside repair, suture hook repair, and left in situ. The following data were collected preoperatively and at the last follow-up: patient characteristics, time to surgery, side-to-side difference in laxity, pivot shift, Lysholm score, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Tegner score, and meniscal repair failure rate. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients who underwent type 3 ramp lesion repair concomitant with ACLR were included: 52 (46.0%) in the all-inside repair group, 23 (20.4%) in the suture hook repair group, and 38 (33.6%) in the lesion left in situ group. There were 17 patients (15.0%) who underwent a secondary intervention because of ACL graft failure (n = 6) or meniscal repair failure (n = 15 [4 of whom underwent a concomitant ACL reintervention]). Overall, 62 patients (54.9%) underwent combined ACLR and anterolateral ligament reconstruction, while 51 patients (45.1%) underwent isolated ACLR. In the adjusted Cox model, the type of meniscal repair was not statistically significantly associated with secondary surgical interventions. The only risk factor for secondary surgical interventions in this cohort was isolated ACLR (hazard ratio, 8.077; P = .007). CONCLUSION: The rates of secondary surgical interventions after medial meniscal type 3 ramp lesion repair concomitant with ACLR were similar regardless of the management method of the meniscal lesion. Despite not being associated with meniscal treatment, this rate was 8 times higher for patients who underwent isolated ACLR in this cohort; this is probably because of the protection that lateral extra-articular procedures provide to the ACL graft.

The Influence of Tibial Tubercle-Sparing Slope-Reducing Osteotomy on Patellar Height in Patients Undergoing Revision ACL Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: A posterior tibial slope (PTS) >12° is an independent risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft rupture, and a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for slope correction can help avoid it. Management of patellar height is of major concern when performing HTO. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of tibial tubercle-sparing anterior closing-wedge osteotomy on patellar height in revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR). STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic revision ACLR combined with retro-tibial tubercle anterior closing-wedge HTO (ACW-HTO) between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2021, were assessed for eligibility. Patellar height was measured on full weightbearing lateral radiographs according to the Insall-Salvati index (ISI) and Caton-Deschamps index (CDI) or frontal radiographs using the femoral patellar height index. The PTS was evaluated using the proximal anatomic axis of the tibia on standard short lateral radiographs. The delta (postoperative - preoperative) and the ratio (preoperative/postoperative) of the 3 patellar height indices and PTS were calculated. Preoperative and postoperative patellar heights were compared using independent t tests for each index. Also investigated was whether patients changed patellar height category (baja, normal, or alta) after slope osteotomy. RESULTS: Among 475 revision ACLRs, 47 tibial tubercle-sparing ACW-HTOs were retained for analysis. No significant difference in patellar height was found between pre- and postoperative radiographs regardless of the index (preoperative - postoperative) (ISI: 1.0 ± 0.2 - 0.9 ± 0.2, P = .1729; CDI: 1.0 ± 0.2 - 1.0 ± 0.2, P = .4034; femoral patellar height index: 1.5 ± 0.2 - 1.5 ± 0.2; P = .5130). Fifteen patients (31.9%) exhibited a postoperative change in their patellar height category when measured by the ISI (6 moved up a category, 9 moved down one), and 18 patients (38.3%) changed category according to the CDI (10 moved up a category, 8 moved down one). No significant difference was found between pre- and postoperative patellar height among these patients (ISI: P = .2418; CDI: P = .3005). CONCLUSION: Changes in patellar height ratio are common after tibial tubercle-sparing ACW-HTO in patients undergoing revision ACLR. The clinical effect of these changes is unknown, and further study is needed to investigate whether they may result in patellofemoral symptoms.

Evaluating the Reliability of YouTube as a Source of Information for Meniscal Ramp Lesions.

