Long-term clinical and radiographic results after delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in adolescents

Quadriceps tendon autograft is promising with lower graft rupture rates and better functional Lysholm scores than hamstring tendon autograft in pediatric ACL reconstruction. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Graft rupture is the most prevalent complication following pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The hamstring tendon (HT) autograft is frequently employed, while the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft has garnered increased attention recently. This study aims to perform a systematic review to assess the complication rates and functional outcomes associated with these two widely used autografts in skeletally immature patients - comparing HT versus QT autografts.

Research question

Is QT autograft better than HT autograft for ACLR in skeletally immature cohorts?

Methodology

Three electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Ovid) were comprehensively searched to identify pertinent articles reporting the outcomes of HT and QT autografts in pediatric ACLR with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Data on the outcome parameters, such as graft rupture rates, contralateral ACL injury rates, functional outcomes, and growth disturbances rates, were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using OpenMeta Analyst software.

Results

Twelve studies were included for meta-analysis (pooled analysis) with 659 patients (QT: 205; HT: 454). The analysis showed that QT autografts had a significantly lesser graft rupture rate than HT autografts (3.5 % [95 % CI 0.2, 6.8] and 12.4 % [95 % CI 6.1, 18.7] respectively, p < 0.001). The graft rupture rates between QT with bone and without bone block showed no statistically significant difference (4.6 % [95 % CI 0.8, 1.0] and 3.5 % [95 % CI 2.0, 8.9] respectively, p = 0.181). The overall contralateral ACL injury rate was 10.2 %, and the subgroup analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the QT and HT groups (p = 0.7). Regarding functional outcome scores at the final follow-up, the mean Lysholm score demonstrated a significant increase in the QT group compared to the HT group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning growth disturbances at the final follow-up. Return to sports (RTS) varied between 6 and 13.5 months after surgery.

Conclusion

QT autografts demonstrate encouraging outcomes, showcasing lower graft rupture rates, better functional outcomes, and comparable contralateral ACL injury rates and growth disturbances relative to the commonly used HT autograft in skeletally immature patients undergoing ACLR.

Objectively evaluated physical activity among individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To compare time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, MVPA per day, and steps per day between individuals that were subjected to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and healthy control group.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Data sources

Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed have been comprehensively searched to identify relevant investigations.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

An observational research that objectively evaluated physical activity among respondents with a history of ACLR.

Results

Of 302 records, a total of 12 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Four hundred and forty-three participants underwent the ACLR, 153 men and 290 women. The mean time between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and evaluation of analysed outcomes was 34.8 months. The main findings demonstrated that the ACLR group spent less time in weekly MVPA (standardised mean differences (SMD)=-0.43 (95% CI -0.66 to -0.20); mean = -55.86 min (95% CI -86.45 to -25.27); p=0.0003; τ2=0.00), in daily MVPA (SMD=-0.51 95% CI -0.76 to -0.26]; mean = -15.59 min (95% CI -22.93 to -8.25); p<0.0001; τ2=0.00), and they had fewer daily steps (SMD=-0.60 95% CI -0.90 to -0.30); mean = -1724.39 steps (95% CI -2552.27 to -896.50); p<0.0001; τ2=0.00) relative to their non-injured counterparts. Additionally, available investigations indicated that individuals with a history of ACLR participated in 316.8 min of MVPA per week, 67 min in MVPA per day, and 8337 steps per day.

Conclusion

Long-term after ACLR, participants undergoing ACL surgery were less physically active compared with their non-injured peers, and they did not satisfy recommendations regarding steps per day.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023431991.

Assessments of early patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis features after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Persistent anterior knee pain and subsequent patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) are common symptoms after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Quadriceps weakness and atrophy is also common after ACLR. This can be contributed by arthrogenic muscle inhibition and disuse, caused by joint swelling, pain, and inflammation after surgery. With quadriceps atrophy and weakness are associated with PFJ pain, this can cause further disuse exacerbating muscle atrophy. Herein, this study aims to identify early changes in musculoskeletal, functional and quality of health parameters for knee OA after 5 years of ACLR.

METHODS

Patients treated with arthroscopically assisted single-bundle ACLR using hamstrings graft for more than 5 years were identified and recruited from our clinic registry. Those with persistent anterior knee pain were invited back for our follow-up study. For all participants, basic clinical demography and standard knee X-ray were taken. Likewise, clinical history, symptomatology, and physical examination were performed to confirm isolated PFJ pain. Outcome measures including leg quadriceps quality using ultrasound, functional performance using pressure mat and pain using self-reported questionnaires (KOOS, Kujala and IKDC) were assessed. Interobserver reproducibility was assessed by two reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients with unilateral injury who had undergone ACLR 5-years ago with persistent anterior knee pain participated in this present study. Toward the muscle quality, thinner vastus medialis and more stiffness in vastus lateralis were found in post-ACLR knees (p < 0.05). Functionally, patients with more anterior knee pain tended to shift more of their body weight towards the non-injured limb with increasing knee flexion. In accordance, rectus femoris muscle stiffness in the ACLR knee was significantly correlated with pain (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, it was found that patients having higher degree of anterior knee pain were associated with higher vastus medialis muscle stiffness and thinner vastus lateralis muscle thickness. Similarly, patients with more anterior knee pain tended to shift more of their body weight towards the non-injured limb leading to an abnormal PFJ loading. Taken together, this current study helped to indicate that persistent quadriceps muscle weakness is potential contributing factor to the early development of PFJ pain.

