Anatomic Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Research Articles

RESULTS OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION USING THE ALL-INSIDE TECHNIQUE AT PHO NOI HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objectives: To evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the all-inside technique. Methods: A retrospective study on 30 patients who underwent primary anatomic ACL reconstruction using the all-inside technique from January 2019 to January 2022 at Pho Noi Hospital, Hung Yen. The Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were used to evaluate outcomes before surgery, at 6 months, and ≥ 12 months postoperatively. Results: Among 30 patients who underwent all-inside ACL reconstruction, the mean follow-up time was 26.5 months (13 - 50 months), the mean age was 32.43 ± 10.6, and the mean duration between the injury and surgery was 9.4 months. The mean graft diameter was 7.8 ± 0.5mm (6.5 - 9mm), the mean femoral tunnel length was 28.8 ± 1.7mm (25 - 35mm), and the mean tibial tunnel length was 30.5 ± 2.1mm (30 - 35mm). Functional outcomes: Preoperatively, the IKDC score was 55.2 ± 0.5, and the Lysholm score was 61.1 ± 4.5. At 6 months postoperatively, symptoms improved; at over 12 months postoperatively, the IKDC score was 91.5 ± 2.5. The rate of normal and nearly normal grades was 96.7% and the Lysholm score was 94.1 ± 2.5. The rate of excellent and good grades was 100%. Conclusion: The ACL reconstruction using the all-inside technique provides good functional outcomes and anteroposterior knee stability at short-term follow-up.

Lateral augmentation procedures in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. How to avoid tunnel collision with intraoperative tunnel visualization: A technical note

Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) or anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction can be used as an augmentation procedure in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and are thought to minimize rotational instability, lower re-rupture rates of the ACL graft and improve functional outcomes after surgery. Young patients with high-grade pivot shift or generalized laxity participating in high demand/pivoting sports are considered as the ideal candidates for such a procedure. Both in LET and in ALL reconstruction, femoral fixation of the graft using an interference screw remains a challenge due to the possibility of tunnel convergence of the two tunnels created in the femur, namely the ACL femoral tunnel and the tunnel created in the lateral femur for the LET or ALL procedure. With this technical note, we aim to describe a safe approach for femoral tunnel creation by providing the surgeon not only with instructions for a safe orientation but also with the possibility to check for a possible tunnel collision by using the arthroscope through the anteromedial portal. Although instructions can be used both for LET and ALL reconstruction (same femoral tunnel), a modified Lemaire LET is extensively described since this procedure is the authors’ preference for augmenting anatomic ACL reconstruction.

ANTEROMEDIAL OR CENTRAL ANATOMIC ACL RECONSTRUCTION? A CADAVERIC HIP-TO-TOE STUDY.

To compare anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between two tunnel positions in knees with isolated ligament tears. Anatomic ACL reconstruction was performed, from hip-to-toe, on 15 fresh cadaveric specimens. No associated lesions were created to enhance knee instability. The protocol was conducted in three states: (1) complete isolated ACL deficiency; (2) anatomic femoral and tibial anteromedial ACL reconstruction (AM REC); and (3) anatomic femoral and tibial central ACL reconstruction (Central REC). The reconstruction protocols were randomly assigned. The continuous mechanized pivot-shift test was recorded dynamically with a tracking system. The Central REC group showed a smaller degree of internal rotation (0.6° ± 0.3° vs. 1.8° ± 0.3°, respectively, P < 0.05) and no difference in anterior translation (4.7 mm ± 0.4 mm vs. 4.5 mm ± 0.4 mm, respectively, P > 0.05) in the pivot-shift test, compared with the AM REC group. The central anatomic ACL reconstruction resulted in greater restriction of internal rotation than the anteromedial anatomic ACL reconstruction. Experimental Study on Cadaver.

