Medial Meniscotibial Ligament of the Knee: A Step by-Step Dissection.

Objective Considerable attention has been paid to meniscotibial ligaments (MTLs), also known as coronary ligaments, especially after the "Save the Meniscus" initiative gained importance among knee surgeons. Technically challenging, the diagnosis and treatment of ramp lesion show the importance of MTLs. These ligaments were discovered long ago, but their contribution to knee stability has only recently been studied and still lacks information. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe step-by-step an dissection technique of the medial MTL, efficient, reproducible and that may lead to further research. Method Twenty fresh cadaver knees were used, with no preference for sex or age. The knees were dissected using the same technique standardized by our team. Each dissection step was recorded digitally. Results The medial MTL was found in all 20 knees studied using the aforementioned technique. In our sample, the medial MTL exhibited an average length of 70.0 ± 13.4 mm and width of 32.25 ± 3.09 mm, thickness of 35.3 ± 2.7 mm and weight of 0.672 ± 0.134 g. In all the cases, the medial MTL originated proximally and deeply to the deep MTL in the tibia. Conclusion We describe a simple effective and reproducible medial MTL dissection technique that makes it possible to identify the ligament over the entire medial extension of the knee.

Analysis of the Mechanical Behavior of Porcine Graft Fixation in a Polyurethane Block Using a 3D-printed PLA Interference Screw.

Objective The interest in using 3D printing in the healthcare field has grown over the years, given its advantages and potential in the rapid manufacturing of personalized devices and implants with complex geometries. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the mechanical fixation behavior of a 3D-printed interference screw, produced by fused deposition modeling of polylactic acid (PLA) filament, with that of a titanium interference screw. Methods Eight deep flexor porcine tendons, approximately 8 mm wide and 9 cm long, were used as graft and fixed to a 40 pounds-per-cubic-foot (PCF) polyurethane block at each of its extremities. One group was fixed only with titanium interference screws (group 1) and the other only with 3D-printed PLA screws (BR 20 2021 018283-6 U2) (group 2). The tests were conducted using an EMIC DL 10000 electromechanical universal testing machine in axial traction mode. Results Group 1 (titanium) obtained peak force of 200 ± 7 N, with mean graft deformation of 8 ± 2 mm, and group 2 (PLA) obtained peak force of 300 ± 30 N, and mean graft deformation of 7 ± 3 mm. Both the titanium and PLA screws provided good graft fixation in the polyurethane block, with no slippage or apparent deformation. In all the samples, the test culminated in graft rupture, with around 20 mm of deformation in relation to the initial length. Conclusion The 3D-printed PLA screw provided good fixation, similar to that of its titanium counterpart, producing satisfactory and promising results.

Tratamento de feridas complexas com prótese de PVC e enxerto parcial de pele autólogo: Protocolo acelerado e de baixo custo de cicatrização por terceira intenção / Treatment of complex wounds with PVC prosthesis and autologous partial skin graft: Accelerated and low-cost third-intention healing protocol

Introdução: Feridas complexas são lesões tegumentares graves, de difícil resolução com curativos convencionais. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever uma técnica de cicatrização de feridas por terceira intenção, reprodutível e de baixo custo, aplicável a feridas complexas, utilizando uma prótese de policloreto de vinila (PVC) colocada temporariamente na área da lesão para promover proteção e estimular sua "granulação", seguida de enxerto autólogo de pele de espessura parcial. Método: De forma consecutiva, foram selecionados 20 pacientes com feridas complexas, decorrentes de causas externas, divididos em 2 grupos: A - pacientes que foram submetidos à técnica de cobertura com prótese de PVC, seguida de enxerto; e B - pacientes submetidos aos cuidados da equipe de curativo, com trocas diárias até granulação da ferida, padrão da nossa instituição. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto ao tempo de internação; custos; em relação à dor local; à presença de complicações; ao tempo até a alta médica; e à satisfação do paciente. Resultados: O tempo de internamento e seus custos, assim como o tempo até a alta médica, foram menores no grupo A (p<0,05). Todavia, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação à dor local entre as técnicas A e B. Conclusão: A técnica utilizando prótese de PVC e enxerto possui boa eficácia para o tratamento de feridas complexas, sendo reprodutível e de baixo custo.

