Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons and cross-pin femoral fixation compared with patellar tendon autografts

Five-Strand Versus Four-Strand Hamstring Autografts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction-A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical outcomes of the routine use of 5-strand hamstring grafts (where possible) with those of 4-strand grafts in primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS

A total of 64 patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled study comparing the use of 5-strand and 4-strand semitendinosus-gracilis autografts in single bundle ACL reconstruction (n = 32 in each group). Four participants in each group were lost to follow-up and were excluded from the outcome analysis. The outcomes of 28 patients in the 5-strand group and 28 patients in the 4-strand group were analyzed. The diameters of all grafts were measured intraoperatively. Patients were assessed postoperatively at 2 years with objective assessments (anterior knee laxity using the KT-2000 arthrometer, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, hop test) and patient-reported outcome scores (Lysholm knee score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee score, SF-36 physical and mental components, Tegner activity scale). Postoperative graft ruptures were also noted.

RESULTS

There were improvements in all outcome measures postoperatively regardless of the number of graft strands. When we compared the study and control groups, there were no significant differences in all subjective and objective outcome measures except the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms score (5-strand group 93.3 ± 9.2 vs 4-strand group 86.2 ± 14.7, P = .04). The KT-2000 side-to-side difference was 2.79 ± 2.11 mm in the 5-strand group and 2.54 ± 1.75 mm in the 4-strand group (P = .63). The 5-strand study group had 2 graft ruptures at 1 year, whereas the 4-strand control group had one partial graft rupture at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

At 2-year follow-up, the routine use of the 5-strand hamstring tendon autograft was not superior to that of the quadrupled or 4-strand graft in primary ACL reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, prospective randomized controlled trial.

Second-Look Arthroscopic Evaluation and Clinical Outcomes of Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Autograft and Hybrid Graft: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND Graft choice is very controversial. This study compared the second-look evaluation and clinical outcomes of anatomic ACL-R using a thin autograft versus a thick hybrid graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-eight patients who had received ACL-R with hamstring autograft or autograft-allograft hybrid graft accepted second-look arthroscopy were grouped (autograft: n=31, age: 32.8±8.9, Male/Female: 16/15, and hybrid graft: n=37, age: 33.9±8.4, Male/Female: 27/10). Patients were evaluated with the functional score and KT-1000 test before reconstruction. The re-examination and second-look evaluation were performed at 2-year follow-up. Results were compared and further comparisons were made for grafts size >8.5 mm. RESULTS The hybrid group showed thicker graft size and bigger graft occupancy (9.0±0.5 mm vs. 8.5±0.7 mm, P=.003; 80.1±7.0% vs. 69.9±6.9%, P8.5 mm were selected and compared (autograft, n=16; hybrid, n=29). Graft tension and Synovial coverage showed a significant difference (P=.036 and P=.029). The Lysholm, IKDC, and KT-1000 test were significantly superior for the autograft than the hybrid graft (P=.036, P=.004, and P=.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS A pure autograft is superior to a hybrid graft with same diameter in ACL-R because the augmenting allografts may be null and void. Therefore, a homogenous graft is recommended.

Comparison of clinical outcomes and second-look arthroscopic findings after ACL reconstruction using a hamstring autograft or a tibialis allograft

PURPOSE

The purpose of this prospective randomized clinical study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes, including tibial tunnel widening and the progression of osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction using a hamstring autograft or a tibialis allograft. In addition, we compared the graft tear and synovial coverage of grafts in patients that underwent the second-look arthroscopy.

METHODS

Among 184 patients with an ACL injury who underwent ACL reconstruction, 68 patients of autograft group and 64 patients of tibialis allograft group were included for this study after minimum of 2-year follow-up. The Lachman and pivot-shift tests, Tegner activity score, Lysholm knee score, and IKDC score were compared between the two groups. The quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic strengths using dynamometer were also compared. Degree of OA was determined using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system on the weight-bearing radiographs. In total, 51 patients (26 patients in autograft group and 25 in the tibialis allograft group) underwent the second-look arthroscopy, in which we compared the apparent tear of graft and synovial coverage of grafts.