Background: Videos uploaded to YouTube do not go through a review process, and therefore, videos related to medial meniscal ramp lesions may have little educational value. Purpose: To assess the educational quality of YouTube videos regarding ramp lesions of the meniscus. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A standard search was performed on the YouTube website using the following terms: "ramp lesion" and "posterior meniscal detachment" and "ramp" and "meniscocapsular" and "meniscotibial detachment," and the top 100 videos based on the number of views were included for analysis. The video duration, publication data, and number of likes and views were retrieved, and the videos were categorized based on video source (health professionals, orthopaedic company, private user), the type of information (anatomy, biomechanics, clinical examination, overview, radiologic, surgical technique), and video content (education, patient support, patient experience/testimony).The content analysis of the information on the videos was evaluated with the use of the DISCERN instrument (score range, 16-80), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria (score range, 0-4), and the Global Quality Score (GQS; score range, 1-5). Results: A total of 74 videos were included. Of these videos, 70 (94.6%) were published by health professionals, while the remaining 4 (5.4%) were published by orthopaedic companies. Most of the videos were about surgical technique (n = 36; 48.6%) and all had an educational aim (n = 74; 100%). The mean length of the videos was 10.35 ± 17.65 minutes, and the mean online period was 18.64 ± 13.85 months. The mean DISCERN score, JAMA benchmark score, and GQS were 31.84 ± 17.14 (range, 16-72), 1.65 ± 0.87 (range, 1-4), and 2.04 ± 1.21 (range, 1-5), respectively. Videos that reported an overview about ramp lesions were the best in terms of quality for DISCERN and JAMA benchmark score, while biomechanics videos were the best according to GQS. The worst category of videos was about surgical technique, with all having lower scores. Conclusion: The educational content of YouTube regarding medial meniscal ramp lesions showed low quality and validity based on DISCERN score, JAMA benchmark score, and GQS.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Medial Meniscal Lesions at the Time of ACL Reconstruction: An Analysis of 4697 Knees From the SANTI Study Group Database.

BACKGROUND: Medial meniscal (MM) lesions (MMLs) are a common finding at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It is recognized that evaluation of the posteromedial compartment reduces the rate of missed MML diagnoses. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of MMLs in patients undergoing ACLR, when using a standardized arthroscopic approach that included posteromedial compartment evaluation, as well as to determine how the incidence of MMLs changed with increasing time intervals between injury and surgery, and to investigate what risk factors were associated with their presence. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. All patients who underwent primary ACLR between January 2013 and March 2023 were considered for study eligibility. The epidemiology was defined by categorizing and reporting the incidence and categorizing the spectrum of MM tear types. Risk factors associated with MMLs were analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: MMLs were identified in 1851 (39.4%) of 4697 consecutive patients undergoing ACLR. The overall incidence of MMLs was 33.1% for the period of 0 to 3 months, 38.7% for the period of 3 to 12 months, and 59.6% for the period of >12 months. The overall incidence of MMLs increased with longer durations of time between injury and surgery, along with significant increases in complex, bucket-handle, ramp, and/or flap lesions. The largest increase in incidence of MMLs was observed for complex MM tear patterns. Risk factors associated with MMLs included time between injury and surgery >3 months (odds ratio [OR], 1.320; 95% CI, 1.155-1.509; P < .0001) and >12 months (OR, 3.052; 95% CI, 2.553-3.649; P < .0001), male sex (OR, 1.501; 95% CI, 1.304-1.729; P < .0001), body mass index (BMI) ≥25 (OR, 1.193; 95% CI, 1.046-1.362; P = .0088), and lateral meniscal lesion (OR, 1.737; 95% CI, 1.519-1.986; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Overall, MMLs were identified in 39.4% of 4697 patients undergoing ACLR when posteromedial compartment evaluation was performed in addition to standard anterior viewing. The incidence of MMLs and the complexity of tear types increased significantly with increasing time intervals between the index injury and ACLR. Secondary risk factors associated with an increased incidence of medial meniscal tears include male sex, increased BMI, and lateral meniscal lesions.

Increased Intra-Articular Internal Tibial Rotation Is Associated With Unstable Medial Meniscus Ramp Lesions in ACL-Injured Athletes: An MRI Matched-Pair Comparative Study.

