Clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament injury: panther symposium ACL injury clinical outcomes consensus group

Registry-based cohort study comparing percentages of patients reaching PASS for knee function outcomes after revision ACLR compared to primary ACLR

OBJECTIVES

Reaching the Patient-Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) threshold for the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) has previously been reported to successfully identify individuals experiencing clinical success after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Thus, the objectives of this study were to examine and compare the percentages of patients meeting PASS thresholds for the different KOOS subscales 1 year postoperatively after primary ACLR compared with revision ACLR (rACLR) and multiply revised ACLR (mrACLR), and second, to examine the predictors for reaching PASS for KOOS Quality of Life (QoL) and Function in Sport and Recreation (Sport/Rec) after mrACLR.

DESIGN

Prospective observational registry study.

SETTING

The data used in this study was obtained from the Swedish National Ligament Registry and collected between 2005 and 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

The study sample was divided into three different groups: (1) primary ACLR, (2) rACLR and (3) mrACLR. Data on patient demographic, injury and surgical characteristics were obtained as well as mean 1-year postoperative scores for KOOS subscales and the per cent of patients meeting PASS for each subscale. Additionally, the predictors of reaching PASS for KOOS Sport/Rec, and QoL subscales were evaluated in patients undergoing mrACLR.

RESULTS

Of the 22 928 patients included in the study, 1144 underwent rACLR and 36 underwent mrACLR. Across all KOOS subscales, the percentage of patients meeting PASS thresholds was statistically lower for rACLR compared with primary ACLR (KOOS Symptoms 22.5% vs 32.9%, KOOS Pain 84.9% vs 92.9%, KOOS Activities of Daily Living 23.5% vs 31.4%, KOOS Sport/Rec 26.3% vs 45.6%, KOOS QoL 26.9% vs 51.4%). Percentages of patients reaching PASS thresholds for all KOOS subscales were comparable between patients undergoing rACLR versus mrACLR. No predictive factors were found to be associated with reaching PASS for KOOS QoL and KOOS Sport/Rec 1 year postoperatively after mrACLR.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing ACLR in the revision setting had lower rates of reaching acceptable symptom states for functional knee outcomes than those undergoing primary ACLR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prospective observational registry study, level of evidence II.

Responsiveness of a Persian version of the international knee documentation committee and the anterior cruciate ligament-quality of life questionnaires in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction following physiotherapy intervention

INTRODUCTION

The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament - Quality of Life Questionnaire (ACL-QOL) are frequently used patient-reported instruments designed for individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R).

PURPOSE

To evaluate responsiveness and determine minimal important change (MIC) for the Persian-version of IKDC and ACL-QOL in athletes with ACL-R following physiotherapy intervention.

METHOD

One hundred athletes with ACL-R, undergoing 16-week physiotherapy completed IKDC and ACL-QOL at weeks 4 and 20 post ACL-R. Participants also rated their overall changes on a 7-point global rating of change at follow-up. Responsiveness was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and correlation analysis. In addition, the minimal important change (MIC) was determined on the ROC curve.

RESULTS

Acceptable responsiveness was reached by the IKDC and most of the subscales of ACL-QOL (area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.72-0.79). Also, the subscale of Lifestyle issues of ACL-QOL (AUC of 0.81 (95% CI = 0.72-0.89) and the overall of ACL-QOL (AUC of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.80-0.93) showed the good level of responsiveness. The MIC scores of IKDC and the Overall ACL-QOL were determined 25 and 26 points, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The IKDC and ACL-QOL questionnaires have adequate responsiveness and are able to measure the change in athletes with ACL-R following a 16-week physiotherapy intervention.

Secondary restraints in ACL reconstruction: State-of-the-art

At-risk patients continue to experience a high likelihood of graft rupture after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). This narrative review seeks to provide the reader with an evidence-based synopsis of state-of-the-art concepts related to secondary restraint lesions, and how addressing them surgically might result in improved outcomes of ACLR.

Development of an intervention for patients following an anterior cruciate ligament rupture: an online nominal group technique consensus study

OBJECTIVES

(1) To develop an intervention for to support patients diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture with decision-making regarding treatment. (2) To define evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients following an ACL rupture.

DESIGN

Nominal group technique consensus study.

SETTING

Online meetings with patients and key stakeholders working and receiving treatment in the National Health Service, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Consensus meetings composed of eight voting participants and five non-voting facilitators. Voting participants included five clinicians, one outpatient therapy manager and two patients with experience in an ACL rupture and reconstructive surgery. Non-voting facilitators supported group discussions and/or observed study procedures. This included a clinical academic expert, two methodology experts and two patient representatives.

METHOD

Two online meetings were held. Pre-elicitation material was distributed ahead of the first meeting. Premeeting voting was conducted ahead of both meetings. A draft of the shared decision-making intervention and recommendations were shared ahead of the second meeting. Components were discussed and ranked for inclusion based on a 70% agreement threshold.

RESULTS

The meetings led to the development of a shared decision-making intervention to support treatment decision-making following an ACL rupture. The intervention includes two components: (1) a patient information leaflet and key questions diagram and (2) option grid. The evidence-based recommendations encompass core components of treatment reaching the 70% threshold agreed by the group. The recommendations cover: (1) advice and education, (2) exercise guidance, (3) intervention delivery, (4) outcome measure use and (5) shared decision-making.

CONCLUSION

This study has successfully developed a shared decision-making intervention to support ACL treatment decision-making, ready for testing in a future feasibility study. Evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients following ACL injury, ready for testing in a National Health Service (UK) setting, are also presented.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05529511.

Patellofemoral joint cartilage lesions frequently develop shortly after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft: A systematic review

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the development of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) cartilage lesions following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring tendon (HT) autograft through a systematic review.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases to find articles published from database inception until 15 November 2023. The search terms were [('Anterior Cruciate Ligament' [mesh] OR 'anterior cruciate ligament' OR 'ACL') AND 'reconstruction' AND 'cartilage' AND ('second look arthroscopy' OR 'second-look arthroscopy' OR 'MRI' OR 'magnetic resonance imaging')]. Inclusion criteria were studies that reported on the occurrence of PFJ cartilage lesions following ACLR using HT autograft, as determined by second-look arthroscopy or follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (1084 patients) met the inclusion criteria, with follow-up periods ranging from 1 to 5 years. In the results of second-look arthroscopy, cartilage grade deterioration was observed, ranging from MDs of 0.1 to 2.0 in the patella and from 0 to 1.0 in the trochlea. Follow-up MRI results reported the incidence of PFJ cartilage degeneration with rates ranging from 20% to 44%. Patient-reported outcome measures often showed no significant association with PFJ cartilage lesions. The studies included in this review reported various risk factors for cartilage lesion development.

CONCLUSION

Cartilage lesions in the PFJ, detected using second-look arthroscopy or follow-up MRI, frequently develop shortly after ACLR using HT autograft. At this stage, patients might not show specific symptoms; however, those with risk factors require careful observation and evaluation by clinicians during follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Chronic ACLD Knees with Early Developmental Cartilage Lesions Exhibited Increased Posterior Tibial Translation during Level Walking

OBJECTIVE

Early articular cartilage lesion (CL) is a vital sign in the onset of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA) in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency (ACLD). Researchers have suggested that altered kinematics could accelerate CLs and, therefore, lead to the onset of PTOA. However, little is known about whether specific knee kinematics exist that lead to early CL in chronic ACLD knees. Level walking is the most frequent and relevant in vivo activity, which greatly impacts knee health. We hypothesized that the knee kinematics during level walking in chronic ACLD knees with early tibiofemoral CL would significantly differ from those of chronic ACLD knees without early tibiofemoral CL.

METHODS

Thirty patients with a chronic ACLD history, including 18 subjects with CLs and 12 subjects without CLs, and 35 healthy control subjects were recruited for the study from July 2020 to August 2022. The knee kinematic data during level walking were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The kinematic differences between groups were compared using statistical parametric mapping with one dimension for One-Way ANOVA. The cartilage statuses of the ACLD knees were assessed via MRI examination. The CLs distribution of subjects was evaluated using a modified Noyes scale and analyzed by chi-square tests.

RESULTS

ACLD knees with CLs had significantly greater posterior tibial translation (7.7-8.0mm, 12%-18% gait cycle GC, p = 0.014) compared to ACLD knees without CLs during level walking. ACLD knees with CLs had greater posterior tibial translation (4.6-5.5mm, 0%-23% GC, p < 0.001; 5.8-8.0mm, 86%-100% GC, p < 0.001) than healthy controls during level walking. In the group of ACLD knees with CLs, CL is mainly located in the back of the tibia plateau and front of load bearing area of the medial femoral condyle (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees with cartilage lesions have increased posterior tibial translation compared to anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees without cartilage lesions and healthy subjects. The posterior tibial translation may play an important role in knee cartilage degeneration in ACLD knees. The increased posterior tibial translation and cartilage lesion characteristics may improve our understanding of the role of knee kinematics in cartilage degeneration and could be a helpful potential reference for anterior cruciate ligament deficient therapy, such as physical training to improve abnormal kinematic behavior.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL-RSI) Scores over Time After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Psychological readiness is an important consideration for athletes and clinicians when making return to sport decisions following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). To improve our understanding of the extent of deficits in psychological readiness, a systematic review is necessary.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate psychological readiness (measured via the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI)) over time after ACL tear and understand if time between injury and surgery, age, and sex are associated with ACL-RSI scores.

