Low-Energy Multiligament Knee Injuries Are Associated With Higher Postoperative Activity Scores Compared With High-Energy Multiligament Knee Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Literature

Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Multiligament Knee Injuries in a Cohort Including Competitive Athletes With Long-Term Follow-Up

Background

There is a paucity of outcomes data on surgical reconstruction for multiligament knee injury (MLKI) in the orthopaedic literature.

Purpose

To examine functional and return-to-sports (RTS) outcomes and revision rates after single-stage reconstruction for MLKIs in a cohort containing a large proportion of competitive athletes over a 20-year period.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

We identified all patients at our institution who underwent surgical reconstruction for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or bicruciate (ACL-posterior cruciate ligament) MLKI between 2001 and 2020 and had ≥2 years of postoperative outcome data. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, a surgical satisfaction survey, and questions about subsequent knee surgery and RTS administered via telephone. Summary statistics for all outcomes data were calculated, and predictors of IKDC scores at follow-up were examined using univariable linear regression.

Results

Out of 151 patients eligible for this study, outcomes data were collected in 119 patients (79%). The mean follow-up time was 8.3 ± 4.4 years, and the mean IKDC score at follow-up was 79 ± 17. A total of 83 competitive athletes were included; 62 of these athletes attempted to return to preinjury sport. Among the 62 who attempted RTS, 50 (81%) were successful, and 12 were unable to return due to limitations from their surgery. At follow-up, 112 of the overall cohort of 119 patients (94%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with their surgical outcome, and 91% stated the surgery met or exceeded their expectations. In addition, 24% had subsequent ipsilateral knee operations after their index multiligament knee reconstruction. Older age at surgery and female sex were associated with worse IKDC scores at follow-up.

Conclusion

Despite the severity of the injuries in our cohort, we found high levels of patient-reported function and a high rate of successful RTS in the competitive athletes. Older age and female sex were associated with worse patient-reported knee function at follow-up.

Outcomes after multiligament knee injury worsen over time: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are devastating injuries that can have life-long consequences. A management plan requires the decision to perform surgery or not, timing of surgery, consideration of repair versus reconstruction, reconstruction technique and reconstruction graft choice. The purpose of this study was to analyze development of clinical outcomes of MLKIs over time at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up.

METHODS

Four databases were queried for surgical outcome-based studies of MLKIs published from 01/2000 through 09/2022 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Technique articles, nonoperative treatment, arthroplasty, pediatric and review articles were excluded. Study characteristics including design, number of patients, age, follow-up period, anatomical region and posterior-cruciate ligament (PCL)-based injury were collected. Primary outcomes were Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) outcome scores and Tegner activity score. Random-effects model analysis was performed.

RESULTS

After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 3571 patients in 79 studies were included in the analysis. The mean age at surgery was 35.6 years. The mean follow-up was 4.06 years (range 2-12.7). The mean Lysholm score at 2-year follow-up was 86.09 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.90-89.28], with a yearly decrease of -0.80 [95% CI: -1.47 -0.13], (p = 0.0199). The mean IKDC at 2 years was 81.35 [95% CI: 76.56-86.14], with a yearly decrease of -1.99 [95% CI: -3.14 -0.84] (p < 0.001). Non-PCL-based injuries had a higher IKDC 83.69 [75.55-91.82] vs. 75.00 [70.75-79.26] (p = 0.03) and Lysholm score 90.84 [87.10-94.58] versus 84.35 [82.18-86.52] (p < 0.01) than PCL-based injuries, respectively.

CONCLUSION

According to the present systematic review and meta-analysis of MLKIs with minimum 2-year follow-ups, the patients who suffered an MLKI can expect to retain around 80-85% of knee function at 2 years and can expect a yearly deterioration of knee function, depending on the score used. Inferior outcomes can be expected for PCL-based injuries at 2 years postoperative.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV meta-analysis.

Patients undergoing multiligament knee reconstruction injured during pivoting sports demonstrate similar clinical, functional and return to sport outcomes by 2 years compared with those undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PURPOSE

This study investigates the clinical and activity-based outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) versus multiligamentous knee reconstruction (MLKR) following a pivoting sports injury.

