Combined reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament using a single femoral tunnel.

PURPOSE: Lesions of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) are the most common knee ligament injuries, and lesions associated with the anterior cruciate ligament or the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in knee dislocations should be reconstructed to prevent failure of the central pivot reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of combined PCL/MCL reconstruction using a single femoral tunnel with a minimum 2-year follow-up. METHOD: A retrospective study of thirteen patients with combined PCL/MCL injuries was conducted. The patients underwent PCL and MCL reconstruction using an Achilles tendon allograft with a single tunnel in the medial femoral condyle, thereby avoiding tunnel conversion. RESULTS: All patients achieved a range of motion of at least 100°. The mean loss of extension and flexion values compared to the contralateral side was 1° ± 2° and 9° ± 10°, respectively. Our results included 26 reconstructions with three (11.5 %) failures, two in the PCL (15.3 %) and one in the MCL (7.6 %), in three different patients. In the final evaluation, the mean IKDC subjective score was 71.63 ± 16.23, the mean Lysholm score was 80.08 ± 13.87, and the median Tegner score was 6 (range = 2-7). CONCLUSION: The PCL/MCL reconstruction technique using a single femoral tunnel and an Achilles tendon allograft is safe, avoids the convergence of tunnels in the medial femoral condyle, has excellent results, and is reproducible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

External fixator for treatment of the sub-acute and chronic multi-ligament-injured knee.

PURPOSE: To assess whether the use of an articulated external fixator provides improvements in the mobility, stability and subjective function of patients undergoing ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with sub-acute and chronic knee dislocation were subjected to multi-ligament reconstruction surgery. These patients were randomly allocated to two groups for immobilization after reconstruction: group 0-control (18 patients), with rigid knee bracing, and group 1-articulated external fixator (15 patients). The stability of the reconstructed ligaments was assessed after at least 14 months (26.6-month average) postoperatively by physical examination. Deficit of extension and flexion was measured in relation to the unaffected contralateral knee, and the Lysholm knee scoring scale questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: There was no difference in the assessment of joint stability between the groups. In group 1, patients showed less flexion deficit (4.8° ± 5.4° vs. 18.2° ± 14.8°, p < 0.05), and the percentage of patients with a flexion deficit of 5° or less were higher compared with group 0 (64 vs. 18 %, p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in relation to extension loss. Group 1 also presented better Lysholm scores, with 73 % of patients rated as excellent or good compared with 35 % in group 0 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the control rehabilitation protocol with rigid knee bracing in extension, the use of an articulated external fixator in the treatment of chronic multi-ligament-injured knees provided the same ligament stability, better final range of motion and improved Lysholm score. Patients presenting with chronic multi-ligament instability should be considered for articulated external fixation to supplement reconstruction procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized controlled trial, Level I.

Functional assessment of combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner with a single femoral tunnel: a two-year minimum follow-up.

PURPOSE: A technique for combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) with a single femoral tunnel was recently described. This technique aims to avoid tunnel confluence in the lateral femoral condyle. Because there have been no studies on the functional outcomes and possible complications of this technique, our goal is to demonstrate a two-year minimum follow-up of patients who underwent this type of reconstruction. METHODS: Nine patients were prospectively evaluated. The ACL was reconstructed with an anatomic single bundle, and the PLC structures reconstructed were the lateral collateral ligament, the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. Patients were evaluated using the objective and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the Lysholm and Tegner scales before and after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period of the studied patients was 27.3 months. The mean subjective IKDC score rose from 43.6 to 84.0, and the Lysholm score rose from 62.1 to 90.8. In the final assessment, six patients were classified as IKDC A and three as IKDC B. According to the Tegner scale, five patients were able to return to their level of activity prior to the injury. There were no reconstruction failures. One patient experienced postoperative infection and pain in the lateral scar. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the reconstruction of ACL injuries associated with PLC with a single femoral tunnel produced a good functional outcome and a low incidence of complications.

Severe metallosis following total knee arthroplasty: a case report and review of radiographic signs.