The role of transpaterllar viewing portal in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background Anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction aims to place the ACL graft within its anatomical orientation. Malposition of the graft especially on the femoral side is the persisting complication of ACL reconstruction. The lateral femoral condyle can be visualized by the transpatellar viewing portal to place the graft in a more anatomical position. Aim To evaluate the result of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using transpatellar portal viewing. Patients and methods This study included 31 patients in whom the torn ACL will be reconstructed arthroscopically using the transpatellar portal viewing and AAMP at Tanta University Hospital with a period of 6 months of follow-up. Results Transpatellar portal technique has been used to create the femoral tunnel independently to the tibial tunnel for more anatomic position that lead to improvement in rotational stability, without increased complexity. The central portal offers the advantage of more anatomical ACL reconstruction with improved femoral footprint placement. Transpatellar portal provides an excellent visualization of the femoral footprint and therefore reduces the incidence of improper tunnel positioning during ACL reconstruction without significant complications. Conclusion Anatomical insertion of the hamstring graft using the transpatellar portal viewing can offer an excellent restore of the anterior knee stability.

The effects of initial graft tension on femorotibial relationship following anatomical rectangular tunnel anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone–patellar tendon–bone graft

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of the difference of initial graft tension on the femorotibial relationship on an axial plane and its chronological change following anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsA total of 63 patients who underwent anatomical ACL reconstruction were included in this study. The graft was fixed at full knee extension with manual maximum (higher graft tension; group H) and 80 N (lower graft tension; group L) pulls in 31 and 32 patients, respectively. The femorotibial positional relationship in axial computed tomography at 1 week and 1 year postoperatively were retrospectively evaluated. The side-to-side differences (SSDs) and the amount of changes of SSDs over 1 year were compared between groups. ResultsThe SSDs of the external rotational angle of the tibia in group H were significantly larger than those in group L at postoperative 1 week (2.7 ± 3.9° vs. 0.3 ± 3.3°; P < 0.01). The amount of internal rotational changes of SSDs of the internal–external rotational angles over 1 year in group H was significantly larger than that in group L (−3.6 ± 3.9° vs. − 0.3 ± 2.7°; P < 0.01). No significant differences were observed on the anterior–posterior translation distance and medial–lateral shift distance. ConclusionThe application of higher initial graft tension resulted in excessive external rotation of the tibia to the femur at 1 week postoperatively in anatomical ACL reconstruction, and the excessive early external tibial rotation had resolved over 1 year.

Graft isometry during anatomical ACL reconstruction has little effect on surgical outcomes.

To investigate the surgical outcomes of anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction according to the graft isometry measured during surgery. Electrical medical records of patients who underwent an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction through the transportal technique using hamstring tendon autograft between 2012 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into two groups based on the graft length change throughout the knee range of motion measured just before graft fixation (Group 1, graft length change ≤ 2mm; Group 2, graft length change > 2mm). Comparative analyses, including a non-inferiority trial, were performed regarding the clinical scores, knee laxity, and radiographic parameters between the groups. A total of 67 patients were included in the study. The total change in the length of ACL graft throughout the knee range of motion was 1.4 ± 0.4mm in Group 1 (range, 0.2-2.0mm), and 3.0 ± 0.7mm in Group 2 (range, 2.2-5.0mm). Group 1 showed a relatively high (proximal) femoral tunnel and shallow (anterior) tibial tunnel compared to Group 2 (P < 0.001 and P = 0.028, respectively), but there were no apparent differences in the macroscopic view. There were no statistically significant differences in the clinical outcomes between groups at 2years after surgery, which satisfied the non-inferiority criterion of Group 1 in terms of clinical scores and knee laxity compared to Group 2. The surgical outcomes of anatomical ACL reconstruction in patients with non-isometric ACL graft were not inferior in terms of clinical scores and knee laxity, compared to those with nearly-isometric ACL graft. The graft tunnel placement in the isometric position during anatomical ACL reconstruction, which is technically challenging in the clinical setting, is not a crucial factor in terms of clinical outcomes. Level IV.

