Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Research Articles

Investigation of the anatomic risk factors in acute anterior cruciate ligament ruptures to develop ramp lesions of the medial meniscus by quantitative MRI

ObjectiveTo investigate the anatomic risk factors of knee in patients with acute non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (aACL) ruptures to develop ramp lesions.MethodsA total of 202 subjects were retrospectively divided into three groups: (1) aACL ruptures combined with ramp lesions group (n = 76); (2) isolated ACL ruptures group (n = 56) and (3) normal controls group (n = 70). Quantitative morphological parameters on MRI were measured including: diameter of medial femoral condyle (MFC), anterior-posterior length and depth of medial tibial plateau (MTP AP length and depth), lateral posterior tibial slope (LPTS) and medial posterior tibial slope (MTPS), asymmetry of LPTS and MPTS (LMPTS), lateral meniscal slope (LMS), and medial meniscal slope (MMS).ResultsThe MTP AP length, MTP AP length/MFC diameter ratio, MTP depth, LPTS and the asymmetry of LMPTS showed significant differences among the three groups (p < 0.001). The risk factors associated with the ramp lesions including a longer MTP AP length (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00–1.44, p = 0.044), increased MTP depth (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.22–3.00, p = 0.005) and lager ratio (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.22, p = 0.036). The highest AUC was the MTP AP length/MFC diameter ratio (0.74; 95% CI, 0.66–0.82). The combination model increased higher accuracy (0.80; 95% CI, 0.72–0.88).ConclusionSeveral bony anatomic characteristics of the knee, especially the morphology of medial tibia plateau, are additional risk factors for aACL ruptures to develop ramp lesions.Critical relevance statementPredictive anatomic risk factors of the knee for patients with acute non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (aACL) ruptures to develop ramp lesions, especially the morphology of medial tibia plateau, are detectable by MRI.Key PointsRamp lesion development can complicate aACL ruptures and requires specific treatment.Longer AP length and increased MTP depth are risk factors for concurrent ramp lesions.Identification of ramp lesions allows for the most appropriate treatment.Graphical

Acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture: can repair become an alternative to reconstruction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies

PurposeTo perform a meta-analysis to compare clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair and ACL reconstruction for acute ACL rupture.MethodWe searched Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to seek relevant studies. Clinical outcomes included failure rate, hardware removal rate, anteroposterior (AP) knee laxity, and patient-reported outcomes. In addition, subgroup analysis was carried out according to repair techniques, rupture locations, and study designs. Funnel plots were used to detect publication bias. All statistical analysis was performed using STATA (version 14.2, StataCorp).ResultsA total of 10 articles were included in this study, comprising 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 cohort studies, involving a total of 549 patients. We found no statistical differences between the ACL repair and ACL reconstruction in the following outcomes: failure rate, AP knee laxity, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) Score, and Tegner score. However, the ACL repair group had a higher hardware removal rate. Except for AP knee laxity results on different repair techniques, there was no statistical difference in other subgroup analyses.ConclusionCompared with ACL reconstruction, ACL repair shows similar results in clinical outcomes, and it is promising to be an effective alternative treatment for acute ACL rupture. Larger samples and higher-quality studies are needed to support our results and further explore the advantages of ACL repair in other aspects.Level of evidenceLevel III.

High incidence of RAMP lesions and a nonnegligible incidence of anterolateral ligament and posterior oblique ligament rupture in acute ACL injury.

The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior oblique ligament (POL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) tears and different types of RAMP lesions of patients with verified acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI was performed on patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute ACL injury. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an initially clinically noted ACL tear confirmed on MRI within 30 days of trauma. A total of 146 patients were included in the study, 42 (28.8%) females and 104 (71.2%) males. The mean age at MRI was 27.2 ± 9.4 years, and the mean time from injury to MRI was 15.7 ± 7.8 days. Thirty-four (23.3%) patients had a complete MCL lesion, 32 (21.9%) had a complete POL lesion and 28 (19.2%) had a complete ALL lesion. One hundred and fourteen patients (78.1%) presented with RAMP lesions, while 20 (13.7%) patients reported other meniscal lesions. The mean medial and lateral tibial slopes were 4.0° ± 2.7° and 4.0° ± 3.1°, respectively. Only 10 (6.8%) patients reported no lesions associated with ACL rupture. The most common injuries were isolated RAMP type 3 (18-12.3%) and isolated RAMP type 1 (17-11.6%). Thirteen (8.9%) patients had a combination of MCL, POL and ALL rupture. Isolated lesions of the ACL are extremely rare. In most cases, a single RAMP lesion should be investigated. In the presence of MCL injury, POL injury should always be suspected as well, while nearly 20% of patients present a rupture of the ALL. About one in 10 patients had three lesions (MCL, ALL and POL), and most of them had a combined RAMP lesion. Level IV.