RESULTS

At the final follow-up, there were no statistical significances in the two groups in Lachman and pivot-shift tests (n.s.). The Tegner activity, Lysholm knee score, and IKDC scores were similar in the two groups. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in the muscle power (n.s.). Some patients showed the progression of OA (five in autograft and four in allograft groups) without intergroup difference (n.s.). Regarding the findings of second-look arthroscopy, although there was no significant difference in graft tear, synovial coverage was better in autograft group than in allograft group.

CONCLUSION

Even though hamstring autografts and tibialis allografts provided good functional outcomes without significant differences, the second-look arthroscopy revealed that hamstring autografts produced better synovial coverage than tibialis allograft.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft versus allograft in outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a meta-analysis of 5182 patients

BACKGROUND

Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) is a common autograft and allograft source used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Although the failure rate is generally higher for allografts, donor site morbidity and anterior knee pain can be issues with BPTB autografts. Controversy exists regarding the functional outcomes, complications, and knee stability of these grafts, previous comparisons of which have been based on smaller samples of case series.

PURPOSE

To compare BPTB autografts to allografts for ACL reconstruction, specifically with regard to patient satisfaction, return to preinjury activity level, and postoperative functional outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

A total of 76 studies published between 1998 and 2012, including a total of 5182 patients, were reviewed. It was not required for studies to be comparative in nature. Outcomes evaluated were graft rupture rate, return to preinjury activity level, overall and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, Tegner activity, Cincinnati Knee Rating System, pivot shift, and single-legged hop tests, as well as KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference and presence of anterior knee pain. Summary odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare BPTB autografts to allografts for each outcome.

RESULTS

Outcomes on subjective IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner, single-legged hop, and KT-1000 arthrometer were statistically significantly in favor of autografts. Return to preinjury activity level, overall IKDC, pivot shift, and anterior knee pain were significantly in favor of allografts, although allograft BPTB demonstrated a 3-fold increase in rerupture rates compared with autograft (12.7% vs 4.3%). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups for Cincinnati Knee scores.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with BPTB autografts demonstrate lower rates of graft rupture, lower levels of knee laxity, and improved single-legged hop test results and are more generally satisfied postoperatively compared with patients undergoing reconstruction with allograft BPTB.

In vivo degradation characteristics of bioabsorbable cross-pins in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BACKGROUND

We evaluated degradation of bioabsorbable femoral cross-pins following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS

Four patients underwent ACL reconstruction using hamstring autograft with femoral fixation provided by a polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer (LactoSorb L15) cross-pin. Serial computed tomography (CT) scans were performed of the reconstructed knees at approximately 6 weeks, 4 months, 1 year and 2 years, postoperatively. A radiologist evaluated the scans for density of pins and surrounding bone and pin morphology.

RESULTS

The cross-pins demonstrated a relative reduction in density of 7.7%, 49.1%, and 75.0% at 4 months, 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Bone density values adjacent to the pin decreased by an mean of 8.6% between 6 weeks and 4 months. At one year an additional 14.2% reduction in bone density was seen but at 2 years the relative reduction in bone density had decreased to 7.4%. Evaluation of pin morphology revealed that minimal change had occurred after 6 weeks. At 4 months all of the pins were showing some morphologic changes on the surface, but none had fractured. After 1 year, two of the pins had fractured. By 2 years all of the pins had fractured. None of the pins had completely reabsorbed at 2 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

LactoSorb L15 cross-pins for femoral fixation in ACL reconstruction remain largely unchanged 4 months postoperatively, suggesting that this device maintains the necessary structural integrity to allow early integration of soft tissue grafts within bone tunnels.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.

Influence of micro- and nano-hydroxyapatite coatings on the osteointegration of metallic (Ti6Al4 V) and bioabsorbable interference screws: an in vivo study

The purpose of this study is to show and compare the fixation and osteointegration capability of metallic and bioabsorbable interference screws. For this, 8×20-mm interference screws were implanted into the bone tunnel in the proximal tibial metaphysis of sheep. The nano- (25 nm±0.8) and microscale (25 μm±0.5) hydroxyapatite were both dip-coated on Ti6Al4 V interference screws via an in vivo study. After the initial 12 weeks of postoperative, the pullout test, histopathology, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy examinations were performed. This multidisiplined work showed that the coated screws particularly those with nano-sized-HA coating and the bioabsorbable screws enhanced fixation and provided better stabilization, bone ingrowth and osteointegration than that of uncoated and microscale HA-coated screws. The bioabsorbable screws showed better histopathologic results.