METHODS

Fifty MLKR patients were included, of which 20 (40%) were injured during pivoting sports. A further 50 patients undergoing ACLR following an injury during pivoting sports were consecutively recruited for comparison. Patients were assessed before the surgery and at 6-, 12- and 24 months with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Tegner activity scale (TAS) and anterior cruciate ligament return to sport after injury (ACL-RSI) score. Knee movement, the single (SHD) and triple (THD) hop tests for distance, and peak isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength were assessed, with Limb Symmetry Indices (LSIs) calculated. Outcomes were compared across groups: (1) ACLR (n = 50), (2) MLKR (n = 50) and (3) MLKR due to pivoting sport injury (n = 20).

RESULTS

IKDC, TAS and ACL-RSI scores remained lower (p < 0.05) in the full MLKR versus ACLR cohort at all timepoints. Comparing the ACLR and MLKR cohort that had injuries specifically during pivoting sports, the IKDC (p < 0.001) and TAS (p = 0.009) were higher in the ACLR group at 6 months, and the ACL-RSI was higher at 6 (p < 0.001) and 12 (p = 0.007) months, there were no further differences. Hop and knee extensor strength LSIs were lower (p < 0.05) in the full MLKR (versus ACLR) cohort at all timepoints (apart from the 24-month SHD LSI). However, the ACLR group only demonstrated greater LSIs than the pivoting sport MLKR for the SHD at 6 months (p < 0.001), and knee extensor strength at 6 (p < 0.001) and 12 (p < 0.001) months.

CONCLUSIONS

While the recovery of patients undergoing MLKR due to a pivoting sports injury is delayed compared with their ACLR counterparts, the clinical outcome and activity profile are similar by 24 months.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Long-term Outcomes of Multiligament Knee Injuries in American Football Players

BACKGROUND

Long-term outcomes for isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in competitive American football athletes are well reported in the literature, but little data currently exist regarding multiligament knee injury (MLKI) reconstruction outcomes.

PURPOSE

To examine patient-reported and return-to-sport outcomes of competitive American football athletes who underwent primary, single-staged, multiligament knee reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

We identified patients from our institution's prospectively collected data repository between 2001 and 2020 who underwent single-staged surgical reconstruction of an MLKI sustained during competitive participation in American football. We assessed patient-reported outcomes at a minimum of 2 years after surgery using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form and questions regarding surgical satisfaction and return to sport. Successful return to sport was defined as a return to preinjury level of competition. We summarized all outcome data and compared outcomes between 2-ligament and >2-ligament groups and between ACL-only MLKI injury and bicruciate MLKI injury groups using independent t test for IKDC scores and chi-square test for return to sport. Additionally, we evaluated predictors of postoperative IKDC scores using linear regression and predictors of return to sport using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Outcome data were successfully collected for 53 of 73 total eligible patients (73%; mean follow-up time, 7.7 ± 4.0 years; all male; mean age at surgery, 18.1 ± 2.7 years). The mean postoperative IKDC score was 84 ± 16. The most common level of preinjury competition was high school (n = 36; 68%), followed by college (n = 10; 19%). Seven patients did not return to sport competition at any level due to limitations from their knee surgery, and 82% of patients that attempted to return to preinjury level of sport were able to do so. A total of 50 patients (94%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their surgical outcome. The 2-ligament (n = 39) and >2-ligament (n = 14) groups did not significantly differ in IKDC scores (P = .96) or proportions with successful return to sport (P = .77). Similarly, the ACL-MLKI injury (n = 39) and bicruciate MLKI injury (n = 14) groups did not significantly differ in IKDC scores (P = .89) or proportions with successful return to sport (P = .77). Age and body mass index were not significantly associated with IKDC scores or successful return to sport at follow-up (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

This study may represent the largest cohort of competitive American football athletes evaluated for longitudinal outcomes after multiligament knee reconstruction. Despite the severity of these injuries, we found good knee-related function and that the large majority of athletes who attempted to return to sport were successful. The majority of athletes (94%) were satisfied with their operative treatment.