Purpose: To analyze internal tibial rotation through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries with and without an unstable medial meniscal ramp lesion (MMRL). Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively data was performed to include all consecutive patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) between January 2022 and June 2022. Two groups, ACLR + unstable MMRL and ACLR without MMRL, were constituted. Propensity score matching analysis was used to limit selection bias. The angle between surgical epicondylar axes (SEAs) and the tangent line of the posterior tibial condyles (PTCs) was measured to analyze the rotational alignment between distal femur and proximal tibia. MMRLs were defined unstable if they were ≥1 cm, if the lesions extend beyond the lower pole of the femoral condyle, and/or if there was displacement into the medial compartment by anterior probing. Results: Twenty-eight propensity-matched pairs were included. The ACLR + unstable MMRL presented a significantly greater internal rotation of the tibia compared to ACLR without MMRL (P < .001). An internal tibial rotation was associated with unstable ramp lesions in ACL-injured patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.36; 95% CI, 0.25-0.41; P < .0001). If SEA-PTC was 0°, the sensitivity and specificity of the SEA-PTC angle to detect unstable MMRL were respectively 100% (95% CI, 85%-100%) and 18% (95% CI, 8%-36%). Otherwise, if SEA-PTC angle was -10°, the sensitivity and specificity of the SEA-PTC angle to detect unstable MMRL were respectively 43% (95% CI, 27%-61%) and 96% (95% CI, 81%-100%). Bone edema of the posterior medial tibial plateau was significantly associated with unstable ramp lesions (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.21-2.06; P = .029). Conclusions: Unstable MMRL concomitant to an ACL rupture was associated with an increased tibial internal rotation. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study and Analysis of Associated Factors From the SANTI Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a process in which neural inhibition after injury or surgery to the knee results in quadriceps activation failure and knee extension deficit. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and spectrum of the severity of AMI after acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury using the Sonnery-Cottet classification, to determine the interobserver reliability of the classification system, and to investigate potential important factors associated with AMI after ACL injury. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had an acute ACL injury between October 2021 and February 2022 were considered for study inclusion. Eligible patients underwent a standardized physical examination at their first outpatient appointment. This included an assessment of quadriceps inhibition, identification of any extension deficits, and grading of AMI and its reversibility according to the Sonnery-Cottet classification. RESULTS: A total of 300 consecutive patients with acute ACL ruptures were prospectively enrolled in the study. Of them, 170 patients (56.7%) had AMI. Patients evaluated with AMI showed a significantly inferior Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Simple Knee Value, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score than patients without AMI (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of effusion, concomitant injuries, and high pain scores were associated with a significantly greater risk of AMI. Additional associations with the presence of AMI included a short duration between injury and evaluation, the use of crutches, and using a pillow as a support at night. In contrast, a previous ACL injury was associated with significantly lower odds of developing AMI (OR, 0.025; 95% CI, 0-0.2; P = .014). Among the 170 patients with AMI, 135 patients (79%) showed a resolution of their inhibition at the end of the consultation after application of simple exercises; the remaining 35 patients required specific rehabilitation. Interobserver reliability of the classification system was almost perfect (95% CI, 0.86-0.99). CONCLUSION: AMI occurs in over half of patients with acute ACL injuries. When it occurs, it is easily reversible in the majority of patients with simple exercises targeted at abolishing AMI. The presence of "red flags" should increase the index of suspicion for the presence of AMI, and these include the presence of an effusion, high pain scores, a short time between injury and evaluation, multiligament injuries, the use of crutches, and using a pillow as a support at night. Patients with a history of ipsilateral or contralateral ACL injury are at a significantly lower risk of AMI than those with a first-time ACL injury.

Neuromotor Treatment of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition After Knee Injury or Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Persistent weakness of the quadriceps muscles and extension deficit after knee injuries are due to specific alterations in neural excitability - a process known as arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). The effects of a novel neuromotor reprogramming (NR) treatment based on the use of proprioceptive sensations associated with motor imagery and low frequency sounds have not been studied in AMI after knee injuries. HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to assess quadriceps electromyographic (EMG) activity and the effects on extension deficits in persons with AMI who completed 1 session of NR treatment. We hypothesized that the NR session would activate the quadriceps and improve extension deficits. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: Between May 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, patients who underwent knee ligament surgery or sustained a knee sprain with a deficit of >30% of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) on EMG testing in comparison with the contralateral limb after their initial rehabilitation were included in the study. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the VMO measured on EMG, the knee extension deficit (distance between the heel and the table during contraction), and the simple knee value (SKV) were assessed before and immediately after completion of 1 session of NR treatment. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 34.6 ± 10.1 years (range, 14-50 years) were included in the study. After the NR session, VMO activation increased significantly, with a mean increase of 45% (P < 0.01). Similarly, the knee extension deficit significantly improved from 4.03 ± 0.69 cm before the treatment to 1.93 ± 0.68 after the treatment (P < 0.01). The SKV was 50 ± 5.43% before the treatment, and this increased to 67.5 ± 4.09% after the treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that this innovative NR method can improve VMO activation and extension deficits in patients with AMI. Therefore, this method could be considered a safe and reliable treatment modality in patients with AMI after knee injury or surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This multidisciplinary treatment modality for AMI can enhance outcomes through the restoration of quadriceps neuromuscular function and subsequent reduction of extension deficits after knee trauma.