Knee-Related Quality of Life Compared Between 20 and 35 Years After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Treated Surgically With Primary Repair or Reconstruction, or Nonsurgically

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is affected up to 5 years after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Knee impairment and osteoarthritis (OA) development increase over time, and this may affect QoL at a long-term follow-up. Purpose: To investigate changes in health- and knee-related QoL between 20 and 35 years after ACL injury and compare it between patients treated with or without ACL surgery, as well as to study how symptomatic OA (SOA) is associated with change in QoL. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Between 1980 and 1983, 139 patients with acute ACL rupture were allocated to surgical or nonsurgical treatment of the ACL. Both groups completed a structured rehabilitation program. Of those patients, 59 were followed for 20 and 35 years after ACL rupture. After 10 crossovers, 33 patients were treated with primary repair or ACL reconstruction, and 26 were treated without ACL surgery. Combined radiographic OA and knee symptoms at 35 years was defined as SOA. QoL was assessed at 20 and 35 years after injury with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score QoL (KOOS-QoL) subscale (range, 1-100), ACL-QoL questionnaire (total score and 5 subscales; range, 1-100), European QoL–5 Dimensions Questionnaire, and visual analog scale. Results were analyzed with paired and independent-sample t tests and chi-square tests. Results: Knee-related QoL was impaired at both 20 and 35 years after ACL injury, and differences were dependent on the measurement outcome. In the total cohort, KOOS-QoL did not change but both total ACL-QoL score (7.1 points; 95% CI, 2.2-11.9) and 4 of 5 subscales (5-10 points) decreased (P < .05). No differences were found between treatment groups. QoL decreased overall in patients with SOA, with a 21-point difference within-group change in KOOS-QoL (SOA or non-SOA) between 20 and 35 years of follow-up (P = .001; Cohen d = 1.0). Conclusion: An ACL injury impairs knee-related QoL for up to 35 years, with no difference between treatment approaches (initial repair or later reconstruction compared with nonsurgical treatment). The deterioration decreases with longer follow-up. Clinicians should be aware of differences in QoL depending on the measurement outcome.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study and Analysis of Associated Factors From the SANTI Study Group

Background: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a process in which neural inhibition after injury or surgery to the knee results in quadriceps activation failure and knee extension deficit. Purpose: To determine the incidence and spectrum of the severity of AMI after acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury using the Sonnery-Cottet classification, to determine the interobserver reliability of the classification system, and to investigate potential important factors associated with AMI after ACL injury. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Consecutive patients who had an acute ACL injury between October 2021 and February 2022 were considered for study inclusion. Eligible patients underwent a standardized physical examination at their first outpatient appointment. This included an assessment of quadriceps inhibition, identification of any extension deficits, and grading of AMI and its reversibility according to the Sonnery-Cottet classification. Results: A total of 300 consecutive patients with acute ACL ruptures were prospectively enrolled in the study. Of them, 170 patients (56.7%) had AMI. Patients evaluated with AMI showed a significantly inferior Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Simple Knee Value, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score than patients without AMI (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of effusion, concomitant injuries, and high pain scores were associated with a significantly greater risk of AMI. Additional associations with the presence of AMI included a short duration between injury and evaluation, the use of crutches, and using a pillow as a support at night. In contrast, a previous ACL injury was associated with significantly lower odds of developing AMI (OR, 0.025; 95% CI, 0-0.2; P = .014). Among the 170 patients with AMI, 135 patients (79%) showed a resolution of their inhibition at the end of the consultation after application of simple exercises; the remaining 35 patients required specific rehabilitation. Interobserver reliability of the classification system was almost perfect (95% CI, 0.86-0.99). Conclusion: AMI occurs in over half of patients with acute ACL injuries. When it occurs, it is easily reversible in the majority of patients with simple exercises targeted at abolishing AMI. The presence of “red flags” should increase the index of suspicion for the presence of AMI, and these include the presence of an effusion, high pain scores, a short time between injury and evaluation, multiligament injuries, the use of crutches, and using a pillow as a support at night. Patients with a history of ipsilateral or contralateral ACL injury are at a significantly lower risk of AMI than those with a first-time ACL injury.