Introduction: Complex wounds are serious tegumentary injuries that are difficult to resolve with conventional dressings. This study aimed to describe a third-intention wound healing technique, reproducible and low cost, applicable to complex wounds, using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) prosthesis temporarily placed in the injured area to promote the protection and stimulate its "granulation," followed by autologous partial-thickness skin grafting. Method: Consecutively, 20 patients with complex wounds resulting from external causes were selected and divided into 2 groups: A - patients who underwent the coverage technique with PVC prosthesis, followed by grafting, and B - patients submitted to the care of the dressing team, with daily changes until wound granulation, standard in our institution. Patients were evaluated regarding length of stay; costs; local pain; complications; the time until medical discharge; and patient satisfaction. Results: The length of hospital stay, its costs, and the time until medical discharge were shorter in group A (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in local pain between techniques A and B. Conclusion: The technique using PVC prosthesis and graft has good efficacy for treating complex wounds, being reproducible and inexpensive.

Assessment of Three Breast Volume Measurement Techniques: Single Marking, MRI and Crisalix 3D Software®.

INTRODUCTION: Measuring breast volume is important to obtain satisfactory breast surgery results, and many techniques are used for this purpose. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare 3 breast volume techniques: Pessoa's single marking technique, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Crisalix 3D software®. METHODS: Fourteen patients indicated for mammoplasty were selected. Three breast volume measurement techniques were compared: Pessoa's single marking technique, MRI and Crisalix 3D software®. The volumes were tabulated and analyzed using R software. RESULTS: Average age was 30.93 ± 10.25 years. The breast volume was 1554.54 ± 512.54 cm3, as measured by the MRI technique (considered the gold standard), 1199.64 ± 403.13 cm3 using Crisalix 3D software® and 1518.04 ± 468.72 cm3 by Pessoa's single marking technique. Comparison between the Crisalix 3D software® and MRI techniques using the pairwise t test demonstrated a statistically significant difference (t = 4.3957, df = 27, p value = 0001543), but no significant difference between the single marking and MRI techniques (t = 1.3841, df = 27, p value = 0.1777). CONCLUSION: When compared to MRI, breast volume measurement using Pessoa's single marking technique showed no statistically significant difference between them. However, the Crisalix 3D® technique exhibited a difference in relation to MRI. Anthropometric measurements are useful in measuring breast volume because they are easy to obtain, practical and inexpensive, and should be part of a plastic surgeon's arsenal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Outcomes of the Carlson Approach in the Treatment of Posterior Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Objectives To describe a series of cases of tibial fractures surgically treated using the posterior approach as described by Carlson, focusing on evaluating its functional results and complication rate. Methods Eleven patients with tibial plateau fractures, who underwent surgical treatment using the Carlson approach from July to December 2019, were followed-up. The minimum follow-up period was defined as 6 months. The American Knee Society Score (AKSS), American Knee Society Score/Function (AKSS/Function) and the Lysholm score were used to check treatment results at 6 months after the fracture. The patients underwent standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs to assess fracture healing, and clinical healing was determined by the absence of pain during full weight-bearing. Results The mean follow-up period was 12 months (9-16 months). The primary mechanism of trauma was motorcycle accident, and the most prevalent side of fracture was the right side. Eight participants were male. The mean age of the patients was 28 years. All fractures healed, and none of the patients presented complications. The AKSS was excellent in 11 patients, with a mean AKSS/Function of 99.1 ± 3, and Lysholm scores with a median of 95.0 ± 5.6. Conclusions The Carlson approach for posterior fractures of the tibial plateau can be considered safe, presenting a low complication rate and satisfactory functional results.

Anatomy of the Medial Meniscotibial Ligament of the Knee: A Systematic Review.

Objectives To perform a systematic review of the literature on the anatomy of the medial meniscotibial ligaments (MTLs), and to present the most accepted findings, as well as the evolution of the anatomical knowledge on this structure. Materials and Methods An electronic search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases with no date restrictions. The following index terms were used in the search: anatomy AND meniscotibial AND ligament AND medial . The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We included anatomical studies of the knee were included, such as cadaver dissections, histological and/or biological investigations, and/or imaging of the medial MTL anatomy. Results Eight articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The first article was published in 1984 and the last, in 2020. The total sample in the 8 articles was of 96 patients. Most studies are purely descriptive in terms of the macroscopic morphological and microscopic histological findings. Two studies evaluated the biomechanical aspects of the MTL, and one, the anatomical correlation with the magnetic resonance imaging examination. Conclusion The main function of the medial MTL, a ligament that originates in the tibia and is inserted in the lower meniscus, is to stabilize and maintain the meniscus in its position on the tibial plateau. However, there is a limited amount of information regarding medial MTLs, primarily in terms of anatomy, especially vascularization and innervation.

