Femoral press-fit fixation in ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft: results at 15 years follow-up

Prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury remains high despite advances in surgical techniques

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the pooled prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and examine whether the risk of developing PTOA after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has decreased in recent decades.

Methods

The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from 1 January 1980 to 11 May 2022. Patient series, observational studies, and clinical trials having reported the prevalence of radiologically confirmed PTOA after ACL injury, with at least a ten-year follow-up, were included. All studies were analyzed simultaneously, and separate analyses of the operative and nonoperative knees were performed. The prevalence of PTOA was calculated separately for each study, and pooled prevalence was reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using either a fixed or random effects model. To examine the effect of the year of injury on the prevalence, a logit transformed meta-regression analysis was used with a maximum-likelihood estimator. Results from meta-regression analyses were reported with the unstandardized coefficient (β).

Results

The pooled prevalence of PTOA was 37.9% (95% CI 32.1 to 44) for operatively treated ACL injuries with a median follow-up of 14.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 10.6 to 16.7). For nonoperatively treated ACL injuries, the prevalence was 40.5% (95% CI 28.9 to 53.3), with a median of follow-up of 15 years (IQR 11.7 to 20.0). The association between the year of operation and the prevalence of PTOA was weak and imprecise and not related to the choice of treatment (operative β -0.038 (95% CI -0.076 to 0.000) and nonoperative β -0.011 (95% CI -0.101 to 0.079)).

Conclusion

The initial injury, irrespective of management, has, by the balance of probability, resulted in PTOA within 20 years. In addition, the prevalence of PTOA has only slightly decreased during past decades. Therefore, further research is warranted to develop strategies to prevent the development of PTOA after ACL injuries.

Low Femoral Tunnel Widening Incidence Rate After ACL Reconstruction Using Patellar Tendon Graft with Press-Fit Fixation

Background

Femoral tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction is a common phenomenon. We hypothesized that using a patellar tendon graft with a press-fit fixation technique without any fixation device reduces the incidence of femoral tunnel widening.

Methods

This study was conducted on 467 patients with ACL surgery between 2003 and 2015. Two hundred and nineteen of them had an ACL surgery with patellar tendon (PT) graft, and two hundred and forty-eight of them with hamstring tendon (HS). Exclusion criteria were history of previous ACL reconstruction of either knee, multiple ligament injury, or evidence of osteoarthritis on radiographs. The femoral tunnels were measured on the anteroposterior (ap) and lateral radiographs 6 months after the operation. Two independent orthopedic surgeons measured all radiographs twice and recorded the tunnel widenings. We hypothesized that using an implant-free press-fit technique with PT graft can reduce the femoral tunnel widening incidence rate.

Results

The mean incidence rate of the tunnel widening in the HS group was, on the AP and the lateral femoral views, 88% (n = 217) and 83% (n = 205), while in the PT group, 17% (n = 37) and 2% (n = 4), respectively. There was a significant difference both on AP and lateral radiographs (HS vs. PT: fem. AP: 89% vs. 17% p < 0.001; HS vs. PT: fem. lat: 84% vs. 2% p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The femoral tunnel widening incidence rate during an ACL reconstruction is significantly less when using PT tendon with femoral press-fit fixation than when using HT tendon with suspensory fixation method.

High variability and lack of standardization in the evaluation of return to sport after ACL reconstruction: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Return to sport (RTS) after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) has been recognized as an important outcome, which is associated with success of the surgery. This study aimed to assess the methods used to determine return to sport after ACLR in the published literature, report on variability of methods and evaluate their strength in establishing accurate RTS data.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase) were searched via a defined search strategy with no limits, to identify relevant studies from January 2008 to December 2020 for inclusion in the review. Defined eligibility criteria included studies specifically measuring and reporting on return to sport after ACLR with a clear methodology. Each included study was assessed for the definition of successful RTS, successful return to pre-injury level of sport and for methods used to determine RTS.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-one studies were included. Of the included studies, six studies (4%) were level of evidence 1 and seventy-two studies (42%) were level of evidence 4. Forty-one studies (24%) reported on return to a specific sport and 130 studies (76%) reported on return to multiple sports or general sport. Sixteen studies (9%) reported on RTS in the pediatric population, 36 (21%) in the adult population and 119 (70%) reported on a mixed-aged population. The most commonly used definition of successful RTS was return to the same sport (44 of 125 studies, 35%). The most common method used to determine RTS was a non-validated study-specific questionnaire (73 studies, 43%), which was administered in various ways to the patients. Time of RTS assessment was variable and ranged between 6 months and 27 years post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

This review demonstrates high variability in defining, evaluating and reporting RTS following ACLR. The findings of this study reveal low reliability and unproven validity of methods used to evaluate RTS and highlight the challenges in interpreting and using RTS data reported in literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Bone density may affect primary stability of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction when organic core bone plug fixation technique used

Purpose

Core Bone Plug Fixation (CBPF) technique is an implant-less methodology for ACL reconstruction. This study investigates the effect of bone density on CBPF stability to identify the bone quality that is likely to benefit from this technique.