METHODS

Seven databases were searched from the earliest date available to March 22, 2022. Articles reporting ACL-RSI scores after ACL tear were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I, RoB-2, and RoBANS tools based on the study design. Evidence certainty was assessed for each analysis. Random-effects meta-analyses pooled ACL-RSI scores, stratified by time post-injury and based on treatment approach (i.e., early ACLR, delayed ACLR, and unclear approach).

RESULTS

A total of 83 studies were included in this review (78% high risk of bias). Evidence certainty was 'weak' or 'limited' for all analyses. Overall, ACL-RSI scores were higher at 3 to 6 months post-ACLR (mean = 61.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 58.6, 64.4], I2 = 94%) compared to pre-ACLR (mean = 44.4 [95% CI 38.2, 50.7], I2 = 98%), remained relatively stable, until they reached the highest point 2 to 5 years after ACLR (mean = 70.7 [95% CI 63.0, 78.5], I2 = 98%). Meta-regression suggests shorter time from injury to surgery, male sex, and older age were associated with higher ACL-RSI scores only 3 to 6 months post-ACLR (heterogeneity explained R2 = 47.6%), and this reduced 1-2 years after ACLR (heterogeneity explained R2 = 27.0%).

CONCLUSION

Psychological readiness to return to sport appears to improve early after ACL injury, with little subsequent improvement until ≥ 2-years after ACLR. Longer time from injury to surgery, female sex and older age might be negatively related to ACL-RSI scores 12-24 months after ACLR. Due to the weak evidence quality rating and the considerable importance of psychological readiness for long-term outcomes after ACL injury, there is an urgent need for well-designed studies that maximize internal validity and identify additional prognostic factors for psychological readiness at times critical for return to sport decisions.

REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework (OSF), https://osf.io/2tezs/ .

Usefulness of Current Patient-Reported Outcome Scales for ACL Injury: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Stakeholder-Perceived Utility of Specific Constructs and Items Across the Rehabilitation Timeline

Background

Numerous patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been used in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), often with overlapping constructs of interest and limited content validity. Inefficient scale application increases burden and diminishes overall usefulness for both the patient and practitioner.

Purpose

To isolate specific PROM items across a diverse set of constructs that patients and practitioners perceive as having the greatest value at various stages of recovery and return to sport (RTS) in patients after ACLR.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

A combined 77 stakeholders participated in this 2-phase mixed-methods investigation. In phase 1, a total of 27 patients and 21 practitioners selected individual PROM items from various constructs that had the greatest utility or importance. In phase 2, the highest rated items were further tested in a head-to-head comparison with 29 stakeholders who attended the 2022 ACL Injury Research Retreat. In addition to the utility assessment, practitioners answered other questions related to importance and timing of PROM assessments.

Results

In phase 1, both patients and practitioners shared the same top item in 6 of the 8 (75%) constructs assessed. In phase 2, the construct of psychological burden was rated as "extremely important" by 59% of respondents, followed by physical function (54%), symptoms (35%), and donor site issues (10%). The PROM items of confidence, perceived likelihood of reinjury, and difficulty stopping quickly were rated by a respective 93%, 89%, and 86% of the sample as either "very useful" or "extremely useful." All constructs except donor site issues were rated by most stakeholders to be absolutely necessary to evaluate treatment progress and RTS readiness at the 6-month postoperative time and at RTS.

Conclusion

Overall, psychological burden, with specific items related to confidence and reinjury likelihood, were rated as most important and useful by both patients and practitioners. The second most important and useful PROM item was related to higher intensity function (eg, decelerating or jumping/landing activities during sports).

Suture-Augmented Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair for Proximal Avulsion or High-Grade Partial Tears Shows Similar Side-to-Side Difference and No Clinical Differences at Two Years Versus Conventional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction for Mid-Substance Tears or Poor Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tissue Quality

PURPOSE

To compare objective and subjective clinical outcomes between suture-augmented anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair (SAACLR) and conventional ACL reconstruction (CACLR) with minimum 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

In this nonrandomized, prospective study, 30 patients underwent SAACLR for proximal ACL avulsion or high-grade partial ACL tear (Sherman grade 1 or 2) and 30 patients underwent CACLR for proximal one-third/distal two-thirds junction tears and mid-substance tears (Sherman grade 3 or 4) tear types by 1 surgeon between 2018 and 2020. Failure was defined as ACL reinjury. Outcome measures were KT-1000 for side-to-side knee laxity evaluation, Visual Analog Scale for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Severity Score (KOOS), Tegner Activity Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated for IKDC and KOOS subscores.

RESULTS

Three failures (10%) occurred in the SAACLR group, with no failures in the CACLR group (P = .24). A total of 23 (85%) SAACLR patients and 27 (90%) CACLR patients had patient-reported outcomes and physical examination at minimum 2 years. Two-year KT-1000 testing with 20 lbs showed less than 1 mm side-to-side difference between the groups. No significant differences in the percentage of patients meeting the MCID were found between the SAACLR and CACLR groups at 2 years: IKDC, 10.81 (82%) versus 10.54 (93%) (P = .48); KOOS Pain, 11.55 (73%) versus 10.58 (78%) (P = .94); KOOS Symptoms, 8.15 (77%) versus 10.32 (74%) (P = 1.0); KOOS Activities of Daily Living, 12.19 (59%) versus 12.28 (70%) (P = .60); 18.99 (71%) versus 16.77 (86%) (P = .42). Significantly higher IKDC scores were observed with SAACLR versus CACLR at 3 months (P = .01) and 6 months (P = .02), and significantly higher Lysholm scale, Tegner Activity Scale, and all KOOS subscale scores were observed at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

At 2 years after surgery, KT-1000 testing showed less than 1 mm side-to-side difference and no differences were observed between the groups in the percentage of patients who met or exceeded the MCID. Significantly higher early patient-reported outcome scores were found with SAACLR versus CACLR. The rerupture rate between the groups was not significantly different.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, Prospective cohort study.

Association of Remaining Anterior Knee Laxity With Inferior Outcomes After Revision ACL Reconstruction

Background

The relationship between remaining anterior knee laxity and poorer clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may be underrated, and the criteria for failure of revision ACLR have not been defined.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To evaluate a possible association between remaining knee laxity and functional scores in patients after revision ACLR. We hypothesized that a postoperative side-to-side-difference (SSD) in knee laxity of ≥6 mm will be an objective parameter for failure.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A total of 200 patients (77 women and 123 men; mean age, 30.8 ± 11 years; range, 18-61 years) who underwent revision ACLR between 2016 and 2019 were evaluated; The mean follow-up period was 30.2 ± 9 months (range, 24-67 months). Patients were divided into 3 groups according to postoperative SSD (<3 mm, 3-5 mm, or ≥6 mm). Preoperative and postoperative outcome measures (Lachman, pivot shift, visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) were compared between the groups.

Results

Of the 200 patients, 74% (n = 148) had a postoperative SSD of <3 mm at the latest follow-up, 19.5% (n = 39) had a postoperative SSD of 3 to 5 mm, and 6.5% (n = 13) had a postoperative SSD of ≥6 mm. Patients in all groups saw significant pre- to postoperative reductions in positive Lachman and pivot-shift tests as well as significant improvements in VAS pain, Lysholm, and Tegner scores (P < .001 for all). All postoperative functional scores of the patients with SSDs of <3 mm and 3-5 mm were significantly increased compared with those of patients with an SSD of ≥6 mm (P≤ .01 for all).

Conclusion

In patients following revision ACLR, anterior and rotational knee laxity were successfully reduced while increasing postoperative functional outcomes. A remaining postoperative SSD of ≥6 mm was associated with inferior patient outcomes compared with an SSD <6 mm. An SSD of ≥6 mm represents an objective parameter in the definition of failure of revision ACLR.

Radiographic Investigation of Differences in Static Anterior Tibial Translation With Axial Load Between Isolated ACL Injury and Controls

BACKGROUND

Static anterior tibial translation (SATT) is radiographically measured to show the amount of tibial translation during the single-leg stance, and thus it is representative of the physiological axial load subjected to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the stance. Increased SATT has been associated with increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) and is also associated with increased graft failure.

PURPOSE

To compare the SATT value in a control population with that in a population with an isolated ACL injury, as well as to compare the effect of tibial slope on SATT between the 2 groups.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients without ligamentous or meniscal injuries between 2019 and 2022 was reviewed. A matched consecutive cohort of patients with nonacute ACL injuries (surgery between 6 and 12 weeks after injury) without concomitant pathology was reviewed. Preoperative SATT and PTS were measured with a previously validated technique on lateral weightbearing knee radiographs. The SATT value was determined, and regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between SATT and PTS.