Patient-reported outcomes and return to pre-injury activities after surgical treatment of multi-ligamentous knee injuries in patients over 40-years-old: Average 5-years follow-up

BACKGROUND

Multi-ligamentous knee injuries (MLKI) are potentially devastating injuries, though existing prognostic research among older patients who sustain MLKI is limited. The purpose was to investigate clinical outcomes and rates of return to pre-injury activities following surgical treatment of MLKI in patients at least 40 years old.

METHODS

This study was a multi-center retrospective case series of patients who underwent surgical treatment for MLKI from 2013-2020 and were ≥ 40 years old at time of injury. Outcomes were assessed via e-mail and telephone using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, a satisfaction rating, and return to pre-injury sport and work surveys. Stepwise linear regression was used to assess the impact of preoperative characteristics on IKDC and Lysholm scores.

RESULTS

Of 45 patients eligible for inclusion, 33 patients (mean age: 48.6 years [range: 40-72]) were assessed at a mean follow-up of 59.1 months (range 24-133). The cohort reported a mean IKDC of 63.4 ± 23.5, Lysholm of 72.6 ± 23.6, and Tegner of 3.8 ± 2.0. There was a 41.2% rate of return to sports, and 82.1% returned to work. Documented knee dislocation was predictive of poorer IKDC (β:-20.05, p = 0.025) and Lysholm (β:-19.99, p = 0.030). Patients aged > 50 were more satisfied compared to those 40-50 years old (96.2 ± 4.9 vs 75.6 ± 23.3, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who sustained MLKI aged at least 40 at injury demonstrated fair clinical outcomes at a mean 5-year follow-up. Older patients who sustained MLKI reported a relatively high rate of return to work but were less likely to return to sports.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, Case series.

Return to Sport After Multiligament Knee Injury in Young Athletes

Background

While return to sport (RTS) in young athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been well studied, little is known regarding their rate of RTS after multiligament knee injury (MLKI).

Purpose

To assess the level of and factors associated with RTS after MLKI in young athletes.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 116 patients aged ≤23 years who had sustained an injury to ≥2 knee ligaments and undergone operative reconstruction or repair of ≥1 ligament. Our primary outcome was self-reported RTS at the preinjury level or higher. We estimated the likelihood of RTS using binomial logistic regression. Secondary variables included the 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SF), ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) physical and mental health summaries.

Results

A total of 30 (25.9%) patients (24 men, 6 women; mean age, 18.1 ± 2.5 years) completed patient-reported outcome surveys at a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (median, 6.6 years [range, 1.1-19.5 years]). A total of 28 patients underwent surgical treatment of ≥2 ligaments. RTS was achieved by 90% of patients, and 43.3% returned to their preinjury level or higher. Patients who had played sports at a higher level before injury were more likely to RTS at their preinjury level or higher (odds ratio [OR], 3.516 [95% CI, 1.034-11.955]; P = .044), while those who played cutting sports were less likely to do so (OR, 0.013 [95% CI, 0.000-0.461; P = .017). Patients who achieved RTS at their preinjury level or higher had significantly higher IKDC-SF and ACL-RSI scores versus patients who did not (P = .001 and P = .002, respectively). The number of ligaments injured, age, mental health diagnosis, and SF-12 scores were not associated with the ability to RTS at the preinjury or higher levels.

Conclusion

Most young athletes who sustained MLKI were able to return to play at some level, but a minority returned to their preinjury level. Patients who did return at preinjury or higher levels had higher IKDC-SF and ACL-RSI scores than those who did not. Performance in cutting and/or pivoting sports was negatively associated with RTS.

Over One-Third of Patients With Multiligament Knee Injuries and an Intact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Demonstrate Medial Meniscal Ramp Lesions on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence of ramp lesions and posteromedial tibial plateau (PMTP) bone bruising on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) and an intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients surgically treated for MLKIs at 2 level I trauma centers between January 2001 and March 2021 was performed. Only MLKIs with an intact ACL that received MRI scans within 90 days of the injury were included. All MLKIs were diagnosed on MRI and confirmed with operative reports. Two musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively rereviewed preoperative MRIs for evidence of medial meniscus ramp lesions (MMRLs) and PMTP bone bruises using previously established classification systems. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to calculate the reliability between the radiologists. The incidence of MMRLs and PMTP bone bruises was quantified using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 221 MLKIs were identified, of which 32 (14.5%) had an intact ACL (87.5% male; mean age of 29.9 ± 8.6 years) and were included. The most common MLKI pattern was combined injury to the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner (n = 27, 84.4%). PMTP bone bruises were observed in 12 of 32 (37.5%) patients. Similarly, MMRLs were diagnosed in 12 of 32 (37.5%) patients. A total of 8 of 12 (66.7%) patients with MMRLs demonstrated evidence PMTP bone bruising.