Distal Kaplan fibers and anterolateral ligament injuries are associated with greater intra-articular internal tibial rotation in ACL-deficient knees based on magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to assess the internal rotation of the tibia on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in a series of consecutive athletes with Anterior cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed to include all consecutive patients who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction between January 2022 and June 2022. The angle between surgical epicondylar axes (SEA) of the knee and posterior tibial condyles (PTC) was measured. A negative value was defined as internal torsion. KFs and ALL injuries were reported. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to examine the independent associations between SEA-PTC angle and injuries of KFs and ALL adjusted for physical variables (age, gender and body mass index [BMI]). Statistical significance was set at a p-value of < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 83 eligible patients were included. The result of multiple linear regression analysis showed that internal tibial rotation was associated with KFs and ALL injuries. The estimated average of SEA-PTC angle in relation to ALL injuries controlling the other variables was -5.49 [95%CI -6.79 - (-4.18)] versus -2.99 [95%CI -4.55 - (-1.44)] without ALL injuries. On the other hand, the estimated average of SEA-PTC angle in relation to KFs lesions controlling the other variables was -5.73 [95%CI -7.04 - (-4.43)] versus -2.75 [95%CI -4.31 - (-1.18)] without KFs injuries. CONCLUSIONS: KFs and ALL injuries were associated with an increased intra-articular internal tibial rotation in ACL-deficient knees. The measurement of femorotibial rotation on axial MRI could be useful to detect indirect signs of anterolateral complex (ALC) injuries.

High failure rate after medial meniscus bucket handle tears repair in the stable knee.

BACKGROUND: It is nowadays recommended to "Save the meniscus". This paradigm is based on the affirmation that an extended meniscectomy exposes to the risk of long-term secondary osteoarthritis and the global failure rate of a longitudinal tear repair remains low, whether it is the medial or lateral meniscus, with or without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, each kind of lesion has to be studied separate. PURPOSE: The study aimed to focus on a homogeneous population of isolated repair of the bucket handle tear (BHT) of the medial meniscus (MM) in patients with stable knees to evaluate failure rate at a minimum of three years of follow-up. The secondary objectives were to evaluate any risk factors or protective factors of failure, clinical outcomes, and secondary amount of meniscectomy in failure cases compared to the amount of meniscus fixed in the first surgery. METHODS: All patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a BHT of the MM situated in the red-on-red or red-on white (RW) zone on a stable knee between January 2010 and December 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Failure was defined as a need for reoperation for recurrence of meniscal symptoms (pain, locking) on the medial side with per-operative confirmation of the absence of healing. The following parameters were studied: demographics (age, gender, BMI), time from injury to surgery, clinical scores (Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC]), surgical findings (extent and zone of the tear), surgical management (number and type of suture). RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included. The mean follow-up was 77.2±24.4 [36-141] months. Twenty-seven (69%) failures were recorded. In 56% (15/27) of the reoperations, the meniscectomy amount was smaller than what it would have been done in the first surgery. All clinical scores improved significantly from pre- to post-operatively; all patients met minimal clinically important differences for all the scores. No risk factors were found significant in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Repairing an isolated BHT of the MM is associated with a high failure rate. Despite the failure, we observed that the meniscectomy area was smaller than documented in the primary surgery in most of the cases and repair must still be considered as the first option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective cohort series.

