Results of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with and without tibial tubercle osteotomy in patellar instability: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To confirm which method provides lower rate of recurrent instability and superior clinical outcomes. METHOD: We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for the trials involving one intervention or both for patellar instability: medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) with and without tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO). The postoperative Kujala score, Lysholm score, Tegner scores and the rate of recurrent instability (dislocation or subluxation) were analyzed as the primary clinical outcome parameters in a random or fixed effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: In total, 43 articles met inclusion criteria after full-text review. A total of 2046 patients were analyzed. The overall mean age was 20.3 years (range, 9.5-60.0 years), with a mean follow-up time of 3.2 years (range, 1-8 years). The mean Kujala scores in MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO were 89.04 and 84.44, respectively. There was significant difference in Kujala scores between MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO (MD = 4.60, 95%CI: 1.07-8.13; P = 0.01). The mean Lysholm scores in MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO were 90.59 and 88.14, respectively. There was no significant difference in Lysholm scores between MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO (MD = 2.45, 95%CI: -3.20-8.10; P = 0.40). The mean Tegner scores in MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO were 5.30 and 4.88, respectively. There was no significant difference in Tegner scores between MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO (MD = 0.42, 95%CI: -0.39-1.23; P = 0.31). At final follow-up, the rates of recurrent instability in MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO were 3% and 4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the rates between MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO (OR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.96-1.02; P = 0.4848). CONCLUSION: MPFLR and MPFLR + TTO are effective and reliable treatments in the setting of patellofemoral instability. MPFLR seems to show a better performance in functional outcomes than MPFLR + TTO. Moreover, their rates of recurrent instability are very low, and no significant difference exists.

Comparison of "ligamentization" process between preserved insertion hamstring tendon autograft and bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.

BACKGROUND: Ligamentization is a complex process and effect of preservation of hamstring tendon graft insertion on this process is not well studied. Present study was conducted to analyze and compare the ligamentization of semitendinosus gracilis graft with preserved tibial insertion (STGPI) and bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts. METHODS: A total of 50 sportspeople who underwent ACL reconstruction using either BPTB (group A; n = 25) or STGPI (group B; n = 25) autografts were included in the study. Contrast enhanced MRI was done at 8 months and 14 months post-ACL reconstruction to evaluate the ligamentization using Signal noise quotient (SNQ), graft intensity and enhancement index. Clinical outcomes (Lysholm score) and knee laxity were also assessed at 8 months and 14 months. RESULTS: 18/23 (78%) patients in group A and 14/23 (61%) patients in group B had hyperintense graft signal at 8 months (n.s.) and at 14 months, 1/23 patients in group A and none of the patients in group B had hyperintense graft. SNQ at 8 months was 3.6 ± 2 and 3.7 ± 2 in group A and B respectively (n.s.) and at 14 months, SNQ was 2.5 ± 1.5 in group A and 2.4 ± 1.3 in group B (n.s.). Enhancement index at 8 months was 1.5 ± 0.3 and 1.2 ± 0.3 in group A and B respectively (p = 0.0001). Enhancement index at 14 months was 1.21 ± 0.2 in group A and 1.07 ± 0.2 in group B (p = 0.003). Functional outcomes and knee laxity were comparable in both the groups at 8 and 14 months (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Both the grafts i.e. BPTB and STGPI are similar in terms of rate and extent of ligamentization. Clinical outcomes and knee laxity are also comparable between two grafts.

Avoid post operative bracing to reduce ACL rerupture rates.

PURPOSE: It has been quoted that the graft is more prone to injury in the early stages of ligamentization between 3 and 6 months when the muscles are weak and compliance with post-op protocol is waning. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of avoiding postoperative bracing following ACL reconstruction and early enhanced recovery protocol on the reinjuries of graft. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon in the same specialist center between October 2015 and May 2017 were included in the study. All the patients were educated regarding rehabilitation before the index surgery and preoperative quadriceps exercises had been initiated. Rehabilitation was undertaken as per a standard protocol with emphasis on early mobilization. No brace was used. Patients were followed up between 3 months and 1 year. Lysholm knee scores were evaluated at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No failures were noted (failure defined as instability, stiffness or persistent pain). The average Lysholm knee score at 6 months was 88 and at 12 months period was 91. No statistical significance (P > 0.00001) was noted in the scores between braced and unbraced at 1 year. CONCLUSION: ACL rehabilitation without a knee brace can indirectly prevent rerupture and is a cheaper as well as a safer method with better outcomes.