Metallosis is an uncommon complication following total knee arthroplasty that leads to osteolysis and implant loosening due to chronic inflammatory reaction. Abrasion between the metallic surfaces of the implant releases metallic debris that interacts with the periprosthetic soft tissues and causes chronic synovitis. Here we present a case of a 65-year-old man who had undergone total knee arthroplasty 10 years ago and developed implant loosening associated with severe metallosis and varus instability. Radiographs show the three typical signs of metallosis: metal-line sign, bubble sign, and cloud sign. This patient was subjected to revision surgery consisting of debridement and primary implant replacement by a hinged endoprosthesis. Knowledge of the typical radiographic and clinical findings of metallosis is important to rapidly diagnose this complication and avoid progressive joint destruction.

Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries: A Multicenter Study of 178 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown limited diagnostic accuracy for multiple ligament knee injuries (MLKIs), especially posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries. HYPOTHESIS: The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for MLKIs will only be moderate for some knee structures. Patient-related factors and injury patterns could modify the diagnostic accuracy of MRI. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All patients with MLKIs surgically treated between January 2014 and December 2020 in the centers participating in the study were reviewed. We recorded sex, age, mechanism of injury, time from injury to MRI, and vascular and neurological associated lesions. Lesions to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon, popliteofibular ligament, iliotibial band, biceps tendon, medial and lateral meniscus, and articular cartilage from MRI reports and surgical records were also collected. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic odds ratio, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and intraclass correlation coefficient of MRI were calculated for each knee structure. With logistic regression, associations between patient and injury characteristics and MRI accuracy were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients (127 male; mean age, 33.1 years) were included. High-energy trauma was the most common mechanism of injury (50.6%), followed by sports trauma (38.8%) and low-energy trauma (8.4%). The ACL was the structure with the best diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic odds ratio, and positive predictive value (94.4%, 113.2, and 96.8%, respectively). PLC structures displayed the worst diagnostic accuracy among knee ligaments (popliteus tendon: 76.2%; LCL: 80.3%) and diagnostic odds ratio (popliteus tendon: 9.9; LCL: 17.0; popliteofibular ligament: 17.5). MRI was more reliable in detecting the absence of meniscal and chondral lesions than in identifying them. Logistic regression found that the diagnostic accuracy was affected by the Schenck classification, with higher Schenck grades having worse diagnostic accuracy for peripheral structures (iliotibial band, popliteus tendon, and biceps tendon) and improved diagnostic accuracy for the ACL and posterior cruciate ligament. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for MLKIs largely varied among knee structures, with many of them at risk of a misdiagnosis, especially PLC, meniscal, and chondral lesions. The severity of MLKIs lowered the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for peripheral structures.

High Incidence of Osteoarthritis Observed in Patients at Short- to Midterm Follow-Up after Delayed Multiligament Knee Reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of knee osteoarthritis, failure rate of reconstruction, and clinical outcomes of patients with chronic multiligament knee injuries subjected to surgical treatment. Sixty-two patients with chronic knee dislocation subjected to multiligament reconstruction between April 2008 and July 2016 were evaluated, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were performed in the pre- and last postoperative evaluation; the progression of degenerative changes according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification (KL) was assessed. The Schenck classification, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), time between injury and surgery, type of postoperative rehabilitation protocol (brace vs. external fixator), and physical examination for ligament instability were also evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed, p <0.05 was considered significant. Fifty-two (83.9%) patients were men and 16.1% (n = 10) were women, with a mean age of 38.8 ± 1.3 years. The time from injury to surgery was 31.1 ± 6.1 months, and the follow-up time was 6.1 ± 0.5 years. The mean final KOOS was 79.3 ± 10.4 and the overall reconstruction failure occurred in 25.8%. Of all patients, 64.5% (n = 40) presented a KL classification of ≥2 and were defined as having radiographic osteoarthritis (OA). As 11.7% (n = 7) also presented arthritis in the contralateral knee, in 53.2% (n = 33) the progression was most likely due to the initial injury. The failure of ligament reconstruction or residual instability was present in 15 (35.7%) of patients with OA, and only one patient (4.5%) without OA. In the multivariate analysis, only reconstruction failure was an independent predictor of OA (odds ratio = 13.2 [p = 0.028]). There is a high incidence of knee OA following ligament reconstruction for chronic multiligament knee injuries. Ligament reconstruction failure was the only independent predictor for the development of OA in our study.

ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE POSTEROLATERAL LIGAMENT COMPLEX OF THE KNEE: LCL AND POPLITEUS TENDON.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the distances between the femoral insertions of the popliteus tendon (PT) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) through dissections of cadaveric specimens in a mixed population. METHODS: Fresh cadavers were dissected, and the anthropometric data of all specimens were recorded. The distances from the origin of the PT to the LCL in the femoral region and the diameter of each structure were measured using a digital calliper. RESULTS: In total, 11 unpaired knees were dissected, eight men and three women, with an average age of 71.5 ± 15.2 years, weight of 57.2 ± 15.6 kg, and a mean height of 170.5 ± 8.2 cm. The distance from the center of the femoral footprint of the LCL to the PT was 10.0 ± 2.4 mm. The distances between the edges closest to each other and those more distant from each other were 3.1 ± 1.1 mm and 16.3 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The distance between the midpoints of the PT and the LCL in our mixed population is smaller than the distances often reported in the literature. PLC reconstruction with separate tunnels for the LCL and PT may not be technically possible for individuals of any population. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic studies.

OBJETIVO: Analisar as distâncias entre as inserções femorais do tendão poplíteo (TP) e o ligamento colateral lateral (LCL) através de dissecções de espécimes cadavéricos em uma população miscigenada. MÉTODOS: Cadáveres frescos foram dissecados. Foram registrados dados antropométricos e foi avaliada a distância da origem do TP e do LCL na região femoral com auxílio de paquímetro digital. Foi também avaliado o diâmetro do footprint femoral do TP e do LCL. RESULTADOS: Foram dissecados 11 joelhos não pareados, 8 homens e 3 mulheres com uma idade média de 71,5 ± 15,2 anos, pesando em média 57,2 ± 15,6 kgs e com altura de 170,5 ± 8,2 cm. A distância do centro do footprint femoral do LCL e do TP foi de 10,0 ± 2,4 mm. As distâncias das bordas mais próximas entre si e das mais distantes entre si foram de 3,1 ± 1,1 mm e 16,3 ± 2,4 mm, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A distância entre o ponto central do TP e do LCL em nossa população mais miscigenada demonstrou um valor absoluto menor do que é, frequentemente, relatado na literatura. Uma reconstrução ligamentar do CPL com túneis separados para o LCL e o TP pode não ser tecnicamente possível para indivíduos de qualquer população. Nível de Evidência III, Estudos diagnósticos.

Clinical Outcomes of Posterolateral Complex Reconstruction Performed with a Single Femoral Tunnel.

The objective of this study is to report the functional outcomes, complications, and reconstruction failure rate of patients undergoing posterolateral complex reconstruction with a single femoral tunnel technique. Patients with posterolateral complex injuries associated with injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or both undergoing surgical treatment with the single femoral tunnel technique were included in the study. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm's scales were evaluated, in addition to age, gender, time between trauma and surgery, trauma type, range of motion (ROM) restrictions, peroneal nerve injury, and reconstruction failure. Sixty-six patients were included. Eighteen underwent ACL and posterolateral complex (PLC) reconstruction (group 1), 24 underwent ACL, PCL, and PLC reconstruction (group 2), and 24 underwent PCL and PLC reconstruction (group 3). The mean follow-up was 63 months. The subjective IKDC was 83.7 ± 14.6 for group 1, 74.3 ± 12.6 for group 2, and 66.3 ± 16.0 for group 3 (p < 0.001). The Lysholm's score was 87.1 ± 12.8 for group 1, 79.5 ± 15.0 for group 2, and 77.7 ± 15.2 for group 3 (p = 0.042). There were six reconstruction failures among the patients (9.1%) with no differences among the groups (p = 0.368). Female gender and reconstruction failure were associated with worse outcomes. Patients undergoing reconstruction of PLC structures with the single femoral tunnel technique achieved good functional outcomes and a failure rate similar to literature. Patients undergoing only combined ACL reconstruction showed better outcomes than patients undergoing combined PCL reconstruction. Female gender was associated with a worse functional outcome irrespective of the injury type.