Methods

Artificial blocks with 160 (Group 1), 240 (Group 2), and 320 (Group 3) kg/m³ densities were used to simulate human bone with diverse qualities. These groups are representative of the elderly, middle age and young people, respectively. A tunnel was made in each test sample using a cannulated drill bit which enabled harvesting the core bone plug intact. Fresh animal tendon grafts were prepared and passed through the tunnel, so the core bone was pushed in to secure the tendon. The fixation stability was tested by applying a cyclic load following by a pullout load until the failure occurred. The selected group was compared with interference screw fixation technique as a gold standard method in ACL reconstruction.

Results

The Group 2 stiffness and yield strength were significantly larger than Group 1. The graft slippage of Group 1 was significantly less than Group 3. The ultimate strengths were 310 N and 363 N, in Groups 2 and 3, significantly larger than that of Group 1. The ultimate strength in fixation by interference screw was 693.18 N, significantly larger than the bone plug method.

Conclusions

The stability of CBPF was greatly affected by bone density. This technique is more suitable for young and middle-aged people. With further improvements, the CBPF might be an alternative ACL reconstruction technique for patients with good bone quality.

Clinical relevance

The CBPF technique offers an implant-less organic ACL reconstruction technique with numerous advantages and likely would speed up the healing process by using the patient’s own bones and tissues rather than any non-biologic fixations.

Effects of Postoperative Rehabilitation on Gait Parameters and Electromyography Variables in Acute and Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Football Players

Results

The results of the a-ACLR, c-ACLR, and control groups were compared. At 8 weeks following postoperative rehabilitation, the a-ACLR group shows more significant changes than the c-ACLR group (p < 0.001). At 6 and 12 months, there are normal values of kinematic and kinetic values in a-ACLR compared with the results of the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study showed that postoperative rehabilitation provides significant effects in the kinematic, kinetic, and EMG gait parameters in acute ACLR than chronic ACLR subjects. Early surgical intervention and postrehabilitation are mandatory to get the significant effects in the clinical parameters in acute and chronic ACL injury.

Functional outcome of implant-free bone-patellar tendon autograft versus hamstring autograft in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective study

Introduction

The use of implant in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been associated with several drawbacks including graft injury, implant osteolysis, implant migration and soft tissue irritation. Implant-free ACL reconstruction surgery offers additional benefits of cost-effective, improved graft incorporation and ease of revision surgery. Our study aimed to compare the functional outcome of ACL reconstruction by using bone-patellar tendon autograft with press-fit fixation technique and hamstring autografts with implant.

Methods

A prospective cohort study design was used. Between March 2013 and March 2014, 12 patients underwent patella tendon-bone graft fixated by press-fit fixation technique (implant-free), while 24 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using implant-fixated hamstring tendon graft. Objective functional outcome was measured by using rolimeter, and subjective functional outcome was measured according to the functional score of IKDC, Tegner-Lysholm and KOOS.

Results

Both techniques have shown no significant difference in terms of functional outcome, whether assessed by rolimeter measurement, IKDC score, Tegner-Lysholm, KOOS score between implant group and implant-free group, preoperatively and postoperatively.

Discussion

Our study results are in line with several other studies with various follow-up time and systematic review. With the right technique, graft harvesting of patella tendon-tibial tuberosity bone block can be successfully performed, and associated donor site morbidity can be avoided.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using implant-free technique by press-fit fixation had comparable outcome with ACL reconstruction with implant, objectively and subjectively. This technique should be further revisited and reevaluated.

ACL reconstruction with lateral extra-articular tenodesis using a continuous graft: 10-year outcomes of 50 cases

BACKGROUND

Persistence of pivot shift is the main problem after isolated intra-articular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Adding lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to the ACL procedure increases the knee's stability by controlling rotational laxity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of combined ACL reconstruction with LET using a continuous hamstring graft as a first-line procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty patients were reviewed at 10 years postoperative. Subjective outcome scores -IKDC, Lysholm, KOOS and Tegner- were collected. A clinical and radiological assessment was done. The knees' anteroposterior laxity was measured with a rollimeter.

RESULTS

The mean IKDC subjective score was 85.5, the mean Lysholm score was 90.2 and 80% of patients had a score graded as good or very good. No pivot shift was present in 94% of patients and there was a firm endpoint in the Lachman test in 86% of patients. There was a flexion deficit>5° in 5 patients and an extension deficit of 10° in one patient. Most patients (56%) had resumed their physical activities at the same level as before the surgery. Signs of osteoarthritis were found in 26% of patients (16% were Ahlback stage 1 and 10% were stage 2). There was only one graft failure. These good outcomes are consistent with other published studies on combined ACL-LET. There was neither significant stiffness, nor a higher rate of secondary osteoarthritis relative to ACL reconstruction only, particularly in the lateral tibiofemoral compartment.

