Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy performs similarly irrespective of body mass index.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the effect of the body mass index (BMI) on the early (2 years) to midterm (5 years) results of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). METHODS: A prospectively maintained single-centre database of 1138 knee osteotomies, between 2002 and 2022, was retrospectively reviewed. Adult patients who underwent MOWHTO for symptomatic unicompartmental medial knee osteoarthritis (OA), with varus knee malalignment, having failed conservative management, were included. Patients were categorized into three groups according to their BMI as per the classification from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): the healthy weight (HW) group (BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), the overweight (OW) (BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2), and the obesity (OB) group (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Multiple patient-reported outcome measures (n = 6) were recorded preoperatively and at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Deformity analysis was undertaken preoperatively and postoperatively. The relative risk (RR) of the complications between the HW, OW and OB groups was calculated. The rate of conversion to arthroplasty, and 5 and 10 years survivorship were recorded, as well as the hazard ratio (HR) of BMI on survivorship. RESULTS: A total of 574 cases were included in the study: the HW group (n = 96), the OW group (n = 233) and the OB group (n = 245), with a mean BMI of 23 ± 1.5 kg/m2, 27.4 ± 1.4 kg/m2 and 34.4 ± 3.8 kg/m2, respectively. The mean follow-up was 13.3 years (4.8-20.3). The mean mechanical tibiofemoral angle corrections were in the HW group: 7.1 ± 3°, OW group: 6.6 ± 3.5° and OB group: 7.1 ± 3.8°, with no intergroup significant difference (p = n.s.). Clinically, despite lower preoperative scores in the OW and OB groups, no difference was observed postoperatively amongst the three groups. The overall complication rate was 12.5% in the HW group, 6.8% in the OW group, and 9.8% in the OB group. There was no significant difference in the RR of complications between the HW and OW groups (RR = 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.3-1.3) (p = 0.2), and the HW and OB groups (RR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.3-2.2) (p = 0.7). There was no overall significant difference in survival outcomes based on the BMI between the three groups (p = 0.4). The HR of conversion to arthroplasty between the HW and OW groups was 1.4 [95% CI = 0.6-3.5](p = 0.5) and between the HW and OB groups was 1.8 [95% CI = 0.8-4.4] (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: BMI has no significant effect on either the radiological corrections, clinical outcomes, complications or survivorship of MOWHTO at short- to medium-term follow-up. No specific cutoff point for BMI can be recommended as a contraindication to MOWHTO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective cohort study.