High Potential for Complications After Traumatic Exposure in Patients With a Total Knee Replacement.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe cases of traumatic exposure during the early postoperative period in patients with a total knee replacement (TKR) and to report the treatments instituted and complications of this adverse event. METHODS: A retrospective review of postoperative patients with TKR performed at the Universidade de São Paulo from 2001 to 2017 who subsequently were treated at the emergency room due to trauma to the TKR region accompanied by surgical wound dehiscence in deep planes and implant exposure was conducted. The initial treatment, evolution, and complications of each patient were reported. RESULTS: In 16 years, there were 3224 TKRs performed at the study institution. Among this population, 4 (0.1%) patients had trauma dehiscence of the surgical wound during the immediate postoperative period. All patients were women between the ages of 64 and 88 years with comorbidities (eg, diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension). The mean time between the surgery and trauma was 6.7 ± 6.2 days. All patients underwent surgical cleaning, debridement with polyethylene exchange, and primary closure of the surgical wound and received adjuvant treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Of the 4 patients affected, 3 developed an infection, 3 required new surgery after initial cleaning, 2 lost their prostheses, and 1 lost a limb, requiring a transfemoral amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic dehiscence with implant exposure during the initial postoperative period of TKR is an infrequent event (0.1%) with a high potential for complications (75%), which may lead to loss of the prosthesis and even the limb. Measures should be taken to prevent falls and gather reports from several centers to broaden the knowledge of this rare event, identify prognostic factors, and define the best treatment algorithm.

Posterolateral reconstruction combined with one-stage tibial valgus osteotomy: Technical considerations and functional results.

BACKGROUND: To report the functional outcomes and complications from reconstructing the knee posterolateral complex (PLC), associated with one-stage opening-wedge tibial valgus osteotomy, and discuss the technical feasibility of this procedure. METHODS: Five patients with chronic PLC injuries and varus deviation of the mechanical axis, associated with central pivot injuries or not, underwent medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy combined with PLC reconstruction. The lateral collateral ligament, popliteal tendon, and popliteofibular ligament were reconstructed using a single femoral tunnel. Patients were assessed on physical examination, range-of-motion and functional scales, and radiographs. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS) were determined. RESULTS: Five patients were evaluated: four presented with central pivot injury, and one had an isolated PLC injury. The mean time between injury and surgery was 40 ±â€¯6.5 months (± is indicating standard deviation value). Four patients had minimal residual instability on physical examination, with a lateral opening at varus stress of ±3+ at 30° flexion. The means of the IKDC score, Lysholm score, and KOOS were 67.8 ±â€¯9.2, 83.0 ±â€¯9.3, and 79.2 ±â€¯5.9, respectively. All patients showed satisfactory consolidation of osteotomy in 2.6 ±â€¯0.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this series indicate that one-stage PLC ligament reconstruction associated with medial opening-wedge valgus osteotomy is feasible and shows satisfactory functional results with a low rate of complications. A one-stage procedure might be indicated for young patients with high functionality and more pronounced posterolateral instabilities.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with double bundle versus single bundle: experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To test an intra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee in 10 human cadavers by replacing 2 anterior cruciate ligament bundles, with the purpose of producing a surrogate that would be structurally more similar to the anatomy of the anterior cruciate ligament and would provide the knee with more stability. METHODS: We reconstructed the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles using a quadriceps muscle tendon graft that included a patellar bone segment. The anteromedial bundle was replaced in 10 knees (5 right and 5 left knees from different cadavers) by a quadriceps-bone tendon graft, and the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles were replaced in the matching pairs of these knees. In the latter, the bone segment was fixed to the tibia, and the tendinous portion of the graft was divided longitudinally creating two 5-mm wide bundles that were inserted individually into the femur through 2 independent bone tunnels. Then, the knees were tested mechanically to evaluate the tibial anterior dislocation in relation to the femur, as well as the rigidity of the graft. The control group was formed by the knees with intact anterior cruciate ligaments, before being resected to be reconstructed. RESULTS: The results obtained did not show superiority of double-bundle reconstruction over single-bundle reconstruction, and neither technique provided the knee with the same stability and rigidity of the intact anterior cruciate ligament. CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis, based on the anatomy and biomechanics of the knee, that reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using 2 bundles would result in a more anatomic reconstruction and provide better containment of the anterior tibial translation was not supported by the results of this study.

