Bucket handle meniscus tears in low-resource settings can be successfully treated with a cost-effective technique.

PURPOSE: In regions of the world where resources can limit medical care (limited-resource settings, LRS), most meniscal tears are often treated with meniscectomy. A simple, low-cost option for meniscal repair has been developed. We sought to evaluate patient reported outcomes (PROMs) and clinical failure rates of bucket handle meniscus tears (BHTs) treated with meniscal repair in a LRS. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients over 18 who were treated for BHT with meniscal repair in a LRS. Meniscal repair was primarily accomplished using an outside-in technique. Pre-injury and final follow-up PROMs were recorded. Clinical failure was defined as the need for re-operation or symptoms that prevented the patient from returning to recreational activities or work responsibilities. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with a mean age of 25.4 years were eligible. Two patients sustained a clinical failure (10.5%). At mean follow-up of 40.6 months, there was significant improvement in all PROMs from baseline. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in the failure group compared to the success group in number of knots used, pre-injury Tegner score, number of devices used, suture type, or technique. CONCLUSION: Bucket-handle meniscal tears can be repaired using a low-cost technique resulting in satisfactory healing rates and excellent outcomes.

A novel posteromedial approach for tibial inlay PCL reconstruction in KDIIIM injuries: avoiding prone patient positioning.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of traumatic knee dislocations remains controversial and challenging. Current techniques for PCL reconstruction utilize either a transtibial approach with potential risk of vascular injury from drilling toward the popliteal artery or a tibial inlay technique with prone patient positioning, which is cumbersome and adds operative time. We therefore developed a surgical technique using a supine posteromedial approach for PCL tibial inlay reconstruction for the treatment of Schenck KDIIIM (ACL/PCL/medial collateral ligament) knee dislocations. In patients undergoing this technique, we evaluated patient-reported outcome scores, ROM, stability, and complications. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE: Tibial inlay PCL reconstructions were performed through a posteromedial approach with the patient supine, knee flexed, and hip externally rotated, thus avoiding prone patient positioning. The inlay approach uses the interval between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the pes anserinus (gracilis and semitendinosus), with release of the semimembranosus tendon approximately 1 cm from its insertion on the tibia. Retraction of the medial gastrocnemius and semimembranosus allows access to the posteromedial aspect of the proximal tibia while protecting the neurovascular bundle. METHODS: All 11 patients sustaining a KDIIIM multiligamentous knee injury treated between 2002 and 2011 with a three-ligament reconstruction received this posteromedial approach. Seven patients were available for complete evaluation, and one completed telephone followup only. Mean followup was 6.0 years (range, 2.0-11.2 years). Clinical evaluation included Lysholm and Tegner activity scores and measurements of ROM and knee laxity. We also recorded complications. RESULTS: Mean Lysholm and Tegner activity scores were 81 and 4.9, respectively, with three patients returning to recreational or competitive sports. Mean knee flexion was 120° (range, 106°-137°); however, two patients had stiffness in flexion, lacking greater than 20° of flexion compared to the contralateral side. Five had less than 3 mm of translation. Three returned to the operating room, two for arthrofibrosis or painful hardware and a third for ACL reinjury requiring revision reconstruction; there were no vascular injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome scores, stability, and complications using this surgical technique were comparable to those found in other studies. The posteromedial approach for tibial inlay avoids prone positioning and the incisions are minimized, allowing safe exposure for combined medial and posterior ligament reconstruction. Further studies are needed to compare this method with others in the treatment of KDIIIM knee dislocations.

Adverse Events After Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A National Database Study.