Study of the nerve endings and mechanoreceptors of the medial meniscotibial ligament of the knee: A structural and distribution analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to describe the morphology and distribution of the nerve endings of the meniscotibial ligament (MTL) of the knee, in order to understand the interaction between the proprioceptive system and knee mechanics. METHODS: Twenty medial MTLs were obtained from deceased organ donors. The ligaments were measured, weighed and cut. Sections (10 mm) were prepared on hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides for analysis of tissue integrity, and 50 mm sections were submitted to immunofluorescence with the protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 as primary antibody and Alexa Fluor 488 as secondary antibody, followed by microscopic analysis. RESULTS: The medial MTL was identified in 100% of the dissections, with average length, width, thickness and weight of 7.07 ± 1.34 mm, 32.25 ± 3.09 mm, 3.53 ± 0.27 mm and 0.67 ± 0.13 g, respectively. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained histological sections exhibited typical ligament structure, with dense well-organized collagen fibers and vascular tissue. All the specimens analyzed contained type I (Ruffini) mechanoreceptors and free (type IV) nerve endings, varying from parallel to intertwined fibers. Nerve endings not classified with different irregular shapes were also found. Most type I mechanoreceptors were found close to the MTL insertions on the tibial plateau, while the free nerve endings were found adjacent to the capsule. CONCLUSION: The medial MTL showed a peripheral nerve structure, primarily type I and IV mechanoreceptors. These findings suggest that the medial MTL is important for proprioception and medial knee stabilization.

Analysis of Mechanoreceptors and Free Nerve Endings of the Transverse Carpal Ligament.

Background: The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by sectioning the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) is not exempt from complications. Some nerve branches may be damaged by the incision. The aim of this study is to identify and map the TCL nerve endings, serving as a guide for sectioning this structure in a zone with less nerve ending density. Methods: Ten TCLs were obtained from fresh frozen cadavers. The TCLs were measured, divided into 3 equal bands (radial, central, and ulnar), and submitted to cryostat sectioning. The sections were subjected to immunofluorescence with the protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and confocal microscopy analysis. Results: All the specimens contained type I and type IV mechanoreceptors. Neural elements occupied 0.695 ± 0.056% of the ligament area. The density of the neural elements was greater in the radial, followed by the ulnar and central bands, with 0.730 ± 0.083%, 0.686 ± 0.009%, and 0.669 ± 0.031%, respectively. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that the region with the least potential for neural element injury during TCL release is the central third near the transition with the ulnar third. When performed distally to proximally with a slight inclination from the radial to the ulnar, this release compromises the lowest nerve element density. Topographically, the proximal limit of the release is the distal wrist crease, while the distal limit is the intersection of Kaplan cardinal line and the axis of the third webspace.

All-Inside Technique for Ramp Lesion Repair: Arthroscopic Suture With Knee Scorpion Suture Passer.

Ramp lesions are peripheral tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus that involve the meniscocapsular attachments. They are commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury and frequently not diagnosed. There are several suture techniques for ramp lesions. However, most have a long learning curve to be performed adequately and to minimize the risks of neurovascular lesions, cartilage injury, as well as damage to the meniscotibial ligament and meniscus. Thus, as an alternative to minimize costs and provide adequate ramp lesion repair, we present a simple, easy-to-reproduce technique using a Scorpion Suture Passer and all-inside sutures, without the need to leave devices inside the knee, causing no additional lesions and making it less costly than conventional methods. Our technique, which consists of a biomechanically strong suture, with no internal devices, is cheaper, allows several sutures with the same thread and produces satisfactory clinical results.

HOW TO PERFORM A META-ANALYSIS: A PRACTICAL STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE USING R SOFTWARE AND RSTUDIO.

Meta-analysis is an adequate statistical technique to combine results from different studies, and its use has been growing in the medical field. Thus, not only knowing how to interpret meta-analysis, but also knowing how to perform one, is fundamental today. Therefore, the objective of this article is to present the basic concepts and serve as a guide for conducting a meta-analysis using R and RStudio software. For this, the reader has access to the basic commands in the R and RStudio software, necessary for conducting a meta-analysis. The advantage of R is that it is a free software. For a better understanding of the commands, two examples were presented in a practical way, in addition to revising some basic concepts of this statistical technique. It is assumed that the data necessary for the meta-analysis has already been collected, that is, the description of methodologies for systematic review is not a discussed subject. Finally, it is worth remembering that there are many other techniques used in meta-analyses that were not addressed in this work. However, with the two examples used, the article already enables the reader to proceed with good and robust meta-analyses. Level of Evidence V, Expert Opinion.