RESULTS

In total, 101 controls and 115 patients with an ACL injury were included in this study. The mean SATT was 1.31 mm (SD, 2.44 mm) and the mean PTS was 10.61° (SD, 3.28°) in the control cohort. The SATT was larger (mean, 2.27 mm; SD, 3.36 mm) in the ACL-injured cohort despite the tibial slope measurement being less in the ACL-injured cohort (mean, 9.46°; SD, 2.85°; P = .016). Linear regression analysis showed that for every 1° of increase in PTS, there was a 0.34-mm increase in SATT in the control cohort; however, there was a greater increase of 0.5 mm for every 1° of increase in PTS in the ACL-injured cohort. We found no significant differences in SATT when the cohorts were compared by age (P = .26) or sex (P = .10).

CONCLUSION

The present study reports a reference SATT value of 1.31 mm (SD, 2.44 mm) in a non-ACL-injured cohort, which was lower than in the ACL-injured cohort (mean, 2.27 mm; SD, 3.36 mm). The effect of slope on weightbearing anterior tibial translation was greater in the ACL-injured population than in the control cohort.

Comparison of Improvement in Patient-Reported Knee Function After Revision and Multiple-Revision ACL Reconstruction Compared With Primary ACL Reconstruction

Background

Graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a debilitating complication often requiring revision surgery. It is widely agreed upon that functional knee outcomes after revision ACLR (r-ACLR) are inferior compared with those after primary reconstruction. However, data are scarce on outcomes after multiple-revision ACLR (mr-ACLR).

Purpose

To compare patient-reported knee function in terms of Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively after primary ACLR, r-ACLR, and mr-ACLR and evaluate the pre- to postoperative improvement in KOOS scores for each procedure.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patients from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry who underwent their index ACLR between 2005 and 2020 with a minimum age of 15 years at the time of surgery were included in this study. All patients had pre- and postoperative KOOS data. The 1-year postoperative KOOS and the pre- to postoperative changes in KOOS were assessed between patients who underwent primary ACLR and those who underwent subsequent r-ACLR and mr-ACLR.

Results

Of 20,542 included patients, 19,769 (96.2%) underwent primary ACLR, 760 (3.7%) underwent r-ACLR, and 13 (0.06%) underwent mr-ACLR. Patients who underwent r-ACLR had significantly smaller pre- to postoperative changes on all KOOS subscales compared with patients undergoing primary ACLR (P < .0001 for all). Furthermore, patients in the mr-ACLR group had significantly smaller changes in the KOOS-Pain subscale compared with patients in the r-ACLR group (-9 ± 23.3 vs 2.5 ± 18; P = .024).

Conclusion

The study results indicated that while improvement is seen after primary ACLR, r-ACLR, and mr-ACLR, the greatest improvement in functional outcomes is observed after primary ACLR. Patients who underwent at least 1 r-ACLR, specifically mr-ACLR, had lower postoperative outcome scores, indicating that primary ACLR may provide the best chance for recovery after ACL injury.

Various Definitions of Failure Are Used in Studies of Patients Who Underwent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose

To conduct a literature review to assess the definitions of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) failure used throughout the orthopaedic literature.

Methods

A systematic search of Embase, Ovid Medline, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science was conducted by a university librarian to identity level I-IV clinical studies on ACLR failure. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent ACLR and included a definition of failure of ACLR. Patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repairs, animal/cadaver studies, review studies, non-English language articles, and non-full text articles were excluded. Failure data were extracted from each study and categorized. Other data that were extracted included follow-up time after ACLR, failure reoperation rate, and failure reoperation procedure. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data.

Results

Out of 2,775 studies, 104 (3.75%) met inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this review. The most common definition of ACLR failure included the use of a physical examination, specifically Lachman's test (21/104 [20.2%]), anterior laxity assessment, or a Pivot-Shift test (24/104 [35.2%]) or undergoing or requiring revision ACLR (39/104 [37.5%]). Although some studies used quantitative tests or imaging to help define "failure," others simply defined it as graft rerupture that was otherwise not defined (22/104 [22.5%]). Other common definitions included: the use of imaging (magnetic resonance imaging/radiographs) to confirm graft re-rupture (37/104 [35.6%]), patient-reported outcomes (recurrent instability)/patient reported outcomes measures (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], Tegner) (18/104 [17.3%]), and the use of an arthrometer (KT-1000/2000, Rollimeter, or Kneelax) (17/104 [16.3%]). The least common definitions included graft failure or rerupture confirmed by arthroscopy (13/104 [12.5%]) and nonrevision surgery (2/104 [1.0%]). The failure rate of this procedure ranged from 0% to 100% depending on the definition of "failure."

Conclusion

In this study, we found that a variety of definitions of failure are used among studies published in the orthopaedic literature. The most common criteria for failure of ACLR were the results of physical examination tests (35%), the need for undergoing a revision ACLR (36%), and the use of imaging to diagnose the failure (34%). About 17% of studies included in this review used patient-reported outcomes, specifically recurrent instability, or PROMs (IKDC, KOOS, Tegner) in their assessment of failure of ACLR. The least used definitions of "failure" of ACLR included nonrevision ACLR surgery (2%). Although some studies used similar tests or categories in their definition of failure, there were a variety of score and grade cutoff points between them.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

BLU-DAT: a new reliable and accurate arthrometer for measuring anterior knee laxity

PURPOSE

Although many arthrometers have been developed to assess anterior knee laxity, reliability and diagnostic accuracy of these devices are still debated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of a new arthrometer in the outpatient setting, with the hypothesis that it had good validity in terms of reliability and diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

Seventy-eight subjects (39 with ACL injury and 39 with normal ACL) were tested. ATT was assessed by means of the Lachman test at 30° of flexion with a new testing device (BLU-DAT) under three different loading conditions: 7 kg (69 N), 9 kg (88 N) and maximum (MMT). The tests were performed on both knees to obtain SSD. In the ACL injury group, the tests were performed by two examiners and one of them repeated a second test series. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the average SSD measures. In the normal-ACL group, the analysis was performed with the same testing setup. Side-to-side difference measures of the two groups at every loading condition were compared by Student's t test. Data of test series were dichotomized based on the threshold value of 3-mm SSD as pathological ATT and 2 × 2 contingency tables were used to assess diagnostic accuracy.

RESULTS

The ICCs for intra-observer reliability at 7-kg (69 N), 9-kg (88 N) and MMT measurements were 0.781, 0.855 and 0.913, respectively. The ICC for inter-observer reliability at 7-kg (69 N), 9-kg (88 N) and MMT measurements were 0.701, 0.845 and 0.834, respectively. Comparison between the two groups showed a significant mean difference ranging from 3.4 mm for 7-kg (69 N) load to 4.6 mm for MMT. Overall accuracy ranged from 84.6% for 7-kg load to 98.7% for MMT.

CONCLUSION

The BLU-DAT has proven to be an instrument with good intra- and inter-observer reliability and very good accuracy in the diagnosis of ACL injuries in the outpatient setting. So, the BLU-DAT can be a new useful tool in everyday clinical practice to assist in the diagnosis of ACL injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Thai Version of the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Background

The International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF) is a knee-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure that is commonly used to evaluate patients with various knee disorders. The Thai version of the IKDC-SKF (Thai IKDC-SKF) was shown to have good validity and reliability; nonetheless, no data regarding its responsiveness are available.

Purpose

To evaluate the responsiveness of the Thai IKDC-SKF for assessing patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for this PRO measure.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

This prospective study included ACL-injured patients who were scheduled for ACL reconstruction (ACLR) at a single institution. The patients completed the Thai IKDC-SKF at the baseline and the 6-month postoperative follow-up. The global rating of change scale was an anchor question that evaluated patients' overall perception of a clinical change compared with their preoperative condition. The effect size and standardized response mean were calculated. The MCID was identified with an anchor-based approach by plotting a receiver operating characteristic curve and calculating the value that maximized the Youden index.

Results

Of 59 enrolled patients, 53 patients (89.8%) completed the preoperative and 6-month postoperative Thai IKDC-SKF. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 32.3 ± 10.3 years, and 86.8% were men. The mean Thai IKDC-SKF score improved significantly from preoperatively to the 6-month follow-up (from 56.3 ± 14.9 to 70.8 ± 14.1, respectively; P < .001), with an effect size of 0.975 and a standardized response mean of 0.977. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to determine the ability of the Thai IKDC-SKF to distinguish between improved patients and unimproved patients, and the area under the curve was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68-0.92), which was considered excellent. The MCID was 15.5, which yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 0.55 and 1, respectively.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the responsiveness of the Thai IKDC-SKF for detecting a clinical change in ACL-injured patients after ACLR. The identified MCID of 15.5 can be used to calculate the significant clinical change and sample size in future studies.