Background: Optimal management after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury remains an active area of research, as reconstruction is technically challenging and poses unique risks in the posterior knee. Studies have reported variable rates of complications. Purpose: To describe the rates of readmission, emergency department (ED) visits, and postoperative complications within 90 days of isolated PCL reconstruction (PCLR) in a large, national cohort to better understand the perioperative variables that influence a practitioner's decision of whether to pursue operative versus nonoperative management. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: PCLRs from January 1, 2010, through August 31, 2020, were identified in PearlDiver, a national administrative database. Patients with concomitant ligament surgery and those with fewer than 90 days of postoperative database activity were excluded. Deep vein thromboses, pulmonary embolisms, surgical site infections, compartment syndrome, and vascular events within 90 days of surgery were identified, as were 90-day readmissions and ED visits. Logistic regression models were built in PearlDiver to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for ED utilization. Results: The final cohort consisted of 1154 patients with isolated PCLR (mean age, 34 ± 16 years; 62% male). Most patients were located in the Southern United States (n = 417; 36.1%), and most had commercial insurance (n = 992; 86%). The 90-day rates of adverse events were as follows: deep vein thrombosis (13; 1.1%), pulmonary embolism (19; 1.6%), surgical site infection (<11; <1%), compartment syndrome (<11; <1%), vascular event (<11; <1%), readmission (13, 1.1%), and ED utilization (99; 8.6%). The majority of emergency department visits (52%) occurred in the first 2 weeks postoperatively. Predictive factors for ED utilization included Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score (OR = 1.31 per 2-point increase) and Medicaid insurance (OR = 2.03 relative to commercial insurance). Conclusion: The current study reported rates of adverse events after isolated PCLR in a large, national cohort. The results provide important context for decisions about optimal management of PCL injury.

Synovial Fluid Inflammatory Profiles did not Differ between Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Multi-ligament Knee Injuries.

Objective and design: The purpose of this study was to compare synovial concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines between multiple-ligament knee injured (MLKI) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured patients. Subjects: 14 patients with MLKI and 10 patients with isolated ACL injury. Methods: Synovial fluid was aspirated from the operative knee at the time of surgery and the concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in the synovial fluid were determined. Structures injured, the time between injury and surgery, and demographic factors were collected. Linear regressions were used to determine the association between injury pattern and synovial inflammatory markers when controlling for age, BMI, and time between injury and surgery. Results: When adjusting for group differences in age, BMI and the time between injury and surgery, no group differences were detected (interferon gamma (p = 0.11), interleukin-1beta (IL-1b, p = 0.35), IL-2 (p = 0.28), IL-4 (p = 0.64), IL-6 (p = 0.37), IL-8 (p = 0.54), IL-10 (p = 0.25), IL-12p70 (p = 0.81), IL-13 (p = 0.31), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p = 0.90)). Conclusion: Synovial fluid inflammatory markers did not differ between MLKI and isolated ACL injuries. MLKIs have a greater prevalence of postoperative arthrofibrosis when compared to isolated ACL injuries; however, this may be due in part to factors other than the inflammatory status of the joint.

Supine Lobenhoffer Approach Optimizes PCL Reconstruction with Tibial Inlay in Knee Dislocations: A Case Report.

CASE: A 47-year-old man suffered a knee dislocation while skiing with associated damage to the anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, medial collateral, and medial patellofemoral ligaments. The patient underwent a multiple-ligament knee reconstruction using the supine Lobenhoffer approach, which resulted in remarkable outcomes that persisted throughout the 56-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The utilization of this approach can prevent inappropriate graft tension and iatrogenic damage, reduce surgical time, and minimize airway complications by eliminating the need for the prone position. Optimizing these factors enhances the patient's chances for long-term outcomes; thus, surgeons should consider this approach in managing multiple-ligament knee injuries.

Return to Sport After Multiligament Knee Injury in Young Athletes.

Background: While return to sport (RTS) in young athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been well studied, little is known regarding their rate of RTS after multiligament knee injury (MLKI). Purpose: To assess the level of and factors associated with RTS after MLKI in young athletes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We retrospectively identified 116 patients aged ≤23 years who had sustained an injury to ≥2 knee ligaments and undergone operative reconstruction or repair of ≥1 ligament. Our primary outcome was self-reported RTS at the preinjury level or higher. We estimated the likelihood of RTS using binomial logistic regression. Secondary variables included the 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SF), ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) physical and mental health summaries. Results: A total of 30 (25.9%) patients (24 men, 6 women; mean age, 18.1 ± 2.5 years) completed patient-reported outcome surveys at a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (median, 6.6 years [range, 1.1-19.5 years]). A total of 28 patients underwent surgical treatment of ≥2 ligaments. RTS was achieved by 90% of patients, and 43.3% returned to their preinjury level or higher. Patients who had played sports at a higher level before injury were more likely to RTS at their preinjury level or higher (odds ratio [OR], 3.516 [95% CI, 1.034-11.955]; P = .044), while those who played cutting sports were less likely to do so (OR, 0.013 [95% CI, 0.000-0.461; P = .017). Patients who achieved RTS at their preinjury level or higher had significantly higher IKDC-SF and ACL-RSI scores versus patients who did not (P = .001 and P = .002, respectively). The number of ligaments injured, age, mental health diagnosis, and SF-12 scores were not associated with the ability to RTS at the preinjury or higher levels. Conclusion: Most young athletes who sustained MLKI were able to return to play at some level, but a minority returned to their preinjury level. Patients who did return at preinjury or higher levels had higher IKDC-SF and ACL-RSI scores than those who did not. Performance in cutting and/or pivoting sports was negatively associated with RTS.