CONCLUSIONS

Over one-third of MLKI patients with an intact ACL were diagnosed with MMRLs on MRI in this series. PMTP bone bruising was observed in 66.7% of patients with MMRLs, suggesting that increased vigilance for identifying MMRLs at the time of ligament reconstruction should be practiced in patients with this bone bruising pattern.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Diagnosis and treatment strategies of the multiligament injured knee: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To map the current literature evaluating the diagnosis and treatment of multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs).

DESIGN

Scoping review.

DATA SOURCES

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews and Arksey and O'Malley frameworks were followed. A three-step search strategy identified relevant published literature comprising studies reporting on at least one aspect in the diagnosis or treatment of MLKI in adults. Data were synthesised to form a descriptive analysis and thematic summary.

RESULTS

Overall, 417 studies were included. There was a substantial chronological increase in the number of studies published per year, with 70% published in the last 12 years. Of included studies, 128 (31%) were narrative reviews, editorials or technical notes with no original data. The majority of studies (n=239, 57%) originated from the USA; only 4 studies (1%) were of level I evidence. Consistent themes of contention included clinical assessment, imaging, operative strategy, timing of surgery and rehabilitation. There was a lack of gender and ethnic diversity reported within patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There remains insufficient high-level evidence to support definitive management strategies for MLKI. There is considerable heterogeneity in outcome reporting in current MLKI literature, precluding robust comparison, interpretation and pooling of data. Further research priorities include the development of expert consensus relating to the investigation, surgical management and rehabilitation of MLKI. There is a need for minimum reporting standards for clinical studies evaluating MLKI.

Treatment of Knee Dislocation With Primary Repair and Suture Augmentation: A Viable Solution

Background:

Different surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of knee dislocation (KD). Nonoperative approaches are frequently combined with surgical reconstruction using auto- or allograft.

Purpose:

To evaluate the midterm results of primary surgical repair and suture augmentation to treat KD.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 22 patients (5 women, 17 men; mean age, 45 ± 15 years) with KD were evaluated at a mean of 49 ± 16 months after surgical treatment that included primary repair and suture augmentation. Magnetic resonance imaging, stress radiographs, and outcome scores were obtained at the follow-up. Clinical examination including hop tests and force measurements for flexion and extension was performed.

Results:

The mean difference in pre- to postinjury Tegner scores was –2 ± 1. The outcome scores showed mean values of 84 ± 15 (Lysholm), 73 ± 15 (International Knee Documentation Committee) and 65 ± 25 (Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury scale). Compared with the uninjured knee, the range of motion of the injured knee was reduced by 21° ± 12°. Twelve patients felt fit enough to perform hop tests and showed a mean deficit of 7% ± 17%° compared with the uninjured leg. The mean force deficit was 19% ± 18% for extension and 8% ± 16% for flexion. Stress radiographs revealed an 11 ± 7–mm higher anteroposterior translation on the injured side. Four patients had secondary ligament reconstructions due to persistent instability and 7 underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis due to stiffness. A significant increase of osteoarthritis was found for the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartments (P = .007, .004, and .006, respectively).

Conclusion:

Primary repair and suture augmentation of KD led to satisfactory clinical midterm results despite persistent radiological instability and a significant increase in osteoarthritis. This technique allows the return to activities of daily living without subjective instability in most nonathletic patients. Secondary ligament reconstructions should be performed if relevant instability persists to decrease the risk of secondary meniscal and cartilage damage.

Examining the Bone Bruise Patterns in Multiligament Knee Injuries With Peroneal Nerve Injury

BACKGROUND

Tibiofemoral bone bruise patterns seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with ligamentous injuries in the acutely injured knee. Bone bruise patterns in multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) and particularly their association with common peroneal nerve (CPN) injuries are not well described.