Growth Disturbances Following Paediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Growth disturbances after transphyseal paediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have led to the development of physeal-sparing techniques. The aim of this study is to investigate growth disturbances following paediatric ACL reconstruction and identify associated risk factors. A systematic search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify case series reporting paediatric ACL reconstructions. Of 518 articles, 78 met the inclusion criteria, and data related to growth disturbances and graft failures were extracted. A total of 2,693 paediatric ACL reconstructions resulted in 70 growth disturbances (2.6%): 17 were varus, 26 were valgus, 13 were shortening, 14 were lengthening and five patients had reduced tibial slope. Some patients showed deformities in more than one plane. Coronal plane deformities were seen more frequently with eccentric physeal arrest and lengthening with intraepiphyseal tunnelling. Shortening and reduced tibial slope were related to large central physeal arrest and anterior tibial physeal arrest, respectively. Sixty-two studies documented 166 graft failures in 2,120 reconstructions (7.8%). The extraphyseal technique was least likely to result in growth disturbances and graft failure. Paediatric ACL reconstruction is a safe and effective treatment of rupture. Growth disturbances are least likely following extraphyseal tunnelling, and those resulting from transphyseal techniques can be minimised by reducing drill size, drilling steep and avoiding the physeal periphery. The insertion of hardware, synthetic material, or a bone plug through the drilled physis should be avoided. There is a greater need for robust long-term data collection, such as national ligament registries, to standardise practice and evaluate the risk of growth disturbance and re-ruptures in this treatment.

Long-term quality of life, work limitation, physical activity, economic cost and disease burden following ACL and meniscal injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis for the OPTIKNEE consensus

OBJECTIVE

Determine the long-term health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), work limitation, physical activity, health/economic cost and disease burden of traumatic ACL and/or meniscal injury. Findings will inform OPTIKNEE evidence-based consensus recommendations.

DESIGN

Random-effects meta-analysis evaluated HRQoL (SF-36/SF-12/VR-12 Physical Component Scores (PCS) and Mental Component Scores (MCS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D)) stratified by time postinjury, and pooled mean differences (95% CI) between ACL-injured and uninjured controls. Other outcomes were synthesised descriptively. Risk-of-bias (RoB) and certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) were assessed.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL searched inception: 22 November 2021.

ELIGIBILITY

Studies reporting HRQoL, work limitations, physical activity levels, health/economic costs or disease burden, ≥2 years post-ACL and/or meniscal injury.

RESULTS

Fifty studies were included (10 high-RoB, 28 susceptible-to-some-bias and 12 low-RoB). Meta-analysis (27 studies, very low certainty of evidence) estimated a pooled mean (95% CI) PCS of 52.4 (51.4 to 53.4) and MCS of 54.0 (53.0 to 55.0) 2-14 years post-ACL injury. Pooled PCS scores were worse >10 years (50.8 (48.7 to 52.9)) compared with 2-5 years (53.9 (53.1 to 54.7)) postinjury. Excluding high-RoB studies, PCS scores were worse in ACL-injured compared with uninjured controls (-1.5 (-2.9 to -0.1)). Six studies (low certainty of evidence) informed a pooled EQ-5D score of 0.83 (0.81 to 0.84). Some individuals experienced prolonged work absenteeism and modified activities ≥2 years post-ACL injury. ACL injury was associated with significant direct and indirect costs, and early ACL reconstruction may be less cost-effective than rehabilitation. Only three studies evaluated meniscal injury outcomes (all evaluated HRQoL).

CONCLUSION

There is a very-low certainty of evidence that PCS scores ≥2 years post-ACL injury are worse than uninjured controls and decline over time, whereas MCS scores remain high. ACL injury can result in prolonged work absenteeism and high health/economic costs. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term burden of traumatic meniscal injury.

Sex Differences in Pre-Season Anthropometric, Balance and Range-of-Motion Characteristics in Elite Youth Soccer Players

In soccer, injury epidemiology differs between males and females. It is clinically useful to know whether there are between-sex differences in selected characteristics relevant to primary injury risk and injury prevention practices. The purpose of this study was to explore between-sex differences in anthropometric, balance, and range-of-motion characteristics in Spanish elite male and female youth soccer players. This was a pre-season cross-sectional study. Sixty-nine males (age 16.8 ± 0.9 yr; height 175.9 ± 6.8 cm; mass 67.9 ± 6.3 kg) and thirty-seven females (age 17.2 ± 1.7 yr; height 164.0 ± 6.3 cm; mass 59.0 ± 5.8 kg) participated. Anthropometrics (standing/sitting height, bodymass, right/left leg length) and right/left anterior reach test (ART), hip internal/external active range of motion, active knee extension (AKE), and weightbearing lunge test (WBLT) were measured. Between-sex differences were assessed with Bonferroni-corrected Mann−Whitney U tests and Cliff’s delta (d). Between-sex significant differences (p < 0.003, d ≥ 0.50) were observed for anthropometric data and for hip internal rotation. No between-sex significant differences were observed for ART/AKE/WBLT measures. Between-sex significant differences with large effect sizes were identified for anthropometric data and right/left hip internal rotation. The present study adds new data to the literature for young Spanish male and female soccer players. The present findings will help inform clinical reasoning processes and future injury prevention research for elite male and female youth soccer players.

Assessment of Skeletal Maturity and Postoperative Growth Disturbance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Growth disturbance is an uncommon but potentially serious complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in skeletally immature patients.