Symptoms and function in patients with articular cartilage lesions in 1,000 knee arthroscopies.

PURPOSE: Focal chondral lesions of the knee are commonly occurring. A lot is known about their frequency, size and localisation in arthroscopic series, but less about the symptoms they elicit and little about how the arthroscopic findings and symptoms correlate. The purposes of the present study included to investigate the relationship between articular cartilage lesion factors and patient factors, and to compare the symptoms and function of cartilage lesion patients to those of patients with a deficient ACL. METHODS: A prospective registration was conducted of preoperative data including Lysholm knee score and perioperative findings in 1,000 consecutive patients undergoing an arthroscopic procedure of the knee-including microfracture of articular cartilage defects and ACL reconstructions. RESULTS: Chondral or osteochondral lesions were found in 57 % of the arthroscopies. The mean Lysholm score in this subgroup was 55. The mean Lysholm score was significantly lower in women (50, SD 19) compared to men (59, SD 18, p < 0.001). Among the chondral lesion factors, only kissing (vs. non-kissing) lesions and multiple (vs. single) lesions influenced symptoms and function to a more than negligible degree. Microfracture in one or two articular cartilage defects was performed in 187 patients. The microfracture group had a significant lower mean Lysholm score (54, SD 18) than a group of patients (N = 71) undergoing ACL reconstruction group (67, SD 17, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study confirms that articular cartilage lesions are both common and cumbersome. Women seem to have more problems than men, whereas chondral lesion factors-such as localisation and size-seem to influence symptoms and function to a small degree. These aspects should be addressed when designing outcome studies, and should also be of interest to the orthopaedic surgeon-in the day-by-day clinical work. When treating these patients, our prime focus need to be on knee function rather than the cartilage defect as the relationship between the latter and the former is unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-control study, Level III.

Long-term follow up of single-stage anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and high tibial osteotomy and its relation with posterior tibial slope.

BACKGROUND: Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy is considered to be an effective treatment for medial compartmental osteoarthritis. It is generally admitted that tibial slope increases after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and decreases after closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy. Young patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency along with medial compartment osteoarthritis need a combined procedure of ACL reconstruction along with high tibial osteotomy to regain physiological knee kinematics and to avoid chondral damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 30 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction along with medial opening-wedge osteotomy from Jan 2004 to June 2012 with a minimum follow up of 2 years. The pre-operative and post-operative posterior tibial slopes were measured. Functional outcome was analysed using clinico-radiological criteria, IKDC scoring and Lysholm score. RESULTS: Post-operative patients improved both clinically and functionally. The patients who had posterior tibial slope >5° decrease, compared to patients who had less <5° decrease, had better functional scores (IKDC and Lysholm score), which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that decreasing the tibial slope >5° compared to pre-operative value has functionally favourable effect on the reconstructed ACL graft and outcome. It is known that increasing slope causes an anterior shift in tibial resting position that is accentuated under axial loads. This suggests that decreasing tibial slope may be protective in an ACL deficient knee. Hence by placing the tricortical graft posterior to midline in the opening wedge reduces the posterior tibial slope and thereby reduces the stress on the graft leading to better functional outcome.

Functional outcome of ACL reconstruction using patellar bone tendon bone graft.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mid-term functional outcome using Lysholm score of anterior cruciate ligamentreconstruction using bone patella-tendon bone graft. METHODS: The retrospective study of prospectively collected data was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from June 2010to June 2013, and comprised patients with complete anterior cruciate ligamenttear who were treated with diagnostic arthroscopy and open reconstruction using bone patella-tendon bone graft. All patients were operated under tourniquet control and knee immobiliser was applied. Straight leg raise procedure was started on 2nd postoperative day. One year after surgery, functional outcome was assessed using Lysholm score. RESULTS: All the 36(100%) patients in the study were males. Four (11%) patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded, while 32(89%) completed the study. Right knee was involved in 16(50%) patients while left knee was involved in 16(50%) patients. Overall, 31(97%) patients had history of contact sports injury. The average age of patients was 28.25±8.32 years. All patients were operated at an average of 17.5±10.3 weeks. The ligament tear was associated with medial meniscal tear in 16(50%) patients, while lateral meniscal tear was noted in 10(31.25%). The mean Lysholm score was 83.06±4.17at 1 year (fair to good outcome). The average range of motion 1 year after surgery was 127.5±11.25. Loss of extension <3o was noted in 20(62.5%) patients, while >3o was noted in 12(37.5%). The average loss of extension was 3.5±2.3 degrees. Two (6.25%) patients developed superficial infection which subsided with oral antibiotics. Anterior knee pain was reported by 8(25%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patellar bone tendon bone graft was a reliable method for reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.

[Reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament complex with a flat semitendinosus auto- or allograft]. / Rekonstruktion des medialen Kollateralbandkomplexes mit einem flachen autologen oder allogenen Semitendinosussehnentransplantat.

OBJECTIVE: Replacement of superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL) with an allograft. INDICATIONS: Chronic 3° isolated medial instability and combined anteromedial or posteromedial instability. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Infection, open growth plates, restricted range of motion (less than E/F 0-0-90°). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Longitudinal incision from medial epicondyle to superficial pes anserinus and exposure of the medial collateral ligament complex. Thawing of the allogeneic semitendinosus tendon graft at room temperature, reinforcement of the tendon ends with sutures and preparation of a two-stranded graft. Placement of guidewires in the sMCL and POL insertions and control with image intensifier. Tunnel drilling. Pulling the graft loop into the femoral bone tunnel and fixation with a flip button. Pulling the two graft ends into the tibial tunnels. Tibial fixation by knotting the suture ends in a 20° flexion on the lateral cortex. Suture the tendon bundles to the remaining remnants of the medial collateral ligament complex to adopt the flat structure of the natural medial collateral ligament complex. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Six weeks partial weight-bearing, immediately postoperatively splint in the extended position, after 2 weeks movable knee brace for another 4-6 weeks. Mobility: 4 weeks 0-0-60, 5th and 6th weeks 0-0-90. RESULTS: From 2015-2021, this surgical procedure was performed in 19 patients (5 women, 14 men, age 34 years). Mean Lysholm score at follow-up after at least 2 years was 89 (76-99) points. In 6 patients, there was restricted range of motion 3 months postoperatively, which resulted in further therapy (3 נsystemic cortisone therapy, 3 נarthroscopically supported manipulations under anesthesia).

A case series of post-tuberculous Baker's cyst.

Introduction: The gastrocnemius-semimembranous bursa of the knee, which connects to the posterior region of the joint capsule, becomes distended in a Baker's (popliteal) cyst. In adults, it is nearly always secondary to pathological changes in the knee joint that cause an effusion. Baker cysts are mostly asymptomatic, but they may have presentations ranging from mild swelling, a picture similar to infective arthritis, to massive swelling leading to rupture and causing lower limb ischemia. We have presented these cases of post-tubercular baker cysts and evaluated their post-treatment outcomes. Material and methods: Between September 2018 and September 2021, 12 patients with post-tuberculous baker cysts who presented to the outpatient department or emergency department of our institute were treated with conservative or open excision and followed up for 12 months at regular intervals. The functional assessment was done by VAS pain scoring and Lysholm knee scoring at the start of treatment, 1, 6 and 12 months after the surgery or conservative treatment. Results: 8 patients with post-tubercular Baker cysts were managed conservatively with aspirations and medications. Four patients with large multiloculated post-tubercular baker cysts were managed operatively. The mean age of patients with complicated post-tuberculosis Baker cyst was 44.92 ± 5.07 years. VAS The scoring of all the patients improved with each visit and 1-year follow-up. The Lysholm Knee score of patients also improved with each visit. All patients had excellent scores, with 3 patients having a score of 100 at 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: Complicated Baker's cysts with multiloculated post-tubercular cysts need surgical management in most cases. Excellent to good functional outcomes can be achieved in these unusual cases with prompt intervention, detailed work-up, and medications.

Clinico-radiological outcome of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Augmentation of Dehydrated Human Amnion Chorion Allograft Membrane using Peroneus Longus Autograft.