The Effect of Staged Versus Usual Care Physiotherapy on Knee Function Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

CONTEXT

The long duration and high cost of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation can pose barriers to completing rehabilitation, the latter stages of which progress to demanding sport-specific exercises critical for a safe return to sport. A staged approach shifting in-person physiotherapy sessions to later months of recovery may ensure patients undergo the sport-specific portion of ACLR rehabilitation. Design/Objective: To compare postoperative outcomes of knee function in patients participating in a staged ACLR physiotherapy program to patients participating in usual care physiotherapy through a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-two patients were randomized to participate in staged (n = 80) or usual care physiotherapy (n = 82) following ACLR and assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The staged group completed the ACLR rehabilitation protocol at home for the first 3 months, followed by usual care in-person sessions. The usual care group completed in-person sessions for their entire rehabilitation. Outcome measures included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee Questionnaire, pain, range of motion, strength, and hop testing.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant between-group differences in measures of knee function at 6 months postoperative. Patients in the usual care group reported significantly higher International Knee Documentation Committee scores at 3 months postoperative (mean difference = 5.8; 95% confidence interval,  1.3 to 10.4; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

A staged approach to ACLR rehabilitation does not appear to impede knee function at 6 months postoperative but may result in worse patient reported outcomes at early follow-ups.

Efficacy and safety of early versus delayed reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries based on the different cut-off values of the timing of operation.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang Digital Periodical database were searched from inception to November 2022 without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies (CSs) comparing early ACLR with delayed ACLR for ACL injuries were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies (10 RCTs and 14 CSs) were included. According to the information from included studies, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after ACL injuries were considered as the cut-off values of early and delayed ACLR. When 4 weeks were considered as the cut-off value, early ACLR could significantly improve Lysholm score, IKDC score and VAS score at 6 and 12 months postoperatively and decrease the incidence of adverse events compared with delayed ACLR (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference in positive rate of Lachman test and incidence of meniscus injuries and chondral lesions between the two groups when 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months or 12 months after ACL injuries were considered as the cut-off values of early and delayed ACLR (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that early ACLR, especially conducted within 3-4 weeks after ACL injuries, may be more effective for improving knee function and relieving pain compared with delayed ACLR. More high-quality RCTs are warranted.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a biocomposite interference screw maintains graft fixation survival and improves clinical outcomes at 1 year: A multicenter prospective case series

A biocomposite interference screw with an open architecture was developed to provide a greater available surface area for bone ingrowth compared with conventional solid interference screws. We herein describe a prospective, single-cohort study conducted using this interference screw in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Sixty subjects (mean age, 34.9 years; standard deviation, 10.6) undergoing ACL repair using the biocomposite interference screw were enrolled at 3 sites in the United States. Subjects were followed preoperatively (baseline) and postoperatively at 6 months and 1 year. The primary endpoint was graft fixation survival rate at 6 months and 1 year. Secondary endpoints included graft survival (failure defined as that occurring for any reason); International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (exam and subjective forms); Tegner Activity form; Lysholm score; and EQ (EuroQuol)-5D-5L index score and visual analogue scale. There was a 100 % rate of graft fixation survival at 6 months (54/54; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 100-100) and 1 year (50/50; 95 % CI: 100-100). One patient experienced a complete tear of the ACL 5 months following index surgery, resulting in graft survival rates of 98.1 % (53/54; 95 % CI: 94.6-100) at 6 months at 98.0 % (49/50; 95 % CI: 94.1-100) at 1 year. Significant improvements (p < .0001) were obtained between baseline and 6 months for the majority of patient-reported outcomes, and were maintained out to 1-year follow up. There was no significant difference over baseline in the IKDC sub-scale of symptoms. Nine patients (15.0 %) experienced serious adverse events during the course of the study; three of these patients' adverse events were considered possibly or definitely related to the procedure device (ACL tear, pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis, and a patellar fracture). In conclusion, this biocomposite interference screw has a favorable safety and efficacy profile at 1 year, with no failures of graft fixation, noted during that time.

Differences in postoperative knee function based on concomitant treatment of lateral meniscal injury in the setting of primary ACL reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Concomitant lateral meniscal (LM) injuries are common in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. However, the effect of addressing these injuries with various treatment methods during primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 2-, 5-, and 10-years after isolated primary ACLR to primary ACLR with various treatment methods to address concomitant LM injury.

METHODS

This study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. Patients ≥ 15 years with data on postoperative KOOS who underwent primary ACLR between the years 2005 and 2018 were included in this study. The study population was divided into five groups: 1) Isolated ACLR, 2) ACLR + LM repair, 3) ACLR + LM resection, 4) ACLR + LM injury left in situ, and 5) ACLR + LM repair + LM resection. Patients with concomitant medial meniscal or other surgically treated ligament injuries were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 31,819 included patients, 24% had LM injury. After post hoc comparisons, significantly lower scores were found for the KOOS Symptoms subscale in ACLR + LM repair group compared to isolated ACLR (76.0 vs 78.3, p = 0.0097) and ACLR + LM injury left in situ groups (76.0 vs 78.3, p = 0.041) at 2-year follow-up. However, at 10-year follow-up, no differences were found between ACLR + LM repair and isolated ACLR, but ACLR + LM resection resulted in significantly lower KOOS Symptoms scores compared to isolated ACLR (80.4 vs 82.3, p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that LM injury during ACLR is associated with lower KOOS scores, particularly in the Symptoms subscale, at short- and long-term follow-up. However, this finding falls below minimal clinical important difference and therefore may not be clinically relevant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

A bifactor model supports unidimensionality of the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form in young active patients with anterior cruciate ligament tears: a retrospective analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC) is the most highly recommended patient reported outcome measure for assessing patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and those undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. The IKDC was developed as a unidimensional instrument for a variety of knee conditions. Structural validity, which determines how an instrument is scored, has not been definitively confirmed for the IKDC in respondents with ACL injuries, and in fact an alternative two-factor/subscale structure has been proposed in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate structure and scoring system for the IKDC in young active patients following ACL injury.

METHODS

In total, 618 young patients deemed at high risk of graft rupture were randomized into the Stability 1 trial. Of the trial participants, 606 patients (98%) completed a baseline IKDC questionnaire used for this analysis. A cross sectional retrospective secondary data analysis of the Stability 1 baseline IKDC data was completed to assess the structural validity of the IKDC using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Factor analyses were used to test model fit of the intended one-factor structure, a two-factor structure, and alternative four-factor and bifactor structures (i.e., a combination of a unidimensional factor with additional specific factors) of the IKDC, in a dataset of young active ACL patients.

RESULTS

The simple one-factor and two-factor structures of the IKDC displayed inadequate fit in our dataset of young ACL patients. A bifactor model provided the best fit. This model contains one general factor that is substantially associated with all items, plus four secondary, more specific content factors (symptoms, activity level, activities of daily living, and sport) with generally weaker associations to subsets of items. Although the single-factor model did not provide unambiguous support to unidimensionality of the IKDC based on fit indices, the bifactor model supports unidimensionality of the IKDC when covariance between items with similar linguistic structure, response options, or content are acknowledged.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, findings of a bifactor model with evidence of a reliable general factor well defined by all items lends support to continue interpreting and scoring this instrument as unidimensional. This should be confirmed in other samples. Clinically, based on these findings, the IKDC can be represented by a single score for young active patients with ACL tears. A more nuanced interpretation would also consider secondary factors such as sport and activity level.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Stability 1 trial for which these data were collected was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02018354).

Responsiveness of the Indonesian Versions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Injury Score, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form, and the Lysholm Score in Patients With ACL Injury

Background

The Indonesian versions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form (IKDC), and the Lysholm scores are considered valid and reliable for Indonesian-speaking patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to determine the responsiveness of the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores in an Indonesian-speaking population with ACL injury. It was hypothesized that they would have good responsiveness.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Between March 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, patients with an ACL injury at a single hospital in Indonesia were asked to complete the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores before either reconstruction surgery or nonoperative treatment. At 6 months after treatment, the patients completed all 3 scores a second time, plus a global rating of change question. The distribution-based and the anchor-based methods were used to study responsiveness. For each scale, the standardized response mean, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and minimal detectable change (MDC; at the group [MDCgr] and individual [MDCind] levels) for each scale were determined.

Results

Of 80 eligible patients, 75 (93.8%) completed the study. The standardized response means for the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores were 1.59, 1.72, and 1.51, respectively, indicating good responsiveness. The MCIDs for the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores were 6.8, 7.8, and 4.8, respectively; all MCIDs were larger than that of the MDCgr (1.1, 0.7, and 0.6, respectively). At the individual level, the MCID for the IKDC was larger than the MDCind (7.8 vs 5.8). However, the MCIDs for ACL-RSI and Lysholm scores were smaller than those of the MDCind (6.8 vs 10.9 and 4.8 vs 5.1, respectively).

Conclusion

The Indonesian ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores indicated good responsiveness and can be used in the follow-up of patients after ACL injury, especially at the group level. In individual patients, IKDC was found to be more efficient than the ACL-RSI or Lysholm scores for detecting clinically important changes over time after ACL treatment.