The Impact of Implementing a Diabetic Limb-Preservation Program on Amputation Outcomes at an Academic Institution in a Majority-Minority State.

Background. Diabetic foot osteomyelitis may precede major limb amputations and lengthy hospital admission. These complications impact patients' morbidity and mortality. Healthcare institutions with dedicated limb-preservation teams realize reduced amputation rates and improved quality of care. This study evaluates the outcomes following the implementation of a rigorous diabetic limb-preservation program at an academic institution. Methods. Patients with diabetes admitted for osteomyelitis occurring below the knee were identified by ICD-10 codes and included for retrospective review. The number and type of amputations, bone biopsies, revascularizations, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were evaluated. Outcomes were compared using the high-low (Hi-Lo) amputation ratio for the 24 months preceding and the 24 months after the integration of a diabetic limb-preservation service. Results. The authors identified and included 337 patients admitted for diabetic foot osteomyelitis. In the 24-month period prior to program implementation, 140 patients were evaluated. In the 24-month period after program implementation, 197 patients were evaluated. The overall amputation rate decreased from 67.1% (n = 94) to 59.9% (n = 118) (P = .214). Major limb amputation rates significantly decreased from 32.9% (n = 46) to 12.7% (n = 25) (P = .001). Minor amputation rates significantly increased from 34.2% (n = 48) to 47.2% (n = 93) (P = .024). The Hi-Lo amputation ratio decreased from 0.96 to 0.27 (P < .001). The rate of obtaining bone biopsies increased from 32.1% (n = 45) to 72.1% (P < .001). The rate of revascularization increased from 10.7% (n = 15) to 15.2% (n = 30) (P = .299). Average hospital LOS decreased significantly from 11.6 days to 9.8 days (P = .044). Conclusion. After the implementation of a limb-preservation team, there was a precipitous drop in major limb amputations in favor of minor amputations. The average hospital LOS decreased. These findings demonstrated improved clinical care and outcomes in patients with lower extremity osteomyelitis and reinforce the importance of a diabetic foot-preservation service within healthcare institutions.

Comparative Success of Repair Versus Reconstruction for Knee Extra-articular Ligament Injuries.

Background: Surgical techniques and associated outcomes in treating acute and chronic extra-articular ligament knee injuries are in evolution, and there is question as to whether repair or reconstruction is optimal. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the subsequent surgery rate between surgical repair versus reconstruction for all extra-articular ligament injuries of the knee utilizing a large database. Our hypothesis was that overall surgical repair of both lateral and medial extra-articular knee injuries would have a higher revision rate than those treated by reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The PearlDiver Mariner data set (2010-2019), with 122 million patients, was utilized to generate 2 patient cohorts: those who underwent surgical repair and those who underwent surgical reconstruction of a knee extra-articular ligament injury. All patients had a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Rates of concomitant or subsequent cruciate ligament reconstruction and rates of secondary procedures were assessed and compared between the 2 cohorts. Results: In total, 3563 patients were identified: extra-articular ligament reconstruction was performed for 2405 (67.5%), and repair was performed for 1158 (32.5%). Cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed for 986 (27.7%), of which 888 of 986 (90.1%) were performed on the same day as their extra-articular ligament procedure. At 2-year follow-up, the reconstruction cohort had higher rates of revision surgery compared with the repair cohort (8.2% vs 2.5%; P < .001). Conclusion: Using a large national database, knee extra-articular ligamentous reconstructions (those on both the lateral and the medial side) had a 3.3 times higher rate of revision surgery compared with repair at 2-year follow-up. Further study is needed to investigate the causes leading to revision surgery and to determine the optimal surgical treatment for both medial and lateral extra-articular knee ligament injuries.

Presentation and Surgical Management of Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries: A Multicenter Study from the Surgical Timing and Rehabilitation (STaR) Trial for MLKIs Network.

