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Alonso-Hernández J, Galán-Olleros M, Miranda-Gorozarri C, Cabello Blanco J, Garlito-Díaz H, Manzarbeitia-Arroba P, Araúz De Robles S. Transphyseal arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children under 12 years. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2024:10.1007/s00402-024-05497-x. [PMID: 39174765 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-024-05497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children is on the rise. Despite this trend, the optimal management of these injuries remains a matter of ongoing debate. In this light, our study seeks to assess the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of transphyseal ACL reconstruction in preadolescent patients in the medium-term. METHODS This prospective study included preadolescent patients aged up to 12 years who underwent ACL transphyseal reconstruction between 2010 and 2020 and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical assessments encompassed joint stability and range of motion. Furthermore, leg length discrepancy (LLD) and femorotibial alignment were evaluated both clinically and radiologically using full-length lower limb standing radiographs. Pre- and postoperative functional outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scales, and the return to normal sports activity was evaluated using the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Complications and relevant follow-up data were also recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate these outcomes. RESULTS A total of 35 preadolescent patients, consisting of 24 males and 11 females, with a mean age at surgery of 11.2 ± 0.7 years (8.7-12), were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 52.3 ± 20.7 months (24.1-95.9). No significant growth disturbances or clinically relevant LLD were evidenced. All patients demonstrated clinically stable knees with full range of motion at the 2-year follow-up. There were statistically significant improvements in pre- and postoperative IKDC (39.3 ± 13.5 vs. 99.7 ± 0.8, p < 0.005) and Lysholm scores (48.2 ± 15.1 vs. 99.6 ± 1.4, p < 0.005). All but two patients were able to return to their pre-injury level of sports activity, with a mean ACL-RSI score of 93.5 ± 1.3. The analysis revealed an 8.6% rerupture rate and an 11.4% rate of contralateral ACL injuries, with 5-year survival rates of 92.3% and 88.8%, respectively. Subgroup analyses based on age, gender, surgical delay, or associated meniscal lesions did not reveal any significant differences in functional outcomes. Additionally, there was no discernible relationship between age or timing of ACL reconstruction and the risk of meniscal injuries. CONCLUSIONS Our study reinforces the value of ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature preadolescent patients, with transphyseal technique proven to be a safe, effective, and technically simpler option, even for children under the age of 12. The findings indicate excellent functional outcomes, a high rate of successful return to sporting activities, and minimal to no incidence of growth-related complications in the medium-term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II, prospective comparative cohort study, before and after intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Alonso-Hernández
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Unit, Clínica CEMTRO, Av. Ventisquero de la Condesa 42, Madrid, 28035, Spain
- Pediatric Orthopaedic, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Galán-Olleros
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Unit, Clínica CEMTRO, Av. Ventisquero de la Condesa 42, Madrid, 28035, Spain.
- Pediatric Orthopaedic, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carlos Miranda-Gorozarri
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Unit, Clínica CEMTRO, Av. Ventisquero de la Condesa 42, Madrid, 28035, Spain
- Pediatric Orthopaedic, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Cabello Blanco
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Unit, Clínica CEMTRO, Av. Ventisquero de la Condesa 42, Madrid, 28035, Spain
- Pediatric Orthopaedic, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hugo Garlito-Díaz
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Unit, Clínica CEMTRO, Av. Ventisquero de la Condesa 42, Madrid, 28035, Spain
- Pediatric Orthopaedic, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Manzarbeitia-Arroba
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Unit, Clínica CEMTRO, Av. Ventisquero de la Condesa 42, Madrid, 28035, Spain
- Pediatric Orthopaedic, Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
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Dadoo S, Herman ZJ, Hughes JD. Surgical Techniques in Primary ACL Reconstruction: Getting It Right the First Time. Clin Sports Med 2024; 43:399-412. [PMID: 38811118 DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The ideal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is an individualized anatomic approach aimed at restoring the native structure and function of the knee. Surgeons are tasked with difficult decisions during operative planning, including the optimal graft choice for the patient and appropriate anatomic tunnel placement. Special considerations should additionally be given for skeletally immature patients and those at high-risk for failure, including younger, active patients participating in pivoting sports. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the individualized approach to ACLR, including the necessary preoperative and operative considerations to optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Dadoo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UPMC Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3200 S. Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA.