Improvement of primary stability in ACL reconstruction by mesh augmentation of an established method of free tendon graft fixation. A biomechanical study on a porcine model

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to compare primary stability in ACL reconstruction and ultimate load to failure of a mesh augmented hamstring tendon graft fixed with two cross pins to established hamstrings and bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BTB) graft fixation methods.

METHODS

Forty fresh porcine femora were divided into four groups: (A): BTB graft fixed with two RigidFix® pins, (B): hamstring tendon graft fixed with a Milagro® interference screw, (C): hamstring tendon graft fixed with two RigidFix® pins, and (D): hamstring tendon graft augmented with Ultrapro® mesh fixed with two RigidFix® pins. Each graft underwent cyclic loading in tension and load to failure. Elastic and plastic displacements were measured by 3-dimensional digital image correlation. Groups were compared by one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc tests.

RESULTS

After 1000 cycles, the mean plastic displacement was lowest in the BTB graft (p < 0.001). Plastic displacement was significantly lower in the mesh augmented group compared to the plain hamstring graft and the Milagro screw group (p < 0.05). Load to failure was highest in the mesh-augmented group; significant to the hamstring tendon (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Although the BTB-graft represented the most stable construct against plastic displacement in our study, mesh augmentation of free tendon grafts significantly increased primary stability and reduced plastic displacement of femoral cross pin fixation. This new augmentation device may better protect the hamstrings graft from secondary elongation during postoperative rehabilitation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Mesh augmentation seems to be an effective technique to stabilise free hamstring tendon autografts during postoperative rehabilitation with significant reduction of graft slippage.

Effect of calcium phosphate-hybridized tendon graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The authors developed a novel technique to improve tendon-bone healing by hybridizing calcium phosphate (CaP) with a tendon graft using an alternating soaking process.

HYPOTHESIS

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the CaP-hybridized tendon graft would have a better clinical outcome and reduce the percentage of bone tunnel enlargement compared with a conventional method because of the enhanced anchoring between the tendon graft and the bone.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Patients (N = 64) with unilateral ACL rupture underwent arthroscopically assisted single-bundle ACL reconstruction using a 4-strand semitendinosus tendon or 4-strand semitendinosus and gracilis tendons with EndoButton femoral fixation and screw washer tibial fixation. These patients were equally randomized to undergo the CaP (n = 32) or conventional (n = 32) method using a transtibial tunnel approach according to the closed envelope method. In the CaP group, the tendon graft was hybridized with the CaP at both ends of the graft. One surgeon performed all reconstructions without knowing which graft was prepared. Patients' backgrounds regarding age at surgery, gender, period before surgery, and associated meniscal injuries were similar in the 2 groups. All patients followed the same postoperative protocol. At 1 and 2 years after surgery, they were evaluated with the manual knee laxity test, KT-1000 arthrometry, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) examination form, Tegner scale, and Lysholm scale. Also, 1 year postoperatively, bone tunnel enlargement was analyzed using computed tomography, intensity of the tendon graft by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and tendon graft appearance by arthroscopic examination. All the examinations were performed blindly.

RESULTS

All patients underwent a minimum 2-year follow-up. KT-1000 arthrometry data indicated statistically significant decreased average anterior tibial translation in the CaP group compared with the conventional method group: 1.0 ± 2.0 mm versus 1.9 ± 1.6 mm (P < .05), respectively, at 1 year; 1.6 ± 2.1 mm versus 2.6 ± 2.4 mm (P < .05), respectively, at 2 years. The Lysholm score was higher in the CaP group than in the conventional method group at 2 years (96.9 ± 4.3 vs 91.7 ± 13.3, P < .05). The CaP-hybridized tendon graft reduced the percentage of bone tunnel enlargement of the anteroposterior diameter at the main joint aperture site 1 year postoperatively (femoral side: 15.5% ± 13.4% vs 22.1% ± 16.4%, P < .05; tibial side: 19.3% ± 17.1% vs 26.1% ± 13.7%, P < .05). The results of the pivot-shift test, IKDC grade, and Tegner score; the intensity of the tendon graft (MRI); and arthroscopic appearance were not significantly different at both follow-up periods in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The CaP-hybridized tendon graft improved anterior knee stability and Lysholm scores at the 2-year follow-up and improved anterior knee stability and reduced the percentage of bone tunnel enlargement in both tunnels at the 1-year follow-up compared with the conventional method for single-bundle ACL reconstruction. However, longer follow-up is needed to investigate the appearance of any increased instability.