CONCLUSION

Adding primary LET to ACL reconstruction improves control of rotational laxity over time without increasing the complication rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study without control group.

Anatomic ACL reconstruction reduces risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis: a systematic review with minimum 10-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature for radiographic prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) at a minimum of 10 years following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with anatomic vs. non-anatomic techniques. It was hypothesized that the incidence of OA at long-term follow-up would be lower following anatomic compared to non-anatomic ACLR.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, for studies reporting OA prevalence by radiographic classification scales at a minimum of 10 years following ACLR with autograft. Studies were categorized as anatomic if they met or exceeded a score of 8 according the Anatomic ACL Reconstruction Scoring Checklist (AARSC), while those with a score less than 8 were categorized as non-anatomic/non-specified. Secondary outcomes included graft failure and measures of knee stability (KT-1000, Pivot Shift) and functional outcomes [Lysholm, Tegner, subjective and objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores]. OA prevalence on all radiographic scales was recorded and adapted to a normalized scale.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were included, of which 5 achieved a score of 8 on the AARSC. Using a normalized OA classification scale, 87 of 375 patients (23.2%) had diagnosed OA at a mean follow-up of 15.3 years after anatomic ACLR and 744 of 1696 patients (43.9%) had OA at mean follow-up of 15.9 years after non-anatomic/non-specified ACLR. The AARSC scores were 9.2 ± 1.3 for anatomic ACLR and 5.1 ± 1.1 for non-anatomic/non-specified ACLR. Secondary outcomes were relatively similar between techniques but inconsistently reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that anatomic ACLR, defined as an AARSC score ≥ 8, was associated with lower OA prevalence at long-term follow-up. Additional studies reporting long-term outcomes following anatomic ACLR are needed, as high-level studies of anatomic ACLR are lacking. The AARSC is a valuable resource in performing and evaluating anatomic ACLR. Anatomic ACLR, as defined by the AARSC, may reduce the long-term risk of post-traumatic OA following ACL injury to a greater extent than non-anatomic ACLR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Quadriceps tendon vs. patellar tendon autograft for ACL reconstruction using a hardware-free press-fit fixation technique: comparable stability, function and return-to-sport level but less donor site morbidity in athletes after 10 years

INTRODUCTION

The use of quadriceps tendon-patellar bone (QTB) autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is gaining momentum. Yet, long-term results that compare this procedure with established methods are lacking. The aim of this study was to report and compare long-term results of ACL reconstruction using QTB autografts versus bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts, both anchored using a hardware-free press-fit fixation technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

60 athletes (Tegner score ≥6) with primary ACL rupture were prospectively randomized into two groups. 56 patients were evaluated after a mean duration of 12.2 ± 1.9 months (range 10-14) and 43 patients after 10.3 ± 0.2 years (range 10-11).

RESULTS

On final follow-up, 90% of patients scored very good and good results in the functional Lysholm score (mean 99 ± 7.1, range 74-100 points). Normal or almost normal IKDC score was reported by 84% of the patients (mean 97 ± 9.5, range 60-100 points). The activity level decreased in the Tegner score from median of 7 before injury to 6 after 10 years. The KT-1000 arthrometer showed a difference in the anterior translation of less than 3 mm (mean 1.0 ± 1.2, range - 1 to 5 mm) in 91% of the patients. Significant degeneration was radiologically detected in one patient per group. No tunnel widening was seen in any patient. Up to 97% of all patients were satisfied with the operative procedure. No significant differences were found in the mentioned parameters between the two groups and also in comparison with the 1-year results. The only significant difference was in the donor site morbidity. Significantly more patients in the BPTB group had complaints during kneeling both at 1 (p < 0.001) and 10 years (p = 0.019). Squatting was also subjectively more problematic in the BPTB group than in the QTB group both after 1 (p = 0.003) and 10 years (p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows equally good functional, clinical and radiological long-term results for both hardware-free methods of ACL reconstruction. These results clinically confirm the safety of press-fit anchoring after 10 years. The failure rate in this study was very low, with only one re-rupture in 10 years. The increased donor site morbidity when using the BPTB autograft compared to the QTB autograft supports already reported data. It was also seen in this study for the implant-free press-fit techniques.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective and randomized, level of evidence 2.

Influence of operative technique on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients older than 50 years

BACKGROUND

A consequence of the steady growth in the worldwide population of elderly individuals who remain in good health and continue to engage in sports is an increase in the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture occurring after 50 years of age. ACL reconstruction was formerly reserved for young athletes but now seems to produce good outcomes in over 50s. The type of graft and graft fixation method were selected empirically until now, given the absence of investigations into potential relationships of these two parameters with the outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess associations linking the type of graft and the method of femoral graft fixation to outcomes in patients older than 50 years at ACL reconstruction.