| | - Zachary J Herman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UPMC Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3200 S. Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Jonathan D Hughes
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UPMC Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Center, University of Pittsburgh, 3200 S. Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Bixby EC, Heyworth BE. Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in Skeletally Immature Patients. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2024; 17:258-272. [PMID: 38639870 PMCID: PMC11156825 DOI: 10.1007/s12178-024-09897-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Anterior cruciate ligament (ALC) tears are increasingly common in skeletally immature patients, as more children and adolescents participate in intensive sports training and specialization at increasingly younger ages. These injuries were historically treated nonoperatively, given concerns for physeal damage and subsequent growth disturbances after traditional ACL reconstruction techniques. However, there is now sufficient data to suggest superior outcomes with operative treatment, specifically with physeal-sparing and physeal-respecting techniques. This article reviews considerations of skeletal maturity in patients with ACL tears, then discusses surgical techniques, with a focus on their unique indications and outcomes. Additional surgical adjuncts and components of postoperative rehabilitation, which may reduce retear rates, are also considered. RECENT FINDINGS Current research shows favorable patient-reported outcomes and high return-to-sport rates after ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. Graft rupture (ACL retear) rates are low, but notably higher than in most adult populations. Historically, there has been insufficient research to comprehensively compare reconstruction techniques used in this patient population. However, thoughtful systematic reviews and multicenter prospective studies are emerging to address this deficit. Also, more recent data suggests the addition of lateral extra-articular procedures and stringent return-to-sports testing may lower retear rates. Physeal-sparing and physeal-respecting ACL reconstructions result in stabilization of the knee, while respecting the growth remaining in children or skeletally immature adolescents. Future research will be essential to compare these techniques, given that more than one may be appropriate for patients of a specific age and skeletal maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise C Bixby
- Department of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Benton E Heyworth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Faunø PZ, Bøge Steinmeier Larsen J, Nielsen MM, Hellfritzsch M, Nielsen TG, Lind M. The Risk of Growth Disturbance Is Low After Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With a Femoral Growth Plate Sparing Technique. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2023; 5:100793. [PMID: 37822671 PMCID: PMC10562156 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.100793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate radiological tibial and femoral length and axis growth disturbances, as well as clinical outcome in skeletal immature anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) patients treated with a femoral growth plate-sparing ACLR technique. Methods Skeletally immature patients who underwent operation between 2013 to 2019 with ALCR using the femoral growth plate-sparing technique were investigated with follow-up after growth plate closure. The inclusion criteria were isolated ACL rupture in patients with open physis in the distal femur and proximal tibia seen at plain radiography. The minimum follow-up time was 29 months. Patients were evaluated with full extremity radiographs measuring limb length discrepancy and coronal knee alignment compared to contralateral leg, as well as clinical evaluation with Rolimeter measurements and the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form (IKDC), and Tegner Activity Scale scores. Results Sixty-five patients were examined with radiography, and 52 patients were assessed with clinical examination. The mean follow-up time was 68 (range, 29-148) months. No limb-length discrepancy (-0.65 mm [confidence interval {CI}, -2.21 to 0.92]) or angular deformity at tibia (-0.25° [CI, -0.78° to 0.28°]) was found. There was a small but statistically significant different angular deformity at the distal femur compared to the contralateral leg (-1.51° [CI, -2.31 to -0.72]) at follow-up. The side-to-side difference in knee laxity at follow-up was 2.4 mm. At follow-up the KOOS Sport, KOOS Quality of Life (QoL), IKDC, and Tegner scores were 80, 75, 86, and 5, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of the patients met the Patient Acceptable Symptom State, and 52% reported results exceeding the KOOS Sport MCID Level and 69% the KOOS QoL level. Conclusions Femoral physis-sparing ALCR is associated with a low risk of alignment and length disturbances. The technique provides otherwise good subjective clinical outcome and knee stability. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Martin Lind
