Alloplastic and microvascular restoration of the mandible: a comparison study

The evolution of mandibular reconstruction following composite resection is advanced by improved alloplastic prosthesis and reliable microvascular free tissue transfers. A 42-case, 6-year experience is presented using both methods at the University of California, San Francisco. The advantages and complications of both are discussed. The authors conclude that the success rate for lateral defect restoration is equivalent with either technique, and that the anterior defects are more reliably reconstructed with free tissue transfer. The advantage of microvascular flaps in the anterior defect must be gauged against the physical status of the patient, disease extent, and likelihood of dental rehabilitation by interosseous fixation.

Photodynamic therapy in the management of metastatic cutaneous adenocarcinomas: case reports from phase 1/2 studies using tin ethyl etiopurpurin (SnET2)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a photoreactive purpurin, tin ethyl etiopurpurin (SnET2, Purlytin, Miravant Medical Technologies, Santa Barbara, CA), was investigated as a treatment for cutaneous metastatic disease that had failed other treatment options.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three patients with biopsy-proven metastatic adenocarcinoma of the skin were treated with a single dose of the study drug. Twenty-four hours later, the patients were exposed to a laser light at 664 nm in multiple light fields. Patients were followed for 6 months for safety, efficacy, recurrence, and palliative response.

RESULTS

After PDT with SnET2, complete response was observed in all 13 treated lesions in three patients, with no evidence of recurrence at any treated site at the 6-month follow-up. Two patients subsequently died of distant metastatic disease. One patient with local chest wall recurrence after mastectomy was disease-free 24 months after PDT.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT with SnET2 could be an effective treatment in locally advanced metastatic carcinoma of the skin.

Reconstruction of complex midfacial defects

Modern treatment of complex midfacial defects has evolved over the past 5 years, primarily with the advent of reliable vascularized bone flaps and osseointegrated implants. To determine the effectiveness of these advances, 26 consecutive patients with complex midfacial defects treated from 1991 through 1995 with immediate muscle-flap coverage were evaluated. The etiology of the defect included neoplasm (n = 23) and trauma (n = 3). Seventy-eight percent of the patients received adjuvant radiation therapy. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 4 years, with a mean of 18 months. Twenty-three patients (88 percent) were reconstructed with a single major procedure. All patients had free-flap reconstruction, and 100 percent of the flaps survived. Late tumor recurrence was seen in 5 of 23 patients (22 percent) and was detected promptly. Aesthetic and functional results were rated good or excellent in 77 and 88 percent of the patients, respectively, as determined by patient questionnaires and physical examinations. Fourteen of 18 patients (78 percent) undergoing partial or complete alveolar ridge resection received dental rehabilitation, 43 percent of whom received osseointegrated implants into either a bone flap or remaining native bone. Osseointegrated implants were inset during the initial reconstruction 50 percent of the time. A treatment algorithm for free-flap selection based on the size of the defect and the bony requirement for reconstruction is presented. Bony restoration is only required in those areas where osseointegrated implants need to be placed. In such cases, the fibula osteocutaneous free flap is the flap of choice. Otherwise, soft-tissue flaps are selected based on wound size. Immediate free-flap coverage provides effective, single-stage treatment, both aesthetically and functionally, for complex midfacial defects.

Prognostic factors in adult soft-tissue sarcomas of the head and neck

PURPOSE

The main objectives of this study were (a) to review the treatment results of primary head and neck soft-tissue sarcoma at our institution, (b) to identify important prognostic factors in local control and survival, and (c) to assess the efficacy of salvage therapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Sixty-five patients were treated at the University of California, San Francisco, between 1961 and 1993. Seventeen patients (27%) had low-grade, 10 (15%) had intermediate-grade, and 38 (58%) had high-grade sarcomas. Tumors were > 5 cm in 35 patients. Local management consisted of surgery alone in 14 patients (22%), surgery and radiotherapy in 40 (61%), and radiotherapy alone in 11 (17%) patients. The median follow-up was 64 months.