PURPOSE

To analyze the tibiofemoral bone bruise patterns in MLKIs with and without peroneal nerve injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 123 patients treated for an acute MLKI at a level 1 trauma center between January 2001 and March 2021. Patients were grouped into injury subtypes using the Schenck classification. Within this cohort, patients with clinically documented complete (motor and sensory loss) and/or partial CPN palsies on physical examination were identified. Imaging criteria required an MRI scan on a 1.5 or 3 Tesla scanner within 30 days of the initial MLKI. Images were retrospectively interpreted for bone bruising patterns by 2 board-certified musculoskeletal radiologists. The location of the bone bruises was mapped on fat-suppressed T2-weighted coronal and sagittal images. Bruise patterns were compared among patients with and without CPN injury.

RESULTS

Of the 108 patients with a MLKI who met the a priori inclusion criteria, 26 (24.1%) were found to have a CPN injury (N = 20 complete; N = 6 partial) on physical examination. For CPN-injured patients, the most common mechanism of injury was high-energy trauma (N = 19 [73%]). The presence of a grade 3 posterolateral corner (PLC) injury (N = 25; odds ratio [OR], 23.81 [95% CI, 3.08-184.1]; P = .0024), anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruising (N = 24; OR, 21.9 [95% CI, 3.40-202.9]; P < .001), or a documented knee dislocation (N = 16; OR, 3.45 [95% CI, 1.38-8.62]; P = .007) was significantly associated with the presence of a CPN injury. Of the 26 patients with CPN injury, 24 (92.3%) had at least 1 anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruise. All 20 (100%) patients with complete CPN injury also had at least 1 anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruise on MRI. In our MLKI cohort, the presence of anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruising had a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 64.6% for the presence of CPN injury on physical examination.

CONCLUSION

In our MLKI cohort, the presence of a grade 3 PLC injury had the greatest association with CPN injury. Additionally, anteromedial femoral condyle bone bruising on MRI was a highly sensitive finding that was significantly correlated with CPN injury on physical examination. The high prevalence of grade 3 PLC injuries and anteromedial tibiofemoral bone bruising suggests that these MLKIs with CPN injuries most commonly occurred from a hyperextension-varus mechanism caused by a high-energy blow to the anteromedial knee.

Anatomical repair and ligament bracing of Schenck III and IV knee joint dislocations leads to acceptable subjective and kinematic outcomes

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of anatomical repair and ligament bracing for Schenck III and IV knee dislocation (KD).

METHODS

The results of 27 patients (15 and 12 cases of Schenck III and IV KD, respectively) after a mean follow-up of 18.1 ± 12.1 months (range 6-45 months) were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-two patients suffered high-kinetic-energy accidents, whereas five patients suffered ultralow-velocity (ULV) trauma due to obesity. The outcome measures were the Lysholm score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) score. A kinematic 3D gait analysis with five walking trials was performed to compare the patients and healthy controls.

RESULTS

The mean KSS, HSS score, Lysholm score, and KOOS were 77.4 ± 14.4, 84.6 ± 11.2, 81.5 ± 10.4, and 67.3 ± 16.8, respectively. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. The mean range of motion deficiency compared to the healthy side was 24.4 ± 18.5°. Ten patients had first-degree residual laxity of the anterior cruciate ligament; 12 and 2 patients had first- and second-degree residual laxity of the collateral ligament, respectively. Five patients underwent additional arthroscopic arthrolysis due to arthrofibrosis at an average of 6.2 ± 1.9 months (range 4-9 months) after the initial surgery. The 3D gait analysis showed no major differences in joint stability or movement between the patients and healthy controls. Only the ULV trauma patients had significantly lower outcome scores and showed larger kinematic deviations in joint movement during the gait analysis.

CONCLUSION

Anatomical repair with ligament bracing is a suitable surgical procedure in the treatment of KD and provides evidence in clinical practice with the benefit of early, definitive repair and preservation of the native ligaments. Patients reach acceptable subjective and objective functional outcomes, including mainly normalized gait patterns during short-term follow-up, with only minor changes in kinematics and spatial-temporal characteristics. Obese patients who suffered ULV trauma showed significantly inferior outcomes with larger deviations in joint kinematics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.