PURPOSE

To describe how the pediatric ACL literature has assessed preoperative skeletal maturity and the amount of growth remaining and to comprehensively review the incidence, reporting, and monitoring of postoperative growth disturbance.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

This review included studies reporting original research of clinical outcomes of skeletally immature patients after ACL reconstruction. Patient characteristics, surgical techniques, preoperative assessments of skeletal maturity or growth remaining, and postoperative assessments of growth disturbances were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 100 studies met inclusion criteria. All studies reported chronological age, and 28 studies (28%) assessed skeletal age. A total of 44 studies (44%) used Tanner staging, and 12 studies (12%) obtained standing hip-to-ankle radiographs preoperatively. In total, 42 patients (2.1%) demonstrated a leg length discrepancy (LLD) >10 mm postoperatively, including 9 patients (0.5%) with LLD >20 mm; furthermore, 11 patients (0.6%) with LLD underwent growth modulation. Shortening was the most common deformity overall, but overgrowth was reported more frequently in patients who had undergone all-epiphyseal techniques. Most LLDs involved the femur (83%). A total of 26 patients (1.3%) demonstrated a postoperative angular deformity ≥5°, and 9 of these patients underwent growth modulation. The most common deformities were femoral valgus (41%), tibial recurvatum (33%), and tibial varus (22%). Although standing hip-to-ankle radiographs were the most common radiographic assessment of growth disturbance, most studies inadequately reported the clinical and radiographic methods of assessment for growth disturbance. Additionally, only 35% of studies explicitly followed patients to skeletal maturity.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review described significant variability in the reporting and monitoring of growth-related complications after ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. The incidence of LLD and angular deformity appeared to be low, but the quality of research was not comprehensive enough for accurate assessment.

REGISTRATION

CRD42019136059 (PROSPERO).

Over-the-top Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction plus lateral plasty with hamstrings in high-school athletes: Results at 10 years

BACKGROUND

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries have grown in adolescent population in the last decades, and if surgical reconstruction resulted safe in the short term, its impact in the long term is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term risk of failure, the rate of contralateral injury and the clinical reported outcomes in a cohort of high-school athletes after ACL reconstruction.

METHODS

54 consecutive patients (mean age 16.3 ± 1.4 years) underwent ACL reconstruction with a single-bundle plus lateral plasty hamstring technique between May 2006 and July 2009. The number of subsequent ipsilateral reoperations and contralateral ACL reconstruction, Lhysolm, KOOS, VAS for pain and Tegner Activity Level was determined at a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

RESULTS

Ipsilateral ACL revision was performed in 8 (3.4%) patients, contralateral ACL reconstruction in 11 (21.1%). The average Lysholm score was 95.1 ± 9.2. The average KOOS was 96.5 ± 6.3 for the Pain subscale, 92.2 ± 9.0 for the Symptom subscale, 99.2 ± 1.8 for the ADL subscale, 94.1 ± 10.1 for the Sport subscale and 91.8 ± 14.5 for the Quality-of-life subscale. The average VAS for pain during activity was 1.7 ± 2.3. 90% returned to sport, 15% decreased the activity level, 61% of patients were still involved in sport, 35% at the same pre-injury level.

CONCLUSION

At long-term, single-bundle hamstring ACL-R plus lateral-plasty in a cohort of high school athletes resulted to have a comparable graft failure rate and contralateral ACL injury with other surgical techniques.

Complication rates following all-epiphyseal ACL reconstructions in skeletally immature patients: A retrospective case series study

The aim was to evaluate the safety of a physeal-sparing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction technique (ACLR), performed with Orthopediatrics (Warsaw, IN) equipment, by assessing complications.Skeletally immature patients who underwent all-epiphyseal ACLR between 2015 and 2017 with postoperative follow-up were included in this retrospective study. Complications, demographic, clinical, surgical, and imaging data was retrieved from an urban tertiary pediatric hospital database. Physeal status, limb-length discrepancies (LLD), and angular deformities were assessed on preoperative and postoperative radiographs, growth disturbances were reported, and initial and follow-up diameters of tunnels were compared.Nineteen ACLRs were included from 18 patients, 4 females and 14 males, with bone age at surgery of 13.3 ± 1.0 years. At a mean follow-up of 19.2 ± 10.1 months, there were no symptomatic growth disorders requiring intervention. There were: 2 (11.1%) unilateral early physeal closures, 2 (10.5%) new angular deformities (5°-10°), 4 (22.2%) LLD (1-2 cm), 1 (5.6%) contralateral ACLR, 1 (5.6%) femoral screw removal, 2 (10.5%) graft ruptures, and 1 meniscal tear (5.3%). Mean tunnel widening was 1.7 mm and 1.5 mm on the femoral and tibial side, respectively, and no massive osteolysis was recorded at the polyetheretherketone implant site.The complication rates were comparable to those in similar studies, with no growth-related complications at 19.2 months.

In Vivo Studies of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Meniscus Injury

This review summarizes the literature of preclinical studies and clinical trials on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat meniscus injury and promote its repair and regeneration and provide guidance for future clinical research. Due to the special anatomical features of the meniscus, conservative or surgical treatment can hardly achieve complete physiological and histological repair. As a new method, stem cells promote meniscus regeneration in preclinical research and human preliminary research. We expect that, in the near future, in vivo injection of stem cells to promote meniscus repair can be used as a new treatment model in clinical treatment. The treatment of animal meniscus injury, and the clinical trial of human meniscus injury has begun preliminary exploration. As for the animal experiments, most models of meniscus injury are too simple, which can hardly simulate the complexity of actual meniscal tears, and since the follow-up often lasts for only 4-12 weeks, long-term results could not be observed. Lastly, animal models failed to simulate the actual stress environment faced by the meniscus, so it needs to be further studied if regenerated meniscus has similar anti-stress or anti-twist features. Despite these limitations, repair of the meniscus by MSCs has great potential in clinics. MSCs can differentiate into fibrous chondrocytes, which can possibly repair the meniscus and provide a new strategy for repairing meniscus injury.