High survivorship and low complication rate in a single-centre series of 651 medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy cases with a mean follow-up of 13 years.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the early to midterm results of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) from the largest single-centre osteotomy database. The primary outcomes were reporting the radiological corrections and the functional outcomes represented by multiple patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The secondary outcomes were to report the complications, revisions and survivorship up to 10 years postoperatively. METHODS: A prospectively maintained single-centre database of 1138 knee osteotomies was retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent MOWHTO and met the inclusion criteria were included. Those inclusion criteria were moderate to severe knee pain that failed conservative management; varus knee malalignment; and isolated medial osteoarthritis of the knee. A total of 651 cases, with a mean age of 46.7 ± 9 years and a mean body mass index of 29.6 ± 5.2 kg/m2 , were included. This comprised 71% males (n = 462) and 29% females (n = 189). The mean follow-up was 158.1 ± 45.4 months. Multiple PROMs were recorded preoperatively and serially postoperatively. This included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores, the Oxford Knee Score, the Oxford Knee Score-Activity and Participation Questionnaire, the Western Ontario and McMaster University Scores, the Visual Analogue Scale for health and pain, and the EQ-5D, which is a standardised measure of health-related quality of life. All lower limb alignment measurements were recorded pre- and postoperatively. The rates of osteotomy revision, conversion to arthroplasty, complications, and 5- and 10-year survivorship were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 651 cases were followed up to a mean of 158.1 ± 45.4 months. The mean planned correction angle was 7.6° ± 2.9°. The mean planned opening wedge distance was 8.1 ± 3.1 mm. The mean intraoperative anterior and posterior osteotomy gaps opening were 7.7 ± 3.4 and 8.9 ± 3.8 mm, respectively. Postoperatively, the mean mechanical tibiofemoral angle improved from -5.7° ± 2.9° varus to 1.3° ± 2.5° valgus, the mean medial proximal tibial angle improved from preoperative 85.5° ± 2.3° to postoperative 91.6° ± 2.7° and the mean Mikulicz point improved from 21.7 ± 12.6% to 54.8 ± 11% (all p values < 0.001). All PROMs significantly improved at 24 months follow-up (all p values < 0.001). The rate of osteotomy revision was 1.1% at a mean of 2 ± 2.5 years postoperatively. The overall rate of arthroplasty conversion was 9.1%. This comprised 5.8% total knee arthroplasty conversion at a mean of 6.9 ± 3.5 years postoperatively and 3.2% unicompartmental knee arthroplasty conversion at a mean of 5.7 ± 2.5 years postoperatively. An overall 10.3% complication rate was recorded. The 5 and 10-year survivorship was 97.2% and 91.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MOWHTO is a radiologically and clinically rewarding procedure with a high survival rate at 5 and 10 years and a low complication rate in experienced hands. MOWHTO should be considered in patients presenting with medial unicompartmental knee pain with an evidence of overload and a varus mechanical coronal plane axis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Return to Physical Activity After High Tibial Osteotomy or Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Pooling Data Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The 2 most common definitive surgical interventions currently performed for the treatment of medial osteoarthritis of the knee are medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Research exists to suggest that physically active patients may be suitably indicated for either procedure despite HTO being historically indicated in active patients and UKA being more appropriate for sedentary individuals. PURPOSE: To help consolidate the current indications for both procedures regarding physical activity and to ensure that they are based on the best information presently available. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A search of the literature via the MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases was conducted independently by 2 reviewers in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies that reported patient physical activity levels with the Tegner activity score were eligible for inclusion. Patient demographics, operative variables, and patient-reported outcome scores were abstracted from the included studies. RESULTS: Thirteen eligible studies were included, consisting of 401 knees that received HTO (399 patients) and 1622 that received UKA (1400 patients). The patients' mean age at surgery was 48.4 years for the HTO group and 60.6 years for the UKA group. Mean follow-up was 46.6 months (HTO) and 53.4 months (UKA). All outcome scores demonstrated an equal or improved score for activity and knee function regardless of the operation performed. Operative variables during HTO had a larger effect on outcome than during UKA. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent HTO were more physically active pre- and postoperatively, but patients undergoing UKA experienced an overall greater increase in their physical activity levels and knee function according to Tegner and Lysholm scores. Activity after HTO may be influenced by operative factors such as the implant used and the decision to include a graft material in the osteotomy gap, although this requires further research. Some studies found that patients were able to return to physical activity postoperatively despite having an age or body mass index that would traditionally be a relative contraindication for HTO or UKA.

Ten-year survival rate of 89% after distal femoral osteotomy surgery for lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy, safety, and survival of distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) surgery for lateral compartment OA of the knee. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single UK centre, using prospectively collected data over an 8-year period (2009-2017). All patients had pre-operative radiographic analysis and digital planning of their deformity correction in addition to post-operative analysis of the achieved correction and yearly face-to-face follow-up. Complications (defined as an undesirable medical or surgical event as a direct result of the operation), reoperations, and failure (defined as conversion to arthroplasty or revision) were recorded. RESULTS: From a total of 83 patients, 81 patients undergoing 86 primary DFOs were included in this study, with a mean follow-up of 99 months (SD 27 months). The mean pre-operative percentage Mikulicz point was 78.7% (SD 19.1%) and post-operative 35.9% (SD 14.8%). The mean accuracy of correction (intended correction - achieved correction) was an 8.2% overcorrection (SD 13.7%). The complication rate was 4.7%. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the mean survival was 113 months (95% CI 106-120) with the probability of surviving 10 years 89%. CONCLUSION: DFO for valgus alignment and lateral compartment arthritis is associated with low complications, long-term joint preservation, and the prevention of arthroplasty surgery. However, the accuracy of correction still requires improvement in intra-operative technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Correction to: Paediatric proximal ACL tears managed with direct ACL repair is safe, effective and has excellent short-term outcomes.