Positioning of the femoral tunnel for arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: comparative study of 2 techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of positioning of the femoral tunnel in reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament by means of 2 techniques: tibial tunnel and anteromedial portal. METHOD: Femoral tunnels were drilled in 20 knees from human cadavers by means of arthroscopy. Group I had the femoral tunnel drilled via a trans-tibial tunnel, and Group II via the anteromedial portal. Four variables were measured: A) posterior wall thickness; B) tunnel positioning at the notch; C) tunnel inclination in relation to the femoral axis; and D) distance between the wire guide exit and the lateral epicondyle. RESULTS: As above, respectively, A) 2.23 mm for group I and 2.36 mm for group II (P =.54); B) 25.5 degrees for group I and 30.0 degrees for group II (P =.23); C) 23.9 degrees for group I and 32.0 degrees for group II (P =.02); D) 7.8 cm for group I and 3.9 cm for group II (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques achieved the desired positioning for the femoral tunnel entrance and satisfactory thickness for the posterior cortex. Drilling via the anteromedial portal may provide greater protection against rupture of the posterior wall.

Extra-articular and transcutaneous migration of the poly-l/d-lactide interference screw after popliteal tendon reconstruction.

Knee ligament reconstructions are commonly performed orthopedic procedures. Graft fixation is generally performed with metallic or absorbable interference screws. In a recent study, only ten reports of screw migration were retrieved; of these, only one was not related to the anterior cruciate ligament, and the majority was related to the use of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) screws. Only one case retrieved in the literature reported screw migration in reconstructions of the posterolateral corner, and that was to the intra-articular region. In the present article, the authors report a case of extra-articular and transcutaneous migration of a poly-l/d-lactide (PDLLA) interference screw following popliteal tendon reconstruction. Besides being the first case of popliteal tendon migration with extra-articular screw migration, no reports of PDLLA screw migration were retrieved in the literature.

As reconstruções ligamentares do joelho são procedimentos ortopédicos frequentes. As fixações dos enxertos são mais comumente feitas com parafusos de interferência, metálicos ou absorvíveis. Em estudo recente, somente dez relatos sobre migração de parafusos foram encontrados; somente um deles não estava relacionado ao ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e a maioria estava relacionada a parafusos de poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Apenas um caso da literatura reportou migração de parafuso em reconstruções do canto posterolateral, essa para a região intra-articular. Neste artigo, os autores relatam um caso de migração extra-articular e transcutânea de um parafuso de interferência de poly L,D-lactide (PDLLA) após a reconstrução do tendão poplíteo. Além de ser o primeiro caso de reconstrução do tendão do poplíteo com migração extra-articular do parafuso, não foram encontrados na literatura relatos de migração de parafusos de PDLLA.

Anatomical study of the posterolateral ligament complex of the knee: lcl and popliteus tendon / Estudo anatômico do complexo ligamentar posterolateral do joelho: lcl e tendão poplíteo

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyse the distances between the femoral insertions of the popliteus tendon (PT) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) through dissections of cadaveric specimens in a mixed population. Methods: Fresh cadavers were dissected, and the anthropometric data of all specimens were recorded. The distances from the origin of the PT to the LCL in the femoral region and the diameter of each structure were measured using a digital calliper. Results: In total, 11 unpaired knees were dissected, eight men and three women, with an average age of 71.5 ± 15.2 years, weight of 57.2 ± 15.6 kg, and a mean height of 170.5 ± 8.2 cm. The distance from the center of the femoral footprint of the LCL to the PT was 10.0 ± 2.4 mm. The distances between the edges closest to each other and those more distant from each other were 3.1 ± 1.1 mm and 16.3 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The distance between the midpoints of the PT and the LCL in our mixed population is smaller than the distances often reported in the literature. PLC reconstruction with separate tunnels for the LCL and PT may not be technically possible for individuals of any population. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as distâncias entre as inserções femorais do tendão poplíteo (TP) e o ligamento colateral lateral (LCL) através de dissecções de espécimes cadavéricos em uma população miscigenada. Métodos: Cadáveres frescos foram dissecados. Foram registrados dados antropométricos e foi avaliada a distância da origem do TP e do LCL na região femoral com auxílio de paquímetro digital. Foi também avaliado o diâmetro do footprint femoral do TP e do LCL. Resultados: Foram dissecados 11 joelhos não pareados, 8 homens e 3 mulheres com uma idade média de 71,5 ± 15,2 anos, pesando em média 57,2 ± 15,6 kgs e com altura de 170,5 ± 8,2 cm. A distância do centro do footprint femoral do LCL e do TP foi de 10,0 ± 2,4 mm. As distâncias das bordas mais próximas entre si e das mais distantes entre si foram de 3,1 ± 1,1 mm e 16,3 ± 2,4 mm, respectivamente. Conclusão: A distância entre o ponto central do TP e do LCL em nossa população mais miscigenada demonstrou um valor absoluto menor do que é, frequentemente, relatado na literatura. Uma reconstrução ligamentar do CPL com túneis separados para o LCL e o TP pode não ser tecnicamente possível para indivíduos de qualquer população. Nível de Evidência III, Estudos diagnósticos.