Trends of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and young adolescents in Italy show a constant increase in the last 15 years

PURPOSE

The aim of this 15-year nationwide study was to investigate the trend in ACL reconstructive surgeries in patients younger than 15 years old in Italy, as well as their social and economic impact.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Hospital Discharge records (SDO) collected by the Italian Ministry of Health in the 15-year period between 2001 and 2015 were analyzed. This contains anonymous data including patients' age, gender, ICD-9-CM codes for diagnosis and intervention, census region, region of hospitalization, length of the hospitalization, and public or private reimbursement.

RESULTS

1,350 ACL reconstructions were performed in Italy in the population younger than 15 years old, with an incidence rate ranging from 0.16 to 2.04 procedures per 100,000 age-matched individuals. Similarly, the percentage of surgeries in 0-14 year old patients increased with respect to the total number of ACL reconstruction from 0.13% in 2001 to 0.95% in 2015. The age range 10-14 years is the most involved, accounting for 97.3% of surgeries recorded in the study period. The male:female ratio was 1.05 and most of these procedures were performed in the North of Italy (78.3%).

CONCLUSION

ACL reconstructions in patients aged 10-14 years are increasing constantly since 2001, and thus, specific actions aimed to define the best management strategy as well as national educational programs to prepare the future surgeons to this new reality are mandatory in the interest of the public health.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Current State of Care for Pediatric ACL Ruptures in the Netherlands: A Survey

The management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the skeletally immature patient is an area of controversy. The purpose of this survey is to inventory the current state of care for pediatric ACL injuries in the Netherlands. This survey was conveyed by e-mail among all members of the Dutch Arthroscopy Society (Nederlandse Vereniging van Arthroscopie [NVA]) and promoted on the Web site of the NVA. It was developed by the scientific committee of the NVA by a consensus meeting discussing relevant topics in pediatric ACL injuries. All members of the NVA received the survey (n = 540). A total of 158 (29%) members responded to the survey, of which 143 were completed. A total of 126 responses were analyzed after exclusion. The main finding of this survey is that 78% of the respondents tend to treat children with open physes nonoperatively, while 65% tend to treat children with closed physes operatively. The most frequently performed procedure is the transphyseal reconstruction. Many considerations were involved in choosing operative treatment. The postoperative follow-up period varies from less than 1 year (24%) until fully grown (27%). In conclusion, this survey shows that the current state of care for pediatric ACL injuries is variable and a matter of debate in the Netherlands. Although the response rate seems low, this survey provides an overview of the opinions of specialized orthopaedic surgeons in the Netherlands. The results of this survey led to the development of the national registry for pediatric ACL in the Netherlands. The level of evidence for this study is V.

Fibrin-Based Biomaterial Systems to Enhance Anterior Cruciate Ligament Healing

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common and potentially career-ending injury, particularly for athletes and soldiers. Partial and complete ruptures of this ligament cause instability in the knee, and the ACL does not have the capacity for healing due, in part, to its position within the highly thrombolytic synovial fluid environment of the knee joint. Traditional methods of ACL reconstruction, such as graft replacement with attached bone anchors for bone integration, restore stability, but do not prevent the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. To enhance therapeutic treatment options, novel fibrin-based technologies and repair techniques have been recently explored and show promise for improved patient outcomes. Through modification of existing surgical methods, such as the use of fibrin glues incorporating growth factors and cells and the implementation of scaffolds containing platelet-rich plasma, platelet-rich fibrin, and other blood derivatives, surgeons are attempting to overcome the shortcomings of traditional treatments. This mini-review will detail current efforts using fibrin-based treatments and discuss opportunities to further enhance ACL healing.

Evaluation of Knee Cartilage Diurnal, Activity, and BMI-Related Variations Using Quantitative T2 Mapping MRI and Fitbit Activity Tracking

The aim of this study is to evaluate diurnal variation in knee cartilage 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping relaxation times, as well as activity- and body mass index (BMI)-dependent variability, using quantitative analysis of T2 values from segmented regions of the weight-bearing articular surfaces of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and tibial plateaus. Ten healthy volunteers' daily activity (steps) were tracked with Fitbit pedometers. Sagittal MRI T2 maps were obtained in the morning and afternoon on days 2 and 3. Mean T2 values were analyzed for variation related to the number of steps taken (activity), time of day (diurnal variation), and BMI using mixed effect model. Significant (albeit small) differences in the medial femoral and medial tibial cartilage regions were identified between morning and afternoon scans (diurnal variation). Daily activity did not result in significant changes and increasing BMI only demonstrated a slight increase in T2 values for the lateral tibial plateau. These findings suggest that it may be necessary to control diurnal variation when using quantitative MRI T2 mapping to assess articular cartilage longitudinally in healthy participants. Further investigation is needed to confirm these findings and determine if they also apply to symptomatic patients.

Which Metrics Are Being Used to Evaluate Children and Adolescents After ACL Reconstruction? A Systematic Review

Purpose

To identify a comprehensive list of outcome measures previously used in the literature to evaluate clinical outcomes after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in patients 18 years of age or younger.

Methods

A literature search was performed by querying MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane computerized databases for relevant articles that reported clinical outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Studies that were nonclinical, that reported on patients older than 19 years, that were not available in English, or that included fewer than 10 patients were excluded. Outcome measures of all eligible studies were recorded.

Results

We identified 77 studies published between 1986 and 2018 in 20 peer-reviewed journals. The mean age of the patients was 13.9 years. The ACL rerupture rate was reported in 60% of studies; 32 studies (42%) reported a rate of return to preinjury activity or sports. The use of adult-validated patient-reported outcome measures were reported in 63 (82%) articles. The Lysholm (64%), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) (56%) and Tegner (37%) scores were the most commonly reported. Two patient-reported outcome measures designed for pediatric patients (the Pedi-IKDC and Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS) were employed in 5 (6%) recent studies.

Conclusions

There is variability across studies in the metrics used to assess clinical outcomes following ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents. Validated pediatric-specific instruments were used infrequently.

