Early Identification of Arthrofibrosis in Adolescents Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Associated With the Need for Subsequent Surgery: A Matched Case-Control Study

Predictors and Early Treatment of Knee Arthrofibrosis After Arthroscopic Knee Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Adolescent Patients

Background

Postoperative knee arthrofibrosis after arthroscopic ligament reconstruction is a serious complication. Among adolescents, risk factors for postoperative arthrofibrosis are not well characterized and the effectiveness of early manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is not well established.

Purposes

To identify risk factors for arthrofibrosis after arthroscopic knee ligament reconstruction in adolescent patients and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of early MUA.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The charts of all adolescent patients (<19 years of age) who underwent early MUA (<3 months) for knee stiffness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstructions between 2008 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were matched 2:1 with patients without MUA from the same study period. The primary outcome was the final range of motion (ROM) after MUA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of MUA.

Results

A total of 25 patients (10 with ACL reconstruction and 15 with MPFL reconstruction) with a mean age of 14.8 ± 2.6 years were included for analysis. Overall, 44% were skeletally immature. Patients underwent MUA at a mean of 63.3 ± 19.5 days after the index surgery. The mean ROM improved significantly from 96.3°± 20.5° to 135°± 9.7° after MUA after a median follow-up of 8.1 months (interquartile range, 5.4-15.0 months). There were no complications associated with MUA, but 2 patients (8.0%) had MUA treatment failure. There were no differences in body mass index, type and frequency of associated procedures, or patellar height on lateral radiographs between the cohorts. The MUA cohort had statistically significant increased operative time, decreased preoperative motion, decreased ROM at 6 weeks postoperatively, and increased pain at 6 weeks postoperatively when compared with the non-MUA cohort. Regression analysis demonstrated that ROM at 6 weeks (OR: 0.83, 95% CI, 0.69-0.98, p = .034) was significantly associated with the need for MUA.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that early (<3 months) MUA is safe and effective in treating knee arthrofibrosis in adolescent patients. MUA is a treatment alternative for patients with restricted ROM at 6 weeks that may help them recover full ROM.

Research progress of knee fibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common sports injury, and ACL reconstruction is an effective surgery for this trauma. Most cases gain good recovery after surgery, while some patients may experience knee stiffness, which is characterized by joint fibrosis, leading to reduced joint mobility, pain, and dysfunction. Currently, various research studies have been conducted to unveil the mechanisms underlying this condition, identifying pre-, intra-, and post-operative risk factors, and testify the efficacy of different therapeutic methods against it. In this review, we summarize the current progress regarding the advancements in knee fibrosis after ACL reconstruction. The risk factors associated with knee fibrosis are systematically delineated, accompanied by an evaluation of the efficacy of various treatment modalities for both the prevention and mitigation of fibrosis. Furthermore, recommendations for future research directions are proposed, offering a foundational basis for subsequent investigations.

Risk Factors for the Development of Arthrofibrosis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Arthrofibrosis is a fibrotic joint disorder resulting in restricted joint motion and pain. Risk factors associated with the development of postoperative arthrofibrosis include female sex, type of graft, and quicker time to reconstruction. These patients have typically benefitted from manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic lysis of adhesions. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the rate of arthrofibrosis in children and adolescents who previously underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review examining patients 18 years or younger who underwent ACL reconstruction between 2013 and 2023. Data collected included age, body mass index, reconstruction technique, concomitant meniscal or ligamentous pathology, and need for revision surgery for arthroscopic lysis of adhesions vs manipulation under anesthesia.

RESULTS

A total of 461 patients 18 years or younger who underwent ACL reconstruction were included in this study. Eighteen (3.90%) patients required reoperation for the development of arthrofibrosis. Skeletally immature patients were found to have a statistically significant lower rate of arthrofibrosis compared with skeletally mature patients (0% vs 4.80%; P=.0184). Patients with a higher weight and body mass index had an increased rate of arthrofibrosis (P=.0485 and P=.0410, respectively). Graft type did not have a significant impact on arthrofibrosis rates. There were no significant findings in terms of concomitant injuries and rate of arthrofibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Arthrofibrosis developed in 3.90% of patients after ACL reconstruction. Skeletal immaturity may be protective against the development of arthrofibrosis. No association was found between graft type or concomitant knee pathology and arthrofibrosis. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(4):e161-e166.].

Editorial Commentary: Personalized Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Mitigate Postoperative Arthrofibrosis: Prevention Is the Best Approach

Arthrofibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can become a major complication requiring surgical intervention. The reported incidence approximates 8% but varies widely (2%-35%) and, as not all patients require surgery, may be underreported. Several risk factors are involved. Female sex, older age, surgery within the first month after injury, and meniscus repair are consistently associated with increased risk. Other factors include graft size and type, concomitant procedures, use of anticoagulants, and genetic factors. By identifying risk factors, we can modify our surgical technique and rehabilitation to meet each patient's needs with fewer complications.

Female Sex, Older Age, Earlier Surgery, Anticoagulant Use, and Meniscal Repair Are Associated With Increased Risk of Manipulation Under Anesthesia or Lysis of Adhesions for Arthrofibrosis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To determine what patient or surgical factors are associated with an increased risk of arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) or lysis of adhesions (LOA) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Cochrane, Embase, and Medline databases were searched for studies published through February 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies that identified risk factors for MUA and/or LOA after ACLR. Studies investigating arthrofibrosis after multiligamentous knee injuries or ACL repair were excluded.

RESULTS

Eleven studies including a total of 333,876 ACLRs with 4,842 subsequent MUA or LOA (1.45%) were analyzed. Increasing age was associated with an increased risk in 3 studies (P < .001, P < .05, P < .01) but was found to have no association another two. Other factors that were identified by multiple studies as risk factors for MUA/LOA were female sex (4 studies), earlier surgery (5 studies), use of anticoagulants other than aspirin (2 studies), and concomitant meniscal repair (4 studies).