Introduction: For many sportsmen, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are unfortunate but common injuries. Several growth factors, cytokine, chemokine, and protease inhibitors functions in stimulation of paracrine reactions in fibroblast, endothelial, and stem cells thereby promoting the tissue restorative processes. Augmented with dehydrated Human Amnion Chorion Membrane (dHACM) allograft reinforces the reconstructed ligament and aids in effective restoration. Materials and methods: In this case control study 15 patients undertaking ACL reconstruction with tripled peroneus augmented dHACM (G1) were prospectively monitored up for a period of 8 months along with 15 control patients (G2) without dHACM augmentation. Clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed and assessed about effect of augmenting the peroneus longus graft using dHACM. Clinical analysis included pre-operative two, four, six, and eight months post-operative Tegnor-Lysholm score, and radiological analysis included the 6th month postoperative MRI signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements by mean signal-value at femoral insertion, midsubstance and tibial insertion of ACL graft. Results: Clinically, as a mean Lysholm score of all patients, they were revealed to be consecutively high in G1 than in Group 2 at four, six, and eight months. The signal-to-noise ratio from the MRI results showed majority having good healing in G1 group. Conclusions: Based on 6-month MRI, an effective ligamentization (SNR<75) was noticed in 53.33% of patients in the dHACM allograft enhanced group on comparison with 33% in the controls. The overall results show that the augmentation of dHACM allograft to ACL reconstruction yields in good patient outcomes at post-operative follow-up.

Perspective on Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Arthroscopic All-Inside Meniscal Repair: Insights From a Lower Middle-Income Country.

Background Meniscal tears are a common injury in the adult population. With the advent of newer devices, the adoption of the all-inside repair technique has been expanding substantially because of its feasibility and reduced risk to surrounding neurovascular structures. This study was conducted in a lower middle-income country to assess the functional outcome of the arthroscopic all-inside technique and to identify the potential factors that may affect the functional outcome that will eventually influence the future management of these patients. Method This study is a retrospective case series conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Patients presenting to the outpatient clinics with meniscal tears who underwent arthroscopic all-inside repair from January 2015 to December 2021 were included in this study. The exclusion criteria included patients who had associated fractures and patients with meniscal tears greater than six months ago. Results A total of 29 patients underwent all-inside meniscal repair for meniscus tears. The mean age of our patients was 26.31 years (SD = 7.11 years), ranging from 17 years to 48 years. Of these patients, 26 were males and three were females, accounting for 89.7% and 10.3%, respectively. The most frequent mechanism of injury was twisting while playing sports, accounting for 51.7%, followed by falling while playing sports and road traffic accidents (RTAs), accounting for 13.8% and 20.7%, respectively. Of the 29 patients, 16 (55.2%) had lateral meniscal injuries, 10 (34.5%) were diagnosed with medial meniscus injuries, and three (10.3%) had injuries to both menisci. The most common type of tear that was observed in our sample size was bucket handle tears, which were found in 14 patients, accounting for a total of 48.3%, followed by complex tears in seven patients (24.1%). The majority of the patients, i.e., 19 out of 29 patients (65.5%), had an acute course of injury, i.e., less than six weeks. For the functional outcome, the Lysholm score was calculated at 12 months and was found to be excellent in 17 patients, good in six patients, and fair in six patients, accounting for 58.6%, 20.7%, and 20.7%, respectively. The mean Lysholm score was 90.03 ± 8.85 points. Of the 29 patients, 27 (93.2%) had no complaints at the regular 12-month follow-up, whereas one patient (3.4%) experienced rotatory instability and one patient (3.4%) experienced stiffness at the knee joint. None of the patients had to undergo a reoperation. The mean Lysholm score in the 25 patients who had an associated anterior cruciate ligament tear was 89.64 ± 9.442 points, whereas the four patients who had an isolated meniscal tear had a mean score of 92.50 ± 2.887 points, which was not significantly different (p-value = 0.831). Conclusion All-inside meniscal repair for treating meniscal tears has become the new treatment paradigm as it not only renders excellent functional outcomes with minimal complications but also prevents damage to the surrounding neurovasculature and the soft tissue envelope as it is a minimally invasive technique.

Functional Outcomes in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: A Nine-Month Follow-up Study Using Lysholm Score in a Rural Tertiary Care Center in India.