Authors would like to update the full author names.

Treatment of focal chondral lesions in the knee using a synthetic scaffold plug: Long-term clinical and radiological results.

The management of symptomatic articular cartilage lesions, especially in the young, fit individual remains an area of considerable controversy. Articular cartilage repair or reconstruction techniques may offer these patients alternatives to arthroplasty. The TruFit™ plug is a synthetic biphasic polymer scaffold that is designed for implantation at the site of a focal chondral defect. The aim of this study is to report the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of patients treated with the TruFit™ plug for chondral defects within the knee. 11 patients underwent TruFit™ plug implantation. Long-term outcome scores were available for 6 patients at a mean follow up of 121 months (SD 12.0 months, 1 patient unavailable and 4 excluded after arthroplasty surgery). There was no statistically significant improvements in any score although all scores did improve. At a mean radiographic follow up of 70 months (17-113) of 9 patients, the mean MOCART score was 22.2 (SD 15.6). All patients had incomplete or no evidence of plug incorporation and persistent chondral loss. Based on these results, we do not recommend the use of the TruFit™ plug.

Paediatric proximal ACL tears managed with direct ACL repair is safe, effective and has excellent short-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in the paediatric population has long been a challenge. Non-operative treatment will result in persistent instability which can lead to chondral and meniscal injuries. The results of primary open ACL repair are poor. Concerns of growth plate disturbance with transphyseal techniques and issues with relatively small-diameter grafts in Tanner 1 and 2 patients, which are inadequate, have contributed to these challenges. With advancing instrumentation, there is renewed interest in ACL repair. The minimally invasive approach of arthroscopic primary ACL repair retains the native ligament. The objective and subjective outcomes at 2 years are presented. METHODS: Paediatric patients, less than 16 years of age, presenting acutely with complete proximal ACL ruptures underwent direct arthroscopic ACL repair, reinforced by a temporary internal brace, which was subsequently removed after 3 months. Patient-reported outcome measures including the Lysholm, Tegner and KOOS scores were collected at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post-operatively. RESULTS: Twenty patients (age 6-16) completed data at 2 years post-operatively. There were no failures, no complications and no growth disturbance out to 2 years. The 2-year postoperative outcomes; Lysholm 95 (90-100), Tegner 7 (6-10), KOOS-Child 96.5 (88.9-100) demonstrated statistically significant improvements following surgery (p < 0.001). Objective measurements with an accelerometer did not demonstrate any significant side-to-side difference. CONCLUSION: ACL repair for proximal ACL tears in the paediatric population demonstrates the potential for excellent outcomes at short-term follow-up. This presents an attractive alternative to ACL reconstruction when an adequate ACL remnant permits direct repair. Our results demonstrate that paediatric ACL repair is safe and effective.

Non-Identical Bilateral Rupture of the Extensor Mechanism of the Knee in a Patient with Hyperlipidemia: A Case Study.

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of the extensor mechanism is a relatively common injury, most frequently occurring as a result of patella fracture, while ruptures of the quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament are less common. Extensor mechanisms of healthy knees are able to tolerate large forces before rupturing; therefore, complete ruptures without significant trauma are due to minor injury to an already degenerate or attenuated tendon. Hyperlipidemia has been linked as a cause of tendon degeneration due to the systemic biological effect that it has on tenocytes. Non-identical bilateral ruptures are rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case report of bilateral ruptures involving the quadriceps tendon of one knee and patellar ligament of the contralateral knee simultaneously. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old man presented to our department with bilateral traumatic rupture of the extensor mechanism of the knee. He had no medical history, was not taking any regular medications, and had no significant family history but a 15-year history of anterior knee pain. Both of his legs gave way on landing from a jump. Radiographs demonstrated a knee effusion with normal patella height on the left and a knee effusion with an elevated patella on the right. A diagnosis of quadriceps tendon rupture on the left and patellar ligament rupture on the right was made. CONCLUSION: Hyperlipidemia has been associated with ruptures of the Achilles tendon but has not been reported in association with failure of the extensor mechanism of the knee. We suggest that all patients presenting with bilateral tendon ruptures, especially in the absence of systemic disease or corticosteroid therapy, are investigated for hyperlipidemia and treated accordingly.