HYPOTHESIS

The operative technique is not associated with the clinical outcomes or differential laxity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicentre retrospective cohort of 398 patients operated between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015 and a multicentre prospective cohort of 228 patients operated between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2017 were conducted. Mean follow-up was 42.7 months in the retrospective cohort and 14.2 months in the prospective cohort. The primary evaluation criterion was the clinical outcome as assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Tegner Activity Score (TAS). Differential laxity was the secondary evaluation criterion. The Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare groups, and p-values<0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

In the retrospective and prospective cohorts, hamstring tendons were used in 269 (67.6%) and 197 (86.4%) patients and extensor apparatus tendons in 124 (31.2%) and 31 (13.6%) patients. Femoral fixation in the retrospective cohort was cortical in 81 (20.4%) cases, by press-fit in 112 (28.1%) cases, and by interference screw in 205 (51.5%) cases; corresponding figures in the prospective cohort were 135 (59.2%), 17 (7.5%), and 76 (33.3%). The multivariate analysis of the retrospective data identified no significant associations of graft type or femoral fixation type with the KOOS, TAS, or differential laxity values. In the prospective cohort, hamstring grafts were associated with 0.6mm of additional laxity (p=0.007); compared to cortical fixation, press-fit fixation of patellar tendon grafts was associated with 0.3mm of additional laxity (p=0.029) and a 0.5-point lower TAS value (p=0.033), with no difference in KOOS values. None of these differences were clinically significant.

DISCUSSION

The various ACL reconstruction techniques used in patients older than 50 years produce similar outcomes. The technique can be chosen based on surgeon preference without regard for patient age.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

What's the rate of knee osteoarthritis 10 years after anterior cruciate ligament injury? An updated systematic review

BACKGROUND

This updated systematic review reports data from 2009 on the prevalence, and risk factors, for knee osteoarthritis (OA) more than 10 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.

METHODS

We systematically searched five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, Cinahl and SPORTDiscus) for prospective and retrospective studies published after 1 August 2008. Studies were included if they investigated participants with ACL tear (isolated or in combination with medial collateral ligament and/or meniscal injuries) and reported symptomatic and/or radiographic OA at a minimum of 10 years postinjury. We used a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist for methodological quality assessment and narrative synthesis to report results. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies were included. Low methodological quality was revealed in over half of the studies. At inclusion, age ranged from 23 to 38 years, and at follow-up from 31 to 51 years. Sample sizes ranged from 18 to 780 participants. The reported radiographic OA prevalence varied between 0% and 100% >10 years after injury, regardless of follow-up time. The studies with low and high methodological quality reported a prevalence of radiographic OA between 0%-100% and 1%-80%, respectively. One study reported symptomatic knee OA for the tibiofemoral (TF) joint (35%), and one study reported symptomatic knee OA for the patellofemoral (PF) joint (15%). Meniscectomy was the only consistent risk factor determined from the data synthesis.

CONCLUSION

Radiographic knee OA varied between 0% and 100% in line with our previous systematic review from 2009. Symptomatic and radiographic knee OA was differentiated in two studies only, with a reported symptomatic OA prevalence of 35% for the TF joint and 15% for PF joint. Future cohort studies need to include measurement of symptomatic knee OA in this patient group.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016042693.

Long-term follow-up after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a press-fit quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft

Background

The use of a quadriceps tendon-patellar bone (QTPB) autograft provides an alternative procedure in primary reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Using the press-fit technique for femoral fixation and knotting over a bone bridge as well as additional spongiosa filling for tibial fixation can completely eliminate the need for fixation implants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical, functional and radiological results of this operating method.

Methods

Sixty-nine patients (27 female-42 male) were included in this study. Fifty-seven patients (83%) received a comprehensive follow-up review after an average period of 7.5 years (range: 7–8.7). All other patients were surveyed by telephone. Six patients (9%) suffered a re-rupture of the ACL graft caused by a new related trauma and were therefore excluded from the statistical analysis.

Results

Of all patients, 98% were satisfied with the operation. Normal or almost normal results were recorded in the subjective IKDC scores form by 88% of the patients. The Lysholm score demonstrated very good and good results in 83% of the patients. Only 1 patient reported minor complaints in the donor area. Seven (12%) patients developed Cyclops syndrome with limited knee extension. This complication was treated arthroscopically within the first year postoperatively. Their results on follow-up were not worse than the results of the patients without Cyclops syndrome.

Regarding the 57 patients who received a comprehensive evaluation, the stability test with the KT-1000 Arthrometer yielded a difference of less than 3 mm in the contralateral comparison for 89% of the operated knees. The pivot-shift test was normal in 79% and almost normal in 21%. In the Single-leg Triple Hop Test, patients achieved an average of 98% of the hopping distance attained with the contralateral leg. The radiological examination revealed a slight deterioration in the Kellgren-Lawrence Score in 2 patients.