Sagittal Inclination Angle of Graft Is Associated With Knee Stability After Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

To evaluate whether the sagittal inclination angle (SIA) of a graft is associated with postoperative knee stability after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. All patients who had undergone anatomic ACL reconstruction between April 2014 and September 2015 in addition to volunteers with no history of knee injury were eligible for inclusion in this study. The patients were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging of the knee in full extension at 1 year after surgery, as were volunteers. The posterior tibial slope (PTS) angle and the SIA of the intact ACL and reconstructed graft were measured relative to each medial and lateral tibial plateau. The patients were examined for knee stability by the side-to-side difference in the anterior tibial translation on stress radiographs at minimum 2-year follow-up. We included 43 patients (26 male, 17 female, mean age 32.8 ± 14.8 years) and 12 volunteers (7male, 5 female, mean age 28.7 ± 3.1 years) as normal controls. The mean follow-up duration was 29.8 ± 3.6 months. The mean PTS angle and mean SIA in the patients did not significantly differ from those of the intact ACL. The PTS angle in the patients was not significantly correlated with postoperative side-to-side difference in the anterior tibial translation. However, the graft SIA was significantly correlated with the postoperative anterior tibial translation (medial SIA; r= 0.42, P= .005, lateral SIA; r= 0.52, P < .001). Even if anatomically reconstructed, the graft SIA in reference to the tibial plateau at full knee extension is variable and is associated with postoperative knee stability. The larger graft SIA was correlated with graft laxity after anatomic ACL reconstruction. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Lateral posterior tibial slope and length of the tendon within the tibial tunnel are independent factors to predict tibial tunnel widening following anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

This study aimed to conduct a multivariate analysis to identify independent factors that predict tibial tunnel widening (TW) after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) grafts. In total, 103 patients who underwent ACL reconstructions using BPTB grafts were included. Tunnel aperture area was measured using three-dimensional computed tomography 1week and 1year postoperatively, and the tibial TW was calculated. The patients were divided into group S comprising 58 patients who had tibial TW < 30% and group L comprising 45 patients who had tibial TW > 30%, retrospectively. Using univariate analyses, age, gender, body mass index, Tegner activity scale, the time between injury and surgery, tibial tunnel location, tibial tunnel angle, medial posterior tibial slope, lateral posterior tibial slope, and length of the tendon in the tibial tunnel were compared between two groups. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to reveal the independent risk factors for the tibial TW among preoperative demographic factors and radiographic parameters that correlated with the tibial TW in the univariate analyses. Compared with those at 1week postoperatively, mean tibial tunnel aperture areas were increased by 30.3% ± 26.8% when measured at 1year postoperatively. The lateral posterior tibial slope was significantly larger (p < 0.001), and the length of the tendon within the tibial tunnel was significantly longer in group L than that in group S (p = 0.03) in the univariate analyses. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the increase in lateral posterior tibial slope (p = 0.001) and the length of the tendon within the tibial tunnel (p = 0.03) were predictors of the tibial TW. This study showed that increased lateral posterior tibial slope and a longer tendinous portion within the tibial tunnel were independent factors that predicted the tibial TW following anatomical ACL reconstruction with a BPTB graft. III.

A retrospective study to compare the clinical effects of individualized anatomic single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of single- and double- bundle individualized anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, we retrospectively analyzed the data and charts of 920 patients with ACL rupture who received individualized anatomic ACL reconstruction surgery at our center. All of the patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring tendons. The patients were divided into two groups: the single-bundle individualized anatomic reconstruction group (N = 539), and the double-bundle individualized anatomic reconstruction group (N = 381). The IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores were used to subjectively evaluate the function of the knee joint during the postoperative follow-up. The Lachman test, pivot shift test and KT-3000 were used to objectively evaluate the stability of the knee. All 920 patients participated in clinical follow-up (average duration: 27.91 ± 3.61 months) achieved satisfied outcomes with few complications. The postoperative IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores, and the objective evaluation of knee joint stability were significantly improved compared to the preoperative status in both groups (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups at the final follow-up (P > 0.05). Therefore, no difference in terms of the IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner score, or KT-3000 was observed between the individualized anatomic single- and double-bundle ACL reconstruction techniques. Both techniques can be used to restore the stability and functionality of the knee joint with satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Anatomical Single-Bundle Transtibial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a reasonable transition from isometric ACL reconstruction to obtain better clinical outcomes, and most authors believe that it can only be performed through the medial portal technique. However, in our clinical practice, we found that anatomical ACL reconstruction can be performed easily and accurately by creating a tibial tunnel, which is accomplished by setting the tibial tunnel with correct angulation to the sagittal plane and tibial axis. Hence, we introduce this special transtibial anatomical ACL reconstruction technique, in which the most critical step is the creation of a shallow tibial tunnel with a proximal projection to the anatomical location of the femoral tunnel. This technique is indicated for primary ACL reconstructions in skeletally mature patients. We believe this Technical Note will give a special view on anatomical ACL reconstruction.

