Outcomes of one-stage reconstruction for chronic multiligament injuries of knee

Anatomic reconstruction of the posteromedial corner of the knee: The Versailles technique

INTRODUCTION

Multiligament knee injury with posteromedial laxity is serious and usually requires surgery. Reconstruction is preferable to repair. The main aim of the present study was to report clinical results and laximetry for an original posteromedial corner (PMC) allograft reconstruction technique known as The Versailles Technique. The secondary aim was to determine prognostic factors for surgery. The study hypothesis was that anatomic PMC reconstruction by tendon allograft provides satisfactory medium-term clinical and laximetric results.

METHODS

A retrospective study assessed postoperative clinical and laximetric results after PMC allograft reconstruction at a minimum 12 months' follow-up. Laxity was assessed on comparative bilateral stress X-rays, and functional results on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Lysholm score and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were included between 2013 and 2019. Mean follow-up was 27.4±9 months. Mean subjective IKDC score was 69.21±17.36, mean Lysholm score 77.78±14.98 and mean KOOS 66.44±18.52.

OBJECTIVE

IKDC results were 77% grade A, 22% grade B, and 0% grade C or D. Mean medial differential laxity in forced varus was 0.83±1.26mm. Mean subjective IKDC scores were poorer in Schenck KD-III than KD-I (p=0.03). Functional results were comparable with acute and with chronic laxity. Age correlated inversely with median KOOS (p=0.009). There was no correlation between postoperative radiologic laxity in forced varus and functional results.

DISCUSSION

Versailles anatomic PMC allograft reconstruction for acute or chronic posteromedial knee laxity showed medium-term efficacy in restoring good objective and subjective stability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective observational study.

Surgical approach on combined chronic patellar tendon and bicruciate knee ligament injury

A combined injury of the patellar tendon and both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments is disabling. It directly affects knee kinematics and biomechanics, presenting a considerable surgical challenge. In this complex and uncommon injury, decision-making should take into account the surgeon's experience and consider one- or two-stage surgery, tendon graft, graft fixation, and rehabilitation protocol. This manuscript discusses the surgical approach based on a comprehensive understanding of the patellar tendon and bicruciate biomechanics to guide which structures should be reconstructed first, especially when a two-stage procedure is chosen.

Outcomes of multiligament knee injury treated with versus without internal brace suture augmentation

PURPOSE

To compare the postoperative outcomes between Internal Brace (IB) and non-IB patients who underwent surgical management of multiple-ligament knee injuries (MLKI).

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgical management of MLKI at two institutions between 2010 and 2020 were identified and offered participation in the study via the collection of postoperative functional outcomes for MLKI; Lysholm Knee score, Multiligament Quality of Life (ML-QOL), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive testing (CAT), Pain Interference (PI), Physical Function (PF), and Mobility instruments (MI). The postoperative outcomes and reoperation rates were compared between the IB group and non-IB group.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-six patients were analyzed; 89 were included in the IB group (31.5% female; age 35.6 ± 1.4 years), and 37 were included in the non-IB group (25.7% female; age 38.8 ± 2.4 years). Mean follow-up time of the entire cohort was 37.9 ± 4.7 months [IB: 21.8 + 1.63; non-IB: 76.4 ± 6.2, p < 0.001). The IB group achieved similar PROMIS CAT [PROMIS Pain (51.8 + 1.1 vs. 52.1 + 1.6, p = 0.8736), Physical Function (46.6 + 1.2 vs. 46.4 + 1.8, p = 0.9168), Mobility (46.0 + 1.0 vs. 43.7 + 1.6, p = 0.2185)], ML-QOL [ML-QOL Physical Impairment (36.6 + 2.5 vs. 43.5 ± 4.2, p = 0.1485), Emotional Impairment (42.5 + 2.9 vs. 48.6 ± 4.6, p = 0.2695), Activity Limitation (34.5 + 2.8 vs. 36.2 ± 4.3, p = 0.7384), Societal Involvement (39.1 + 3.0 vs. 41.7 + 4.2, p = 0.6434)] and Lysholm knee score (64.9 + 2.5 vs. 60.4 + 4.0, p = 0.3397) postoperatively compared the non-IB group, but the differences were not significant.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of patients with MLKI treated with versus without IB, outcomes and reoperation rates trended toward favoring IB, but the study was not sufficiently powered to reach statistical significance. Internal bracing could be useful in the management of MLKI. In the future, matched patient cohorts with more patients are warranted to further evaluate the clinical impact of the internal brace in MLKI.