Preoperative predictors for return to physical activity following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR): a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Rates of return to physical activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery are sub-optimal. Optimising presurgical treatment may improve return rates. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify modifiable preoperative predictors for return to physical activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus via EBSCOhost, AMED, PsycINFO and EMBASE via OVID and Web of Science) were searched from inception to 31 March 2023. The population of focus was adults aged 18-65 who had undergone primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Studies needed to identify at least one potential modifiable preoperative predictor variable and the relationship between the predictor(s) and return to physical activity. All time-points of assessment and study designs were included. Data extraction was completed by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer. Two reviewers completed the risk of bias assessment using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

RESULTS

The search identified 2281 studies, eight met the inclusion criteria. Five studies scored 'high', and three studies scored 'moderate' risk-of-bias. All preoperative predictors were of very low-quality evidence. Five different outcome measures were used to assess return to physical activity including Tegner, Marx, Physical Activity Scale, return to play at the elite level and return to preinjury level (undefined). This was measured between 1- and 10-years post-surgery. Nine preoperative physical, six psychosocial and five demographic/clinical factors were assessed and four were found to be predictive. These included quadriceps strength, psychological profile, patient estimated ability to return and graft type (patella tendon, BPTB).

CONCLUSION

Very-low level evidence suggests that increasing quadriceps strength, managing patient expectations of their treatment outcomes, improving motivation to resume preinjury activity levels and considering the use of a BPTB graft will support return to physical activity after ACLR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO: CRD 42020222567.

Long-term Quality of Life in Patients After ACL Reconstruction With Concomitant Meniscal Injury Treatment: Patient-Reported Outcomes at Minimum 10-Year Follow-up

Background

Long-term studies of patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with or without concomitant meniscal tear treatment are limited.

Purposes

To (1) report postoperative outcomes after anatomic ACL reconstruction with a hamstring autograft, (2) investigate how concomitant treatment of meniscal injury could affect these outcomes, and (3) evaluate the association between quality of life and activity levels at a minimum 10-year follow-up.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patients treated with a unilateral, anatomic ACL reconstruction between 2005 and 2011 were investigated. The following patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were reported for the overall sample as well as a subsample of patients with meniscal injury: International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, 5-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L), and patient satisfaction. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and meniscal injury treatment (meniscectomy vs meniscal repair) were examined as patient-specific risk factors regarding long-term activity and quality of life.

Results

Overall, 106 patients, 90 men (85%) and 16 women (15%), were enrolled in the study, with a mean follow-up of 13.2 years. The ACL retear rate was 2.8%. The mean scores were 80.6 ± 16.7 (IKDC-SKF), 87.4 ± 15.0 (KOOS), 90.5 ± 11.5 (Lysholm), 5.6 ± 1.9 (Tegner), and 91.8 ± 14.5 (EQ-5D-5L). The majority (90.6%) of patients considered their knee state satisfactory during follow-up. When compared with patients who underwent meniscal repair, patients who underwent meniscectomy had statistically significantly lower scores on all PROMs except for the Tegner and EQ-5D-5L (P < .05 for all). The mean difference between the 2 groups was ≥7 points on all PROM scores. Patient sex, age, and BMI did not affect PROM scores. There was a statistically significant, strong positive correlation between quality of life and activity.

Conclusion

Patients had few or no symptoms and considered their knee state satisfactory 13.2 years after anatomic ACL reconstruction. Patients with concomitant meniscal tears having undergone meniscal repair had improved PROMs compared with those treated with meniscectomy. Finally, participation in activities of daily living and sports was interrelated with quality of life and was not affected by patient age, sex, or BMI.

A new knee arthrometer demonstrated to be reliable and accurate to assess anterior tibial translation in comparison with stress radiographs

INTRODUCTION

For several years, many arthrometers have been developed to assess anterior knee laxity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the validity of a new practical and handy testing device with the hypothesis that the new arthrometer had good validity in terms of reliability and accuracy.

METHODS

Lachman test was performed on five fresh frozen cadaveric knees by five examiners. Anterior tibial translation (ATT) was measured with a new arthrometer (BLU-DAT) and on lateral stress radiographs. Data on ATT were obtained under 7 kg (69 N), 9 kg (88 N), and maximum manual traction (MMT). Tests were performed on the same specimens before and after arthroscopic ACL excision. Inter-rater reliability of the BLU-DAT measures was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for single and average measurements. The Bland-Altman method was used to estimate agreement between the BLU-DAT and stress radiographs.

RESULTS

ICC values for single measurements were 0.62, 0.54 and 0.58 for 7-kg, 9-kg and MMT assessment, respectively. Overall reliability was good (ICC = 0.63). ICC values for average measurements were 0.89, 0.85 and 0.88 for 7-kg, 9-kg and MMT assessment, respectively. Overall reliability was very good (ICC = 0.90) SEM ranged from 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm for single measurements and was below 1 mm at each testing condition for average measurements. Analysis of agreement between BLU-DAT and radiographic measurements showed a mean difference equal to 0.83 mm ± 2.1 mm (95% CI: 0.55-1.11). Upper LOA was equal to 4.9 mm (95% CI: 5.39-4.41). Lower LOA was equal to - 3.2 mm (95% CI: - 2.71 to - 3.69).

CONCLUSION

Measurement of anterior knee laxity with the BLU-DAT testing device has a good to very good inter-rater reliability and good agreement with a gold standard such as stress radiographs. Cadaveric Diagnostic Study, Level of Evidence IV.

Anatomic Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Not Superior to Anatomic Single-Bundle Reconstruction at 10-Year Follow-up: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The anatomic double-bundle (DB) technique is purported to be a superior technique due to its mimicking of the double-stranded anatomic formation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Previous studies with 2-, 5- and 10-year follow-up are conflicted as to whether this technique is superior to the previous gold standard method of ACL reconstruction, the anatomic single-bundle (SB) reconstruction.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the outcomes of the anatomic DB technique and anatomic SB technique with independent drilling at 10 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that DB ACL reconstruction would result in a better outcome in terms of the pivot-shift test.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

A total of 105 patients (33 women, 72 men; median age, 27 years [range, 18-52 years]) were randomized and underwent ACL reconstruction (DB group: n = 53; SB group: n = 52). All reconstruction procedures were performed anatomically by identifying the ACL footprint, using the anteromedial portal for femoral tunnel drilling, and utilizing interference screws for tibial and femoral fixation. One blinded observer examined the patients both preoperatively and at follow-up (median, 120 months [range, 112-134 months]). Multiple subjective and objective clinical evaluations were used to assess the outcomes. Radiographic assessments of osteoarthritis were performed using the Ahlbäck, Kellgren-Lawrence, and Fairbank classification systems early postoperatively and at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, no differences were found between the study groups. Overall, 70 patients (67%; DB group: n = 39; SB group: n = 31) were available for analysis at 10-year follow-up. No significant difference could be shown between the groups in terms of the pivot-shift grade, knee laxity measurements using the KT-1000 arthrometer, manual Lachman grade, single-leg hop test result, range of motion measurements, Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) score. Correspondingly, no differences were found between the groups regarding the presence of radiographic osteoarthritis at follow-up. Both groups improved at follow-up compared with preoperatively in terms of the pivot-shift grade, knee laxity measurements using the KT-1000 arthrometer, manual Lachman grade, Lysholm knee score, and KOOS score (P < .05 [highest P value for any comparison]).

CONCLUSION

The anatomic DB technique was not superior to the anatomic SB technique with independent drilling at 10-year follow-up in regard to objective and subjective measurements. As such, one could argue that there is no need for the continued use of the anatomic DB technique in an unselected population.

Bilateral changes in knee joint laxity during the first year after non-surgically treated anterior cruciate ligament injury

OBJECTIVES

Analyse changes in knee laxity between 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after non-surgically treated ACL injury and to analyse associations between knee laxity and knee function, self-reported knee stability, ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), fear and confidence at different timepoints during recovery.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

125 patients (67 males, mean age 25.0 ± 7.0 years) with acute ACL injury.

MAIN OUTCOME

Laxity was measured using KT-1000 arthrometer. Self-reported knee function was assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF). Confidence and fear were assessed with questions from the ACL-RSI scale. Subjectively knee stability was assessed using SANE.

RESULTS

Knee laxity increased bilaterally from 3 to 12 months, and in the non-involved knee from 3 to 24 months (p˂0.05), although mean change was below 1 mm. Side-to-side difference in knee laxity was correlated with IKDC-SKF (r = -0.283) and knee stability in rehabilitation/sport activities (r = -0.315) at 6 months, but not with confidence/fear.

CONCLUSION

Knee laxity increased bilaterally during the first year after non-surgically treated ACL injury, though, the mean change in knee laxity was below 1 mm and the clinical significance is unknown. Knee laxity was weakly associated with knee function and perceived knee stability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02931084.