Return to Sports After ACL Augmentation With Anterolateral Reconstruction (ALR) Harvesting Gracilis Only Compared With ACL Reconstruction With ALR Harvesting Both Hamstring Tendons.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair (ACL-Rp) is known to be a valuable alternative to ACL reconstruction (ACL-Rc) in selected indications. The majority of the ACL-Rp techniques recommend the use of a synthetic brace. The use of the gracilis allows both a biological internal brace and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALR). PURPOSE: The primary objective was to compare the early ability to return to sports between patients who underwent ACL-Rp using a gracilis autograft as an internal brace augmentation with ALR and patients who underwent the conventional ACL-Rc with ALR technique sacrificing both the gracilis and the semitendinosus. The secondary objective was to compare the failure rate, clinical scores, and return to sports at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken. A total of 49 patients who underwent ACL-Rp with ALR between December 2018 and May 2019 were propensity matched at a 1:1 ratio to those who underwent ACL-Rc with ALR during the same period. The decision to perform ACL-Rp with ALR was based on preoperative selection and intraoperative arthroscopic findings: proximal avulsion tear, partial ACL tear, low- to midlevel sports participation, and good tissue quality. The ability to return to sports was assessed using isokinetic tests and the Knee Santy Athletic Return to Sport test functional test at 6 months postoperatively. At the final follow-up, knee laxity parameters, return to sports, and clinical outcome (Lysholm score, Tegner Activity Scale score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury score) were recorded. RESULTS: The ACL-Rp group had significantly less hamstring strength deficit when compared with their counterparts who underwent ACL-Rc (0.2% vs 10.2% in concentric, P < .001; 2.5% vs 14% in eccentric, P < .001). The mean Knee Santy Athletic Return to Sport test score was significantly higher in the ACL-Rc group (69.7% ± 16.6% [range, 19%-100%] vs 61% ± 16.8% [range, 19%-100%]; P = .001). In the ACL-Rp group, 61% (30/49) of the patients were authorized to return to pivot sports versus 41% (20/49) in the ACL-Rc group (P = .04). At a mean final follow-up of 31.4 ± 3.5 months, no significant differences were demonstrated between groups with respect to clinical scores and knee laxity parameters. There was a trend for a higher failure rate in the ACL-Rp group without any significance (ACL-Rp: 6.1% [3/49] vs ACL-Rc: 0%; P = .08). CONCLUSION: At 6 months after operation, harvesting only the gracilis with this ACL-Rp and augmentation with ALR technique was linked to a better early ability to return to sports compared with the ACL-Rc with ALR technique harvesting both the gracilis and semitendinosus. This technique had a limited effect on early flexion strength and provided a satisfactory rerupture rate.

Technique for Surgical Dissection and Histological Investigation of the Anterolateral Ligament in the Fetal Knee.

There is growing evidence into the structure and function of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. However, debate still exists about the anatomical characteristics, biomechanical role, and even the existence of the ALL, despite numerous cadaveric, biomechanical, and clinical studies. This article describes, with video illustration, the surgical dissection of the ALL in human fetal lower limbs, including determination of detailed anatomical and histological features of the ALL during fetal development. The ALL was clearly identified in dissected fetal knees, and histologic analysis shows well-organized, dense collagenous tissue fibers with elongated fibroblasts, consistent with the properties of a ligament.

Posterolateral Bundle Resection for an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ganglion Cyst.

The incidence of intra-articular ganglion cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is low and symptomatic presentation of this pathology is even lower. Nevertheless, symptomatic cases pose a real challenge for the orthopaedic community, as no general consensus exists regarding the most appropriate treatment. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the surgical treatment of an ACL ganglion cyst by arthroscopic resection of the entire posterolateral bundle of the ACL in a figure-of-four position after conservative treatment has failed.