BACKGROUND: Multiple ligament knee injuries (MLKIs) represent a spectrum of injury patterns that are often associated with concomitant musculoskeletal and neurovascular injuries, complex treatment, and postoperative complications. However, there has not been high-level evidence describing the presentation and treatment of MLKIs. The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to describe characteristics of MLKIs, their management, and related complications using a pathoanatomic MLKI classification system based on the Schenck Knee Dislocation classification system. METHODS: This review identified and analyzed MLKIs that occurred between 2011 and 2015. Cases with an MLKI were included in this study if there was a complete tear of ≥2 ligaments and at least 1 ligament was repaired or reconstructed. Cases in which a ligament was deemed clinically incompetent due to a partial ligament tear and required surgical repair or reconstruction were considered equivalent to grade-III tears for inclusion and classification. Demographic information, the mechanism of injury, times from injury to presentation to an orthopaedic surgeon and to surgery, the ligament injury pattern, associated injuries, surgical procedures, and complications were captured. Data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 773 individuals from 14 centers who underwent surgery for an MLKI were reviewed. The mean age of the individuals was 30.5 ± 12.7 years, and 74.2% were male. The most common mechanism involved sports (43.2%). The median time from injury to presentation to the orthopaedic surgeon was 11 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3 to 48 days), and the time to initial ligament surgery was 64 days (IQR, 23 to 190 days). While the most common injury patterns were an anterior cruciate ligament tear combined with either a medial-sided (MLK 1-AM, 20.7%) or lateral-sided (MLK 1-AL, 23.2%) injury, one-third (34.7%) were bicruciate injuries. Associated injuries most often involved menisci (55.6%), nerves (18.5%) and tendons (15.6%). The method of surgical intervention (repair versus reconstruction), external fixator use, and staging of procedures varied by MLKI classification. Loss of motion (11.4%) was the most common postoperative complication. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the clinical characteristics and management of the various MLKI patterns can be used to support clinical decision-making and individualized treatment of these complex injuries, and may ultimately lead to enhanced outcomes and reduced associated risks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Extensor Mechanism Disruption Impacts Treatment of Dislocated and Multiligament Injured Knees: Treatment and Schenck Classification Recommendations Based on a Global Delphi Method.

BACKGROUND: Multiligament knee injury (MLKI) with associated extensor mechanism (EM) involvement is a rare injury, with limited evidence to guide optimal treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of consensus among a group of international experts regarding the treatment of patients with MLKI and concomitant EM injury. METHODS: Utilizing a classic Delphi technique, an international group of 46 surgeons from 6 continents with expertise in MLKI undertook 3 rounds of online surveys. Participants were presented with clinical scenarios involving EM disruption in association with MLKI, classified using the Schenck Knee-Dislocation (KD) Classification. Positive consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement with responses of either "strongly agree" or "agree," and negative consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement with "strongly disagree" or "disagree." RESULTS: There was a 100% response rate for rounds 1 and 2 and a 96% response rate for round 3. There was strong positive consensus (87%) that an EM injury in combination with MLKI significantly alters the treatment algorithm. For an EM injury in conjunction with a KD2, KD3M, or KD3L injury, there was positive consensus to repair the EM injury only and negative consensus regarding performing concurrent ligamentous reconstruction at the time of initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of bicruciate MLKI, there was overall agreement on the significant impact of EM injury on the treatment algorithm. We therefore recommend that the Schenck KD Classification be updated with the addition of the modifier suffix "-EM" to highlight this impact. Treatment of the EM injury was judged to have the highest priority, and there was consensus to treat the EM injury only. However, given the lack of clinical outcome data, treatment decisions need to be made on a case-by-case basis with consideration of the numerous clinical factors that are encountered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Little clinical evidence exists to guide the surgeon on the management of EM injury in the setting of a multiligament injured or dislocated knee. This survey highlights the impact that EM injury has on the treatment algorithm and provides some guidance for management until a further large case series or prospective studies are undertaken.

Establishing a Consensus Definition of a Knee Fracture-Dislocation (Schenck Knee Dislocation V) Using a Global Modified Delphi Method.