Clinical Relevance

A large body of existing pediatric ACL-reconstruction literature relies on a variable set of outcome measures that have not been developed or validated for children and adolescents. More recently, contemporary studies have begun to employ pediatric- and adolescent-specific validated measures, yet their use remains uncommon.

Outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Indications and outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children and adolescents is still controversial. It was the aim of this study to analyze outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in this special age group.

METHODS

Retrospectively, we analyzed 62 consecutive cases of ACL reconstruction using a physis crossing technique in six to 16-year-old patients with a mean follow-up of 69 months.

RESULTS

Cases operated later than six weeks after trauma had significantly more meniscal lesions than patients operated within six weeks of trauma. At last follow-up, we found good or very good subjective and objective results in 71% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

In active and healthy children with anterior knee instability after ACL tear, ligament reconstruction is a safe and successful procedure and should be considered within six weeks of trauma because instability seems to promote secondary meniscal lesions.

Understanding the undulating pattern of the distal femoral growth plate: Implications for surgical procedures involving the pediatric knee: A descriptive MRI study

INTRODUCTION

Operative procedures near the distal femoral physis can result in iatrogenic damage if one is not familiar with the complex anatomy of the growth plate. The purpose of this study was to use physeal-specific MRI sequences to delineate the anatomic dimensions of the distal femoral physis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients underwent physeal-specific spoiled gradient 3-D fat saturated (SPGR) MRI analysis of a single knee. Three age groups (eight to 10, 11-13, and 14-16 years) comprised of equal numbers (n = 20) of boys and girls were evaluated. Using the SPGR coronal sequence, the distance of the physis to the femoral articular cartilage was recorded at the medial, mid-medial, notch, mid-lateral and lateral margins of the knee. Coronal measurements were recorded at four locations along the sagittal sequence, as the anteroposterior dimension of the knee was divided into equal quartiles.

RESULTS

While little variation in shape was observed in the anterior quartile, the remaining quartiles demonstrated significant variability that increased moving posteriorly (p < .001), therefore reflecting a more concave shape in the posterior aspect of the femur. These observations were statistically significant for age at the posterior two quartiles.

CONCLUSION

These MRI data suggest that while the physis is linear in the anterior part of the femur, it possesses a more concave shape in the posterior aspect of the medial and lateral condyles. Findings were preserved across gender and age. Ultimately, these data can aid in preoperative planning and should be considered when performing operative procedures in the skeletally immature knee.

Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) clinical practice guidelines on the management of anterior cruciate ligament injury - Secondary publication

BACKGROUND

This clinical guideline presents recommendations for the management of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, endorsed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Japanese Orthopaedic Society of Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine (JOSKAS).

METHODS

The JOA ACL guideline committee revised the previous guideline based on "Medical Information Network Distribution Service Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014", which proposed a desirable method for preparing clinical guidelines in Japan. Furthermore, the importance of "the balance of benefit and harm" was also emphasized. This guideline consists of 21 clinical questions (CQ) and 23 background questions (BQ). For each CQ, outcomes from the literature were collected and evaluated systematically according to the adopted study design.

RESULTS

We evaluated the objectives and results of each study in order to make a decision on the level of evidence so as to integrate the results with our recommendations for each CQ. For BQ, the guideline committee proposed recommendations based on the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline is intended to be used by physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and athletic trainers managing ACL injuries. We hope that this guideline is useful for appropriate decision-making and improved management of ACL injuries.

The Effect of Patellar Tendon Release on the Characteristics of Patellofemoral Joint Squat Movement: A Simulation Analysis

Objectives: This paper studies the patellar tendon release’s effect on the movement characteristics of the artificial patellofemoral joint squat to provide reference data for knee joint surgery. Methods: Firstly, the dynamic finite element model of the human knee joint under squatting was established. Secondly, in the above no-release models, the release of 30% of the attachment area at the upper end, the lower end, or both ends of the patellar tendon were conducted, respectively. Then the simulations of all above four models were conducted. Finally, the results of the simulation were compared and analyzed. Results: The simulation results show that, after releasing the patellar tendon (compared with the no-release simulation’s results), the relative flexion, medial-lateral rotation, medial-lateral tilt, and superior-inferior shift of the patella relative to the femur increased; the medial-lateral shift and anterior-posterior shift of the patella relative to the femur decreased. Conclusion: In this paper, the maximum flexion angle of the patella increased after the patellar tendon being released (compared with the no-release model), which indicated that the mobility of knee joint was improved after the patellar tendon release. The simulation data in this paper can provide technical reference for total knee arthroplasty.

The Locations of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: A Magnetic Resonance Study

BACKGROUND

Recently, a resurgence of interest has been noted in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) preservation in pediatric and adolescent patients. Different tear types, defined by their tear location, require different preservation techniques: proximal and distal avulsion tears can be treated with arthroscopic primary repair, whereas primary repair with biological scaffold has been proposed for midsubstance tears. The goal of this study was to assess the distribution of different tear types in pediatric and adolescent patients, as these are currently unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective search in an institutional radiographic database was performed for patients under 18.0 years undergoing knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for ACL tears between June 2005 and June 2016. Patients with reports of chronic tears, partial tears, and multiligamentous injuries were excluded.Tear locations were graded using MRI as: proximal avulsion (distal remnant length >90% of total length; type I), proximal (75% to 90%; type II), midsubstance (25% to 75%; type III), distal (10% to 25%; type IV), and distal avulsion (<10%; type V).