Mid-bundle positioning of the femoral socket increases graft rupture in anatomic single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are superior to non-anatomic graft placements with regard to controlling rotational laxity. Different techniques of anatomic single-bundle reconstruction exist. The femoral tunnel may be placed in a mid-bundle position (MB) or within the anteromedial bundle footprint (AM) with no definitive consensus as to the preferred position. Our institution, reflecting trends in surgical practice, has experience with both techniques. METHODS: Interrogation of our prospectively maintained database yielded all primary ACL reconstructions performed using the anatomic TransLateral single-bundle all-inside technique. A two year minimum follow-up was set. The failure rate of the MB and AM cohorts was compared as a primary outcome. Patient-reported outcomes across cohorts at several time-points were analysed as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-nine primary ACL reconstructions were identified at a median follow-up of 49 months. MB positioning was utilised in 113 cases (40.5%) and AM positioning in 166 (59.5%). There were significantly more failures in the MB cohort (p = 0.029). Logistic regression revealed mid-bundle femoral positioning was associated with greater than fourfold increase in graft failure (odds ratio 4.14, p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Data from this case series suggests that amongst anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstructions, grafts with a mid-bundle femoral tunnel are more than four times more likely to fail versus those with a femoral tunnel placed four millimetres deeper within the anteromedial bundle footprint.

Combined All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Minimally Invasive Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction Using Ipsilateral Semitendinosus and Gracilis Autograft.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured knee ligament, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Unrecognized posterolateral laxity is understood as a major cause of ACL reconstruction failure, and concomitant injury to the posterolateral corner (PLC) is prevalent and underdetected. We advocate screening all ACL-deficient knees for PLC injury and present a technique combining minimally invasive PLC reconstruction with anatomic all-inside ACL reconstruction. The combined procedure uses only the ipsilateral hamstring tendons representing a major surgical advantage over traditional management approaches. The semitendinosus is quadrupled and attached to 2 adjustable suspensory cortical fixation devices to form the ACL graft. The gracilis tendon is looped through the fibula head and secured in a single femoral tunnel for the PLC reconstruction via 2 minimally invasive incisions. The use of a single femoral PLC tunnel combined with a single femoral ACL socket minimizes the risk of tunnel convergence.

Clinical outcomes of anatomic, all-inside, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This paper reports the outcomes of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using a TransLateral single bundle, all-inside hamstring technique at a minimum of two year follow-up. METHODS: The semitendinosus alone is harvested, quadrupled and attached in series to two adjustable suspensory fixation devices. Femoral and tibial sockets are produced using a retrograde drill. The graft is deployed, fixed and tensioned on both tibia and femur. Patients were evaluated preoperatively using the KOOS, Lysholm and Tegner scores and at six, 12 and 24months postoperatively. Objective assessment of knee laxity was performed using the KT-1000 along with goniometric measurement of range or motion. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients, mean age 30.9years (range 15 to 61) were included. Mean follow-up 49.8months (range 30-66). The mean increase in KOOS at two years was 30.3 points; Lysholm, 33.1 points; Tegner Activity scale, 2.0 levels. These were all statistically significant (p<0.001). Range of motion in the reconstructed knee approximated the uninjured knee by 12months and was restored by two years. KT-1000 showed significant reduction in side-side difference to no more than 2.4mm at all postoperative time points (p<0.001). Re-rupture rate in this series was 6.5%, all following episodes of significant additional postoperative trauma to the knee. CONCLUSIONS: TransLateral all-inside ACL reconstruction demonstrates good medium term subjective and objective outcomes with a low complication and failure rate.