Metanálise é uma técnica estatística adequada para combinar resultados provenientes de diferentes estudos, seu uso vem crescendo e ganhando cada vez mais importância no meio médico. Assim, não apenas saber interpretar metanálise, como também saber realizar uma, mesmo que simples, é fundamental na atualidade. Portanto, o objetivo principal deste artigo é apresentar os conceitos básicos que a norteiam e servir de guia para a condução de uma metanálise utilizando os softwares R e RStudio. Para isso, através do presente artigo o leitor tem acesso aos comandos básicos existentes nos softwares R e RStudio, necessários para a condução de uma metanálise. A grande vantagem do R é o fato de ser um software livre. Para um melhor entendimento dos comandos, dois exemplos foram apresentados de forma prática, além de revisados alguns conceitos básicos dessa técnica estatística. É suposto que os dados necessários para a metanálise já foram coletados, ou seja, descrição de metodologias para revisão sistemática não é assunto discutido. Por fim, vale relembrar que existem muitas outras técnicas utilizadas em metanálises que não foram abordadas neste trabalho. Todavia, com os dois exemplos utilizados, o artigo já habilita o leitor a proceder boas e robustas metanálises. Nível de Evidência V, Opinião do Especialista.

How to perform a meta-analysis: a practical step-by-step guide using r software and rstudio / Como realizar uma metanálise: um guia prático passo a passo utilizando o software r e o rstudio

ABSTRACT Meta-analysis is an adequate statistical technique to combine results from different studies, and its use has been growing in the medical field. Thus, not only knowing how to interpret meta-analysis, but also knowing how to perform one, is fundamental today. Therefore, the objective of this article is to present the basic concepts and serve as a guide for conducting a meta-analysis using R and RStudio software. For this, the reader has access to the basic commands in the R and RStudio software, necessary for conducting a meta-analysis. The advantage of R is that it is a free software. For a better understanding of the commands, two examples were presented in a practical way, in addition to revising some basic concepts of this statistical technique. It is assumed that the data necessary for the meta-analysis has already been collected, that is, the description of methodologies for systematic review is not a discussed subject. Finally, it is worth remembering that there are many other techniques used in meta-analyses that were not addressed in this work. However, with the two examples used, the article already enables the reader to proceed with good and robust meta-analyses. Level of Evidence V, Expert Opinion.

RESUMO Metanálise é uma técnica estatística adequada para combinar resultados provenientes de diferentes estudos, seu uso vem crescendo e ganhando cada vez mais importância no meio médico. Assim, não apenas saber interpretar metanálise, como também saber realizar uma, mesmo que simples, é fundamental na atualidade. Portanto, o objetivo principal deste artigo é apresentar os conceitos básicos que a norteiam e servir de guia para a condução de uma metanálise utilizando os softwares R e RStudio. Para isso, através do presente artigo o leitor tem acesso aos comandos básicos existentes nos softwares R e RStudio, necessários para a condução de uma metanálise. A grande vantagem do R é o fato de ser um software livre. Para um melhor entendimento dos comandos, dois exemplos foram apresentados de forma prática, além de revisados alguns conceitos básicos dessa técnica estatística. É suposto que os dados necessários para a metanálise já foram coletados, ou seja, descrição de metodologias para revisão sistemática não é assunto discutido. Por fim, vale relembrar que existem muitas outras técnicas utilizadas em metanálises que não foram abordadas neste trabalho. Todavia, com os dois exemplos utilizados, o artigo já habilita o leitor a proceder boas e robustas metanálises. Nível de Evidência V, Opinião do Especialista.