Introduction The knee joint, an extraordinary feat of biomechanics, is prone to injuries, with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) often being a common victim. The intricate coordination of joint movements relies heavily on the ACL's screw-home mechanism, a crucial element for synchronizing knee movement with neighboring joints. Despite its indispensable role, the ACL is susceptible to injury, necessitating surgical intervention. While many patients experience positive outcomes following ACL reconstruction surgeries, a significant proportion face the challenge of procedure failure. The key to success lies in the healing process within the tibial and femoral bone tunnels. The post-ACL reconstruction phase introduces its own set of challenges, particularly in the context of returning to sports (RTS), underscoring the importance of reinstating neuromuscular and motor function. The trajectory of rehabilitation is influenced by factors such as graft healing, patient age, gender, pain levels, and concurrent injuries. Materials and methods This prospective observational study spanned 2.5 years, enrolling 71 patients with diagnosed ACL injuries. Arthroscopic reconstruction utilized hamstring autografts and peroneus longus autografts. A nine-month post-surgery follow-up employed the Lysholm scoring system for comprehensive evaluations. Results Over 2.5 years, 87.3% of male and 12.6% of female participants underwent arthroscopic reconstruction. Lysholm scores revealed 28.1% excellent, 45.0% good, and 26.7% fair outcomes, with no participants in the unsatisfactory range. Lysholm scores demonstrated positive outcomes, indicating the efficacy of arthroscopic reconstruction in enhancing knee function. Findings align with existing literature, emphasizing positive results from ACL reconstruction techniques and specific implants. Comparisons with related studies highlight challenges in standardized return-to-sport guidelines and underscore the need for outcome measure standardization. Conclusion The study contributes nuanced insights into ACL reconstruction outcomes, emphasizing positive functional recovery trends at the nine-month follow-up. Lysholm scores indicate favorable outcomes, supporting the procedure's effectiveness. Consideration of specific implants adds practical value. Despite limitations, this study enriches ACL reconstruction research, promoting advancements in patient care and outcomes. Ongoing research with extended follow-ups and larger cohorts will enhance understanding and refine ACL reconstruction strategies.

Influence of a Concomitant Medial Meniscus Injury on Knee Joint Function and Osteoarthritis Presence after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to investigate how a medial meniscus injury accompanying an anterior cruciate ligament rupture affects the clinical outcome 10 years after ACL reconstruction. (2) Methods: A total of 37 patients who received anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) were included in this retrospective study. Two groups were analyzed at a single follow-up of 10 years: (i) "isolated (ACLR)" (n = 20) and (ii) "ACLR with medial meniscal injury" (n = 17). The following clinical scores were recorded: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Score and Tegner Activity Score. To determine the degree of osteoarthritis the Kellgren-Lawrence score was used. (3) Results: The "isolated ACLR" study group scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) on the IKDC subjective questionnaire (mean: 88.4) than the "ACLR with medial meniscus injury" group (mean: 81). The KOOS category "activities of daily living" showed significantly better results in the isolated ACLR group (p < 0.05). The "ACLR with medial meniscus injury" group had significantly higher degree of osteoarthritis (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in all the other clinical scores. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study further indicate that patients with a concomitant medial meniscus injury have slightly more discomfort in everyday life and increased risk of developing osteoarthritis 10 years after surgery.

Arthroscopic Lysis of Adhesions for Treatment of Post-Traumatic Knee Arthrofibrosis: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic knee arthrofibrosis can have a significant effect on patients' function and the management can be challenging with a variety of options ranging from manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) to more invasive procedures such as quadricepsplasty. The aim of the study is to evaluate the improvement of both knee range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes after arthroscopic lysis of adhesions (ALA) for post-traumatic knee arthrofibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 30 patients with post-traumatic knee arthrofibrosis was managed by arthroscopic arthrolysis. Aggressive rehabilitation protocol was initiated on the first day postoperatively. Comprehensive clinical follow-up evaluations including the ROM assessment and the Lysholm score were done for all patients. RESULTS: The mean age was 36.17 years (±9.51). The mean follow-up time was 6.7 months (six to nine months). The ROM improved from 75° (±10.91°) preoperatively to 119.83° (± 10.38°) at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). Additionally, the Lysholm score increased from 56.90(±2.64) preoperatively to 85.27(±3.46) (P < 0.001). The ultimate final ROM and functional outcomes for all patients were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: ALA for knee arthrofibrosis significantly improves the knee ROM and functional outcomes and can be a successful alternative to open quadricepsplasty.