Differences in postoperative knee function based on concomitant treatment of lateral meniscal injury in the setting of primary ACL reconstruction

BackgroundConcomitant lateral meniscal (LM) injuries are common in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. However, the effect of addressing these injuries with various treatment methods during primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 2-, 5-, and 10-years after isolated primary ACLR to primary ACLR with various treatment methods to address concomitant LM injury.MethodsThis study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. Patients ≥ 15 years with data on postoperative KOOS who underwent primary ACLR between the years 2005 and 2018 were included in this study. The study population was divided into five groups: 1) Isolated ACLR, 2) ACLR + LM repair, 3) ACLR + LM resection, 4) ACLR + LM injury left in situ, and 5) ACLR + LM repair + LM resection. Patients with concomitant medial meniscal or other surgically treated ligament injuries were excluded.ResultsOf 31,819 included patients, 24% had LM injury. After post hoc comparisons, significantly lower scores were found for the KOOS Symptoms subscale in ACLR + LM repair group compared to isolated ACLR (76.0 vs 78.3, p = 0.0097) and ACLR + LM injury left in situ groups (76.0 vs 78.3, p = 0.041) at 2-year follow-up. However, at 10-year follow-up, no differences were found between ACLR + LM repair and isolated ACLR, but ACLR + LM resection resulted in significantly lower KOOS Symptoms scores compared to isolated ACLR (80.4 vs 82.3, p = 0.041).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that LM injury during ACLR is associated with lower KOOS scores, particularly in the Symptoms subscale, at short- and long-term follow-up. However, this finding falls below minimal clinical important difference and therefore may not be clinically relevant.Level of EvidenceIII.

Treatment of acute injury of the anterior cruciate ligament : Always only reconstruction?

The aim of treatment of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the return of the patient to an acceptable level of activity without giving way phenomena as well as adequate treatment of prognostically relevant concomitant lesions. The treatment of acute ACL ruptures can be either early reconstruction or a primary physiotherapy with optional later reconstruction. Which path is taken depends on possible concomitant injuries that require early surgical intervention (e.g., repairable meniscal injury or distal rupture of the medial collateral ligament) and on patient-specific factors (age, level of activity). Isolated ruptures of the ACL can also be primarily treated without surgery. Then the injured knee joint should first be so far conditioned by rehabilitative measures that pain, swelling and posttraumatic restriction of movement are improved and neuromuscular training can be started. A screening test consisting of jumping tests, patient-reported outcome measures and the testing for giving way phenomena can be suitable to differentiate compensators (copers) from noncompensators (non-copers). Surgical reconstruction of the ACL should be recommended to non-compensators in the sense of participatory decision-making. Activity modification (adapter) can also be considered as atreatment strategy. If instability events (giving way) or secondary meniscal lesions occur during nonsurgical therapy, cruciate ligament reconstruction should be considered.

Association of medial collateral ligament complex injuries with anterior cruciate ligament ruptures based on posterolateral tibial plateau injuries

BackgroundThe combined injury of the medial collateral ligament complex and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common two ligament injury of the knee. Additional injuries to the medial capsuloligamentous structures are associated with rotational instability and a high failure rate of ACL reconstruction. The study aimed to analyze the specific pattern of medial injuries and their associated risk factors, with the goal of enabling early diagnosis and initiating appropriate therapeutic interventions, if necessary.ResultsBetween January 2017 and December 2018, 151 patients with acute ACL ruptures with a mean age of 32 ± 12 years were included in this study. The MRIs performed during the acute phase were analyzed by four independent investigators—two radiologists and two orthopedic surgeons. The trauma impact on the posterolateral tibial plateau and associated injuries to the medial complex (POL, dMCL, and sMCL) were examined and revealed an injury to the medial collateral ligament complex in 34.4% of the patients. The dMCL was the most frequently injured structure (92.2%). A dMCL injury was significantly associated with an increase in trauma severity at the posterolateral tibial plateau (p < 0.02) and additional injuries to the sMCL (OR 4.702, 95% CL 1.3–133.3, p = 0.03) and POL (OR 20.818, 95% CL 5.9–84.4, p < 0.0001). Isolated injuries to the sMCL were not observed. Significant risk factors for acquiring an sMCL injury were age (p < 0.01) and injury to the lateral meniscus (p < 0.01).ConclusionIn about one-third of acute ACL ruptures the medial collateral ligament complex is also injured. This might be associated with an increased knee laxity as well as anteromedial rotational instability. Also, this might be associated with an increased risk for failure of revision ACL reconstruction. In addition, we show risk factors and predictors that point to an injury of medial structures and facilitate their diagnosis. This should help physicians and surgeons to precisely diagnose and to assess its scope in order to initiate proper therapies. With this in mind, we would like to draw attention to a frequently occurring combination injury, the so-called “unlucky triad” (ACL, MCL, and lateral meniscus).Level of evidence Level III Retrospective cohort study.