Clinical outcomes of combined anterior cruciate ligament and anterolateral ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcomes of isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with combined reconstruction of the ACL and anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. METHODS: A search was conducted on the PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases, in line with the PRISMA protocol. The indexation terms used were "anterior cruciate ligament" OR "acl" AND "anterolateral ligament" AND "reconstruction." Articles that compared patients submitted to combined ACL and ALL reconstruction with those submitted to isolated reconstruction of the ACL, with levels of evidence I, II, and III, were included. Studies with follow-up of less than 2 years and articles that did not use "anatomical" techniques for ALL reconstruction, such as extraarticular tenodesis, were excluded. A meta-analysis with R software was conducted, with a random effects model, presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence level (CI) and statistically significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Ten articles were selected, with a total of 1495 patients, most of whom were men, of whom 674 submitted to ACL and ALL reconstruction and 821 to isolated ACL reconstruction. Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction exhibited a statistically significant advantage in residual pivot shift (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.24-0.47, I2 = 0%, p < 0.01), rerupture rate (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19-0.62, I2 = 0%, p < 0.01), Lachman test (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40-0.86, I2 = 21%, p < 0.01), and postoperative Lysholm score (MD 2.28, CI 95% 0.75-3.81, I2 = 73%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction obtained better postoperative clinical outcomes when compared with isolated ACL reconstruction, especially in reducing residual pivot shift and rerupture rate.

INCIDENCE OF DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS IN FLOATING KNEE / INCIDÊNCIA DE TROMBOSE VENOSA PROFUNDA EM JOELHO FLUTUANTE

Objective: To report the incidence between Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures (floating knee), considering its relation with hospitalization time, fracture classification, treatment implemented and comorbidities. Methods: This is a retrospective observational analytical study using the medical charts of thirty patients admitted with floating knee to a trauma hospital between October 2016 and July 2017. Results: Of the 30 patients assessed, 25 (83%) were men and 5 (17%) women. The most affected age range was between 21 and 30 years (36%). The dominant limb was affected in 17 (57%) patients. A total of 19 (63%) patients were classified as Fraser type I, 18 (60%) had open (compound) fractures, 16 (53%) fractures of the tibia and 8 (26%) of the femur. The most widely used emergency treatment was external fixation of the femur and tibia (25 patients = 83%). Seven patients used a femur plate and external fixator in the tibia as definitive treatment. Of the 30 patients studied, 14 (46%) suffered infectious complications, 9 (30%) superficial and 5 (16%) deep. Deep venous thrombosis was observed in 17% of patients (p=0.409).  Conclusion: Despite the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis, there was a high incidence of DVT in the affected limb of patients with floating knee. Fraser I fractures, being male and the non-dominant limb increases the likelihood of developing DVT. Level of Evidence: Level I

Objetivo: Relatar a incidência de trombose venosa profunda (TVP) em fratura ipsilateral de fêmur e tíbia (joelho flutuante), levando-se em conta sua relação com o tempo de internação, com a classificação da fratura, o tempo para fazer o procedimento cirúrgico, o tratamento implementado e com as comorbidades. Materiais e métodos: Realizado um estudo retrospectivo, observacional e analítico por meio da avaliação de prontuários de trinta pacientes admitidos com joelho flutuante em um hospital de trauma durante o período de outubro de 2016 a julho de 2017.  Resultados: Dos 30 pacientes avaliados, foi observado que 25 (83%) dos pacientes eram do gênero masculino e 5 (17%) dos pacientes eram do gênero feminino. A faixa etária mais acometida foi entre 21 e 30 anos (36%). O acometimento do membro dominante ocorreu em 17 (57%) dos pacientes avaliados. Dezenove (63%) pacientes acometidos foram classificados como Fraser Tipo I. Dezoito (60%) pacientes tiveram fratura exposta, sendo 16 (53%) em tíbia e 8 (26%) em fêmur. O tratamento mais utilizado como urgência foi o de controle de danos com fixador externo em fêmur e tíbia (25 pacientes ou 83%). Sete pacientes utilizaram placa no fêmur e fixador externo na tíbia como tratamento definitivo. Dos 30 pacientes estudados, 14 (46%) tiveram complicações infecciosas, sendo 9 (30%) superficiais e 5 (16%) profundas. Observamos trombose venosa profunda em 17% dos pacientes (p=0,409).  Conclusão: Apesar do uso da profilaxia antitrombótica medicamentosa, houve uma grande incidência de TVP no membro acometido em pacientes com joelho flutuante na população estudada. As fraturas classificadas como Fraser I, pacientes do sexo masculino e o membro não dominante levaram ao aumento da probabilidade do surgimento de TVP. Nível de Evidência: Nível I

Study of the Nerve Endings and Mechanoreceptors of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee.