Knee Kinematic Patterns and Early Cartilage Lesion Characteristics in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Specific knee kinematic alterations have been theorized to correlate with the progression of cartilage degeneration, and therefore, post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, how specific knee kinematic alterations contribute to knee joint cartilage degenerations remains to be unclear. To solve this problem, we hypothesized that there are specific cartilage-degenerating kinematic gait patterns that could be supported by the specific areas of cartilage lesions in ACLR knees. Thirty patients with unilateral ACLR knees and 30 healthy controls were recruited for the study. The kinematic differences between the ACLR knees and the healthy control knees during the stance phase were calculated to identify the kinematic patterns. Cartilage lesion distribution characteristics were acquired for patients with ACLR knees to validate the kinematic patterns using magnetic resonance images. Two kinematic patterns were modeled, i.e., sagittal (increased flexion angle and posterior tibial translation) and coronal (increased lateral tibial translation and abduction angle) kinematic patterns. For the sagittal pattern, the cartilage lesion distributions showed that there were more cartilage lesions (CLs) in the superoposterior regions than the posterior regions in the femoral condyles (p = 0.001), and more CLs in the posterior regions than the middle regions in the tibial plateau (p < 0.001). For the coronal pattern, the cartilage lesion distributions showed that there were more CLs in the lateral compartments near the tibial spine than the medial compartments near the tibial spine (tibial sides, p = 0.005 and femoral sides, p = 0.290). To conclude, the cartilage degeneration distribution evidence largely supports that the two kinematic patterns may contribute to cartilage degeneration in ACLR knees. These findings may provide a potential strategy of delaying early cartilage degeneration in ACLR knees by using motion (kinematic) pattern modification or training. However, investigations should be conducted on the actual effects of this potential strategy.

Measurement properties for muscle strength tests following anterior cruciate ligament and/or meniscus injury: What tests to use and where do we need to go? A systematic review with meta-analyses for the OPTIKNEE consensus

Objectives

Critically appraise and summarise the measurement properties of knee muscle strength tests after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and/or meniscus injury using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments Risk of Bias checklist.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analyses. The modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-guided assessment of evidence quality.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTSDiscus searched from inception to 5 May 2022.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies evaluating knee extensor or flexor strength test reliability, measurement error, validity, responsiveness or interpretability in individuals with ACL and/or meniscus injuries with a mean injury age of ≤30 years.

Results

Thirty-six studies were included involving 31 different muscle strength tests (mode and equipment) in individuals following an ACL injury and/or an isolated meniscus injury. Strength tests were assessed for reliability (n=8), measurement error (n=7), construct validity (n=27) and criterion validity (n=7). Isokinetic concentric extensor and flexor strength tests were the best rated with sufficient intrarater reliability (very low evidence quality) and construct validity (moderate evidence quality). Isotonic extensor and flexor strength tests showed sufficient criterion validity, while isometric extensor strength tests had insufficient construct and criterion validity (high evidence quality).

Conclusion

Knee extensor and flexor strength tests of individuals with ACL and/or meniscus injury lack evidence supporting their measurement properties. There is an urgent need for high-quality studies on these measurement properties. Until then, isokinetic concentric strength tests are most recommended, with isotonic strength tests a good alternative.

Lower rate of acceptable knee function in adolescents compared with young adults five years after acl reconstruction: results from the swedish national knee ligament register

Background

The number of studies with a large cohort of patients that primarily focus on patient-reported outcomes after ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents is limited. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether patient age affects the proportion of patients that achieve a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) on the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales one, two, five and 10 years after an ACL reconstruction.

Methods

The patient data in the present study were extracted from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register (SNKLR). Patients aged between five and 35 years that underwent a primary ACL reconstruction between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2017 and had completed the KOOS questionnaire at the one-, two-, five- or 10-year follow-up were included. A total of 2,848 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study; 47 paediatric patients (females 5–13, males 5–15 years), 522 adolescents (females 14–19, males 16–19 years) and 2,279 young adults (females 20–35, males 20–35 years). The results from the KOOS were presented as the mean and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the mean. For comparisons between groups, the chi-square test was used for non-ordered categorical variables. For pairwise comparisons between groups, Fisher’s exact test (2-sided) was used for dichotomous variables. All the statistical analyses was set at 5%.

Results

Adolescents reported a significantly lower score than young adults on the KOOS4 at the two- (68.4 vs. 72.1; P < 0.05), five- (69.8 vs. 76.0; P < 0.05) and 10-year follow-ups (69.8 vs. 78.2; P < 0.05). Moreover, a significantly smaller proportion of adolescents achieved a PASS on each of the KOOS subscales when compared with young adults at the five-year follow-up (Symptoms: 83.3% vs. 91.6%; Pain: 42.9% vs. 55.3%; Function in daily living: 31.4% vs. 41.1%; Function in sports and recreational activities: 42.3% vs. 55.7%; Knee-related quality of life: 50.0% vs. 65.0%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A significantly smaller proportion of adolescents achieved a PASS on each of the KOOS subscales when compared with young adults five years after ACL reconstruction. The results of the present study provide important information for physicians and physiotherapists treating young patients after an ACL injury and they can aid in providing realistic expectations in terms of the mid- and long-term outcomes.

Level of evidence

Prospective Observational Register/Cohort Study, Level II.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05727-6.

Cutoff Value for the Patient Acceptable Symptom State of the Thai IKDC Subjective Knee Form in Patients After Primary ACL Reconstruction

Background

The Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) cutoff is the value on a patient-reported outcome measure beyond which patients consider themselves to be "feeling well." There are limited data regarding the PASS threshold for non-English versions of the International Knee Documentation Committee-Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF).

Purpose

To establish the PASS cutoff for the Thai version of the IKDC-SKF for patients undergoing primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to identify factors to achieve PASS after surgery.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Included in this study were patients aged 18 to 50 years who had undergone primary unilateral ACLR between January 2016 and February 2020. After enrollment, patients completed the Thai IKDC-SKF and answered the anchor question for determining the PASS.

Results

Questionnaires were sent to 321 patients, of whom 173 (53.9%) responded. The vast majority (156 patients; 90.2%) considered themselves to have achieved the PASS. This group of patients had significantly higher IKDC scores than did those who did not have an acceptable symptom state (79.6 ± 14.2 vs 60.7 ± 16.5; P < .001). The receiver operating characteristic curve of the IKDC score for predicting the PASS had an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.72-0.91). The optimum PASS cutoff of the Thai IKDC-SKF was a score of 74.2 (sensitivity, 0.72; specificity, 0.82). Factors that provided favorable odds for achieving the PASS were the use of a hamstring tendon autograft (odds ratio, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.5-20.6) and the absence of a patellofemoral chondral lesion (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.03-14.1).

Conclusion

For patients undergoing ACLR, the cutoff for the PASS of the Thai version of the IKDC-SKF was a score of 74.2. Two surgery-related factors provided favorable odds for achieving the PASS: the use of a hamstring tendon autograft and the absence of a patellofemoral chondral lesion.

Comparative Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Proximal Hamstring Injuries: A Systematic Review

Background

There is controversy regarding which patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) should be used for proximal hamstring tendon injuries.

Hypothesis

It was hypothesized that (1) most (>50%) of the questions on the 13 most common PROMs for proximal hamstring injuries would demonstrate extensive overlap in the health domains and question categories and (2) each of the PROMs would contain a variable distribution of questions within each health domain.

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

We conducted a literature review through PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL and identified the 13 most common PROMs for proximal hamstring injuries: Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Marx activity rating scale (MARS), 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), Tegner activity scale (TAS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT), Proximal Hamstring Injury Questionnaire (PHIQ), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), University of California, Los Angeles activity score (UCLA), International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), Hip Outcome Score (HOS), Sydney Hamstring Origin Rupture Evaluation (SHORE), and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). All PROM questions were sorted into 5 health domains (pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports, and mindset) and further divided into question categories if they referred to similar tasks or aspects of health. Questions in the same health domain and question category were considered overlapping, and those within a health domain that did not fit into a question category were considered unique. For each PROM, we analyzed the distribution of questions within particular health domains and question categories as well as the amount of overlapping and unique questions.

Results

Of the 165 questions evaluated, 116 (70.3%) were overlapping, and 49 (29.7%) were unique. The SF-12 contained the most unique questions (9/12 [75.0%]). The MARS, TAS, SANE, and UCLA had 0 unique questions. The PHIQ and iHOT-12 contained questions in all 5 health domains. The PHAT, SHORE, and NAHS contained questions in every health domain except mindset. The LEFS, MARS, SF-12, TAS, mHHS, SANE, UCLA, and HOS contained questions in ≤3 health domains.

Conclusion

The evaluated PROMs had a high degree of overlapping questions (≥50%) and demonstrated a statistically significant variance in the distribution of questions within each health domain.

Effectiveness of lever sign test for diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Lever Sign test (LST) for diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures.