Satisfactory Outcomes and Improved Range of Motion With Arthroscopic Lysis of Adhesions and Manipulation for Arthrofibrosis After Multiligamentous Knee Reconstruction

Purpose

To (1) evaluate the efficacy of surgery for arthrofibrosis (AF), as measured by preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), and (2) evaluate patient-reported outcomes at mid- to long-term follow-up.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database including patients who sustained multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) managed surgically, sustained loss of ROM after surgical intervention, and underwent subsequent lysis of adhesions (LOA) and/or manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). Loss of ROM was defined as clinically symptomatic loss of terminal extension (flexion deformity) and/or flexion compared with the contralateral side.

Results

In total, 12 patients (6 male and 6 female patients; age, 36.0 ± 8.7 years; body mass index, 36.3 ± 8.7) met the inclusion criteria and underwent LOA and/or MUA at a mean of 14 ± 27 months (median, 4.0 months; interquartile range, 3.5-9.3 months) after MLKI surgery. Prior to AF intervention, patients showed mean flexion of 75.9° ± 36.0° (range, 30°-129°), mean extension of 3.2° ± 5.2° (range, 0°-12°), and a mean arc of motion of 72.7° ± 34.1° (range, 30°-117°). At a mean follow-up of 7.0 ± 3.9 years (range, 2.4-16.6 years) after AF intervention, patients showed a significant increase in knee flexion of 49° (P = .003), a significant increase in arc of motion of 51° (P = .002), and an increase in extension of 3° (P = .086). The mean final International Knee Documentation Committee score was 59.5 ± 23.9; Lysholm score, 72.1 ± 20.6; Tegner activity scale score, 5.6 ± 2.8; visual analog scale score at rest, 1.0 ± 1.6; and visual analog scale score with use, 3.3 ± 2.5. At final follow-up, 2 patients (17%) had undergone conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at 10.3 and 24.8 years after MLKI surgery. Of the 10 patients who did not go on to TKA, 9 (90%) reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their AF knee surgery.

Conclusions

At mid-term follow-up, LOA and/or MUA for symptomatic AF after multiligamentous knee surgery results in high rates of patient satisfaction and improved knee ROM and pain scores, as well as durable and satisfactory functional outcomes in patients not undergoing TKA.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Incidence and type of meniscal tears in multilligament injured knees

PURPOSE

Meniscal injuries occurring during multi-ligament knee injuries (MLKI) are underreported. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and type of meniscal tears seen at the time of multi-ligament reconstruction surgery compared to those occurring during isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgical treatment for MLKI and ACL-only injuries between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. Two-hundred and thirty-five patients were included in the MLKI group. There were 131 chronic injuries and 104 acute injuries. Two-hundred and twenty-two ACL-only chronic injuries were used as a control group for comparison with the chronic MLKI group. Demographic data, type of meniscal tears, ligament injury patterns (Schenck classification) and time from injury to surgery were recorded. A delayed procedure was defined by a 4-week interval after the knee injury.

RESULTS

A meniscus was torn in 69 knees (29.4%): 36 knees (15.3%) with an isolated medial meniscus tear, 33 knees (17.9%) with an isolated lateral meniscus tear,.Nine knees (3.8%) had both menisci torn. MLKI with medial or lateral-sided bicruciate ligament injuries (KDIIIM-KDIIIL) were significantly associated with a lower rate of meniscal tears than knee injuries involving the ACL-only and medial/lateral-sided ligament injuries (KDI) (medial-sided injuries p = 0.025; lateral-sided injuries p = 0.049). Lateral-sided injuries had significantly less meniscal damage than medial-sided injuries: 22/124 (17.7%) vs. 41/100 (41%); (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found for frequency, type and distribution of meniscal tears between acute and chronic MLKI surgery. ACL-only chronic injuries were associated with a higher rate of meniscal tears: 123/222 knees (55.4%) vs. 35/131 (26.9%) chronic MLKI; (p < 0.001), mainly involving the medial meniscus: 102/222 (46%) vs. 18/131 (13.7%); (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Meniscal tears were less common in the MLKI group than in the isolated ACL injury group. The degree of ligament injury patterns and the side of the injured collateral ligament influenced the type and incidence of meniscal damage. Contrary to isolated ACL injuries, a delayed procedure was not associated with a higher rate of meniscal lesions but did influence the type of treatment. Understanding of meniscal tears patterns in MLKI helps to improve the treatment management of these complex injuries.