RESULTS

The 5-year actuarial local control rate of the entire group was 66%. Tumor size and grade were important predictors for local control on multivariate analysis. The actuarial local control rate at 5 years was 92% for T1 vs. 40% for T2 primaries (p = 0.004), and 80% for Grade 1-2 vs. 48% for Grade 3 tumors (p = 0.01). None of the patients treated with radiotherapy alone with a dose of 50-65 Gy were controlled locally. Combined radiotherapy and surgery appeared to yield superior local control compared to surgery alone (77% vs. 59%); however, the difference was not statistically significant. The 5-year actuarial overall and cause-specific survivals were 56% and 60%, respectively. Unfavorable prognostic factors for cause-specific survival on multivariate analysis were age > 55 (p = 0.009), high tumor grade (p = 0.0002), inadequate surgery (p = 0.008), and positive surgical margins (p = 0.0009). In patients who underwent salvage therapy for treatment failure, the 5-year actuarial survival after salvage treatment was 26%.

CONCLUSION

Tumor size and grade were important predictors for local control. Age, grade, adequacy of surgery, and status of surgical margins were significant prognostic factors for survival. There was a trend of improved local control with combined surgery and radiotherapy compared to either modality alone for high-risk patients. Radiotherapy alone with doses < or = 65 Gy was insufficient for control of gross disease. Aggressive salvage therapy was worthwhile in patients whose disease was uncontrolled after the initial treatment.

Fibular free flap reconstruction of the "true" lateral mandibular defect

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the fibular free flap in reconstructing lateral segmental defects of the mandible. Over the past 5 1/2 years, 17 consecutive patients underwent reconstruction of their lateral mandible with the fibular free flap. Patients included 12 men and 5 women, the mean age was 54 years (range, 29-76 years), and the mean length of the mandibular defect was 6.3 cm (range, 2.5-9 cm). The majority of patients with tumors (54%) were treated for recurrence and 92% received radiation to the operative field. The mean operative time to perform the microsurgery and bone plating was 4 hours. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 3 patients (18%) (plate fracture, malocclusion, orocutaneous fistula). Five patients (29%) required leg donor site skin grafting. Donor site morbidity included a minor cellulitis, a transient neuropraxia, and one case of leg swelling. None required additional surgery for donor complications. Thus far, 71% of the patients have received dental rehabilitation and 35% had osseointegrated implants placed in their bone flap. Eighty-two percent of the patients achieved both good or excellent aesthetic and functional results. Sixteen patients (94%) tolerate at least a soft diet and 65% are on a regular diet. Five patients developed tumor recurrence an average of 9 months postoperatively with a mean survival of 21 months. This study demonstrates that the fibular free flap is highly reliable for reconstructing the lateral mandible in a single stage, with low overall morbidity, and provides for excellent dental and speech rehabilitation. For most patients, the fibular free flap should be considered for lateral mandibular reconstruction even in those patients with a limited life expectancy.

Microsurgical reconstruction of the midface

OBJECTIVE

To establish a treatment algorithm for reconstructing complex midfacial defects.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

University-based teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-one consecutive patients were treated from 1991 through 1995. The 18 males and 13 females were aged 15 to 90 years (mean age, 58 years). The cause of the defect included neoplasm (n = 27) and trauma (n = 4). Reconstruction consisted of 1 of 4 free flaps: rectus abdominis, radial forearm, fibula, or latissimus dorsi. Aesthetic and functional results were determined by patient questionnaires and physical examinations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Length of stay, postoperative morbidity and mortality, degree of aesthetic and functional restoration, and detection of tumor recurrence.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (87%) of the 31 patients underwent reconstruction with a single major procedure. All of the flaps survived. Postoperative hospital stays averaged 14 days. Late tumor recurrence occurred in 7 (23%) of the 31 patients and was promptly detected. Aesthetic and functional results were rated good or excellent in 77% (24/31) and 87% (27/31) of patients, respectively. Of the 20 patients who underwent alveolar ridge resection, 16 (80%) received dental rehabilitation, 44% of whom received osseointegrated implants into either a bone flap or remaining native bone. Osseointegrated implants were inset during the initial reconstruction 57% (4/7 patients) of the time.

CONCLUSIONS

For complex midfacial defects, free-flap transfer can be performed with a high degree of success, restoring both appearance and function in most patients. The only instance in which bone is necessary to reconstruct the midface involves those areas in which osseointegrated implants are needed, ie, alveolar ridge (dental implant) and/or orbit (ocular prosthesis). In such cases, the fibula osteocutaneous free flap is the flap of choice. Otherwise, soft-tissue flaps are selected based on wound size.