Methods

This prospective trial was conducted from January to December 2020. A total of 73 patients, aged 18 to 65 years, presenting with chief complaint as acute knee pain rated < 7/10 on a verbal numerical rating scale, having a minimum 20 to 120° range of motion and undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. Detailed history, physical examination and standard radiographic evaluation were done in all subjects. For the assessment of the integrity of the ACL, the anterior drawer, Lachman, pivot-shift and LST were performed on each symptomatic knee by a senior orthopedic consultant with a minimum five years post-fellowship experience. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of the LST were recorded with respect to standard reference MRI findings.

Results

Out of a total of 73 patients, there were 49 (67.1%) males. Mean age was noted to be 34.5±8.1 years. Area of residence was rural among 42 (57.5%) patients. Mean time since injury was noted to be 11.2±4.6 months. The MRI findings showed ACL intact among 31 (42.4%) patients while it showed ACL torn among 42 (57.5%) patients. The LST showed positive findings for ACL rupture in 39 (53.5%) patients while it was negative in remaining 34 (46.5%). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of LST with respect to standard reference finding (MRI) was found to be 86%, 90%, 92%, 82% and 88% respectively.

Conclusion

The LST was found to have good specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV and accuracy to detect the status of the ACL. The LST is easy to perform can be used along with other standard assessment techniques to further increase the validation of the status of the ACL diagnosis.

Translation and Psychometric Analysis of the Indonesian Versions of the Lysholm and Tegner Scores for Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Background:

The Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity scale are frequently used patient-reported outcome measures in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries because of their excellent psychometric properties. These questionnaires were originally developed in the English language.

Purpose:

To translate and cross-culturally adapt these measures into the Indonesian language and study their validity and reliability so that they can be used in the Indonesian-speaking population with ACL injuries.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis/symptom prevalence); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

After a forward-backward translation procedure and cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reliability were investigated. A total of 253 patients with an ACL injury were sent 4 questionnaires (36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Kujala anterior knee pain scale, Indonesian Lysholm knee score [I-LK], and Indonesian Tegner activity scale [I-TS]). The responses of those patients were analyzed. Following COSMIN guidelines, construct validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, and measurement errors were determined. The Bland-Altman method was used to explore absolute agreement.

Results:

A total of 106 patients (42% response rate) were included in this study. Construct validity was considered to be good, as more than 75% of the predefined hypotheses on correlations between the I-LK, I-TS, and other measures were confirmed. Reliability proved excellent, with a high test-retest correlation for both questionnaires (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). Bland-Altman analysis showed no systematic bias between testing and retesting. The internal consistency of the I-LK was good (Cronbach alpha = 0.73). For the I-LK and I-TS, floor and ceiling effects were less than 15% (floor: 0% and 4.7%, respectively; ceiling: 12.3% and 3.8%, respectively); the standard error of measurement was 1.8 and 0.9, respectively; the minimal detectable change at the individual level was 5.1 and 0.6, respectively; and the minimal detectable change at the group level was 2.4 and 0.5, respectively.

Conclusion:

Both the I-LK and I-TS appear to be good evaluation tools for Indonesian-speaking patients with an ACL injury.

Minimal graft site morbidity using autogenous semitendinosus graft from the uninjured leg: a randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

To quantify the effect on strength of semitendinosus (ST) graft harvest by comparing isokinetic and isometric muscle strength.

METHODS

A cohort of 140 patients underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) and were randomized to ipsilateral or contralateral ST graft harvest. Isokinetic and isometric muscle strength testing using a dynamometer were collected for the operated and non-operated leg. Patients were assessed pre-surgery and at 6, 12 and 24 months after reconstruction.

RESULTS

ST graft harvest reduced isokinetic flexion muscle strength for 6 months. At 12 months follow up there was no significant difference between the two groups and they were all stronger than pre-injury. No other significant differences were found in any primary or secondary outcome measurements.

CONCLUSION

Solitary ST graft harvest does not appear to result in a permanent reduced isometric or isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength on the side where the graft is harvested. A reduction in hamstring muscle strength of less than 10% can be seen at short-term follow-up with full recovery by 12 months. Most patients report little or no donor site pain. Given these findings, ST autograft is an alternative graft choice that could be used for various reconstructions in terms of donor site morbidity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Quadriceps and hamstring tendon autografts in ACL reconstruction yield comparably good results in a prospective, randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Comparable data of functional outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either hamstring- or quadriceps tendon grafts is controversial. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to provide data comparing both grafts regarding the functional outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A two centre trial involving symptomatic patients 18 years of age or older with an anterior cruciate ligament tear was conducted. We randomly assigned 27 patients to quadruple hamstring tendon reconstruction and 24 to quadriceps tendon reconstruction. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. The primary outcome parameter was the side-to-side knee laxity measured with an arthrometer. Secondary outcomes included results in the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm Scores and isokinetic testing of strength in knee extension and flexion.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (86%) completed the 2-year follow-up. There was significantly improved knee stability at all time intervals with no difference between the two study groups. The manual side-to-side displacement improved by 4.7 ± 3.0 mm in patients with hamstring tendon reconstruction and 5.5 ± 2.9 mm in patients with quadriceps tendon reconstruction. In addition, muscle strength and outcome scores (IKDC and Lysholm Score) did not show any differences between the hamstring tendon group and the quadriceps tendon group. Patients in the hamstring tendon group returned to their pre-injury activity level after 95.2 ± 45.5 days while patients in the quadriceps tendon group needed 82.1 ± 45.6 days.

CONCLUSION

Quadriceps and hamstring tendon autografts yield comparably good results in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Identifying Clinical and MRI Characteristics Associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Prognostic Factors for Long-Term

BACKGROUND

Associated lesions in the diagnostic MRI may be related to worse long-term subjective outcomes. There is a lack of conclusive information about the long-term outcomes of associated injuries in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term effects of associated injuries in ACL tears measured by means of a quality of life (QOL) assessment.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 225 consecutive patients admitted for physical therapy with ACL injury (42 ± 12 years, 28.2% female) were conducted. All demographic and clinical variables were used to measure a QOL. Univariate and multivariable analyses were completed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 8.4 ± 2.6 years. In univariate analysis, male gender, and sports as the cause of the ACL lesion were factors significantly associated with improved International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores at the end of follow-up (all p < 0.002). In multivariable analysis, the occurrence of bone contusion was positively associated with injury (OR = 2.12) and negatively associated with sports injury (OR = 0.44) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury (OR = 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

After ACL injury, male gender and sports injury were associated with better clinical outcomes.

High Rate of Overlapping Question Content Among Commonly Used Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Purpose

To precisely compare the questions and content between the most commonly cited knee-specific patient-reported outcome measurements (PROs) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Methods

A literature review through Medline from November 1, 2018, to November 1, 2020, was performed to find the most cited knee-specific PROs for assessment of ACL injuries. Each question was then classified as 1) identical, similar, or unique; 2) pertaining to 1 of 6 domains (pain, symptoms, functional activities, occupational activities, sports/recreation, and quality of life). The PROs were then compared to each other to assess question overlap and domain coverage.

Results

A total of 133 questions were analyzed from the seven most common PROs: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Tegner Activity Scale, Marx Scale, Knee Outcome Survey (KOS), and Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS). The total distribution of identical (31.6%), similar (31.6%), and unique (36.8%) questions was found to be relatively even. However, this distribution varied within each PRO. KOS and Lysholm had the highest percentages of identical questions (64% and 62.5%, respectively). KOOS had the highest number of unique questions (26/42, 61.9%), while Tegner held the highest percentage (11/16, 68.8%). Sports/recreation was the only domain assessed by all PROs.

Conclusion

Nearly two-thirds of questions overlap between the commonly used PROs for ACL injury. Although sports/recreation is assessed by all PROs, each has its own pattern of coverage across this and other domains.

Level of Evidence

IV, cross-sectional study.

Knee function 30 years after ACL reconstruction: a case series of 60 patients

Background and purpose - Until now, there have been no studies beyond 30 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We report knee function a mean 31 years after ACL reconstruction.Patients and methods - This cohort comprised a case series of 60 patients with a mean follow-up of 31 years (28-33) after ACL reconstruction. Patients were evaluated with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective assessment, Knee injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner Activity Scale, radiography, and MRI.Results - 30 patients showed an intact ACL graft and 30 a ruptured or missing ACL graft. 40 patients had osteoarthritis in the tibiofemoral compartment and 24 patients in the patellofemoral compartment. Patients with intact ACL grafts scored higher than those with ruptured or missing ACL grafts when it comes to KOOS Sport/Rec. The Hodges Lehmann estimated median difference between groups was 15 (95% CI 0-35). The KOOS scores were lower in the group with ruptured or missing ACL grafts when compared with a healthy-knee reference group of males in terms of Pain, mean difference -8 (CI -15 to -1), Symptoms, mean difference -18 (CI -27 to -9), and Sport/Rec, mean difference -21 (CI -34 to -8). In the group with intact ACL grafts, the KOOS score was lower than a healthy-knee reference group of males in terms of Symptoms, mean difference -12 (CI -21 to -3). Scores for all subgroups of KOOS were higher in patients without osteoarthritis. The IKDC overall clinical assessment outcome was worse in patients with a ruptured or missing ACL graft. The Hodges Lehmann estimated median difference between groups was 1 (CI 0-1).Interpretation - Patients with an intact ACL graft reported higher sports activity and recreation, as measured with KOOS, than patients with a ruptured or missing ACL graft. Patients with severe osteoarthritis reported lower sports activity and recreation, as measured with KOOS.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability of the Indonesian Version of the IKDC Subjective Knee Form

Background:

No questionnaire is currently available for use in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in an Indonesian population. The most-used questionnaire in clinical research for these patients is the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, as its psychometric properties are considered to be excellent.