BACKGROUND: Knee fracture-dislocations are complex injuries; however, there is no universally accepted definition of what constitutes a fracture-dislocation within the Schenck Knee Dislocation (KD) V subcategory. The purpose of this study was to establish a more precise definition for fracture patterns included within the Schenck KD V subcategory. METHODS: A series of clinical scenarios encompassing various fracture patterns in association with a bicruciate knee ligament injury was created by a working group of 8 surgeons. Utilizing a modified Delphi technique, 46 surgeons from 18 countries and 6 continents with clinical and academic expertise in multiligamentous knee injuries undertook 3 rounds of online surveys to establish consensus. Consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement with responses of either "strongly agree" or "agree" for a positive consensus or "strongly disagree" or "disagree" for a negative consensus. RESULTS: There was a 100% response rate for Rounds 1 and 2 and a 96% response rate for Round 3. A total of 11 fracture patterns reached consensus for inclusion: (1) nondisplaced articular fracture of the femur; (2) displaced articular fracture of the femur; (3) tibial plateau fracture involving the weight-bearing surface (with or without tibial spine involvement); (4) tibial plateau peripheral rim compression fracture; (5) posterolateral tibial plateau compression fracture, Bernholt type IIB; (6) posterolateral tibial plateau compression fracture, Bernholt type IIIA; (7) posterolateral tibial plateau compression fracture, Bernholt type IIIB; (8) Gerdy's tubercle avulsion fracture with weight-bearing surface involvement; (9) displaced tibial tubercle fracture; (10) displaced patellar body fracture; and (11) displaced patellar inferior pole fracture. Fourteen fracture patterns reached consensus for exclusion from the definition. Two fracture patterns failed to reach consensus for either inclusion or exclusion from the definition. CONCLUSIONS: Using a modified Delphi technique, this study established consensus for specific fracture patterns to include within or exclude from the Schenck KD V subcategory. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level V . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Tibial Supra-tubercular Deflexion Osteotomy in the Management of Failed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Surgical Technique.

Excessive posterior tibial slope (PTS) is a recognized risk factor for failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and should be considered when planning a revision ACLR. A tibial supra-tubercular deflexion osteotomy can correct excessive PTS with simultaneous or staged ACLR. There are only a handful of technical descriptions offering insight on the respective authors' approach at reducing PTS, all of which vary greatly in their methods. The authors describe a surgical technique using a proximal tibial supra-tubercular deflexion osteotomy in patients with persistent knee instability, a history of at least one failed ACLR, and a PTS greater than 12°. This surgery is not recommended in patients with significant genu recurvatum (>10°), significant varus, or severe tibiofemoral osteoarthritis.

Varus collapse following anterior closing wedge proximal tibial osteotomy for ACL revision reconstruction: a case series.

A slope-correcting anterior closing wedge proximal tibial osteotomy is a powerful tool for correcting increased posterior tibial slope in the setting of a failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This case series documents three cases in which patients collapsed into varus following an anterior closing wedge proximal tibia osteotomy. Two patients had osteotomies fixated with a "suture-staple" construct, and all had medical comorbidities or reported noncompliance post-operatively. Therefore, meticulous care during the planning, execution, and rehabilitation phases is critical as multiple factors throughout the arc of care may contribute towards anterior closing wedge proximal tibial osteotomy varus collapse. Careful optimization of medical comorbidities and rigid fixation with either a plate and screws or compression staples should be used rather than a "suture-staple" to mitigate this risk.Level of evidence: IV.

Inclusion of open injuries in an updated Schenck classification of knee dislocations based on a global Delphi consensus study.

OBJECTIVES: Knee dislocations (KDs) are complex injuries defined as incongruity of the tibiofemoral joint, which leads to tears of two or more of the main stabilising knee ligaments, and they are often associated with damage to surrounding soft tissue or neurovascular structures. A classification system for these injuries should be simple and reproducible and allow communication among surgeons for surgical planning and outcome prediction. The aim of this study was to formulate a list of factors, prioritised by high-volume knee surgeons, that should be included in a KD classification system. METHODS: A global panel of orthopaedic knee surgery specialists participated in a Delphi process. The first survey employed 91 orthopaedic surgeons to generate a list of patient- and system-specific factors that should be included in a KD classification system that may affect surgical planning and outcomes. This list was subsequently prioritised by 27 identified experts (mean 15.3 years of experience) from Brazil (n = 9), USA (n = 6), South Africa (n = 4), India (n = 4), China (n = 2), and the United Kingdom (n = 2). The items were analysed to find factors that had at least 70% consensus for inclusion in a classification system. RESULTS: Of the 12 factors identified, four (33%) achieved at least 70% consensus for inclusion in a classification system. The factors deemed critical for inclusion in a classification system included vascular injuries (89%), common peroneal nerve injuries (78%), number of torn ligaments (78%), and open injuries (70%). CONCLUSION: Consensus for inclusion of various factors in a KD classification system was not easily achieved. The wide geographic distribution of participants provides diverse insight and makes the results of the study globally applicable. The most important factors to include in a classification system as determined by the Delphi technique were vascular injuries, common peroneal nerve injuries, number of torn ligaments, and open injuries. To date, the Schenck anatomic classification system most accurately identifies these patient variables with the addition of open injury classification. The authors propose to update the Schenck classification system with the inclusion of open injuries as an additional modifier, although this is only a small step in updating the classification, and further studies should evaluate the inclusion of more advanced imaging modalities. Future research should focus on integrating these factors into useful existing classification systems that are predictive of surgical treatment and patient outcomes.