Conclusion

The ACL reconstruction using the QTPB autograft performed with the press-fit technique leads to good results in comparison with published results of established procedures for primary ACL surgery using other autografts. Further investigations should involve comparative studies with the objective of providing evidence-based, individually adapted therapy for ACL rupture.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12891-018-2271-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Efficient delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) with dextran sulfate-chitosan microspheres

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) serves an important role in the development of bone and cartilage. However, administration of BMP-2 protein alone by intravenous delivery is not very effective. Sustained delivery of stabilized BMP-2 by carriers has been proven necessary to improve the osteogenesis effect of BMP-2. The present study constructed a novel drug delivery system using dextran sulfate (DS)-chitosan (CS) microspheres and investigated the efficiency of the delivery system on recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2). The microsphere morphology, optimal ratio of DS/CS/rhBMP-2, and drug loading rate and entrapment efficiency of rhBMP-2 CS nanoparticles were determined. L929 cells were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity and effect of DS/CS/rhBMP-2 microspheres on cell proliferation. Differentiation study was conducted using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-C57) cells treated with DS/CS/rhBMP-2 microspheres or the control microspheres. The DS/CS/rhBMP-2 microspheres delivery system was successfully established. Subsequent complexation of rhBMP-2-bound DS with polycations afforded well defined microspheres with a diameter of ~250 nm. High protein entrapment efficiency (85.6%) and loading ratio (47.245) µg/mg were achieved. Release of rhBMP-2 from resultant microspheres persisted for over 20 days as determined by ELISA assay. The bioactivity of rhBMP-2 encapsulated in the CS/DS microsphere was observed to be well preserved as evidenced by the alkaline phosphatase activity assay and calcium nodule formation of BMSCs-C57 incubated with rhBMP-2-loaded microspheres. The results demonstrated that microspheres based on CS-DS polyion complexes were a highly efficient vehicle for delivery of rhBMP-2 protein. The present study may provide novel orientation for bone tissue engineering for repairing and regenerating bone defects.

Femoral press-fit fixation versus interference screw fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft: 20-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this paper is to present our experience with femoral press-fit fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.

METHODS

The patient population was randomly placed in two groups: group A (58 patients), who underwent femoral screw fixation; group B (62 patients), who underwent femoral press-fit fixation.

RESULTS

At last follow-up 9.2% of patients were lost; 28% of patients in group A and 64% of patients in group B had excellent International Knee Documentation Committee score (grade A); 66% of patients in group A and 32% of patients in group B had good International Knee Documentation Committee scores (grade B). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Femoral press-fit fixation of bone- patellar tendon- bone autograft provides stable fixation at low cost, it ensures unlimited bone-to-bone healing and high primary stability, avoiding the disadvantages of hardware and the need for removal in case of revision.

Short-term complications in intra- and extra-articular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Comparison with the literature on isolated intra-articular reconstruction. A multicenter study by the French Arthroscopy Society

INTRODUCTION

Lateral tenodesis (LT) is performed to limit the risk of iterative tear following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in at-risk patients. By adding an extra procedure to isolated ACL graft, LT reconstruction increases operating time and may complicate postoperative course. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the rate of early complications. The study hypothesis was that associating ALL reconstruction to ACL reconstruction does not increase the complications rate found with isolated ACL reconstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective multicenter study included 392 patients: 70% male; mean age, 29.9 years; treated by associated ACL and LT reconstruction. All adverse events were inventoried.

RESULTS

Mean hospital stay was 2 days, with 46% day-surgery. Walking was resumed at a mean 27 days, with an advantage for patients treated by the hamstring technique. The early postoperative complications rate was 12%, with 1.7% specifically implicating LT reconstruction: pain, hematoma, stiffness in flexion and extension, and infection. There was a 5% rate of surgical revision during the first year, predominantly comprising arthrolysis for extension deficit. The 1-year recurrence rate was 2.8%.

DISCUSSION

The complications rate for combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction was no higher than for isolated intra-articular ACL reconstruction, with no increase in infection or stiffness rates. The rate of complications specific to ALL reconstruction was low, at 1.7%, and mainly involved fixation error causing lateral soft-tissue impingement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, prospective multicenter study.

Midterm results of combined intra- and extra-articular ACL reconstruction compared to historical ACL reconstruction data. Multicenter study of the French Arthroscopy Society

INTRODUCTION

During anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures, anterolateral reconstruction (ALR) can also be performed to improve the knee's rotational stability. However, the effectiveness of this supplemental technique and its impact on the risk of retears and on the onset of secondary degenerative changesare controversial.