Purpose:

To translate the IKDC into Indonesian and assess its validity for use in Indonesian-speaking patients with ACL injuries.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

After a forward-and-backward translation procedure and cross-cultural adaptation, the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were investigated. The responses of ACL injury patients on 3 questionnaires, the Indonesian-IKDC (I-IKDC), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, were compared. Following consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments guidelines, construct validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, and measurement error were determined. The Bland-Altman method was used to explore absolute agreement.

Results:

Of 253 ACL injury patients, 106 (42%) responded to the invitation. Construct validity was considered good, as all predefined hypotheses on correlations between the I-IKDC and other scores were confirmed. Reliability proved excellent, with a high test-retest correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). Bland-Altman analyses showed no systematic bias between test and retest. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach α = .90). There were no floor or ceiling effects. Standard error of measurement was 2.1, and the minimal detectable change was 5.8 at the individual level and 0.7 at the group level.

Conclusion:

The I-IKDC, as developed, appeared to be a good evaluation instrument for Indonesian patients with ACL injuries.

PRP does not improve the objective outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been used in association with anterior cruciate ligament resconstruction (ACLR) to improve rehabilitation. The purpose was to systematically review the literature to compare the effects of PRP on ACLR in its objective and subjective outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed. Two independent reviewers included all the English language literature of patients undergoing primary ACLR with autograft combined with PRP. The outcomes analyzed were graft ligamentization (MRI), tibial and femoral tunnel widening (MRI), knee laxity, IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner activity scale and visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included with a total of 525 patients. PRP did not improve ligamentization of graft (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.01 [95% CI: - 0.37; 0.39]), did not lead to lesser tunnel widening (SMD: 0.71 [95% CI: - 0.12; 1.54]), or lead to lesser knee laxity (raw mean difference: 0.33 [95% CI: - 0.84; 0.19]). Although there was statistical significance for PRP effects on Lysholm score and VAS (p < 0.01), their magnitude was limited.

CONCLUSION

PRP showed no improvement in objective outcomes like ligamentization and less tunnel widening, while it showed just small improvements in terms of Lysholm, VAS and knee laxity. Therefore, there is not enough evidence to support a recommendation in favor of PRP and more research is needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Preoperative Evaluation of the Lower Extremity-Specific PROMIS Mobility Bank in Patients with ACL Tears

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to preoperatively assess the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Item Bank v2.0–Mobility in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears to (1) determine construct validity by correlating with legacy patient-reported outcomes (PROs), (2) evaluate test burden, (3) determine the presence of floor or ceiling effects, and (4) revisit the conventional threshold for inclusiveness (floor/ceiling effects) in the modern era of computer adaptive testing (CAT)–based PROs.

Methods

Patients at a large academic musculoskeletal specialty center diagnosed with ACL tears indicated for surgery were administered the following outcomes measures before surgery: PROMIS Mobility CAT, PROMIS Pain Interference CAT (PROMIS PI), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Marx Knee Activity Rating Scale (Marx), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Construct validity was evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients. Correlation strengths were defined as high (≥0.7), high-moderate (0.61-0.69), moderate (0.4-0.6), moderate-weak (0.31-0.39) and weak (≤0.3). Number of questions to completion were recorded as a marker of test burden. The percentage of patients scoring at the extreme high (ceiling) or low (floor) of each measure was recorded to measure inclusivity.

Results

A total of 1126 patients were evaluated. The mean number of questions answered (± standard deviation) was 4.7 ± 2.1 for PROMIS Mobility and 4.5 ± 1.9 for PROMIS PI. PROMIS Mobility demonstrated a high correlation with IKDC, (r = 0.81, P < .001), a high-moderate correlation with PROMIS PI (r = −0.63), and a moderate correlation with SANE (r = 0.46, P < .01). Neither PROMIS Mobility nor PROMIS PI met conventional criteria for floor or ceiling effects (>15%).

Conclusions

The PROMIS Mobility measure maintains construct validity, because its scores correlate strongly with other PROs measuring physical function with high efficiency among preoperative patients with ACL injuries. Although ceiling effects of PROMIS Mobility CAT were below the conventional significance threshold of 15% at the preoperative timepoint in this population, this study provides critical feedback for redesigning the Mobility bank.

Level of Evidence

Level III (Diagnostic study).

Combined ACL and Segond Repair in Combined Acute Proximal ACL Tears and Segond Fracture

A renewed interest in anterior cruciate ligament preservation has been noted using arthroscopic primary repair in patients with proximal tears, but the main concern remained the control of the rotational instability. Segond fracture occurs in less than 10% of cases of acute anterolateral instability, but it can result in continued rotation instability. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique to acutely repair both the anterior cruciate ligament and Segond fracture in the acute setting.

Association Between Psychological Readiness and Knee Laxity and Their Predictive Value for Return to Sport in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Deciding when patients are ready to return to sport (RTS) after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is challenging. The understanding of which factors affect readiness and how they may be related is limited. Therefore, despite widespread use of RTS testing, there is a lack of knowledge about which tests are informative on the ability to resume sports.

PURPOSE

To examine whether there is an association between knee laxity and psychological readiness to RTS after ACLR and to evaluate the predictive value of these measures on sports resumption.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥16 years engaged in physical activity/sports before injury were recruited at routine clinical assessment 9-12 months after ACLR. Exclusion criteria were concomitant ligament surgery at ACLR and/or previous ACL injury in the contralateral knee. At baseline, a project-specific activity questionnaire and the ACL-Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scale were completed. Knee laxity was assessed by use of the Lachman test, KT-1000 arthrometer, and pivot-shift test. Two years after surgery, knee reinjuries and RTS status (the project-specific questionnaire) were registered. Associations between psychological readiness and knee laxity were evaluated with the Spearman rho test, and predictive ability of the ACL-RSI and knee laxity tests were examined using regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 171 patients screened for eligibility, 132 were included in the study. There were small but significant associations between the ACL-RSI score and the Lachman test (rho = -0.18; P = .046) and KT-1000 arthrometer measurement (rho = -0.18; P = .040) but no association between the ACL-RSI and the pivot-shift test at the time of recruitment. Of the total patients, 36% returned to preinjury sport level by 2 years after surgery. Higher age, better psychological readiness, and less anterior tibial displacement (KT-1000 arthrometer measurement) were significant predictors of 2-year RTS (explained variance, 33%).

CONCLUSION

Small but significant associations were found between measurements of psychological readiness and anterior tibial displacement, indicating that patients with less knee laxity after ACLR feel more ready to RTS. ACL-RSI and KT-1000 arthrometer measurements were independent predictors of 2-year RTS and should be considered in RTS assessments after ACLR.

A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Standard Techniques Are Comparable (299 Trials With 25,816 Patients)

PURPOSE

To provide an overview of all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) summarizing the available evidence.

METHODS

Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we searched the Cochrane FIGCentral Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase for RCTs of ACLR from their inception to August 26, 2020. Outcome measure was whether RCTs reported statistically significant findings. RCTs were then classified according to their intervention groups in a narrative synthesis of the evidence.

RESULTS

In total, 299 RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included with a total number of 25,186 patients. Only 30 RCTs (10%) reported significant differences between the intervention and the control groups. These included 101 RCTs on grafts, 20 RCTs on tunnel placements, 48 RCTs on graft fixation, 42 RCTs on single-bundle compared with double-bundle reconstructions, 11 RCTs on additional procedures, 11 RCTs on graft tensioning, 5 RCTs on timing of surgery, 25 RCTs on technical variations from standard techniques, 6 RCTs on ACL repair, 5 RCTs on navigation, 16 RCTs on perioperative management, and 9 RCTs on other aspects of ACLR. Only 14 RCTs (4.7%) reported outcomes beyond 10 years with greater allograft failures compared with autografts, high incidence of osteoarthritic changes in reconstructed knees (22%-100%), with no significant differences in outcomes between bioabsorbable or metal screws for graft fixation, patellar versus hamstrings or single- versus double-bundle reconstructions.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence indicates that a standard arthroscopic single- or double-bundle ACLR with hamstrings/patella autografts, transportal technique, and fixation techniques familiar to the surgeon leads to comparable results. This evidence offers surgeons the flexibility to use standard and cost-effective techniques and achieve comparable outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II; systematic review of Level I-II randomized controlled trials.