- Department of Sports Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Romanchuk NJ, Livock H, Lukas KJ, Del Bel MJ, Benoit DL, Carsen S. Criteria Used to Determine Unrestricted Return to Activity After ACL Reconstruction in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671231154540. [PMID: 36909673 PMCID: PMC9996745 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231154540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure or contralateral ACL rupture range from 17% to 30% in pediatric patients after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). A contributing factor to the high reinjury rate in this population may be the limited evidence regarding appropriate criteria for allowing unrestricted return to activity (RTA) postoperatively. Purpose To review the literature and identify the most commonly used criteria when determining unrestricted RTA after ACLR in pediatric patients. Study Design Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods A search was performed of the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The authors identified studies that included pediatric patients (<19 years of age) and specified the criteria used to determine RTA after ACLR. Results A total of 27 articles met all criteria for review, of which 13 studies only used 1 criterion when determining RTA. Objective criteria were the most common type of criteria for RTA (17 studies). Strength tests (15 studies) and hop tests (10 studies) were the most commonly used tasks when deriving RTA criteria. Only 2 studies used validated questionnaires to assess the patient's physiological readiness for RTA, and only 2 studies used an objective assessment of movement quality before RTA. Conclusion Only 14 of the 27 reviewed studies reported using >1 criterion when determining RTA. Furthermore, few studies used patient-reported outcome measures or lower limb kinematics as RTA criteria, indicating that more research is needed to validate these metrics in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Romanchuk
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holly Livock
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth J Lukas
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Del Bel
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel L Benoit
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sasha Carsen
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Foissey C, Thaunat M, Caron E, Haidar I, Vieira TD, Gomes L, Freychet B, Sonnery-Cottet B, Fayard JM. Combining Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Lateral Extra-Articular Procedures in Skeletally Immature Patients Is Safe and Associated With a Low Failure Rate. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2022; 4:e1941-e1951. [PMID: 36579042 PMCID: PMC9791843 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the rates of graft ruptures and growth disorders, the level of return to sport, and the clinical results of 2 lateral extra-articular procedures in growing children. Methods This study was a retrospective, single-center study of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery combined with 2 different lateral extra-articular procedures (anatomic reconstruction with a gracilis graft or modified Lemaire technique with a strip of fascia lata). The measurements of side-to-side anterior laxity and pivot shift were performed preoperatively and at the last follow-up. The sports level and the complications rate were assessed. The minimal clinically important differences (MCID) and patient acceptable symptoms state threshold scores were calculated. Results Thirty-nine patients (40 ACLs) were included (20 anatomic and 20 modified Lemaire) at an average follow-up of 57 months ± 10 [42-74]. One patient (2.5%) was lost to follow-up. The mean age at surgery was 13.8 ± 1.4 years old [9.8; 16.5]. One graft failure was reported (2.6% [0.06-13.5]) at 35.6 months after surgery. Two cases (5.4%) of femoral overgrowth were observed, and one of them required distal femoral epiphysiodesis. Ninety-two percent of the patients returned to sports. At the final follow-up, side-to-side anterior laxity was significantly improved, and no residual pivot shift was recorded in 95% of patients. Eighty-nine percent of the patients presented a Pedi-International Knee Documentation Committee score greater than the MCID postoperatively, and 77% presented a Lysholm score greater than the MCID. Conclusions This series of ACL reconstructions combined with 2 different lateral extra-articular procedures in skeletally immature patients demonstrated promising findings. The low rate of observed complications, including graft rupture and growth disturbance, is encouraging, but the small study population and lack of comparative group precludes reliable conclusions. Level of Evidence IV, therapeutic case series.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Thais Dutra Vieira
- Address correspondence to Thais Dutra Vieira, M.D., Centre Orthopédique Santy, 24 avenue Paul Santy, 69008 Lyon, France.
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Rohde MS, Cinque ME, LaPrade CM, Ganley TJ, Shea KG. The Spectrum of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Options for the Pediatric and Adolescent Patient: A Narrative Review. J Athl Train 2022; 57:961-971. [PMID: 35380680 PMCID: PMC9842125 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0542.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
As youth sports participation has increased in recent years, injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have become increasingly common in pediatric patients. Historically, ACL reconstruction was delayed in pediatric patients to avoid physeal damage with the potential for leg-length discrepancy or angular deformity. Current research shows that delaying reconstruction or choosing nonoperative management is associated with increased rates of meniscal and chondral injuries, persistent knee instability, and low rates of return to previous activity. Early ACL reconstruction using techniques to avoid physeal growth disturbance is now widely accepted among physicians. The purpose of this review was to describe the pediatric ACL in terms of the relevant anatomy and biomechanics, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging. In addition, the importance of skeletal age and possible physeal injury is discussed in the context of ACL reconstruction options by skeletal age and remaining growth potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Rohde
- Department of Orthopaedics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Mark E. Cinque
- Department of Orthopaedics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | | | | | - Kevin G. Shea
- Department of Orthopaedics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
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