Description of the posterolateral rotatory drawer maneuver for the identification of posterolateral corner injury.

Injury to the posterolateral corner (PLC) is difficult to diagnose; most lesions of this type are included within the context of complex knee injuries. Study of the posterolateral complex is growing in importance because of the complex instability generated by these injuries. Although various physical examination tests are described for the diagnosis of PLC lesions, in 72% of cases these lesions are not identified at their initial presentation, which shows the difficulty in both performing these tests and interpreting the results. The maneuver described in this report is performed by executing external rotation of the leg. With the thumb of the proximally positioned hand, the examiner evaluates the positioning of the lateral tibial plateau in relation to the femoral condyle. With this maneuver, in lesions of the PLC and particularly lesions of its external rotation-restricting structures, we observe external rotation of the tibia and posterior subluxation of the lateral tibial plateau that cause the anterior edge of the tibial plateau to be posteriorized in relation to the anterior edge of the lateral femoral condyle. The idea behind this maneuver is not to eliminate the use of other tests but, rather, to add it to a diagnostic arsenal that still has interpretation flaws.

Correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and physical exam in assessment of injuries to posterolateral corner of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging, clinical examination and intraoperative identification of posterolateral corner injuries of the knee. METHODS: We compared the findings of physical examination under anesthesia and intraoperative findings as the gold standard for the posterolateral corner injury with the reports of the MRIs of patients who underwent reconstruction of the posterolateral corner. Thus, we evaluated the use of MRI for the diagnosis of lesions. RESULTS: We found a sensitivity of 100% in lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), 86.96% in lesions of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), 57.58% in lesions of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and 24.24 % in tendon injuries of the popliteal muscle (PMT). CONCLUSION: Posterolateral corner injury is difficult to visualize and interpret; therefore, MRI imaging should not be used alone for diagnosis.

Screw loosening and iliotibial band friction after posterolateral corner reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Many reconstruction techniques have already been developed for treating posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries, with still no consensus regarding what would be the best option. Some techniques use non-bone tunnel fixation, attaching the graft to the femur using a cortical screw with toothed washer. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate complications related to fixation performed by a screw and toothed washer technique. METHODS: A prospective study with surgical reconstruction of the PLC structures of the knee between January 2008 and December 2009 was performed. PLC reconstruction included reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament, popliteofibular ligament and popliteal muscle tendon. Fixation of the grafts in the femur was achieved by means of a 4.5mm screw with a toothed washer. The assessments were done using the following methods: objective IKDC, subjective IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner. Radiographic evaluations were performed immediately after the operation, at 3, 6 and 12months after surgery, and yearly thereafter. Complications were documented. RESULTS: The mean subjective IKDC score after the operation was 69.2; Lysholm scale was 80.7. Two patients presented failure of reconstructions of the PLC. In the radiographic evaluations, signs of loosening of the screw with toothed washer in the femur were observed in eight cases (66.6%). Six patients (50%) complained of lateral pain after the operation. CONCLUSION: The technique of femoral fixation was shown to be efficient in restoration of stability. However there was a high rate of complications secondary to implant, such as loosening of the screws and iliotibial tract friction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, leve IV.