A Biomechanical Comparison of the LaPrade Technique Versus a Novel Technique for Reconstruction of Medial-Sided Knee Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Medial-sided knee injuries can lead to symptomatic valgus laxity or anteromedial rotatory instability and may require surgery, particularly in the setting of cruciate tears and tibial-sided medial collateral ligament (MCL) avulsions. The LaPrade (LP) technique utilizes 2 free grafts to reconstruct the superficial MCL (sMCL) and the posterior oblique ligament (POL). An alternative MCL reconstruction devised by the senior author comprises an anatomic single-bundle reconstruction using a free graft to reconstruct the sMCL with advancement and imbrication of the posteromedial capsule/POL (MCL anatomic reconstruction with capsular imbrication [MARCI] technique). These techniques have not been biomechanically compared with one another. PURPOSE: To identify if one of these reconstruction techniques better restores valgus and rotational medial knee stability throughout the range of motion. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 20 fresh-frozen, male (mean age, 43.7 years [range, 20-63 years]), midfemur-to-toe-matched cadaveric knees were utilized. All reconstructions were performed by a single fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon. Left and right specimens within matched pairs were randomized to 1 of the 2 treatment groups: LP or MARCI. Each specimen was tested in 3 phases: (1) intact knee, (2) destabilized (MCL and POL completely severed), and (3) reconstructed (post-LP or post-MARCI reconstruction). We quantified valgus angulation defined by medial joint line opening, as well as internal and external tibial rotation at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion under applied external moments/torques at each phase. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the MARCI and LP reconstruction groups in valgus stability compared with the intact state (P = .021), with the MARCI reconstruction more closely approximating the intact knee. There was no overall difference between the MARCI and LP reconstruction techniques for internal rotation (P = .163), with both closely resembling the intact state. For external rotation, the effect of the reconstruction technique was dependent on the knee flexion angle (P < .001). At the highest angles, there were no differences between reconstructions; however, for lower knee flexion angles, the MARCI technique more closely resembled the intact state. CONCLUSION: Although both techniques improved knee stability compared with destabilized conditions, the MARCI technique better approximated intact stability during valgus at knee flexion angles from 0° to 90° and external rotation loads at knee flexion angles ≤30° in a cadaveric model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The MARCI technique provides an alternative option to improve valgus stability throughout the range of motion. It utilizes a POL advancement without the potential limitations seen in the LP technique, such as multiple tunnel complexity and collision, particularly in the multiple ligament-injured knee.