Radiographic Incidence of Knee Osteoarthritis After Isolated ACL Reconstruction Versus Combined ACL and ALL Reconstruction: A Prospective Matched Study From the SANTI Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) have demonstrated reduced risk of graft rerupture as compared with isolated ACLR. However, concerns remain that the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) may be increased by the addition of ALLR. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of OA with isolated ACLR in comparison with ACLR + ALLR at medium-term follow-up. We hypothesized that there would be no differences between the groups. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients who underwent ACLR + ALLR with hamstring tendon autograft between January 2011 and March 2012 were propensity matched to patients who underwent isolated ACLR with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring tendon autograft in the same period. Medium-term radiographic evaluation was performed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) radiographic OA grading scale, modified Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and the surface fit method to assess percentage of joint space narrowing. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the following measures: IKDC, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm, Tegner, and ACL Return to Sport after Injury. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients (42 ACLR + ALLR and 38 isolated ACLR) were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 104 months. There was no significant difference between groups for joint space narrowing in the medial or lateral tibiofemoral or lateral patellofemoral (PF) compartment. However, 36.8% in the isolated ACLR group versus 11.9% in the ACLR + ALLR group had narrowing of the medial PF compartment (P = .0118). A lateral meniscal tear increased the risk of lateral tibiofemoral narrowing by nearly 5 times (odds ratio, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.547-19.367; P = .0123). The risk of medial PF narrowing was >4-fold with an isolated ACLR (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.44-19.05; P = .0179). Between the isolated ACLR group and the ACLR + ALLR group, the secondary meniscectomy rate was 13.2% versus 11.9% (not significantly different). There was no difference between groups in KOOS, Tegner, or IKDC scores. There was also no difference between groups for grades of osteoarthritic change for any classification system. Patients who received a BPTB graft had medial PF joint narrowing in 66.7% of cases as compared with 11.9% in those who received ACLR + ALLR (P = 0.118). CONCLUSION: ACLR + ALLR did not increase the risk of OA in the lateral tibiofemoral compartment when compared with an isolated ACLR at medium-term follow-up. Isolated ACLR using BPTB was associated with a significantly increased risk of medial PF joint space narrowing. REGISTRATION: NCT05123456 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Factors Affecting Graft Remodeling and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: MRI Study of 180 Knees.

BACKGROUND: Several factors affect the retear rate after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, but there are few data on which factors affect graft remodeling. PURPOSE: To determine which factors are associated with the remodeling of an ACL graft. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the relationship between various exposure factors and the occurrence of an "event": graft remodeling measured with the signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ). Data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively for this study. The endpoint was the SNQ on magnetic resonance imaging at postoperative 1 year. The effect of the following parameters on SNQ was investigated: sex, smoking habits, age at surgery, body mass index, time to surgery, time to return to sports, type of sport (in-line, pivot, contact), type of graft (free semitendinosus [ST] or attached ST), and addition of lateral tenodesis. RESULTS: An overall 180 patients were enrolled (90 with each technique). The following factors were significantly and independently associated with the SNQ: attached ST graft (ß = -2.624668; P < .001), age at the time of surgery (ß = -0.7948476; P = .012), and time elapsed between the injury event and surgery (ß = -0.7137424; P = .046). CONCLUSION: Leaving the ST graft attached distally, being older at the time of surgery, and having more time elapse between the injury event and ACL reconstruction surgery were significantly associated with better graft remodeling.

Preserving the Semitendinosus Distal Attachment Is Associated With Improved Graft Remodeling After ACL Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The semitendinosus (ST) tendon can be used by itself as a graft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. An increasing number of these procedures are being done while preserving the ST's tibial attachment, but there are no data on the remodeling of an attached ST (aST) graft. PURPOSE: To compare graft remodeling on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at 1 year after ACL reconstruction between standard free ST graft and aST graft. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 180 patients who were undergoing ACL reconstruction: 90 with the ST graft and 90 with the aST graft. The analysis was performed 1 year after the surgery. The main endpoint was the signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) on MRI scans (T1-weighted sequence). The secondary endpoints were tibial tunnel widening (TTW), graft maturation (Howell classification), retear rate, new surgery rate, Simple Knee Value, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, postoperative Tegner score, difference between pre- and postoperative Tegner scores, ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), return-to-sports rate, and time to return to sports. RESULTS: The mean adjusted SNQ was 1.18 (95% CI, 0.72-1.65) in the aST group and 3.88 (95% CI, 3.42-4.34) in the ST group (P < .001). The new surgery rate was 2.2% in the aST group and 10% in the ST group (P = .029). The median Lysholm score was significantly higher in the aST group (99; interquartile range [IQR], 95-100) than in the ST group (95; IQR, 91-99) (P = .004). The mean time to return to sports was significantly shorter in the aST group (248.73 ± 141.62 days) than the ST group (317.23 ± 144.69 days) (P = .002). No statistically significant difference was found between groups in the TTW (P = .503), Howell graft maturity grade (P = .149), retear rate (P > .999), Simple Knee Value (P = .061), postoperative Tegner score (P = .320), pre- to postoperative difference in Tegner score (P = .317), ACL-RSI (P = .097), IKDC score (P = .621), and return-to-sports rate (P > .999). CONCLUSION: At 1 year postoperatively, remodeling of an ST graft assessed using MRI is better when its distal attachment is left intact.