Paper 25: The Impact of Posterior Tibial Slope on Meniscal Injury in Acute ACL Ruptures: A Large, Retrospective Registry Study

Objectives: Increased posterior tibial slope has previously been associated with an elevated risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Recent studies have suggested there may be a relationship between posterior slope and meniscal tears in ACL ruptures, however, these studies have either included chronic ACL injuries, revision ACL reconstructions or an overall low number of study participants. The goal of this study is to leverage a large ACL registry to assess the impact of posterior tibial slope on meniscal tears in acute ACL ruptures. Methods: A large, single-institution knee registry was consulted to identify all patients between the age of 18 and 45 who underwent primary ACL reconstruction between Jan 2019 and July 2022 for acute, noncontact ACL rupture, defined as undergoing surgery within 90 days of injury. Patients with pre-existing meniscal pathology, chronic ACL reconstructions, revisions, multi-ligament knee injuries and nonoperatively managed ACL injuries were excluded. Preoperative MRIs were used to measure lateral and medial posterior tibial slope for all patients. Meniscal injury seen in-situ during arthroscopy was recorded based on operative reports. Demographics data, including age, sex, and body mass index, was also recorded. Independent cohorts were created based on the presence or absence of any meniscal injury. Two-tailed student’s t tests were used to compare average medial and lateral posterior tibial slopes between these groups. Separate analyses were also performed to assess the impact of posterior slope on medial and lateral meniscus tears independently. Multiple logistic regression was carried out to determine risk factors for meniscal injury in this population. Results: 1059 patients ultimately met inclusion criteria. The average age was 29.5 and there were 532 (50%) women. There were 253 (24%) patients with isolated lateral meniscus tears, 152 (14%) patients with isolated medial meniscus tears and 93 (9%) patients with both medial and lateral tears. The average lateral and medial posterior tibial slopes were 5.54 (-4.2 to 13.4) and 5.67 (0 to 15.7), respectively. Increased lateral tibial slope was associated with a statistically significant increase in rate of any meniscal tear (p=.0022). Lateral slope was also associated with a higher rate of lateral meniscal tears, specifically (p=.0009). Multiple logistic regression identified elevated BMI and male sex as independent risk factors for meniscal injury in this population. Conclusions: Increased lateral posterior tibial slope is associated with a higher rate of meniscus injury in acute ACL ruptures and should be considered when devising treatment algorithms for patients in this population. [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]

The Hybrid Transtibial Technique Using the LARS Device in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: The recently published hybrid transtibial technique (HTT) using the Pathfinder Guide with a flexible transtibial technique (TT) guide wire may represent a beneficial combination of both the anteromedial portal and TT technique. The HTT has been described as especially suitable for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in adolescents or ACL revision. However, we also found that the HTT worked for primary ACL reconstruction in adults also using the Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS). Indications: Acute ACL rupture in active patients who are eager to return to sports quickly. Technique Description: The HTT combined with the conventional LARS reconstruction procedure improves the placement of the femoral tunnel, which involves a guiding vessel clamp through the anteromedial portal combined with a 2.0 mm Kirschner wire via the tibial tunnel. Finally, we used a metal screw for fixation of the ligament. Results: The patient experienced satisfactory reconstruction of his ACL and regained active range of motion in 1 month and a full return to sports in 6 months. Discussion/Conclusion: The HTT using the LARS for primary ACL reconstruction is easy, safe, and reproducible. This combined technique has not yet been published and it may provide good functional results that allow patients to recover quickly and return to sports as soon as possible. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: 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.