Transoral-Transpharyngeal Approach to the Craniocervical Junction

The transoral-transpharyngeal approach is a reliable and technically sound method for gaining anterior extradural exposure to the craniocervical junction. We report 23 patients undergoing this approach for pathology lying between the inferior clivus and third cervical vertebra. Pathology included 6 patients with congenital malformations of the odontoid process, 4 patients with basilar invagination caused by rheumatoid arthritis, 2 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation caused by Down's syndrome, and 1 each with Chiari I malformation, pseudogout of C1/C2, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and chronic dens dislocation caused by trauma. Malignant tumors included 4 chordomas, 2 giant cell tumors of C1-C3, and 1 chondrosarcoma. Orotracheal intubation without tracheotomy was used in 22 patients. Sixteen of these 22 patients were extubated either immediately or within 24 hours. Six complications occurred in 5 patients and included a palatal dehiscence in 2, delayed oropharyngeal hemorrhage, prolonged endotracheal intubation because of severe tongue edema, and 1 case each of meningitis and aspiration pneumonia responsive to intravenous antibiotics. No deaths, local infections, or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks occurred. Neurologic symptoms of cord compression improved or stabilized in all patients. The transoral-transpharyngeal approach is an effective means for extradural decompression of the anterior craniocervical junction and for exposure of selected tumors at this site.

Transoral-transpharyngeal approach to the craniocervical junction

The transoral-transpharyngeal approach is a reliable and technically sound method for gaining anterior extradural exposure to the craniocervical junction. We report 23 patients undergoing this approach for pathology lying between the inferior clivus and third cervical vertebra. Pathology included 6 patients with congenital malformations of the odontoid process, 4 patients with basilar invagination caused by rheumatoid arthritis, 2 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation caused by Down's syndrome, and 1 each with Chiari I malformation, pseudogout of C1/C2, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and chronic dens dislocation caused by trauma. Malignant tumors included 4 chordomas, 2 giant cell tumors of C1-C3, and 1 chondrosarcoma. Orotracheal intubation without tracheotomy was used in 22 patients. Sixteen of these 22 patients were extubated either immediately or within 24 hours. Six complications occurred in 5 patients and included a palatal dehiscence in 2, delayed oropharyngeal hemorrhage, prolonged endotracheal intubation because of severe tongue edema, and 1 case each of meningitis and aspiration pneumonia responsive to intravenous antibiotics. No deaths, local infections, or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks occurred. Neurologic symptoms of cord compression improved or stabilized in all patients. The transoral-transpharyngeal approach is an effective means for extradural decompression of the anterior craniocervical junction and for exposure of selected tumors at this site.

Combined transpetrosal-subtemporal craniotomy for clival tumors with extension into the posterior fossa

Tumors of the clivus, such as chordoma and chondrosarcoma, are generally amenable to an anterior surgical approach. However, approaches that traverse the pharynx or paranasal sinuses do not adequately expose tumor posterolateral to the horizontal course of the intrapetrous carotid artery. In addition, when tumor extends into the posterior fossa, supplemental exposure of neurovascular structures is necessary. A combination petrosectomy and subtemporal craniotomy can provide simultaneous access to the entire clivus as well as the lateral aspect of the midbrain, pons, and upper medulla. The extent of petrosectomy performed depends on a number of factors including status of hearing, facial nerve function, and degree of brainstem compression. In our experience with three patients (two chordomas and one chondrosarcoma), using either the retrolabyrinthine-subtemporal or transcochlear-subtemporal approach, excellent resection was achieved with acceptable morbidity considering the extensive nature of the disease.

Frequent novel DNA copy number increase in squamous cell head and neck tumors

We have undertaken a study of DNA copy number changes in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas to identify novel DNA copy number changes and to determine the significance of previous findings of cytogenetic alterations in cultured cells. Comparative genomic hybridization was performed on genomic DNA extracted from ten tumors. A novel copy number gain on chromosome 3q26-27 and a loss of chromosome 3p were found at high frequency (> or = 50% of tumors). Many other novel chromosomal copy number changes were identified but occurred at a lower frequency. In addition, our data confirm that DNA copy number changes that frequently occur in cultured cells, such as loss of chromosome 3p, also occur in tumors. Frequently altered loci may encode oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes involved in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis.

Mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

BACKGROUND

Mucosal melanomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are rare and do poorly.