Full-thickness peroneus longus tendon autograft for anterior cruciate reconstruction in multi-ligament injury and revision cases: outcomes and donor site morbidity

PURPOSE

Peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft has been successfully used for isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction cases. Being a powerful evertor and flexor of great toe, there might be associated ankle morbidity with this autograft option. However, there are only a few studies exploring whether the ankle morbidity is significant or not. This study aims to assess the functional outcomes, donor site morbidity, and ankle strength after harvesting ipsilateral peroneus longus autograft for ACL reconstruction in revision ACL and multi-ligament injury cases.

METHODS

This was a prospective case series. All of the patients were evaluated by clinical examination for knee for laxity, ankle joint stability, and using visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Lysholm score, preoperatively and postoperatively at two-year follow-up. Morbidity of donor ankle was assessed using American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, bilateral evertors, and first ray plantarflexion strength measurement using an isometer (Innovative Design Orthopedics) at two-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Ipsilateral PLT graft was used in ten patients of revision ACL reconstruction and 27 patients of the multi-ligament knee injury. The mean length of PLT harvested (cm) was 26.2 (standard deviation 2.6, range 22-31), and mean diameter of the doubled graft (mm) was 7.9 (standard deviation 0.68, range 7.5-8.5). There was a significant improvement in VAS score for pain, Lysholm, and IKDC scores (p =  < 0.001) at two -year follow-up. There were no cases of graft failure, superficial, or deep infection. Ankle dorsiflexion(p = 0.32), ankle plantarflexion (p = 0.19), eversion strength(p = 0.6), first ray plantarflexion strength(p = 0.52), and AOFAS score(p = 0.29) were found to be comparable to the normal side in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Peroneus longus autograft can be considered as a potential autograft option for ACL reconstruction in multi-ligament knee injuries and revision ACL reconstruction. No significant donor site morbidity was noted at follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Arthrofibrosis is a common but poorly defined complication in multiligament knee injuries: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to systematically review multiligament knee injury (MLKI) outcome studies to determine definitions of arthrofibrosis (AF) and provide information about incidence, management as well as potential risk factors.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed (PubMed and Cochrane library) following the PRISMA guidelines of operatively treated MLKI (Schenck II-IV) studies reporting the incidence of AF. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Injury pattern, timing of surgery, surgical technique, treatment of AF, rehabilitation programs and PROMS were inquired. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using the Coleman methodological score.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies with a total of 709 patients with a mean age of 33.6 ± 4.8 years were included and followed 47.2 ± 32.0 months. The majority of studies (22/25) used imprecise and subjective definitions of AF. A total of 86 patients were treated for AF, resulting in an overall prevalence of 12.1% (range 2.8-57.1). Higher-grade injuries (Schenck III-IV), acute treatment and ROM (range of motion) limiting rehabilitation programs were potential risk factors for AF. The time from index surgery to manipulation anesthesia (MUA) and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions (LOA) averaged at 14.3 ± 8.8 and 27.7 ± 12.8 weeks. Prior to MUA and LOA, the ROM was 51.7° ± 23.5 and 80.2° ± 17.0, resulting in a total ROM gain after intervention of 65.0° ± 19.7 and 48.0° ± 10.6, respectively; with no reports of any complication within the follow-up. The overall methodological quality of the studies was poor as measured by the Coleman score with average 56.3 ± 12.5 (range 31-84) points.

CONCLUSIONS

AF is a common but poorly defined complication particularly in high-grade MLKI. Early postoperative and intensified physiotherapy is important to reduce the risk of AF. MUA and LOA are very effective treatment options and result in good clinical outcome. Prospective studies with bigger study population are needed to optimize treatment algorithms of further patients after MLKI. The protocol of this systematic review has been prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021229187, January 4th, 2021).