Healing of acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture on MRI and outcomes following non-surgical management with the Cross Bracing Protocol

ObjectiveInvestigate MRI evidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) healing, patient-reported outcomes and knee laxity in patients with acute ACL rupture managed non-surgically with the Cross Bracing Protocol (CBP).MethodsEighty consecutive patients...

Functional outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: unravelling the role of time between injury and surgery, time since reconstruction, age, gender, pain, graft type, and concomitant injuries

BackgroundNumerous individual, temporal, injury- and surgery-specific factors impact the functional capacity during rehabilitation, return to sports (RTS), and re-injury prevention after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.PurposeThis multicentre cohort study evaluated the isolated and interactive contributions of time between injury and surgery, time since reconstruction, age, gender, pain, graft type, and concomitant injuries as to inertial sensor-assessed motor function after ACL reconstructions in multiple linear mixed model regressions.MethodsAnonymized data were retrieved from a nationwide German registry. In this cohort study, patients with an acute unilateral ACL rupture, with or without concomitant ipsilateral knee injuries, and having passed an arthroscopically assisted anatomic reconstruction were included. Potential predictors were age [years], gender/sex, time since reconstruction [days], time between injury and reconstruction [days], concomitant intra-articular injuries (isolated ACL tear, meniscal tear, lateral ligament, unhappy triad), graft type (hamstrings, patellar, or quadriceps tendon autograft), and pain during each measurement (visual analogue scale 0–10 cm). Repeated inertial motion unit-assessments of a comprehensive battery of classic functional RTS test were performed in the course of the rehabilitation and return to sports: Joint position sense/kinesthesia (Angle reproduction error [degrees]), Dynamic Balance Composite score [cm] of the Y-Balance test), drop jumps (Knee displacement [cm]), Vertical hop (Hopping height [mm]), Speedy jumps (Duration [seconds]), Side hops (Number of hops [n]), single leg hop for distance (hopping distance [cm]). Repeated measures multiple linear mixed models investigated the impact and nesting interaction of the potential predictors on the functional outcomes.ResultsData from 1441 persons (mean age 29.4, SD 11.8 years; 592 female, 849 male) were included. Most had an isolated ACL rupture: n = 938 (65.1%). Minor shares showed lateral ligament involvement: n = 70 (4.9%), meniscal tear: n = 414 (28.7%), or even unhappy triad: n = 15 (1%). Several predictors such as time between injury and reconstruction, time since reconstruction (estimates for ndays ranged from + .05 (i.e., an increase of the hopping distance of 0.05 cm per day since reconstruction occurs) for single leg hop for distance to + 0.17 for vertical hopping height; p < 0.001), age, gender, pain, graft type (patellar tendon graft: estimates between + 0.21 for Y-balance and + 0.48 for vertical hop performance; p < 0.001), and concomitant injuries contribute to the individual courses of functional abilities of the reconstructed side after ACL reconstruction. The unimpaired side was mostly influenced by sex, age, the time between injury and reconstruction (estimates between − 0.0033 (side hops) and + 0.10 (vertical hopping height), p < 0.001)), and time since reconstruction.ConclusionsTime since reconstruction, time between injury and reconstruction, age, gender, pain, graft type, and concomitant injuries are not independent but nested interrelating predictors of functional outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. It might not be enough to assess them isolated; the knowledge on their interactive contribution to motor function is helpful for the management of the reconstruction (earlier reconstructions should be preferred) deficit-oriented function-based rehabilitation (time- and function based rehabilitation instead of solely a time- or function based approach) and individualized return to sports strategies.

Multiclass Support Vector Machine improves the Pivot-shift grading from Gerdy's acceleration resultant prior to the acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery

IntroductionRotatory laxity acceleration still lacks objective classification due to interval grading superposition, resulting in a biased pivot shift grading prior to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, data analysis might help improve data grading in the operative room. Therefore, we described the improvement of the pivot-shift categorization in Gerdy's acceleration under anesthesia prior to ACL surgery using a support vector machine (SVM) classification, surgeon, and literature reference. MethodsSeventy-five patients (aged 30.3 ± 10.2 years, and IKDC 52.0 ± 16.5 points) with acute ACL rupture under anesthesia prior to ACL surgery were analyzed. Patients were graded with pivot-shift sign glide (+), clunk (++), and (+++) gross by senior orthopedic surgeons. At the same time, the tri-axial tibial plateau acceleration was measured. Categorical data were statistically described, and the accelerometry and categorical data were associated (α = 5%). A multiclass SVM kernel with the best accuracy trained by orthopedic surgeons and assisted from literature for missing data was compared with experienced surgeons and literature interval grading. The cubic SVM classifier achieved the best grading. ResultsThe intra-group proportions were different for each grading in the three compared strategies (p < 0.001). The inter-group proportions were different for all comparisons (p < 0.001). There were significant (p < 0.001) associations (Tau: 0.69, -0.28, and -0.50) between the surgeon and SVM, the surgeon and interval grading, and the interval and SVM, respectively. ConclusionThe multiclass SVM classifier improves the acceleration categorization of the (+), (++), and (+++) pivot shift sign prior to the ACL surgery in agreement with surgeon criteria.

Standardized multi-planar reformation improves the reliability of the assessment of the anterolateral ligament in ACL-deficient knees.

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is an important structure for controlling anterolateral rotatory stability of the knee. Its assessment, however, is difficult using standardized MRI images. The goal of this study was to assess the reliability of judging the integrity of the ALL on multi-planar reformatted (MPR) MRI images and on standard coronal reformatted (SCR) MRI images in knees with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Forty-eight patients (14 females, 34 males, 30 ± 6years (mean age ± standard deviation)) with acute ACL ruptures (< 2 weeks) and no additional knee injuries (except segond fractures)were included. Images were assessed by two independent raters twice with at least a 2-week interval in between. The assessment was first performed on SCR images and thereafter on MPR images. Images were judged for assessability of the ALL and then the integrity of the ALL was rated. Depending on rater and read, the ALL was judged as "torn" in between 5 (10.4%) and 11 (22.9%) patients out of 48 patients on SCR images. On MRP images, the ALL was judged as "torn" in between 5 (10.4%) and 6 (12.5%) patients out of 48 patients, depending on rater and read. Inter- and intra-rater reliability for the assessment of the ALL using MPR images was "substantial" to "almost perfect". Inter- and intra-rater reliability for the assessment using SCR was "fair" to "substantial". MPR images should be used when assessing the integrity of the ALL. Assessment quality is independent of patient positioning during MRI acquisition and the ALL can be displayed in full length on one image. Level III.

Early outcomes of primary repair versus reconstruction for acute anterior cruciate ligament injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Contemporary techniques for repair of acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture have been receiving renewed interest recently because of reports of good outcomes. A literature search of PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Only RCTs published in English and comparing clinical outcomes of ACL repair versus reconstruction were included. Outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, visual analog scale pain score, anterior laxity, Lachman test, hop tests, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score, extension deficit, revision rate, and re-rupture rate. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 14.0. Two-tailed P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Four RCTs (with a total of 293 patients) that met the eligibility criteria were included in this review. Over short-term follow-up, none of the studies found significant differences between the repair groups and reconstruction groups with respect to International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, Tegner, visual analog scale, anterior laxity, Lachman test, re-rupture rate, extension deficit, and performance of 3 hop tests (P > .05). In both groups, the hop tests scores were >90%. ACL repair and ACL reconstruction appear to provide comparable short-term outcomes. The low revision rate after primary repair is encouraging. For patients with ACL injury, current repair techniques such as dynamic intraligamentary stabilization and bridge-enhanced ACL repair may be an effective alternative to reconstruction.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Fascia Lata Graft With FiberTape Augmentation

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most popular orthopedic surgical procedures. To date, numerous studies are available focusing on different reconstruction techniques using established autografts, such as hamstrings, bone patellar-tendon bone (BPTB), quadriceps tendon, or allograft tendons. In the present article, we describe a minimally invasive ACL reconstruction technique using a fascia lata autograft in combination with FiberTape (Arthrex, Naples, FL) augmentation using the TightRope II (Arthrex). The minimally invasive harvesting procedure is performed by using the new QuadPro Tendon Harvester (Arthrex). This technique is recommended for acute and chronic complete ACL ruptures or bundle ruptures in athletes or patients with high physical activity. The technique might allow early full weight bearing due to less donor site morbidity, early free range of motion, and early active rehabilitation due to the use of FiberTape as a augmentation device to reinforce the autograft. Clinical studies are necessary to prove the principle.