METHODS

Seventeen patients treated from 1981 to 1993 at a single referral center were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients underwent surgical resection, with seven receiving postoperative radiotherapy. Eight had microscopically negative margins. The actuarial 2-year and 5-year survivals for this group of 13 were 67% (8 of 12) and 20% (2 of 10). The local recurrence rate was 85% (11 of 13) and distant metastases occurred in 31% (4 of 13) patients. In the absence of metastatic disease, resection of recurrent tumor correlated with disease-free intervals ranging from 3 months to 40 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Those who received postoperative radiotherapy appeared to have done better with increased disease-free intervals and prolonged survival. Negative surgical margins were not predictive of a more favorable outcome. Surgical resection followed by postoperative radiotherapy is appropriate and resection of recurrent tumor should be considered.

Long-term functional results after pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with the radial forearm free flap

For recovery to be deemed adequate, the laryngectomized patient requires restoration of both the ability to swallow and to speak. Immediate results and long-term functional recovery after pharyngoesophageal (PE) reconstruction with the radial forearm free flap were studied in 22 consecutive patients who had undergone primary (n = 3) or secondary (n = 19) reconstructions after total laryngectomy. Circumferential reconstructions were done in 13 patients (mean length 10 cm, range 6 to 16) and patch reconstructions in 9 patients (defect size range 4 x 4 cm to 8 x 7 cm). Flap leakage was evaluated for all patients, and postoperative diet and ability to swallow were evaluated for 16 patients with an intact tongue base. Voice was evaluated for 6 patients with circumferential reconstructions who had later undergone tracheoesophageal puncture with placement of a Blom-Singer voice prosthesis, and the results compared with those of a control group of 5 voice-restored patients who had undergone laryngectomy with primary closure of the pharyngoesophagus. All 22 flaps survived and none of the patients died. Although 7 (32%) reconstructions leaked, all but 1 closed spontaneously. Fourteen (88%) of the patients with an intact tongue base have no dysphagia and are on a regular diet, and 2 remain on an oral liquid diet. Compared with controls, patients with a radial free-flap reconstruction had similar loudness with soft speech (43 dB for controls versus 52 dB for radial patients) and loud speech (61 dB versus 63 dB), comparable fundamental frequencies (136 Hz versus 125 Hz), and increased jitter (2% versus 5%). Speech intelligibility was judged by untrained listeners as excellent for 4 of the patients with radial flaps and good for the other 2. The radial free flap offers the advantages of rapid harvest, high flap reliability, and minimal donor-site and patient morbidity. Leakage rate and deglutition restoration were similar to those of other reconstructions, including the free jejunal flap. Speech rehabilitation in patients secondarily reconstructed with the radial free flap was nearly equivalent to that of total laryngectomy patients who have primary closure of the pharynx and was superior to that reported with other popular PE reconstructions, including the gastric pull-up and the free jejunal flap.

Alabama sports medicine experience with isolated and combined posterior cruciate ligament injuries

Injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are an uncommon but significant instability pattern that eventually deteriorates the articular surface of the PLC-deficient knee. Although controversy persists regarding the appropriate treatment for the isolated PCL tear, patients with combined ligament injuries are best served by reconstruction of the PCL and surgical correction of the other injured tissues. The authors outline their experience with these complex ligamentous derangements.

Hepatitis B virus surface antigen binds to apolipoprotein H

We have previously demonstrated that a plasma membrane-enriched fraction isolated from human liver is capable of binding recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) (P. Pontisso, M. A. Petit, M. Bankowski, and M. E. Peeples, J. Virol. 63:1981-1988, 1989). In this study we have separated the plasma membrane proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and used a ligand-blotting technique to identify a 46-kDa rHBsAg-binding protein. This protein could be removed from the membranes with a weakly acidic buffer, implying that it is peripherally bound. Examination of human serum revealed that the 46-kDa binding protein is a serum protein. Isolation of plasma lipoproteins revealed that the binding protein is in part associated with chylomicrons and high-density lipoproteins, both of which are targeted to the hepatocyte during the normal course of lipid metabolism. The binding protein was identified as apolipoprotein H (apo H), also known as beta 2-glycoprotein I, on the basis of copurification of the rHBsAg-binding activity with the apo H protein and the ability of cDNA-expressed apo H to bind rHBsAg. Serum-derived HBsAg also binds to apo H, indicating that binding is not unique to rHBsAg. Binding is saturable, requires only the small S protein of rHBsAg, and is inhibited by excess rHBsAg, antibodies to HBsAg, and antibodies to apo H. The binding activity of apo H is destroyed upon reduction, indicating that 1 or more of its 22 disulfide bonds are required for interaction with rHBsAg. The possibility that an interaction between hepatitis B virus particles and lipoprotein particles may facilitate entry of the virus into hepatocytes is discussed.