Femoral tunnel widening after hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bioabsorbable transfix

BACKGROUND

Previous reports have shown that bio-Transfix implants (Arthrex, Naples, Florida) have the possibility of fracture during the early postoperative period. However, to date, there exists no study reporting the radiological and clinical significance of broken bio-Transfix implants.

HYPOTHESIS

A broken bio-Transfix results in adverse effects, both radiologically and clinically.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Hamstring anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions using bio-Transfix in 50 patients with a minimum of 2 years' postoperative follow-up were reviewed. On the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs, the diameter of the femoral tunnel was measured at the widest diameter and compared with the diameter of the reamer used at surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained 6 months postoperatively for all patients to evaluate the condition of bio-Transfix implants. The patients were divided into intact and broken bio-Transfix groups. Postoperative stability evaluations were performed using the Lachman and pivot-shift tests and instrumented laxity testing using the KT-1000 arthrometer. Functional evaluations were performed using the Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale.

RESULTS

Follow-up MRI scans revealed that the bio-Transfix was broken in 11 and intact in 39 patients. Five implants were broken within the femoral tunnel and 6 were broken outside the femoral tunnel. Two bio-Transfix in the intact group were bent. On the AP and lateral radiographs at 24 months postoperatively, the average diameter of the femoral tunnel in the intact group increased by 13.1% and 17.1%, respectively. In the broken group at 24 months postoperatively, the average diameter of the femoral tunnel increased by 33.6% and 26.5%, respectively. There were significant differences between the 2 groups in the average diameters of the femoral tunnel on the AP radiographs at 24 months postoperatively (P = .000). However, on the lateral radiographs, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups. Postoperative knee stability tests and functional evaluations showed no significant differences between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Broken bio-Transfix implants resulted in significant femoral tunnel widening in the coronal plane, although clinical results were not affected. Surgeons should be aware of this phenomenon when selecting a fixation device for hamstring grafts.

Comparação entre parafuso de interferência e transcondilar na reconstrução do LCA

OBJETIVO: A fixação femoral na reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior (LCA) com enxerto de tendões flexores pode variar muito de acordo com a disposição dos materiais e a experiência do cirurgião. Porém os trabalhos que comparam os sistemas de fixação são efetuados na maioria das vezes em cadáveres ou em animais, sem avaliar os resultados clínicos, prejudicando sua comparação com pacientes humanos vivos. Neste artigo avaliamos o resultado clínico de dois métodos de fixação do enxerto ao fêmur (parafuso de interferência de titânio e parafuso transcondilar de titânio) para saber se, do ponto de vista clinico e subjetivo, há diferença entre estes métodos. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 40 pacientes com lesão do LCA sendo que 20 pacientes tiveram seu enxerto fixado ao fêmur com parafuso de interferência e 20 com parafuso transcondilar. Todos foram reavaliados com no mínimo dois anos de pós operatório para medição da gaveta anterior, Pivot Shift e teste de Lachman, além da obtenção dos questionário de Lysholm e IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee). RESULTADOS: Os resultados não foram estatisticamente diferentes para os critérios avaliados. CONCLUSÃO: As duas formas de fixação são eficientes para esta técnica dentro dos parâmetros estabelecidos. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Prospectivo Comparativo.