Knee Multiligament Reconstruction: ACL / PCL / MCL

Background:

Multiligament knee injury (MLKI) is a rare, complex injury that requires surgical intervention. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding optimal timing, staging, and graft choice for ligament reconstruction.

Indications:

Delayed, single-stage reconstruction offers the advantage of attaining improved preoperative range of motion and potential healing of extra-articular ligaments and may be necessary in the setting of multitrauma.

Technique Description:

A hamstring graft was harvested and diagnostic arthroscopy performed. Three posterior portals were made for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. Femoral and tibial pins were placed for both PCL and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tunnels, positions confirmed with fluoroscopy, and tunnels drilled over the pins. The Achilles allograft was shuttled through the femoral and tibial PCL tunnels in anterograde fashion and fixed with a metal interference screw on the femoral side. The hamstring autograft was passed through the ACL tunnels and suspended on the femoral side. Tibial fixation of both grafts was achieved with biocomposite interference. Medial collateral ligament reconstruction was performed through the medial incision from hamstring harvesting. The semitendinosis allograft was passed and fixed with screws and spiked washers. Fluoroscopy confirmed that screw trajectory did not interfere with the ACL or PCL tunnels.

Results:

Bagherifard et al reported a study of 41 consecutive patients with MLKI who underwent single-stage reconstruction with autograft and/or allograft. Mean postoperative Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were 86.9 and 70, respectively, and only 7 patients experienced restricted range of motion. Billieres et al reported a study of 23 patients with MLKIs who underwent single-stage reconstruction with allograft only. Mean postoperative Lysholm and IKDC scores were 77.3 and 67.2, respectively, and 19 patients returned to sport. Goyal et al reported a study of 27 patients with MLKI who underwent single-stage reconstruction greater than 6 weeks after injury. At 2 years, there were significant improvements in Visual Analog Scale, IKDC, and Lysholm scores, and no patients had residual laxity of the knee joint.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Single-stage reconstruction of MLKIs is an effective intervention that has been supported in literature; however, further studies are necessary to determine optimal surgical timing and graft type. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Early medial reconstruction combined with severely injured medial collateral ligaments can decrease residual medial laxity in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to describe an anatomic medial knee reconstruction technique for combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and grade III medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries and to assess knee function and stability restoration in patients who underwent primary MCL reconstruction compared with primary repair.

METHODS

A total of 105 patients who had undergone anatomic ACL reconstruction between 2008 and 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective study and divided into two groups according to concomitant MCL ruptures. Group A included patients with isolated ACL ruptures without MCL injuries. Group B included patients with both ACL and MCL injuries, and it was subdivided into three groups according to the severity of the MCL injury and treatment modality: B-1, grade I or II MCL injury treated conservatively; B-2: grade III MCL injury treated by primary MCL repair; and B-3: grade III MCL injury treated by primary reconstruction. Knee stability was measured via Telos valgus radiography at 6-month and 2-year postoperative. The Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, Likert scales (satisfaction), and return to previous sports were evaluated at 2-year postoperative.

RESULTS

At 6-month postoperative, there was no significant difference in medial laxity between the B-2 and B-3 groups. However, at 2-year postoperative, medial laxity were significantly higher both at 30° of flexion (5.2° versus 2.2°, p = 0.020) and at full extension (3.4° versus 1.1°, p < 0.001) in patients in B-2 group compared to those in B-3 group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to Lysholm scores, Tegner activity levels, Likert scales (satisfaction), and returning to previous sports at the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Primary medial reconstruction combined with severely injured MCL in ACL reconstruction may decrease residual medial laxity more than primary repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective observational study, IV.

Knee joint dislocation: overview and current concepts

Knee joint dislocation is a relatively uncommon injury but its management is important because of the associated high risk of vascular, neurological and multi-ligamentous knee injuries. Clinicians must be aware that not all knee dislocations are diagnosed on plain X-rays; a high index of suspicion is required based on clinical evaluation. Multidisciplinary specialist care is required in all cases to achieve best outcomes. Early one-stage or multiple staged ligament repair and reconstruction offer better outcomes, but most patients have some long-term functional limitation. This article provides insights into the epidemiology and management of this injury and its devastating effects.

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.