The transsphenoethmoid approach to the sphenoid sinus and clivus

Surgical access to the sphenoid sinus and clivus for the resection of benign and malignant disease is difficult and is often associated with significant morbidity. The transsphenoethmoid approach, an extension of a familiar otolaryngological procedure, with or without a limited medial maxillectomy, allows access to this region with little morbidity and excellent cosmetic results. Since 1988, the transsphenoethmoid approach has been used in 15 patients at our institution for resection of primary and recurrent chordomas, chondrosarcomas, pituitary macroadenomas, repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and drainage of petroclival cysts. In most instances, an ipsilateral approach is most satisfactory. When necessary, a contralateral transsphenoethmoid approach is used when the tumor is posterolateral to the internal carotid artery and as far lateral as the abducens nerve.

Palpable abnormalities of the breast not requiring excisional biopsy

The evaluation of a patient with a palpable abnormality of the breast typically includes physical examination, mammography and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with cytologic interpretation of the aspirate. If the findings of these three diagnostic modalities are negative for malignancy, the current standard of care is to proceed to surgical biopsy to confirm the benign nature of the lesion. The current study was done to identify a subset of patients who could be safely observed without surgical (histologic) biopsy. These patients fulfilled specified criteria on physical examination, mammogram and needle sensation when the FNAB needle entered the lesion. Results of the cytologic studies of the FNAB were used as a corroborative rather than as a diagnostic test. Of 305 patients with mammary abnormalities, 106 were identified with "subsuspicious" lesions. Seven of the latter patients underwent surgical biopsy, four because the results of cytologic studies of FNAB revealed cytologic atypia. One of the four patients had infiltrating ductal carcinoma. All other patients have had follow-up evaluation for a mean of 61 months (range of 43 to 74 months). No carcinomas have developed at the subsuspicious site. The current study is the first to clearly define a subset of patients with palpable abnormalities of the breast who do not require surgical biopsy.

Reactivity of monoclonal antibodies 17.13 and 63.12 with 141 oral mucosal lesions

We studied the reactivity of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 17.13 and 63.12 with normal and diseased human oral mucosa by means of the immunoperoxidase technique. The specimens included: 22 normal oral tissues, 20 benign tumors, 17 lichen planus, 23 focal keratosis and epithelial hyperplasias, 18 proliferative verrucous leukoplakias, 20 dysplasias, and 21 squamous cell carcinomas. In most cases of normal mucosa and benign lesions, MAb 17.13 stained basal epithelial cells only, whereas MAb 63.12 stained all cell layers above the basal cells. In the premalignant and malignant lesions MAb 17.13 stained above the basal cells and MAb 63.12 either stained areas not stained by MAb 17.13 or the staining was absent. Based on the different staining patterns observed, there appears to be a potential value of these new reagents in diagnostic histopathology regarding specimens with equivocal cellular morphology.

Facial paralysis due to benign parotid tumors

On rare occasions, facial paralysis associated with a parotid tumor need not denote malignancy. We present two cases in which, contrary to appropriate conventional wisdom, facial paralysis resulted from benign mixed tumors. Each patient presented over 8 years following primary surgical excision. In neither patient was a mass palpable, and facial paralysis was the sole sign of recurrent disease. Each patient had been followed up for several months with a presumptive diagnosis of Bell's palsy prior to discovery of recurrent tumor by radiologic imaging. In each case, at operation the tumor was found to infiltrate the temporal bone via the stylomastoid foramen. Facial paralysis presumably resulted from extrinsic compression of the facial nerve. These two cases add to the few previous reports of facial paralysis due to benign parotid gland tumors.

Treatment of large juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

The management of large juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas with intracranial extension is controversial. We review our experience since 1980 with eighteen patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. A diagnostic and treatment approach consisting of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, embolization of feeding branches from the external carotid artery, and attempted complete resection was used in seven patients with intracranial disease since 1987. Serial magnetic resonance images were used for followup. Intracranial disease that was persistent or recurrent and demonstrated subsequent growth was irradiated (35 to 45 cGy). Extracranial tumor recurrences were reexcised. We advocate this approach as a safe and effective alternative to primary irradiation and its sequelae.