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients (59% girls; mean±SD age, 15.1±2.1 y; range, 6.9 to 18.0 y) were included. Frequency of type I tears was 15%, type II 23%, type III 52%, type IV 1%, and type V 8% (of which 7% had bony avulsion).Prevalence of tear types varied with age. At age 6 to 10 years, 93% were type V (bony) avulsion tears. At age 11 to 13 years, 32% were type I, 16% type II, 32% type III, and 16% type V. At age 14 to 17 years, type III tears were more common (57%) than type I (14%), type II (25%) and type V (2%) tears.

CONCLUSIONS

It was noted that the ACL was torn at different locations depending on the patients' age. These data provide more information on the potential application for ACL preservation in pediatric and adolescent patients. Future studies correlating these findings with arthroscopy are needed before using MRI for preoperative planning of ACL preservation surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic level III.

Transphyseal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Skeletally Immature: Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft

Background:

It is unclear what the optimal graft choice is for performing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a skeletally immature patient.

Purpose:

To evaluate outcomes and complications of skeletally immature patients undergoing transphyseal ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft versus a quadriceps tendon autograft.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Between 2012 and 2016, 90 skeletally immature patients from a single institution underwent primary transphyseal ACL reconstruction with either a quadriceps tendon autograft or a hamstring tendon autograft based on surgeon preference (n = 3). Patient demographic, injury, radiographic, and surgical variables were documented. Outcome measures included the Lysholm score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Tegner activity score, pain, satisfaction, and complications such as graft tears and physeal abnormalities.

Results:

A total of 83 patients (56 hamstring tendon, 27 quadriceps tendon) were available for a minimum follow-up of 2 years or sustained graft failure. The mean age of the patients was 14.8 ± 1.4 years at the time of ACL reconstruction. No differences in chronological age, bone age, sex, patient size, or mechanism of injury were noted between groups. There were no differences in surgical variables, except that the quadriceps tendon grafts were larger than the hamstring tendon grafts (9.6 ± 0.6 mm vs 7.8 ± 0.7 mm, respectively; P < .001). Patient outcomes at a mean follow-up of 2.8 ± 0.9 years revealed no differences based on graft type, with mean Lysholm, SANE, pain, satisfaction, and Tegner scores of 96, 93, 0.6, 9.6, and 6.6, respectively, for the quadriceps tendon group and 94, 89, 0.9, 9.2, and 7.1, respectively, for the hamstring tendon group. While there were no physeal complications in either group, patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft were more likely to tear their graft (21% vs 4%, respectively; P = .037).

Conclusion:

Skeletally immature patients undergoing ACL reconstruction can be successfully managed with either a quadriceps tendon autograft or a hamstring tendon autograft with good short-term outcomes, high rates of return to sport, and low rates of physeal abnormalities. The primary differences between grafts were that the quadriceps tendon grafts were larger and were associated with a lower retear rate. ACL reconstruction performed with a quadriceps tendon autograft may reduce early graft failure in skeletally immature patients.

Outcome Measures After ACL Injury in Pediatric Patients: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children is increasing. However, no standardized core set of outcome measures exists for evaluating pediatric ACL injuries.

PURPOSE

To perform a scoping review of the literature to identify patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and objective outcome measures used to evaluate pediatric patients after ACL injury and to classify these in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) domains.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

The literature was systematically searched with the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro databases. The inclusion criteria were Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, or English language; publication between 2010 and 2018; pediatric ACL injury (patients ≤15 years old); and outcome measures. The selected papers were screened for title, abstract, and full text in accordance with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 68 papers (4286 patients; mean ± SD age, 12.2 ± 2.3 years) were included. Nineteen PROMs and 11 objective outcome measures were identified. The most frequently reported PROMs were the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form (51% of studies), Lysholm scoring scale (46% of studies) and Tegner activity rating scale (37% of studies). Additionally, return to sport was reported in 41% of studies. The most frequent objective measures were knee laxity (76% of studies), growth disturbances (69% of studies), range of motion (41% of studies), and muscle strength (21% of studies). With respect to the ICF domains, the IKDC covered all 3 ICF health domains, the Lysholm score covered the Body Structure and Function and the Activity Limitation domains, while the Tegner score covered the Participation Restriction domain. Objectively measured knee joint laxity, range of motion, and muscle strength covered 1 domain (Body Structure and Function).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients with ACL injury were mainly evaluated subjectively with the IKDC and objectively by knee joint laxity. No consensus exists in the evaluation of children after ACL injury. The majority of applied outcome measures are developed for adults. To cover the ICF health domains, future research needs to consider reliable and valid outcome measures relevant for pediatric patients with ACL injury.

What's New in Pediatric and Adolescent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries?

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in children and adolescent patients are being diagnosed and treated at an ever-increasing rates. We performed a review of recent literature regarding care of children and adolescent athletes with an ACL injury.

METHODS

PubMed database was searched for all papers related to treatment of children and adolescents with ACL injuries from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2015, yielding 114 publications.

RESULTS

A total of 59 papers were found to have contributed important new findings. Papers were selected based on new findings in the following categories: epidemiology, anatomy, risk factors, sex disparity, prevention, surgical outcomes, timing and associated pathologies, and rehabilitation and return to sport.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric ACL injuries continue to rise and there are multiple surgical procedures that restore clinical function with good outcomes. Early surgical treatment is favored to prevent concomitant articular injuries. Early return to play can increase risk of reinjury and should be met with caution in this age group. Prevention strategies should be further studied and implemented in hopes of decreasing the incidence of this injury and the long-term potential damage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4-titerature review.