Functional Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Titanium Adjustable Loop Button and Poly-L-co-DL-Lactic Acid-Beta Tricalcium Phosphate (PLDLA-bTCP) Interference Screws: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Observational Study.

Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a standard surgery in patients with instability of the knee caused by ACL insufficiency. Several differential procedures using grafts and implants such as loops, buttons, and screws have been described. This study aimed to assess the functional outcomes of ACL reconstruction surgery using titanium adjustable loop buttons and poly-L-co-DL-lactic acid-beta tricalcium phosphate (PLDLA-bTCP) interference screws. Methodology This was a retrospective, observational, single-center, and clinical study. A total of 42 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction at a tertiary trauma center in northern India between 2018 and 2022 were recruited. Data including demographics, details of the injury, surgery, implants, and surgical outcomes were collected from the patients' medical records. Further, post-surgery details such as re-injury, adverse events, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) profiles, and Lysholm knee score were recorded from the enrolled patients through a telephonic follow-up. Pain score and Tegner activity scale were used to compare the knee status before and after surgery. Results At the time of surgery, the mean age of the recruited patients was 31.1 ± 8.8 years, with a male preponderance of 93%. About 57% of patients had left knee injuries. The common symptoms were instability (67%), pain (62%), swelling (14%), and giving away (5%). During surgery, titanium adjustable loop button and PLDLA-bTCP interference screw implants were used in all patients. The mean follow-up time was 21.2 ± 14.2 months. Based on patient responses, the mean IKDC and Lysholm scores were found to be 54.02 ± 5.93 and 94.4 ± 4.73, respectively. Further, the proportion of patients reporting pain decreased from 62% before surgery to 21% after surgery. The mean Tegner score revealed a significant increase in the activity levels of the patients post-surgery compared to pre-surgery (p < 0.05). Lastly, no adverse events or re-injuries were reported in any of the patients during follow-up. Conclusions Our findings revealed a significant improvement in Tegner activity levels and pain scores after surgery. In addition, patient-reported IKDC and Lysholm scores fell under the category of good knee status and function, suggesting a satisfactory functional outcome of ACL reconstruction. Hence, titanium adjustable loop and PLDLA-bTCP interference screws may be a good choice of implants for successful ACL reconstruction surgery.

Results of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction with and without Tibial Tubercle Transfer in Patellar Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The optimal surgical intervention for lateral patellar instability remains a topic of controversy despite satisfactory clinical outcomes and low re-dislocation rates reported in numerous studies following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) with and without tibial tubercle transfer (TTT). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the hypothesis that combining MPFLR with TTT provides reduced complication rates and improved clinical outcomes to isolated MPFLR in patients with lateral patellar instability. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials involving MPFLR with and without TTT, sourcing data from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. The primary clinical outcomes analyzed included the Kujala score, the Lysholm score, complication rates, and the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI). Random or fixed effects were used for the meta-analysis. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences observed in the Kujala and Lysholm scores between MPFLR and MPFLR + TTT (p = 0.053). At the final follow-up, the CDI had decreased 0.015 (95% CI -0.044, 0.013; p = 0.289) points in the MPFLR group, with no statistical significance. In contrast, the MPFLR + TTT group demonstrated a significant decrease of 0.207 (95% CI -0.240, -0.174; p = 0.000) points in CDI. Notably, the complication rate was higher in the MPFLR + TTT group compared to the MPFLR-only group (RR = 2.472; 95% CI 1.638, 3.731; p = 0.000). Both MPFLR and MPFLR + TTT procedures yield significant improvements in the Kujala and Lysholm scores. However, the MPFLR + TTT approach results in an apparent improvement in CDI and corrects patellar maltracking, particularly in cases involving high tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) (>20 mm) or patella alta (CDI > 1.2), while MPFLR alone cannot. It is essential to consider the higher complication rate of MPFLR + TTT, which suggests that MPFLR alone may be sufficient for patients without high TT-TG or patella alta.

A Single-Centre, Retrospective, Observational Study to Assess Safety and Functional Outcomes of Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair Using Surestitch All Inside Implant.