Functional Deficits After Open Latarjet Procedure and Dominance of the Operated Shoulder: An Analysis of 133 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Return to sport after stabilization surgery using the open Latarjet procedure remains challenging. Additional knowledge is needed about postoperative shoulder functional deficits in order to better design return-to-sport programs. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the dominance status of the operated shoulder on the shoulder functional profile recovery at 4.5 months after open Latarjet procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. All patients who underwent the open Latarjet procedure between December 2017 and February 2021 were eligible for the study. Functional assessment at 4.5 months after the surgery was performed using the following tests: maximal voluntary isometric contractions in glenohumeral internal and external rotation, upper-quarter Y balance test, unilateral seated shot-put test, and modified closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test, leading to 10 outcome measures. Patients whose dominant side had undergone surgery and those whose nondominant side had undergone surgery were compared with a group of 68 healthy control participants. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure on the dominant side and 61 patients who underwent open Latarjet on the nondominant side were compared with 68 healthy control athletes. In patients whose dominant shoulder had undergone surgery, significant deficits for the dominant side (P < .001) and for the nondominant side (P < .001) were found in 9 of 10 functional outcome measures. Among patients whose operations were on the nondominant shoulder, significant deficits for the nondominant side (P < .001) and for the dominant side (P < .001) were found in 9 and 5 of the 10 functional outcome measures, respectively. CONCLUSION: Regardless of dominance of the stabilized shoulder, persistent deficits in strength, stability, mobility, power, and stroke frequency were observed at 4.5 months postoperatively. Stabilization of the dominant shoulder resulted in residual surgery-related functional impairments on both sides. However, stabilization of the nondominant shoulder resulted in impairments primarily noted in the nondominant, operative shoulder. REGISTRATION: NCT05150379 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Failure Rates of Repaired Bucket-Handle Tears of the Medial Meniscus Concomitant With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cohort Study of 253 Patients From the SANTI Study Group With a Mean Follow-up of 94 Months.

BACKGROUND: Failure rates of repaired bucket-handle medial meniscal tears (BHMMTs) concomitant with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are as high as 20%. The outcomes of posteromedial portal suture hook repair have not been compared with all-inside repair techniques for this subtype of meniscal lesion. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and failure rates of patients who underwent BHMMT repair concomitant with ACLR using an all-inside technique, suture hook + all-inside technique, or suture hook + outside-in technique. It was hypothesized that no significant differences in failure rates would be found between the groups. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients diagnosed with a BHMMT who underwent meniscal repair during primary ACLR and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were grouped based on the meniscal repair technique used: all-inside repair, suture hook + all-inside repair, or suture hook + outside-in repair. At the end of the study period, secondary medial meniscectomy rates were determined. RESULTS: The study population comprised 253 patients who underwent repair of a BHMMT with concomitant ACLR with a mean follow-up of 94.0 ± 47.6 months. A total of 114 patients (45.1%) underwent all-inside repair, 61 patients (24.1%) underwent suture hook + all-inside repair, and 78 patients (30.8%) underwent suture hook + outside-in repair. Overall, there were 36 failures. The failure rates were 20.2%, 14.8%, and 5.1%, respectively (P = .0135). All-inside repairs were >4 times more likely to fail than suture hook + outside-in repairs (hazard ratio [HR], 4.103; 95% CI, 1.369-12.296; P = .0117). Failure was also 3 times higher (HR, 2.943; 95% CI, 1.224-7.075; P = .0159) for patients <30 years of age compared with those aged ≥30 years. An additional anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) was also found to reduce the failure rate of repaired BHMMTs concomitant with ACLR. CONCLUSION: Combined suture hook + outside-in repair of BHMMTs resulted in significantly fewer failures than all other techniques. Furthermore, age <30 years and no additional ALLR were associated with higher failure rates.