Hamstring strength recovery after hamstring tendon harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comparison between graft types

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate hamstring strength after harvest of 1 or 2 hamstring tendons for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

METHODS

We recruited 50 individuals who had returned to regular sporting activity to participate in a comparative study at a mean of 32.5 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery (30 in semitendinosus-gracilis group and 20 in semitendinosus group). Isokinetic hamstring strength (at 60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s with the peak torque and torque produced at 60 degrees, 90 degrees, and 105 degrees of knee flexion recorded) and isometric hamstring strength (at 30 degrees, 90 degrees, and 105 degrees of knee flexion) were measured, and the standing knee flexion angle was used to evaluate functional hamstring strength recovery.

RESULTS

No significant differences between the groups were found in any of the isometric or isokinetic strength measures or in the standing knee flexion angle. No relation was found between the standing knee flexion angle and the isometric hamstring strength results obtained at 105 degrees of knee flexion (r(2) = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that the choice of hamstring tendon graft-that is, semitendinosus alone or semitendinosus and gracilis-is unlikely to significantly influence postoperative hamstring strength outcomes in athletes returning to sports postoperatively. Both graft choices showed strength deficits of between 3% and 27% compared with the nonoperated limb, indicating that hamstring strength deficits persist despite successful completion of rehabilitation. The results also show that the standing knee flexion angle should not be used as a surrogate clinical measure of hamstring strength.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

A prospective comparison of 3 hamstring ACL fixation devices--Rigidfix, BioScrew, and Intrafix--randomized into 4 groups with 2 years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

New devices for graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are released to clinical use without clinical follow-up data.

HYPOTHESIS

There is similar clinical outcome after either cross-pin or absorbable interference screw fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients were randomized into 4 different groups (30 each) for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons: femoral Rigidfix cross-pin and Intrafix tibial expansion sheath with a tapered expansion screw; Rigidfix femoral and BioScrew interference screw tibial fixation, BioScrew femoral and Intrafix tibial fixation; or BioScrew fixation into both tunnels. The evaluation methods were clinical examination, knee scores, and instrumented laxity measurements.

RESULTS

Ten patients were completely lost to follow-up and 3 revisions were done before the 2-year follow-up, leaving 107 of 120 (89%) patients for analysis. No statistically significant differences between the groups were seen 2 years postoperatively, and all but 2 patients in the Rigidfix/Intrafix and Rigidfix/BioScrew groups, respectively, were classified into International Knee Documentation Committee A or B categories. A revision reconstruction was performed before the 2-year follow-up in 2 cases after a high-energy injury caused a rerupture (1 in Rigidfix/Intrafix and 1 in BioScrew/BioScrew groups). In addition, there were 4 nontraumatic failures revised before the 2-year follow-up (2 in Rigidfix/Intrafix and 1 each in Rigidfix/BioScrew and BioScrew/BioScrew).

CONCLUSION

There were no statistically or clinically relevant differences in the results 2 years postoperatively, and all 4 techniques improved patient performance.

No difference in clinical results between femoral transfixation and bio-interference screw fixation in hamstring tendon ACL reconstruction. A preliminary study

Hamstring tendon autograft has become a popular graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, but there is no consensus on the ideal technique of fixation. We performed a pilot randomized controlled study to compare the clinical and mechanical outcome of two femoral fixation techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstrings graft. We recruited 30 patients with a chronic unilateral tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. In all patients, quadrupled hamstring graft was used for ACL reconstruction. In 15 patients, femoral graft fixation was performed using Bio-interference Screws fixation (Arthrex, Inc. Naples USA) (Group 1). In the other 15 patients, femoral graft fixation was performed using BioTransFix femur extra cortical transverse fixation (Arthrex, Inc. Naples USA) (Group 2). In both groups, tibial fixation was achieved with a Delta bio-absorbable interference screw (Arthrex). Both groups were comparable with regard to demographic data, pre-operative activity level, mechanism of injury, interval between the injury and the operation, and pre-operative knee laxity measurements. An independent observer, who was blinded with regard to the involved leg and the type of graft, performed the outcome assessment with the use of a Rolimeter arthrometer (Aircast), and the International Knee Documentation Committee. At 13 months follow up, all patients except one had functionally normal or nearly normal IKDC objective scores. The mean IKDC subjective score was 83.38+/-9.4 in Group 1 and 79.92+/-11.01 in Group 2 (P>.05). The side to side laxity as measured with the Rolimeter arthrometer was 1.5 mm+/-1 (range 0-3) for Group 1, and 2 mm+/-1 (range 0-3) for Group 2 (P>.05). Femoral Biotransfix fixation and Bio-interference Screws fixation provide comparable mechanical stability and clinical outcome at 13 months follow up. BiotransFix fixation is an effective alternative to other devices. Our preliminary study shows that there is no evidence to prefer femoral transfixation to the more traditional, technically less demanding, and more economical interference screw fixation. A full study requires 368 participants.