Introduction The meniscus plays a vital role in maintaining knee stability. It acts as a shock absorber and knee filler. The incidence of meniscal tears is estimated to be 60 per 100,000 people. Due to lack of awareness among patients, only 10% of the meniscus tears were treated through partial or total meniscectomy. Recently, the concept of meniscus preservation surgery has emerged to preserve early degeneration of the knee joint. In the current retrospective study, safety and functional outcomes of arthroscopic meniscal repair surgery using Surestitch All inside implants (Sironix Arthroscopy Solutions, Healthium Medtech Limited, Bengalaru, India) were assessed. Methods Fifty-two patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair surgery between January 2019 to July 2022 at Epic Hospital in Gujarat, India, were enrolled in the study. Retrospective data including demographics, injury details, surgery details, and post-surgery complications were collected from the medical records of the patients. Then, the patients were followed up telephonically to document safety and functional outcomes using patient-reported instruments such as International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, Tegner activity level, and Lysholm knee score. Results The recruited patients had the mean age, height, and weight of 37.56 ± 12.52 years, 167.61 ± 7.28 cm, and 75.87 ± 10.7 kgs, respectively. Seventy-one percent of patients were male and 29% were female. Majority of the patients had the routine of doing mild exercise. During pre-surgery representations, medial meniscal tear was observed in majority of patients. The mean length of the tear was 1.32 ± 0.84 cm. In addition, patients were also diagnosed with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears, and osteochondral defects. Surgeries for meniscal repair were performed using Surestitch All inside implant. In patient-reported outcomes, the mean IKDC, SANE, and Lysholm scores were 81.72 ± 14.23, 94.02 ± 13.79, and 93.32 ± 14.63, respectively. When the mean Tegner scores of pre-injury and post-surgery periods were compared, this resulted in no significant difference (p>0.05) in the activity levels of the patients. Conclusion Based on our findings, arthroscopic meniscal repair with Surestitch All inside meniscal repair implant provides satisfactory and favorable functional outcomes with no remarkable adverse events.

Active exercise therapy improves the recovery of knee joint function and reduction of muscle atrophy after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation.

Objectives: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is an important surgical therapy for recurrent patellar dislocation. However, few studies have focused on exercise therapy after MPFL reconstruction. Therefore, the first purpose was to compare the active and traditional postoperative exercise therapies on the recovery of knee joint function and reduction of muscle atrophy after MPFL reconstruction, and the second purpose was to compare the active and traditional postoperative exercise therapies on the patellar stability after MPFL reconstruction. Methods: The cases of 31 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation treated with patella double semi-tunnel anatomical MPFL reconstruction from February 2016 and February 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical outcomes, including the patellar tilt angle (PTA), lateral patellofemoral angle (LPFA), thigh circumference reduction, Kujala score, and Lysholm score, were compared between two groups (i.e., active exercise and traditional exercise groups) preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, and 24 months postoperatively. Results: The Kujala score was significantly higher in the active exercise group than traditional exercise group 3 months postoperatively (80.06 vs. 74.80, P < 0.01), 6 months postoperatively (89.19 vs. 82.07, P < 0.01), 12 months postoperatively (91.43 vs. 86.60, P < 0.01), and 24 months postoperatively (92.50 vs. 90.27, P = 0.02). Similarly, there was a higher Lysholm score in the active exercise group compared with traditional exercise group 3 months postoperatively (81.25 vs. 76.53, P < 0.01), 6 months postoperatively (89.81 vs. 84.80, P < 0.01), 12 months postoperatively (93.25 vs. 88.40, P < 0.01), and 24 months postoperatively (93.69 vs. 90.67, P < 0.01). Significantly lower thigh circumference reduction was reported in the active exercise group compared with that in the traditional exercise group 3 months postoperatively (1.90 ± 0.57 vs. 2.45 ± 0.45, P < 0.01) and 6 months postoperatively (1.50 ± 0.31 vs. 1.83 ± 0.32, P < 0.01). No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of PTA (P > 0.05) or LPFA postoperatively (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggested that active exercise therapy might benefit the early recovery of knee joint function and reduction of muscle atrophy in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation after MPFL reconstruction.

Clinical outcomes of diffuse PVNS of the knee following arthroscopic complete synovectomy±posterior open resection.