PURPOSE: To describe the morphology and distribution of the anterolateral ligament of the knee (ALL) nerve endings, aiming to understand the interaction between the proprioceptive system and knee mechanics. METHODS: Twenty ALLs were obtained from fresh frozen cadavers. The ligaments were measured, weighed, and cut. Sections (10 µm) were prepared in hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides to analyze tissue integrity, and 50-µm sections were subjected to immunofluorescence with the protein gene product 9.5 as primary antibody and Alexa Fluor 488 as secondary antibody, followed by microscopic analysis. RESULTS: The ALL was identified in 100% of the dissections, exhibiting a mean (± standard deviation) length of 4.0 ± 0.4 cm, a mean width of 5.5 ± 0.8 mm, and a mean weight of 0.9 ± 0.2 g. The histological sections in hematoxylin and eosin showed dense, well-organized collagen and the presence of vascular tissue. All the specimens analyzed contained type I (Ruffini-like) mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings (type IV), varying from parallel to intertwined fibers. Unclassified nerve endings with different irregular shapes were also found. The neural elements occupied 0.6% ± 0.3% of the ligament area, and most were observed near the origin of ALL insertions. CONCLUSION: The ALL exhibits a peripheral nerve structure, primarily type I and IV mechanoreceptors. These findings suggest that the ALL is important for the proprioception and anterolateral stabilization of the knee. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is important to understand ALL innervation and infer how an injury could compromise the proprioceptive role of the lateral compartment, as the ligaments contribute dynamically to stability through proprioceptive control of muscle forces. The findings confirm that the ALL is highly innervated by mechanoreceptors and may have a proprioceptive role in conjunction with the lateral collateral ligament in the lateral region of the knee.

Indications of the Neurotomy of Genicular Nerves by Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Literature Review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent and incapacitating pathologies today, especially of the knee. Among the possible approaches for knee OA, the neurotomy of the genicular nerves by radiofrequency (RF) has been gaining prominence. However, as this is a relatively new procedure, indications for its implementation are still unclear. The objective of the present review is to identify the main indications of the use of RF for the treatment of knee OA in the medical literature. A review of the literature was performed in January 2018 through a search in the PubMed, ClinicalKey and Google Scholar databases. After reviewing the main articles on the subject, it was concluded that the main indications of the use of RF for the treatment of knee OA were: OA Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4, with moderate to severe pain and failure of conservative treatment, mainly in elderly people; persistence of pain even after total knee arthroplasty (TKA); patients with an indication for TKA who refuse to undergo surgical treatment.

Anterolateral ligament of the knee: a step-by-step dissection.

BACKGROUND: The number of studies and clinical interest in the anterolateral ligament of the knee (ALL) has grown in recent years. A meticulous and accurate ALL dissection is vital in anatomic and biomechanical studies, and a standardized technique is not yet established. As such, the aim of this study was to describe a step-by-step ALL dissection technique that could help authors consistently identify the ALL. METHODS: Twenty knees from frozen adult cadavers, with no preference for sex or age, were included in the study. All the cadavers were dissected using the same technique to determine the incidence of the ALL. RESULTS: A transverse incision is performed in the iliotibial band (ITB), around 10 cm proximal to the topography of the lateral epicondyle of the femur. Next, the ITB undergoes anterograde blunt dissection until its insertion at Gerdy's tubercle in the tibia. Maintaining biceps femoris insertion, a dissection is performed anteriorly to it, until the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is found. Using the LCL, internal rotation and 30 to 60° flexion as references, the ALL can be located in the anterolateral topography of the knee, with its origin near the lateral epicondyle (proximal and posterior) and insertion between Gerdy's tubercle and the fibula (4.0 mm to 7.0 mm below the tibial plateau), expanding to the lateral meniscus (between the body and anterior horn), exhibiting a mean length of 4.0 ± 0.4 cm and mean width of 5.5 ± 0.8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The present article describes an effective and reproducible ALL dissection technique that made it was possible to identify the ligament in 100% of the cases in the present study.