Comparison of initial fixation properties of sutured and nonsutured soft tissue anterior cruciate ligament grafts with femoral cross-pin fixation

PURPOSE

To determine whether or not suturing a soft tissue graft in a whipstitch fashion is an essential procedure in order to ensure sufficient initial fixation strength of the cross-pin fixation technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

METHODS

Porcine digital extensor tendons were used as 4-stranded soft tissue grafts. Specimens were fixated within 52 porcine femoral bone tunnels using a cross-pin fixation technique (RigidFix; Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany). In group I (n = 28), the looped-over part of the grafts was sutured using a whipstitch technique; in group II (n = 28) the grafts were not sutured. Initial fixation properties were determined using either a single cycle load to failure protocol or a dynamic loading protocol, submitting the graft to 1,000 cycles of flexion-extension loading between 0 degrees and 90 degrees , followed by ultimate loading to failure. The graft-pin interaction and the graft-tunnel interface was histomorphologically visualized in unloaded and dynamically loaded grafts.

RESULTS

After dynamic loading, the residual displacement in sutured grafts was lower when compared to nonsutured grafts. The ultimate failure loads were significantly lower in nonsutured grafts when compared to sutured grafts after dynamic loading. The histomorphologic analysis demonstrated intratunnel displacement of nonsutured grafts after dynamic loading, while sutured grafts remained in situ. In cases where the cross-pins had not threaded the tendon loops, sutured grafts provided higher fixation strength and less graft displacement.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that suturing the looped-over portion of a quadruple tendon graft provides superior biomechanical graft fixation properties when compared to nonsutured grafts when using the femoral cross-pin fixation technique.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Suturing the hamstring tendon graft in a whipstitch fashion is recommended for the femoral cross-pin fixation of an anterior cruciate ligament graft.

Peripheral versus aperture fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Because both the young and aging population are showing increasing interest in sports participation, the number of sports related injuries and in particular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been increasing. Because of these injuries much time and energy has been focused on ACL reconstruction in order to return these individuals to their optimal level of participation in their sport. This article explores and reviews the concepts of ACL fixation location and how this affects the ultimate outcome of this reconstructive procedure.

The mid- to long-term results of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons using Transfix technique

In this study, mid to long-term results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons and Transfix technique were evaluated. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with four-strand hamstring tendon was performed with Transfix technique on 271 (198 males, 73 females; mean age 25.7; 17-52) patients with anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. The patients were followed up with clinical examination, Lysholm and Tegner activity scales, IKDC scoring system, KT-1000 test and radiological examination. The mean follow-up period was 82 (48-100) months; 204 (75%) patients had no subjective complaints. According to the KT-1000 test, only 14 (5%) patients had more than 5 mm laxity postoperatively, whereas, 161 (59%) patients had more than 5 mm laxity preoperatively. In addition to this, only 19 (7%) patients had Lysholm scores less than 80 postoperatively, whereas 154 (57%) patients scored less than 80 preoperatively. When compared with Tegner activity scale, 189 (70%) patients scored<6 preoperatively and only 24 (8%) postoperatively; 78 (29%) patients scored D preoperatively and only 5 (2%) patients scored D postoperatively on the basis of the IKDC scoring system. Our functional results were found to be satisfactory in more than 90% of patients. Commonly seen problems in ACL reconstruction such as inaccurate graft placement and tunnel widening were found to be consistent with the values in relevant literature. However, we demonstrated that the functional results and the stability of the knee were not related with tunnel widening. This study concludes that the reconstruction of ACL with hamstring tendons and the Transfix technique is reasonably successful, safe and causes low morbidity. Furthermore, we believe that proper graft preparation, accurate tunnel placement, notch-plasty, fixation and rehabilitation program are all as important as the choice of graft and fixation material.