Comparable rates of secondary surgery between anterior cruciate ligament repair with suture tape augmentation and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the frequency of secondary surgery following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair with suture tape augmentation in comparison to conventional hamstring ACL reconstruction. We hypothesised that there would be no differences between the groups.MethodsThis was a retrospective comparison study of patients undergoing ACL surgery between September 2011 and April 2018. Two hundred and 73 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using hamstring autograft. During the same timeframe, 137 patients with an acute proximal ACL rupture underwent ACL repair with suture tape augmentation. One patient was lost to follow-up in the ACL reconstruction group leaving 272 patients (99.6%) for the final analysis. In the ACL repair group, three patients were lost to follow-up leaving 134 patents (97.8%) for the final analysis. Secondary surgery was identified by contacting the patients by email/telephone and reviewing patient notes at the time of this analysis.ResultsRe-rupture occurred in 32 patients (11.8%) in the ACL reconstruction group compared to 22 patients (16.4%) in the ACL repair group (p = 0.194). Contralateral ACL rupture occurred in four patients (1.5%) in the ACL reconstruction group compared to three patients (2.2%) in the ACL repair group (p = 0.224). In the ACL reconstruction group, nine patients (3.3%) required secondary meniscal surgery whilst five patients (3.7%) required meniscal surgery in the ACL repair group (p = 0.830). Seven other operations were performed in the ACL reconstruction group (2.6%) compared to three other operations in the ACL repair group (2.2%) (p = 0.374). The overall number of patients undergoing secondary surgery in the ACL reconstruction group was 52 (19.1%) in comparison to 30 (22.4%) in the ACL repair group (p = 0.114).ConclusionACL repair with suture tape augmentation for acute proximal ruptures demonstrated comparable rates of secondary surgery with hamstring ACL reconstruction.

Evidence of ACL healing on MRI following ACL rupture treated with rehabilitation alone may be associated with better patient-reported outcomes: a secondary analysis from the KANON trial

ObjectivesEvaluate the natural course of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) healing on MRI within 5 years of acute ACL rupture and compare 2-year and 5-year outcomes based on healing status and...

Healing of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and patient-reported outcomes following non-surgical management with a novel bracing protocol

Introduction: A common belief amongst clinicians, researchers and the public is that a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has no healing capacity. This belief has contributed to the high rate of ACL reconstruction, with substantial health costs. We hypothesised that immobilisation in a knee brace at 90-degrees flexion (reducing the distance between the torn ends of the ACL) after acute ACL rupture would facilitate healing. The objective was to investigate MRI evidence of ACL healing, patient-reported outcomes and knee laxity in the first 80 individuals with ACL rupture managed with a novel non-surgical bracing protocol.

Neuromuscular Control During Stair Descent and Artificial Tibial Translation After Acute ACL Rupture.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture has direct effect on passive and active knee stability and, specifically, stretch-reflex excitability.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to investigate neuromuscular activity in patients with an acute ACL deficit (ACL-D group) compared with a matched control group with an intact ACL (ACL-I group) during stair descent and artificially induced anterior tibial translation. It was hypothesized that neuromuscular control would be impaired in the ACL-D group.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles was recorded bilaterally in 15 patients with ACL-D (mean, 13.8 days [range, 7-21 days] since injury) and 15 controls with ACL-I during stair descent and artificially induced anterior tibial translation. The movements of stair descent were divided into preactivity, weight acceptance, and push-off phases. Reflex activity during anterior tibial translation was split into preactivity and short, medium, and late latency responses. Walking on a treadmill was used for submaximal EMG normalization. Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc analyses with Dunn-Bonferroni correction were used to compare normalized root mean square values for each muscle, limb, movement, and reflex phase between the ACL-D and ACL-I groups.Results:During the preactivity phase of stair descent, the hamstrings of the involved leg of the ACL-D group showed 33% to 51% less activity compared with the matched leg and contralateral leg of the ACL-I group (P < .05). During the weight acceptance and push-off phases, the VL revealed a significant reduction (approximately 40%) in the involved leg of the ACL-D group compared with the ACL-I group. At short latency, the BF and ST of the involved leg of the ACL-D group showed a significant increase in EMG activity compared with the uninvolved leg of the ACL-I group, by a factor of 2.2 to 4.6.Conclusion:In the acute phase after an ACL rupture, neuromuscular alterations were found mainly in the hamstrings of both limbs during stair descent and reflex activity. The potential role of prehabilitation needs to be further studied.