CONCLUSIONS

In total, 1.45% of the patients who underwent ACLR and were included in this systematic review had to undergo a subsequent MUA/LOA to treat arthrofibrosis. Female sex, older age, earlier surgery, use of anticoagulants other than aspirin, and concomitant meniscal repair were associated with increased risk of MUA/LOA. The modifiable risks, including use of anticoagulants and time between injury and surgery, can be considered when making treatment decisions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Manipulation Under Anesthesia is Safe and Effective for Management of Early Postoperative Knee Arthrofibrosis in Adolescent Patients

BACKGROUND

Management of postoperative knee arthrofibrosis can be challenging and the preferred time for intervention remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early (<3 mo postoperatively) manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) for the treatment of knee arthrofibrosis in adolescent patients. We hypothesized that early MUA could restore normal knee motion with a low complication rate and without the need for more invasive intervention.

METHODS

In a retrospective review, 57 patients who underwent MUA for postoperative knee arthrofibrosis were identified. The time between the index surgery and MUA as well as changes in range of motion (ROM) before and after MUA were analyzed. Descriptive statistics with median and interquartile range were used to analyze this non-parametric study cohort. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess improvement in ROM over time. A P value <0.05 denoted statistical significance.

RESULTS

The median age of the cohort at time of MUA was 14.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 12.9 to 17.6)]. 54.4% were male. Median time to MUA was 64 days (IQR 52 to 79) after index surgery. ROM before MUA was 90.0 degrees (IQR 75 to 100), which improved to 130 degrees (120 to 135) after MUA. At final median follow-up of 8.9 months (IQR 5.1 to 16.1), mean ROM was 133 degrees (130 to 140). There were no iatrogenic fractures or physeal separations associated with MUA. 12.3% (n=7/57) failed MUA either due to the need for subsequent repeat MUA (n=2), need for lysis of adhesions (n=3) or need for surgery after MUA (n=2). Those who failed early MUA and required subsequent procedures had ROM >120 degrees at final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative knee arthrofibrosis can be safely and effectively treated with early (<3 mo postoperative) MUA. There were no iatrogenic fractures or physeal separations during MUA. Patients who had recurrence of motion deficits after early MUA and required further intervention, regained satisfactory knee motion at final follow-up. Although further research is warranted to better characterize risk factors for knee arthrofibrosis in adolescent patients, early recognition and MUA is a safe and effective treatment for arthrofibrosis to help patients regain full ROM without invasive intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Study - Level IV.

Patellar Base Support Technique During Manipulation Under Anesthesia for Knee Arthrofibrosis Limits the Risk of Iatrogenic Complications

Knee extension contracture is a common postinjury and postsurgical complication, which decreases knee joint flexion. Many techniques have been described in the literature to restore knee flexion, with the most common one being an arthroscopic lysis of adhesions. However, in severe cases, additional intra- and extra-articular procedures are needed to restore full knee flexion. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is one of them. Unfortunately, it may lead to devastating complications, such as iatrogenic rupture of the patellar tendon or fractures of the patella or tibial tuberosity. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to present a safer modification of MUA for knee extension contracture in cases in which excessive force is demanded to achieve flexion. The key aim of the "patellar base support" technique (PBS technique) is to stretch the contracted quadriceps muscle with controlled and decreased tension on the patella, patellar tendon, and tibial tuberosity.

Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and implant-mediated guided growth to correct genu valgum in skeletally immature patients

OBJECTIVES

Adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears can present with concomitant lower extremity coronal plane angular deformity (CPAD) that both predispose to injury as well as may increase the risk of graft rupture following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The goal of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of concomitant ACLR with implant-mediated guided growth (IMGG) compared to isolated IMGG procedures in paediatric and adolescent patients.

METHODS

Operative records of all paediatric and adolescent patients (age ≤ 18 years) that underwent simultaneous ACLR and IMGG by one of two paediatric orthopaedic surgeons between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A comparison cohort of isolated IMGG patients was identified and matched based on bone age within one year, sex, laterality, and fixation type (i.e. transphyseal screw vs. tension band plate and screw construct). Pre- and post-operative mechanical axis deviation (MAD), angular axis deviation (AAD), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 9 participants who underwent concomitant ACLR and IMGG (ACLR ​+ ​IMGG) were identified, with 7 of these participants meeting the final inclusion criteria. The participants had a median age of 12.7 (IQR ​= ​12.1 - 14.2) years and median bone age of 13.0 (IQR ​= ​12.0 - 14.0) years. Of the 7 participants that underwent ACLR and IMGG, 3 underwent a modified MacIntosh procedure with ITB autograft, 2 received quadriceps tendon autograft, and 1 underwent hamstring autograft reconstruction. There were no significant differences in the amount of correction obtained between ACLR ​+ ​IMGG and matched IMGG subjects with respect to any measurement variable (MAD difference: p ​= ​0.47, AAD difference: p ​= ​0.58, LDFA difference: p ​= ​0.27, MPTA difference: p ​= ​0.20). There were also no significant differences in alignment variables per unit time between cohorts (MAD/month: p ​= ​0.62, AAD/month ​= ​0.80, LDFA/month ​= ​0.27, MPTA/month ​= ​0.20).

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study indicate that concomitant ACLR and lower extremity CPAD correction is a safe approach to treat CPAD concomitantly with ACLR in young patients who present with an acute ACL tear. Furthermore, one can expect reliable correction of CPAD after combined ACLR and IMGG, no different than the correction obtained in the setting of IMGG alone.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.