Anatomy of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic literature review to search for studies on the anatomy of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee, presenting the most accepted findings, as well as the evolution of anatomic information on this structure. METHODS: We reviewed the PubMed, MEDLINE, and ClinicalKey databases for anatomic studies on the ALL, involving cadaveric, histologic, and biochemical dissection and/or anatomic imaging. The primary data researched were the presence of the ligament; measures of length, width, and thickness; ligament path; insertions; number of bands; histologic assessment; and innervation. RESULTS: We identified 53 studies. The ALL was found in 82.87% of adult dissections (more easily visualized in fresh cadavers), 74.07% of fetal dissections, and 84.80% of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. In 29 articles, the ALL was found in 100% of cases. There are 3 ALL insertion points: femoral, tibial, and meniscal. Histologic sections showed dense, well-organized collagen fibers, with an average of 121 fibroblasts/mm2 in adults, in addition to the presence of vascular and nervous tissue. MRI was shown to be a good examination tool to visualize the ALL, primarily in the coronal plane and with T2-weighted images. CONCLUSIONS: The ALL is a distinct structure in the anterolateral portion of the knee. It exhibits typical ligament characteristics and can be visualized on imaging examinations, especially MRI. It has a femoral attachment near the lateral epicondyle, with a trend in recent years showing it to be located posterior and proximal to it, following an anteroinferior trajectory, with an insertion into the lateral meniscus and proximal tibia at the midpoint between the fibular head and Gerdy tubercle. Among the studies, the length of the ALL varied from 30.41 to 59.0 mm, the width ranged between 4.0 and 7.0 mm, and the thickness ranged between 1.0 and 2.0 mm. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: During the past few years, much controversy has been raised about the correct anatomy of the ALL. The main clinical relevance of this study is not only to end the discussion about the ALL's existence but also to clarify and synthesize the main evidence on the ALL's anatomy, mainly the currently most accepted attachments according to the recent literature, to enable more precise development of biomechanical settings and surgical techniques.

Surgical indications for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with extra-articular lateral tenodesis or anterolateral ligament reconstruction.

Recently described in the medical literature, the anterolateral ligament of the knee is already considered an important stabilizer against the anterolateral tibial rotation, affecting the pivot shift in the failure of the anterior cruciate ligament and behaving as an important secondary rotational stabilizer. The mechanism of anterolateral ligament injury combined with anterior cruciate ligament injury is similar to the mechanism of anterior cruciate ligament injury alone. Thus, the main objective of the joint reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament and anterolateral ligament would be increased rotational control and prevention of anterior cruciate ligament re-rupture. In view of this importance, the aim of the present study is to summarize the evidence on the main surgical indications described for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis or anterolateral ligament reconstruction. A review of the literature was conducted in April 2017, through a search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases, with no date limits. After reviewing the main articles in the subject, it was concluded that the main surgical indications described for anterior cruciate reconstruction combined with extra-articular lateral tenodesis or anterolateral ligament reconstruction are: anterior cruciate ligament revision, physical examination with pivotal shift grade 2 or 3, practice of sport with pivot mechanism and/or high level mechanism, ligament laxity and Segond fracture; Secondly, the following may also be indications: chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury, age less than 25 years old, and radiological sign of lateral femoral condyle depression. However, it is worth mentioning that more studies are still needed to prove these trends.

Recentemente descrito na literatura médica, o ligamento anterolateral do joelho já é considerado um importante estabilizador contra a rotação tibial anterolateral, afeta o pivot shift na falha do ligamento cruzado anterior e comporta-se como um grande estabilizador secundário rotacional. O mecanismo de lesão do ligamento anterolateral combinado com a lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior é semelhante ao mecanismo da lesão isolada do ligamento cruzado anterior. Assim, o principal objetivo da reconstrução conjunta do ligamento cruzado anterior e do ligamento anterolateral seria um maior controle rotacional e prevenção da rerruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior. Tendo em vista tal importância, o objetivo do presente trabalho é resumir as evidências sobre as principais indicações cirúrgicas descritas para reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior combinada com tenodese extra-articular lateral ou reconstrução do ligamento anterolateral. Foi feita uma revisão da literatura em abril de 2017, por meio de pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed, Medline, Cochrane e Google Scholar, sem limites de data. Após revisão dos principais artigos no assunto, os autores concluíram que as principais indicações cirúrgicas descritas para reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior combinada com tenodese extra-articular lateral ou reconstrução do ligamento anterolateral são: revisão do ligamento cruzado anterior, exame físico com pivot shift grau 2 ou 3, prática de esporte com mecanismo de pivot e/ou de alto nível, frouxidão ligamentar e fratura de Segond. Secundariamente, as seguintes indicações são possíveis: lesão crônica de ligamento cruzado anterior, idade menor de que 25 anos e sinal radiológico de afundamento do côndilo femoral lateral. Todavia, vale ressaltar que mais estudos ainda são necessários para comprovar essas tendências.