HYPOTHESIS

ALR improves control over the pivot shift, reduces the retear risk and delays the appearance of secondary degenerative lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical examination, knee laxity measurements and X-ray evaluations were done in 478 patients with more than 3years' follow-up after combined ACL and ALR from 11 participating hospitals. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 28years. Eighty-eight percent of the patients participated in pivot sports and 45% were competitive athletes. The findings of this study were compared to historical isolated ACL reconstruction data.

RESULTS

The average follow-up was 6.8years. No detectable pivot shift was found in 83% of patients, while 12.8% of patient had a smooth glide. The side-to-side difference in anteroposterior knee laxity with maximum manual force was less than 3mm in 66% of patients and less than 5mm in 95%. The retear rate was 5.4%, with half of these patients undergoing revision ACL surgery. Secondary meniscus damage requiring surgery occurred in 6.3% of patients; the radiological osteoarthritis rate was 17.5%.

DISCUSSION

When compared to historical ACL reconstruction data, combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction does not increase the complication rate. At a mean follow-up of 6.8years, it provides better control over the pivot shift along with a low retear rate and low occurrence of secondary meniscus injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, multicenter study.

Long-term Results of Arthroscopic Arthrolysis for Arthrofibrosis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE

The current study was conducted to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic arthrolysis for arthrofibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

METHODS

All patients treated with arthrolysis between 1990 and 1998 were included. Indication was arthrofibrosis in at least one knee compartment or a cyclops syndrome limiting range of motion (ROM) by > 5° of extension deficit and 15° of flexion deficit. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 subjective and objective, Lysholm score, and x-ray evaluation were documented. Statistical analysis and power calculation were performed (P < .05).

RESULTS

One hundred forty-one patients (follow-up, 71%) were examined at a mean of 18.7 ± 2.6 years after arthroscopic arthrolysis. Mean IKDC 2000 score was 79.49 ± 14.32. IKDC objective was normal in 0%, nearly normal in 6%, abnormal in 56%, and severely abnormal in 38%. One hundred percent of patients showed more than grade II osteoarthritis. ROM improvement after arthrolysis did not change significantly compared with midterm results (t = 4.5 years). Patients with persisting motion deficits (P = .02) and after medial meniscus resection (P < .001) at time of ACLR showed significantly greater progression of osteoarthritis in comparison with patients without these additional disorders. In case of arthrolysis later than 1 year after ACLR, a more severe osteoarthritis grade (4% vs 20% grade III; P = .038) and a lower jump distance (IKDC: 61% A, 25% B vs 39% A, 41% B; P = .028) were obvious compared with patients who underwent arthrolysis within the first year after ACLR.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term motion improvement can be achieved by arthrolysis. Persistent loss of motion resulted in a higher degree of osteoarthritis in the study population. Early intervention seems advisable as patients with arthrolysis later than 1 year after index surgery reached worse IKDC objective grading.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes

BACKGROUND

Competitive athletes value the ability to return to competitive play after the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. ACL reconstruction has high success rates for return to play, but some studies indicate that patients may do well with nonoperative physical therapy treatment.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of acute ACL tears with either initial surgical reconstruction or physical therapy in competitive athletes.

STUDY DESIGN

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

The incremental cost, incremental effectiveness, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of ACL reconstruction compared with physical therapy were calculated from a cost-effectiveness analysis of ACL reconstruction compared with physical therapy for the initial management of acute ACL injuries in competitive athletes. The ACL reconstruction strategy and the physical therapy strategy were represented as Markov models. Costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were evaluated over a 6-year time horizon and were analyzed from a societal perspective. Quality of life and probabilities of clinical outcomes were obtained from the peer-reviewed literature, and costs were compiled from a large academic hospital in the United States. One-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to assess the effect of uncertainty in variables on the ICER of ACL reconstruction.

RESULTS

The ICER of ACL reconstruction compared with physical therapy was $22,702 per QALY gained. The ICER was most sensitive to the quality of life of returning to play or not returning to play, costs, and duration of follow-up but relatively insensitive to the rates and costs of complications, probabilities of return to play for both operative and nonoperative treatments, and discount rate.

CONCLUSION

ACL reconstruction is a cost-effective strategy for competitive athletes with an ACL injury.

[The time-related risk for knee osteoarthritis after ACL injury. Results from a systematic review]

AIM

The aim of this review was to evaluate the time-related risk for knee osteoarthritis in patients after ACL injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The primary search was carried out in different medical databases with the deadline 12.01.2014. The search strategy for the evaluation was [ACL] AND [osteoarthritis] including "all fields". All 1656 title/abstracts were reviewed by two independent researchers who selected 140 papers for full text review. Finally, a total of 21 relevant publications were identified for inclusion in this current paper.