The use of closed suction drainage after lumpectomy and axillary node dissection for breast cancer. A prospective randomized trial

Closed suction drainage has been used to prevent seroma formation after lumpectomy and axillary node dissection for breast cancer. To study the efficacy of closed suction drains, the authors conducted a prospective randomized study from 1987 to 1990 of 227 axillary dissections. One hundred eight were randomized to a drain group (DG) and 119 to a no drain group (NDG). Drains were removed on the first postoperative day just before patient discharge. Postoperatively, all palpable axillary collections were aspirated on each follow-up visit. The volume aspirated, the number of aspirations, the time to seroma resolution, and all complications were recorded. The mean number of aspirations in the DG was significantly lower than the NDG (2.2 +/- 2.2 versus 3.3 +/- 2.1; p less than or equal to 0.002). Mean volume aspirated in the DG (146.3 +/- 181.1 mL) was less than the NDG (266.1 +/- 247.6 mL; p less than or equal to 0.003), and the time to seroma resolution was decreased in the DG as compared with the NDG (11.5 +/- 10 days versus 18 +/- 10.1 days; p less than or equal to 0.0002). Closed suction drainage after lumpectomy and axillary node dissection is advantageous in decreasing the incidence and degree of seroma formation and need not delay early hospital discharge.

Mediastinal and thoracic complications of necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck

Mediastinal and thoracic extension of head and neck infections are rare but occur even in the modern antibiotic era. Early intervention is paramount to successful clinical outcome. 111Indium-labeled white blood cell (WBC) scan, a new imaging modality, appears to play a role in complementing computed tomographic (CT) findings, demonstrating early extension of disease, and following therapeutic efficacy. Together, the CT scan and WBC scan aid in directing early intervention and extent of surgery in this disease of high-potential mortality. We report 3 cases of deep head and neck infection complicated by mediastinal extension, including mediastinitis, pericardial effusion, and tamponade, empyema, and respiratory failure. Early surgical intervention included neck drainage, tracheostomy, thoracotomy, and pericardiotomy. While usually associated with greater than 50% mortality, all of the patients in this series survived. Based on our experience, we recommend prompt aggressive surgical debridement in treating mediastinal complications resulting from head and neck infections.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadriceps patellar tendon graft. Part II. A specific sport review

Eighty-three patients, from a 10 year follow-up study, who underwent ACL reconstruction with a quadriceps patellar tendon graft were reviewed. A questionnaire qualifying their sports performance in 20 possible sports compared their preinjury status to postinjury and postreconstructive surgery. Successful and unsuccessful patients, as determined by our previous investigation, were likewise compared. Sports performance, regardless of the sport or level of competition, decreased substantially postinjury and then rose significantly to near but not equal to patient preinjury status. The most strenuous sports dipped to the lowest performance level after injury and returned with a correspondingly more modest gain after the reconstruction. Not surprisingly, successful patients had a more impressive return in performance than unsuccessful patients, mirroring their clinical grading. Of those deemed unsatisfactory (N = 20), graft failures were no worse off in performance rating than those that were classified as unsatisfactory because of persistent symptoms.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadriceps patellar tendon graft. Part I. Long-term followup

Eighty-three patients with ACL reconstructions using the quadriceps patellar tendon graft were evaluated in a 10 year (mean, 5.5 years) follow-up study. A five-part analysis, consisting of physical examination, questionnaire, Genucom analysis, operative note review, and radiographs, was performed. Seventy-six percent were categorized as satisfactory. Ninety-two percent were content with their results, while only 4% were unsatisfied. Ninety-three percent of the patients had no significant pain and 95% had no giving way postreconstruction. Ninety-two percent had no more than a mild functional deficit. Eighty-seven percent and 90% of the patients had no significant Lachman or pivot shift by examination, respectively. Our results showed no increase in failure over time (1 to 10 years), although those operated on during the initial 5 years showed more radiographic degenerative changes. Plotting our results in classification systems of other authors yielded success rates as good as or better than those using our own criteria. An objective means by which to quantify laxity did not reliably correlate with the quantifying of laxity made by physical examination. Only the lack of a formal rehabilitation program greater than 4 months postoperatively and repaired tears of the medial or lateral collateral ligaments proved to be significant risk factors for poor recovery.