INTRODUCTION: This study compares recurrence rates and functional outcomes of patients who underwent anterior arthroscopic synovectomy versus combined anterior arthroscopic/posterior open synovectomy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (DPVNS). METHODS: 41 patients were grouped by initial procedure and tracked for disease recurrence and functional outcomes (Lysholm Scale). RESULTS: 24 patients (58.5%) had disease recurrence [16 (57.1%) arthroscopic, 8 (61.5%) combined, chi-square test p = 0.81]. The combined procedure mean Lysholm Score (75.4) exceeded the arthroscopic (68.1) (two-sample t-test p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistical evidence that the combined procedure harms functionality more than arthroscopic only or that recurrence rates differ between treatment methods.

Twelve Weeks of a Staged Balance and Strength Training Program Improves Muscle Strength, Proprioception, and Clinical Function in Patients with Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries.

Ligament reconstruction is indicated in patients with an isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury who fail conservative treatment. To eliminate the need for PCL reconstruction, an ideal rehabilitation program is important for patients with an isolated PCL injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement in functional outcome, proprioception, and muscle strength after a Both Sides Up (BOSU) ball was used in a balance combined with strength training program in patients with an isolated PCL injury. Ten patients with isolated PCL injuries were recruited to receive a 12 week training program as a study group. In the control group (post-PCL reconstruction group), ten subjects who had undergone isolated PCL reconstruction for more than 2 years were enrolled without current rehabilitation. The Lysholm score, IKDC score, proprioception (active and passive), and isokinetic muscle strength tests at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 240°/s, were used before and after training on the injured and normal knees in the study group, and in the post-PCL reconstruction group. The results were analyzed with a paired t-test to compare the change between pre-training, post-training, and the normal leg in the study group, and with an independent t-test for comparisons between the study and post-PCL reconstruction groups. Both the Lysholm and IKDC scores were significantly improved (p < 0.01) after training, and no difference was observed compared to the post-PCL reconstruction group. The active and passive proprioception was improved post-training compared to pre-training, with no difference to that in the post-PCL reconstruction group. Isokinetic knee quadriceps muscle strength was significantly greater post-training than pre-training in PCL injured knees at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 240°/s, and in hamstring muscle strength at 60°/s and 120°/s. Muscle strength in the post-training injured knee group showed no significant difference compared to that in the post-training normal leg and the post-PCL reconstruction group. The post-training improvement of muscle strength was higher in the PCL injured leg compared to the normal leg and there was no difference between the dominant and non-dominant injured leg in the study group. After 12 weeks of BOSU balance with strength training in patients with an isolated PCL injury, the functional outcome, proprioception, and isokinetic muscle strength were significantly improved, and comparable to the contralateral normal leg and the post-PCL reconstruction group. We suggest that programs combining BOSU balance and strength training should be introduced in patients with a PCL injury to promote positive clinical results.

Anterior tibial translation and patient-reported outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a tape locking screw: A 5-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The Tape Locking Screw system (TLS) is a recognised technique used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, only a few previous studies have reported associated outcomes, all of which had been examined over a short-term period. The aim of this study was to assess the time-dependent changes in the objective and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in a group of patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency who have been operated on with this technique. HYPOTHESIS: Previously reported satisfactory short-term outcomes following TLS persist for several years after the operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective observational study including 26 patients, who were followed after unilateral ACLR with TLS. Anterior tibial translation (ATT) was measured in both knees using the KT-1000 arthrometer and two PROMs: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm subjective form scores were examined preoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, and annually for 5 years thereafter in all patients. RESULTS: One patient suffered a rupture of the graft, and one patient had a screw loosening. Two patients were lost for follow-up, so 22 patients were the final study group. Median (25-75%) ATT side-to-side differences between the injured and uninjured sides were 4 (3,5-4)mm preoperatively, 0,75 (0-1)mm 1 year postoperatively, and 0,75 (0-1)mm 5 years after the operation (P<0.001). Median (25-75%) IKDC scores were 44.25 (35.6-55.15), 92.55 (87.08-96.6), and 95.4 (90.8-97.7) points preoperatively and 1 year (P<0.001) and 5 years postoperatively, respectively. Median (25-75%) Lysholm scores were 52 (38.75-64.5), 95.5 (94.75-99.25), and 97.5 (95-99) points preoperatively and 1 year (P<0.001) and 5 years postoperatively, respectively. DISCUSSION: ACLR with TLS might already achieve favourable outcomes 1 year postoperatively, when measured objectively (ATT) and with PROMs. These outcomes persist 5 year postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: retrospective cohort study.