Effect of postoperative use of nasal oxygen catheter supplementation in wound healing following total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: Healing is an event that is fundamental to the success of total knee arthroplasty. The aims of the present study were to compare the rates of complications related to wound healing between two groups of volunteers submitted to total knee arthroplasty and to evaluate the effects of postoperative oxygen supplementation by means of a nasal catheter. METHOD: A total of 109 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty were randomized into two groups, namely, groups that did and did not receive postoperative oxygen supplementation via a nasal catheter. The surgical wound was monitored every day during the hospital stay and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 30th and 42nd postoperative days. Characteristics related to healing were observed, including hyperemia, dehiscence, necrosis, phlyctenules and deep and superficial infection. RESULTS: There were no cases of deep infection. Hyperemia was statistically correlated with the total number of complications in the groups, with oxygen demonstrated to be a protective factor against hyperemia. Approximately 30% of the patients who exhibited hyperemia had other complications, independent of oxygen supplementation. CONCLUSION: Oxygen supplementation following total knee arthroplasty was shown to be effective in diminishing hyperemia around the operative wound. The development of hyperemia was a precursor to other complications, irrespective of whether oxygen supplementation was used.

Extensor mechanism allograft in total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the experience with allograft transplantation of the extensor mechanism in total knee arthroplasty and compare results with the international experience. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated three cases of extensor mechanism allograft after total knee arthroplasty performed in our hospital with the aid of one of the few tissue banks in Brazil and attempt to establish whether our experiences were similar to others reported in the world literature regarding patient indication, techniques, and outcomes. RESULTS: Two cases went well with the adopted procedure, and one case showed bad results and progressed to amputation. As shown in the literature, the adequate tension of the graft, appropriate tibial fixation and especially the adequate patient selection are the better predictors of good outcomes. Previous chronic infection can be an unfavorable predictor. CONCLUSION: This surgical procedure has precise indication, albeit uncommon, either because of the rarity of the problem or because of the low availability of allografts, due to the scarcity of tissue banks in Brazil. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Anatomical study on the anterolateral ligament of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the knee anterolateral ligament (ALL) and establish its anatomical marks of origin and insertion. METHODS: Dissection of the anterolateral aspect of the knee was performed in six cadavers. After isolation of the ALL, its lenght, width and thickness were measured as its places of origin and insertion. The ALL origin was documented in relation to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) origin and the insertion was documented in relation to the Gerdy tubercle, fibullar head and lateral meniscus. After the first two dissections, the ligament was removed and sent to histologycal analysis. RESULTS: The ALL was clearly identified in all knees. Its origin in the lateral epycondile was on average 0.5 mm distal and 2.5 mm anterior to the LCL. In the tibia, two insertions were observed, one in the lateral meniscus and another in the proximal tibia, about 4.5 mm distal to the articular cartilage, between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibullar head. The average measures obtained were: 35.1 mm lenght, 6.8 mm width and 2.6 mm thickness. In the ligament histological analysis, dense connective tissue was observed. CONCLUSION: The ALL is a constant structure in the knee anterolateral region. Its origin is anterior and distal to the LCL origin. In the tibia, it has two insertions, one in the lateral meniscus and another in the proximal tibia between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibullar head.

OBJETIVO: Descrever o ligamento anterolateral (LAL) do joelho e estabelecer seus pontos anatômicos de origem e inserção e suas medidas. MÉTODOS: Foram feitas dissecções da região anterolateral do joelho em seis cadáveres. Após isolamento do LAL, medidas de comprimento, espessura e largura foram feitas, assim como seus locais de origem e inserção. A origem do LAL foi documentada com base na sua distância ântero-posterior e proximal- distal em relação à origem do ligamento colateral lateral. A inserção foi documentada com base no tubérculo de Gerdy, a cartilagem do planalto tibial lateral e o menisco lateral. Nas duas primeiras dissecções, o ligamento foi removido e enviado para análise histológica. RESULTADOS: O LAL foi observado com clareza nas dissecções de todos os seis joelhos. Sua origem no epicôndilo lateral apresentou uma média 0,5 mm distal e 2,5 mm anterior à origem do LCL. Na tíbia foram observadas duas inserções, uma mais proximal no menisco lateral e outra mais distal entre o tubérculo de Gerdy e a cabeça da fíbula, cerca de 4,5 mm distal à cartilagem articular da tíbia. As medidas encontradas do ligamento foram: comprimento médio de 35,1 mm, largura média de 6,8 mm e espessura média de 2,6 mm. Na análise histológica dos ligamentos foi observada presença de tecido conectivo denso. CONCLUSÃO: O LAL do joelho é uma estrutura constante na região anterolateral. Sua origem no fêmur é anterior e distal à origem do LCL. Na tíbia, apresenta duas inserções, no menisco lateral e entre o tubérculo de Gerdy e a cabeça da fíbula.