Challenges in the Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures in Skeletally Immature Patients

Although initially considered rare, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures in pediatric patients recently have increased substantially as a result of greater awareness of the injury and increased participation in youth sports. Although pediatric patients with an ACL injury and a clinically stable joint may handle the injury well and return to sports activity without requiring surgical reconstruction, young, active patients with an ACL rupture and an unstable joint may be good candidates for ACL reconstruction to prevent ongoing instability and additional joint damage. ACL reconstruction techniques have been developed to prevent physeal injury in skeletally immature patients. The surgical treatment of skeletally immature patients with an ACL rupture may differ from that of adults with an ACL rupture and presents unique challenges with regard to reconstruction technique selection, graft preparation, rehabilitation, and return to sports activity. Orthopaedic surgeons should understand various physeal-sparing ACL reconstruction techniques and the general challenges associated with the surgical management of ACL ruptures in pediatric patients.

Clinical Outcome Reporting in Youth ACL Literature Is Widely Variable

Background:

Advances in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures in pediatric and adolescent patients have resulted in an increase in recent clinical studies on this topic. However, the consistency with which outcome measures are reported in this demographic is unknown.

Purpose:

To document outcome reporting patterns of youth ACL reconstruction studies in high-impact journals.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All articles published in 5 high-impact orthopaedic journals from 2010 to 2016 were reviewed to identify those reporting clinical outcomes of young patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. Studies that were nonclinical, reported on patients older than 18 years, or included fewer than 10 patients were excluded. Outcome measures used in all included studies were recorded.

Results:

Seventeen studies encompassing 772 subjects (mean age, 14.3 years; range, 6.3-18.0 years) were analyzed. Eight studies (47%) reported on Tanner stage of subjects, while 1 study reported skeletal age. Ten studies (59%) clearly documented the presence or absence of surgical complications. Range of motion was reported in 65% of studies. Leg-length discrepancy and angular deformity were each reported in 76% of studies, with 12% quantifying results through radiographic measurements. Ligament testing was variably defined by inclusion of instrumented testing (65%), Lachman test (53%), and pivot-shift test (53%). Fourteen studies (82%) explicitly reported on the rate of ACL rerupture, while 71% reported on the rate of revision surgery. Rate of return to preinjury activity was reported in 8 studies (47%), of which 2 defined criteria for return to sport and 3 defined the level of competitive sport. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were used variably. For the 3 most commonly reported PROMs (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Tegner), 24% of studies reported all 3 PROMs, 35% of studies reported 2 PROMs, and 6% of studies reported 1 PROM in isolation. A pediatric-specific PROM was reported in 1 of the 17 studies.

Conclusion:

Studies on pediatric ACL reconstruction published in high-impact journals unreliably defined subjects’ skeletal maturity, inconsistently reported on objective outcome measures, and used disparate adult-validated PROMs to assess subjective outcomes. These findings highlight the need for standardized, pediatric-specific outcome measures to be applied in future studies evaluating ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents.

Proximity of Lateral Critical Structures to the All-Epiphyseal Outside-In Femoral Tunnels in Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To describe the proximity of the lateral critical structures (peroneal nerve [PN], popliteus tendon [PT], lateral collateral ligament [LCL], and articular cartilage [AC]) to the femoral tunnel for outside-in all-epiphyseal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in reference to knee flexion angle.

METHODS

All-epiphyseal ACL reconstructions were performed in 12 human cadaveric knees using arthroscopy and outside-in drilling for anatomic femoral tunnel placement that was ensured by identifying the center of the total ACL footprint. Fluoroscopy was used to confirm tunnel position and reconstructions were performed with quadrupled semitendinosus and gracilis autograft with Xtendobutton (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) fixation on the femoral side. After reconstruction, the lateral side of the knee was dissected and the LCL, PT, distal and posterior AC, and the PN were identified. The distances of these structures from the center of the exiting femoral tunnel were then measured using a digital caliper at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of knee flexion. Any gross damage to these structures caused by the femoral drilling was also noted. Data were compiled and the mean and standard deviations (SD) of the distances from the pin to the structures of interest were calculated. The normality of the data at each flexion angle was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk tests (P > .05), and the relationship between flexion angle and average distance was evaluated using repeated measures analysis of variance (P < .05). Any significant relationships were then evaluated using paired t-tests (P < .05) with a Benjamini-Hochberg adjustment for each possible pair of flexion angles. Averages, SD, and P values are reported. A post hoc power analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The violation of the LCL was noted in 3 specimens and that of the PT in 1 specimen as a result of femoral tunnel drilling at flexion angles ranging from 90° to 120°. The distance between the PT and the femoral tunnel also decreased significantly (P < .001) with knee flexion with average distances to the center of 8.07 mm at 0°, 7.75 mm at 30°, 6.33 mm at 60°, 4.12 mm at 90°, and 1.89 mm at 120°. The mean ± SD for distances from the femoral tunnel to the center of the PT at 0° was 8.07 ± 7.15, at 30° 7.75 ± 6.66, at 60° 6.33 ± 6.79, at 90° 4.12 ± 5.71, and at 120° 1.89 ± 5.56. As the knee was progressively flexed, the distance between the LCL and the femoral tunnel decreased significantly (P < .001) with an average distance of 6.52 mm at 0°, 6.26 mm at 30°, 4.23 mm at 60°, 2.38 mm at 90°, and 0.4 mm at 120°. The mean ± SD for distances from the femoral tunnel to the center of the LCL at 0° was 6.52 ± 5.93, at 30° 6.26 ± 7.32, at 60° 4.23 ± 7.82, 90° 2.38 ± 7.31, and at 120° 0.4 ± 7.01. The PN was remote from the femoral tunnel at all flexion angles with a mean distance of 42.83 to 59.22 mm. The PN to guide pin distance increased significantly with progressive knee flexion (P < .001). The AC was not damaged in all specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The LCL and PT are at significant risk during percutaneous femoral drilling for all-epiphyseal anatomic ACL reconstruction using an outside-in technique. This risk was maximized at 120° flexion and minimized in full extension. These findings suggest that the optimal position for femoral drilling in all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction is full or near-full extension of the knee that can be accomplished by placing the knee in 30° of flexion (after using fluoroscopic guidance to pass the guide pin past the lateral critical structures) to visualize the footprint of the ACL.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Information garnered from this study may help clinicians better understand the risk to the lateral critical structures when an outside-in femoral tunnel is not drilled in the appropriate degree of knee flexion.

Pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcomes

Treatment of pediatric anterior cruciate injuries have become an area of controversy sparking much debate about best management strategies. Delaying surgery until skeletal maturity has often been shown to result in unfavorable outcomes due to concomitant meniscal and chondral injuries in this population. There have been numerous techniques used to reconstruct the ACL in the skeletally immature patient; however, most studies are limited by small patient numbers and other methodological concerns. With recent publications reporting failure rates as high as 15-25 % and growth disturbances being uncommon but now reported within almost every technical category, patient and caregiver education become of paramount importance. Key principles will be outlined that may help to avoid some of the pitfalls that occur when dealing with this unique population.

No difference in osteoarthritis after surgical and non-surgical treatment of ACL-injured knees after 10 years

PURPOSE

Aim of this study was to record and compare the functional and activity level as well as the manifestations of osteoarthritis after isolated ACL ruptures between patients with conservative treatment and ACL reconstruction with hamstrings tendon graft.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients diagnosed with ACL rupture were recorded. Clinical examination included the Tegner and Lysholm activity scale, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Form and KT-1000 arthrometer. Narrowing of the medial and lateral joint spaces was assessed using the IKDC knee examination score.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 10.3 years (range 10-11). Fifteen patients were conservatively treated (median age 33 years, range 25-39). Seventeen patients were operated (median age 31 years, range 20-36). There was significant difference between the mean values of IKDC scores in favour of the ACL-reconstruction group of patients, 86.8 (SD 6.5) versus 77.5 (SD 13.8), respectively (p = 0.04). The mean value of anteroposterior tibial translation was 1.5 mm (SD 0.2) for ACL-reconstruction group of patients, while the corresponding mean value for ACL-conservative group was 4.5 mm (SD 0.5), p = 0.03. Four patients in ACL-reconstruction group had radiological findings of grade C or D according to IKDC form. In ACL-conservative group, five patients presented similar signs (n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

ACL reconstruction using hamstrings autograft resulted in better functional outcome and laxity measurements than ACL-conservative management. However, the incidence of radiological osteoarthritis was similar between the two groups and independent on the pre-operative grade of laxity and functional status of the patients. Equally, bone bruises were not found as a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis after ACL rupture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prospective randomized study, Level II.

Molecular changes indicative of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis development in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is considered a risk factor for osteoarthritis development. The purpose of our study was to investigate the expression levels of the apoptotic enzyme caspase 3, pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), all indicative of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis development in patients' chondrocytes after ACL rupture.

METHODS

We investigated the correlation between grade of cartilage degradation and time from injury or patients' age. IL-1β, IL-6 and MMP-13 mRNA expression levels were investigated in normal (n = 4) and chondrocytes from patients with ACL rupture (n = 33) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Moreover, MMP-13 and caspase-3 protein expression levels were evaluated by western blot analysis. Trend analysis and correlation coefficient were performed to derive the relations between gene expression (MMP13, IL-6, IL-1β) and grading of cartilage defects and between gene expression (MMP13, IL-6, IL-1β) and patients' age, respectively.

RESULTS

Correlations were established between grade of cartilage degradation and time from injury. MMP-13, IL-6, IL-1β and caspase 3 expression levels were significantly upregulated in chondrocytes from ACL-deficient knee compared to normal. Among the patients with ACL-deficient knees, a significant upregulation of MMP-13 was observed in patients with ACL-rupture > 18 months from the time of injury to arthroscopy compared to patients with ACL-injury up to 18 months, whereas IL-6 and IL-1β expression was higher in chondrocytes from patients with more than 10 months ACL injury compared to those that underwent surgery within the first 10 months after injury. Νο association was observed between IL-1β, IL-6 and MMP-13 expression levels and cartilage defects or patients' age.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that increased levels of apoptotic, inflammatory and catabolic factors in chondrocytes are associated with time from injury and could contribute to cartilage degradation and osteoarthritis development after ACL rupture.

Long-term clinical outcomes of combined BPTB ACL reconstruction and popliteus tendon plasty

PURPOSE

A deficiency of posterolateral structures significantly increases the varus load on the ACL, while a chronic ACL lesion, the increased tibial rotation and the repetitive non-physiological knee motion, could affect and damage the integrity of the popliteus tendon. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to report the very long clinical outcomes of a combined single-bundle BPTB ACL reconstruction and popliteus plasty according to Bousquets technique, for the treatment of combined chronic anterior and posterolateral laxities.

METHODS

Fifteen patients that underwent combined ACL reconstruction and popliteal plasty according to Bousquets technique were available at mean 26.8 ± 1.0 years (range 25.4-28.0 years). All the patients were evaluated clinically and 13 by means of KT-1000 Arthrometer as well. Subjective evaluation was performed with the subjective IKDC, WOMAC and a 0-10 VAS for pain scales.

RESULTS

At clinical evaluation, 10 patients (67 %) presented a negative anterior drawer test; Lachman test was negative in nine patients (60 %); the varus stress test was negative in eight (53 %); and the dial test was negative in all but one patient (93 %). Only two patients (15 %) presented a side-to-side difference >5 mm at the instrumented laxity evaluation.

CONCLUSION

The combined single-bundle BPTB ACL reconstruction and popliteal plasty according to Bousquets technique were able to produce very good long-term results, in terms of knee stability, subjective outcomes, functional results and return to sport activity, in case of chronic anterior and posterolateral laxities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective case series, Level IV.