RESULTS

The incidence of knee osteoarthritis rises significantly over time. Two years after injury it was 6.9%, after 5 years 32.2%, after 7 years 36.3%, and after 10 years 79.6%. At the same time, the crude relative risk of OA rises as the time interval since injury increases. The relative risk of OA has already doubled by 2 years after ACL injury). By 7 years it has increased fivefold and compared with OA status at the time of injury it is still increasing significantly after 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACL injury is a significant risk factor for the development of early-onset secondary knee osteoarthritis. Within 5 years of the injury the knee shows clear signs of osteoarthritis on MRI. However, these lesions are often not associated with any clinical signs. Knee osteoarthritis as a severe disease starts 8 years or later after the injury, when it requires treatment.

Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of ankle, knee, hip, and pelvic rotation during gait in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction - early results

Background

The goal of this study was to biomechanically assess tibial rotation in the knee joint simultaneous changes in rotation of large joints of the lower limbs and pelvis during gait in patients during early postoperative stages following anterior cruciate ligament (ACLR) reconstruction.

We hypothesized that tibial rotation is associated with changes in rotation of the large joints of the lower limbs and the pelvis during gait in patients after ACLR reconstruction.

Methods

The patients were divided into two groups. The ACLR group (n = 32 males) underwent primary ACLR in one leg and postoperative physiotherapy. The control group (n = 30 males) had no knee injuries. After clinical assessment in both groups, the values of kinematic parameters of foot, tibial, femoral, and pelvic rotation were measured during gait on a flat surface using the three-dimensional BTS Smart System. In the ACLR group, measurements were taken during the 4th, 9th, and 14th weeks of postoperative physiotherapy. The results of the ACLR group were compared with those of the control group.

Results

During gait, between the 9th and 14th weeks following ACLR, there are normal values of foot, tibia, and pelvic rotation in the operated legs compared with results obtained from un-operated legs and the control group.

Discussion

Analysis of rotations occurring only in knee joints does not reflect all of the multiarticular disorders of gait kinematics. The study also suggests that analyzing tibial rotation in the knee joint with simultaneous changes in rotation in large joints of the lower limbs provides better opportunities than singular analysis of rotation in the knee joint for the assessment of disorders in gait kinematics.

Conclusions

In gait, at the maximal extension of the knee during preparation for the stance phase, external hip rotation patterns have not been fully restored 14 weeks after ACLR.

Tissue engineering of ligaments for reconstructive surgery

PURPOSE

The use of musculoskeletal bioengineering and regenerative medicine applications in orthopaedic surgery has continued to evolve. The aim of this systematic review was to address tissue-engineering strategies for knee ligament reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic review of PubMed/Medline using the terms "knee AND ligament" AND "tissue engineering" OR "regenerative medicine" was performed. Two authors performed the search, independently assessed the studies for inclusion, and extracted the data for inclusion in the review. Both preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed, and the articles deemed most relevant were included in this article to provide relevant basic science and recent clinical translational knowledge concerning "tissue-engineering" strategies currently used in knee ligament reconstruction.

RESULTS

A total of 224 articles were reviewed in our initial PubMed search. Non-English-language studies were excluded. Clinical and preclinical studies were identified, and those with a focus on knee ligament tissue-engineering strategies including stem cell-based therapies, growth factor administration, hybrid biomaterial, and scaffold development, as well as mechanical stimulation modalities, were reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

The body of knowledge surrounding tissue-engineering strategies for ligament reconstruction continues to expand. Presently, various tissue-engineering techniques have some potential advantages, including faster recovery, better ligamentization, and possibly, a reduction of recurrence. Preclinical research of these novel therapies continues to provide promising results. There remains a need for well-designed, high-powered comparative clinical studies to serve as a foundation for successful translation into the clinical setting going forward.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Comparison of tendon-bone healing between autografts and allografts after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to compare tendon-bone healing between autograft tendons and allograft tendons after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

A total of 36 participants (18 with autograft and 18 with allograft reconstruction) underwent MRI scans at least 2 years after the ACL reconstruction operation. Oblique axial images were obtained on three-dimensional dual-echo steady-state images and imported into solid modelling software for three-dimensional model reconstruction of the bone tunnel. The graft signal intensity in the tunnel, tendon-bone interface, tunnel morphology, and tunnel area was analysed using the Siemens software packages to determine the tendon-bone healing between the groups.

RESULTS

For the tunnel morphology, both groups exhibited bone tunnel enlargement either at the femoral or tibial tunnel aperture. For the tendon-bone interface, one patient in the autograft group and two patients in the allograft group exhibited a significant fibrous scar tissue bands at the tendon-bone interface. The graft signal/noise quotient values of the allograft group were higher than the autograft group. However, there was no significant difference in the tunnel area between the allograft group and the autograft group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the autograft tendons exhibited a better remodelling effect than did the allograft tendons in the bone tunnel, there was no significant difference in the tendon-bone healing between the autograft tendons and the allograft tendons postoperatively. These findings indicate that the biomechanical effect of graft motion may play a significant role in the tunnel aperture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Arthroscopic BPTB graft reconstruction in ACL ruptures: 15-year results and survival

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the 15-year results and survival of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using the central-third patellar bone-tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft.