Transmedial All-inside TriLink Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries usually constitute part of a multiligament injury. Isolated PCL injuries account for only approximately 3% of all ligament injuries. No consensus on optimal surgical reconstruction exists. The PCL is a double-bundle structure that functions in an anisometric manner. Biomechanical studies have shown that re-creating the PCL femoral double-bundle configuration provides greater stability. We present a 3-socket approach for an anatomic "all-inside" double-bundle PCL reconstruction using our preferred option of a FiberTape (Arthrex, Naples, FL)-reinforced peroneus longus allograft fashioned to create a trifurcate graft: the TriLink technique. Cortical suspensory fixation devices are used, allowing differential tensioning of the anterolateral and posteromedial bundles. This enables more accurate replication of the native PCL and its biomechanical properties.

Paediatric ACL repair reinforced with temporary internal bracing.

PURPOSE: Instability following non-operative treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in young children frequently results in secondary chondral and/or meniscal injuries. Therefore, many contemporary surgeons advocate ACL reconstruction in these patients, despite the challenges posed by peri-articular physes and the high early failure rate. We report a novel management approach, comprising direct ACL repair reinforced by a temporary internal brace in three children. METHODS: Two patients (aged 5 and 6 years) with complete proximal ACL ruptures and a third (aged seven) with an associated tibial spine avulsion underwent direct surgical repair, supplemented with an internal brace that was removed after 3 months. RESULTS: Second-look arthroscopy, examination and imaging at 3 months confirmed knee stability and complete ACL healing in all cases. Normal activities were resumed at 4 months, and excellent objective measures of function, without limb growth disturbance, were noted beyond 2 years. CONCLUSION: ACL repair in young children using this technique negates the requirement and potential morbidity of graft harvest and demonstrates the potential for excellent outcome as an attractive alternative to ACL reconstruction, where an adequate ACL remnant permits direct repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Combined anterolateral ligament and anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the knee.

Although anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is established for the surgical treatment of anterolateral knee instability, there remains a significant cohort of patients who continue to experience post-operative instability. Recent advances in our understanding of the anatomic, biomechanical and radiological characteristics of the native anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee have led to a resurgent interest in reconstruction of this structure as part of the management of knee instability. This technical note describes our readily reproducible combined minimally invasive technique to reconstruct both the ACL and ALL anatomically using autologous semitendinosus and gracilis grafts. This method of ALL reconstruction can be easily integrated with all-inside ACL reconstruction, requiring minimal additional operative time, equipment and expertise. Level of evidence V.

TriLink: Anatomic Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Cadaveric and clinical biomechanical studies show improved kinematic restoration using double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques. These have been criticized in the past for being technically challenging. We present a novel 3-socket approach for anatomic "all-inside" double-bundle reconstruction using a single hamstring tendon fashioned to create a trifurcate graft: the TriLink technique. The semitendinosus alone is harvested, quadrupled, and attached to 3 suspensory fixation devices in a Y-shaped configuration, creating a 4-stranded tibial limb and 2 double-stranded femoral limbs. A medial viewing/lateral working arthroscopic approach is adopted using specifically designed instrumentation. Anatomic placement of the 2 femoral tunnels is performed by a validated direct measurement technique. A single mid-bundle position is used on the tibia. Both femoral and tibial sockets are created in a retrograde manner using outside-to-in drilling. This is a simplified operative technique for anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction that maximizes bone preservation. The TriLink construct replicates the 2 bundles of the ACL, conferring native functional anisometry and improving femoral footprint coverage while avoiding the complexities and pitfalls of double-tibial tunnel techniques. Preservation of the gracilis reduces the morbidity of hamstring harvest and allows greater flexibility in graft choice in cases requiring multiligament reconstruction.