Repair of Acute Grade 3 Combined Posterolateral Corner Avulsion Injuries Using an Enhanced Fixation Technique.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that surgical repair of the posterolateral corner (PLC) may be inferior to reconstruction. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that acute repair (<3 weeks) of avulsion-type PLC multiligament knee injuries with no midsubstance injury would lead to lower failure rates than previously reported for PLC repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 28 patients with multiligament knee injuries who underwent acute repair between January 2007 and June 2018 of a PLC avulsion injury with no evidence of midsubstance tearing were included. All PLC avulsion injuries were treated using a transosseous Krackow suture pull-through technique without graft augmentation. Outcome metrics included lateral joint-space widening with varus stress, patient-reported clinical varus instability, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and any subsequent revision or salvage procedure. Results: The mean time from injury to repair was 8.1 ± 5 days. At a mean follow-up of 2 years (range, 3-90 months), clinical varus stress examination at 30° demonstrated a significant reduction in lateral compartment opening, from 9 ± 3 mm preoperatively to 0 ± 3 mm (P < .0001). The failure rate was calculated to be 10.7% (3/28), which was significantly lower than the failure rate from a 2016 systematic review (38%, 17/45; P = .015). Of the 28 patients, 21 (75%) had PROM scores. Patients who underwent staged bi-cruciate reconstructions (n = 5) had significantly higher subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) (87.2 vs 65.5; P = .014) and Lysholm (90.5 vs 75.2; P = .029) scores compared to patients with untreated bi-cruciate injuries (n = 9). Patients with peroneal nerve injury (n = 4) had significantly lower IKDC (58.2 vs 80.8; P = .0045) and Tegner (3.2 vs 5.4; P = .047) scores than those without peroneal nerve injury (n = 17). The mean IKDC and Lysholm scores at final follow-up were 73.4 ± 24.0 and 80.8 ± 23.1 at 7.1 years (range, 2.3-10.6 years) of follow-up. Conclusion: Repair of acute grade 3 combined PLC avulsion injuries using a transosseous Krackow suture pull-through technique demonstrated a failure rate of 10.7%. Patients who underwent a staged cruciate reconstruction(s) had higher subjective outcome scores than those who had cruciate injuries left untreated. Peroneal nerve injury was associated with lower outcome scores.

Open approaches for cruciate ligament reconstruction in knee dislocations: A technical note and case series.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic surgery is the gold standard for cruciate ligament reconstruction in multi-ligament knee injuries. However, hospitals in limited-resource settings often lack arthroscopic-trained surgeons or equipment. Open approaches for treating knee dislocations can overcome many of these limitations. METHODOLOGY: This study aims to describe techniques for open approaches in a supine patient to address the cruciate ligaments in multi-ligament knee injuries and to review associated complications and clinical outcomes in a retrospective case series. RESULTS: Ten patients with multi-ligament knee injuries who had undergone open cruciate ligament reconstruction between July 2016 and November 2018 were retrospectively identified. Open approaches were performed owing to the extravasation of arthroscopy fluid into the posterior compartment (3) or a large traumatic arthrotomy (7). Complications and patient-reported outcomes were analysed. Eight of the 10 patients were followed up at 10 months postoperatively (range, 5-23 months). None had iatrogenic neurovascular damage. Median outcomes scores were: visual analogue scale, 45 (range, 0-100); Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short Form, 81.4 (range, 75-100); Lysholm, 85 (range, 67-92). DISCUSSION: Open approaches were safe and useful in treating cruciate ligaments and should be considered in arthroscopy fluid extraversion and large traumatic arthrotomies.

Prioritised challenges in the management of acute knee dislocations are stiffness, obesity, treatment delays and associated limb-threatening injuries: a global consensus study.

OBJECTIVES: Heterogeneous patient factors and injury mechanisms result in a great variety of injury patterns encountered in knee dislocations (KD). Attempts to improve outcome can focus on a wide range of challenges. The aim of this study was to establish and prioritise a list of challenges encountered when treating patients with acute KD. METHODS: A modified Delphi consensus study was conducted with international knee specialists who generated a prioritised list of challenges. Selected priorities were limited to half of the possible items. Agreement of more than 70% was defined as consensus on each of these items a priori. RESULTS: Ninety-one international surgeons participated in the first round. The majority worked in public hospitals and treated patients from low-income and middle-income households. Their propositions were prioritised by 27 knee surgeons from Europe, Africa, Asia, as well as North and South America, with a mean of 15.3 years of experience in knee surgery (SD 17.8). Consensus was reached for postoperative stiffness, obesity, delay to presentation and associated common peroneal nerve injuries. Challenges such as vascular injuries, ipsilateral fractures, open injuries as well as residual laxity were also rated high. Most of these topics with high priority are key during the initial management of a patient with KD, at presentation. Topics with lower priority were postsurgical challenges, such as patient insight, expectations and compliance, rehabilitation programme, and pain management. CONCLUSION: This consensus study has a wide geographical footprint of experts around the world practising in various settings. These participants prioritised stiffness, obesity, treatment delays and associated limb-threatening injuries as the most important challenges when managing a patient with acute KD. This list calls for applicable and feasible solutions for these challenges in a global setting. It should be used to prioritise research efforts and discuss treatment guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.