METHODS

ACL BPTB reconstruction was performed in 250 consecutive patients. Of these patients, 88% returned for a follow-up examination at 15 years after reconstruction. Therefore, 220 patients were studied. Mean time from injury to intervention was 3.4months (range 2 to 16). The parameters for assessment of results were subjective satisfaction, clinical examination (pivot-shift test, Lachman test with KT-1000), recovery of pre-injury activity level, and long-leg standing radiographs. We also evaluated the presence of meniscal and/or chondral injuries during the procedure. Failure rates were also evaluated. We defined a failure as severe instability not compatible with the activities of daily living (ADL) due to graft rupture.

RESULTS

8.2% of patients required a revision procedure because of graft rupture. In subjective terms, 98.1% of patients said that they were satisfied with the surgical outcomes after 15 years. Pivot shift test was normal in 93.5% at 15 years. Lachman test (KT-1000) was normal in 95.4% at 15 years. Fifteen years after surgery, 90% of patients recovered their pre-injury activity level. In 25.4% of patients symptomatic osteoarthritic changes in the knee were found at 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The survival prevalence of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using the central-third patellar bone-tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft at 15 years was 94.8%. Fifteen years after surgery, 90% of patients recovered their pre-injury activity level. In 25.4% of patients symptomatic osteoarthritic changes in the knee were found at 15 years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

ACL reconstruction using bone-patella tendon-bone autograft: press-fit technique vs. interference screw fixation

PURPOSE

The gold standard in ACL reconstructions has been the bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft fixed with interference screws. This prospective, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare two methods of fixation for BPTB grafts: press-fit fixation vs. interference screw, over a 12-month follow-up interval.

METHODS

158 patients with an average age of 29.8 years, between 2011 and 2012, were treated for torn ACL. 82 patients underwent reconstruction with BPTB autograft with a press fit fixation technique, and in 76 cases an interference screw was used. At the time of final follow-up, 71 patients in press-fit group and 65 patients in interference screw group were evaluated in terms of return to pre-injury activity level, pain, knee stability, range of motion, IKDC score and complications.

RESULTS

At 12-month follow-up, 59 (83 %) and 55 (85 %) in press-fit and screw group, respectively had good-to-excellent IKDC score (p > 0.05). The mean laxity assessed using a KT-1000 arthrometer improved to 2.7 and 2.5 mm in press-fit and screw group, respectively. Regarding Lachman and pivot shift test, there was a statistically significant improvement in the integrity of the ACL in both the groups, but no significant differences was noted between groups. There were no significant differences in terms of femur circumference difference, effusion, knee range of motion, pain and complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The press-fit technique is an efficient procedure. Its outcome was comparable with the interference screw group. Furthermore it has unlimited bone-to-bone healing, no need for removal of hardware, ease for revision and cost effectiveness.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury after more than 20 years: I. Physical activity level and knee function

Little is known about physical activity level and knee function including jump capacity and fear of movement/reinjury more than 20 years after injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Seventy persons with unilateral ACL injury participated (23 ± 2 years post-injury): 33 treated with physiotherapy in combination with surgical reconstruction (ACLR ), and 37 treated with physiotherapy alone (ACLPT ). These were compared with 33 age- and gender-matched controls. Assessment included knee-specific and general physical activity level [Tegner activity scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)], knee function [Lysholm score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)], jump capacity (one-leg hop, vertical jump, side hops), and fear of movement/reinjury [Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK)]. Outcomes were related to degree of osteoarthritis (OA). ACL-injured had lower Lysholm, KOOS, and Tegner scores than controls (P < 0.001), while IPAQ score was similar. ACL-injured demonstrated inferior jump capacity in injured compared with noninjured leg (6-25%, P < 0.001-P = 0.010 in the different jumps), while noninjured leg had equal jump capacity as controls. ACL groups scored 33 ± 7 and 32 ± 7 of 68 on TSK. Lower scores on Lysholm and KOOS symptom were seen for persons with moderate-to-high OA than for no-or-low OA, while there were no differences for physical activity and jump capacity. Regardless of treatment, there are still negative knee-related effects of ACL injury more than 20 years later.

Implant-free ACL reconstruction: a review

Implant-free anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the fixation of ACL grafts without the need for artificial implants. Our aim was to study the evolution of this technique, review the biomechanical evidence and summarise the results. Implant-free graft fixation for bone patella tendon ACL reconstruction was first described in 1987. This concept of implant-free graft fixation was adapted for hamstring and quadriceps tendons as alternative graft sources. Various biomechanical studies have reported that by adhering to certain technical details, this technique provides comparable fixation strength as conventional ACL fixation. The outcome studies of implant-free ACL reconstruction also report clinical results similar to ACL reconstruction with conventional implants.