Femoral and tibial tunnel positioning on graft isometry in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: To assess distance changes between the femoral and tibial attachment points of 3 different anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tunnel entry positions throughout the range of knee motion in cadaveric knees. METHODS: The ACLs of 11 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (from 6 men and 5 women) were removed using radiofrequency. Three tibial tunnel placements were made using a cannulated awl, and three 2.4-mm pilot tunnels were drilled on the lateral femoral condyle. One end of an inelastic suture was inserted from each of the 3 femoral holes and fixed on the femoral cortex using a suture button in turn, whereas the other end of the suture was passed through the cannulated awl and fixed on each of the 3 tibial placements in turn, with constant tension. Distance changes of the suture throughout the range of knee movement (0º, 90º, and 135º of knee flexion) were measured for each combination of tibial and femoral positions. RESULTS: The distance was minimum when the knee was in full extension (p < 0.0001). Most of the distance changes occurred during initial flexion (0º-90º). The most isometric position (mean ± standard deviation [SD] distance change, 2.78 ± 0.93 mm; p < 0.0001) was noted when the suture was at the anteromedial bundle placement in the femur and anterior in the tibia. The least isometric position (mean ± SD distance change, 10.37 ± 2.08 mm; p < 0.0001) was noted when the suture was at the mid-bundle position in the femur and at the posterolateral bundle insertion in the tibia. The anatomic position resulted in a mean ± SD distance change of 7.63 ± 2.01 mm (p < 0.0001). The femoral position had a greater influence on distance change than the tibial position. CONCLUSION: None of the ACL graft positions was isometric. Anatomic ACL positioning resulted in comparable anisometry to the native ACL. The minimum distance for all graft positions was noted in full extension, in which position the graft should be fixed during anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Anatomic all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the translateral technique.

There is growing evidence that anatomic placement of the femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction confers biomechanical advantages over the traditional tunnel position. The anteromedial portal technique for anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has many well-described technical challenges. This article describes the translateral all-inside technique, which produces anatomic femoral tunnel placement using direct measurement of the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle and outside-in drilling. All work is carried out through the lateral portal with all viewing through the medial portal. Thus there is no need for an accessory medial portal or hyperflexion of the knee during femoral socket preparation. A single quadrupled hamstring graft is used with cortical fixation at both the femoral and tibial tunnels.

TransMedial All-Inside Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Reinforced Tibial Inlay Graft.

Surgical reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is technically demanding. Potential challenges include visualization of the tibial footprint and drilling of the tibial tunnel without damaging posterior neurovascular structures, as well as graft selection, deployment, tensioning, and fixation. We present a novel TransMedial all-inside arthroscopic technique (technique designed by A. J. Wilson with support from Arthrex) using a single hamstring tendon graft, fixed with adjustable cortical suspensory devices. The technique simplifies the difficult steps encountered during PCL reconstruction and is safe and reproducible. All arthroscopic viewing is accomplished from the lateral portal, and femoral socket preparation is performed from the medial side with specially contoured instruments, which allow accurate marking, measuring, and anatomic positioning of the graft. The quadrupled semitendinosus graft can be augmented with composite polymer tape for increased strength and initial stability. We use outside-in drilling to create retrograde femoral and tibial sockets. Cortical suspensory fixation on the tibial side can be supplemented with anchor fixation. We use an arthroscopic tibial inlay technique that better approximates native knee anatomy. This also avoids the "killer turn," a problem seen in transtibial PCL reconstruction techniques, which theoretically induces graft laxity due to abrasion with cyclic loading. This technique can be further adapted to allow a modified double-bundle or TriLink graft (technique designed by A. J. Wilson with support from Arthrex.).

Acute calcific tendinitis of the flexor carpi ulnaris causing acute compressive neuropathy of the ulnar nerve: a case report.

This study reports a case of acute calcific tendinitis of the flexor carpi ulnaris in a 64-year-old woman. She presented with symptoms of acute ulnar nerve compression mimicking a volar compartment syndrome. Owing to rapidly progressive symptoms, emergency surgical exploration was carried out. Intra-operatively a large mass of calcium phosphate carbonate was noted in association with the flexor carpi ulnaris near its insertion at the wrist compressing the ulnar nerve and artery in Guyon's canal. Postoperatively the patient had complete resolution of symptoms. Conservative management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, splinting, and steroid therapy is recommended for acute calcific tendinitis, but this case suggests a role for surgical treatment when there is acute neural compression and severe pain.