Evaluating the Accuracy of Tibial Tunnel Placement After Anatomic Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction improves knee kinematics and joint stability in symptomatic patients who have ACL deficiency. Despite a concerted effort to place the graft within the ACL’s native attachment sites, the accuracy of tunnel placement using contemporary techniques is not well established. Purpose: To use 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI) to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of tibial tunnel placement after anatomic ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Forty patients with symptomatic, ACL-deficient knees were prospectively enrolled in the study and underwent 3D MRI of both their injured and uninjured knees before and after surgery through use of a validated imaging protocol. The root ligament of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus was used as a radiographic reference, and the center of the reconstructed graft was compared with that of the contralateral normal knee. The tunnel angles and intra-articular graft angles were also measured, as was the percentage overlap between the native tibial footprint and tibial tunnel. Results: The reconstructed tibial footprint was placed at a mean ± SD of 2.14 ± 2.45 mm (P < .001) medial and 5.11 ± 3.57 mm (P < .001) posterior to the native ACL footprint. The mean distance between the center of the native and reconstructed ACL at the tibial attachment site was 6.24 mm. Of the 40 patients, 18 patients had a tibial tunnel that overlapped more than 50% of the native footprint, and 10 patients had maximal (100%) overlap. Further, 22 of the 40 patients had less than 50% overlap with the native footprint, and in 12 patients the footprint was missing completely. Conclusion: Despite the use of contemporary surgical techniques to perform anatomic ACL reconstruction, a significant positioning error in tibial tunnel placement remains.

The Blumensaat's line morphology influences to the femoral tunnel position in anatomical ACL reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to reveal the influence of the morphological variations of the Blumensaat's line on femoral tunnel position in anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Thirty-eight subjects undergoing anatomical single-bundle ACL reconstruction were included in this study (22 female, 16 male: median age 45: 15-63). Using a trans-portal technique, the femoral tunnel was targeted to reproduce the center of antero-medial bundle. Following Iriuchishima's classification, the morphology of the Blumensaat's line was classified into straight and hill types (small and large hill types). Femoral ACL tunnel position was evaluated using the quadrant method. When the quadrant method grid was applied, the baseline of the grid was matched to the anterior part of the Blumensaat's line, without considering the existence of a hill. Using pre-operative 3D-CT data, the axial and sagittal morphology of the knee was also compared, establlishing straight and hill types. There were 12 straight type knees and 26 hill type knees (7 small hill type knees and 19 large hill type knees). The femoral tunnel position in straight type knees was 23.6 ± 3.7% in the shallow-deep direction, and 41.3 ± 8.2% in the high-low direction. In hill type knees, the tunnel position was 27 ± 4.7% in the shallow-deep direction, and 51 ± 10.1% in the high-low direction. The femoral tunnel was placed significantly more shallow and lower in hill type knees when compared with straight type knees. Femoral ACL tunnel placement was significantly influenced by the morphological variations of the Blumensaat's line. As detecting morphological variation in arthroscopic surgery is difficult, surgeons should confirm such variations pre-operatively using radiograph or CT so as to avoid making extremely shallow and low tunnels in hill type knees. Case-controlled study, III.

Length of the Tendon within the Tibial Tunnel Affects Tibial Tunnel Widening following Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft.

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the effects of variations in the length of the tendon within the tibial tunnel on tunnel widening (TW) following anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) graft. In total, 68 patients who underwent isolated ACL reconstructions using BTB grafts were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the length of the tendon within the tibial tunnel: group S (n = 30; tendon length, < 10 mm) and group L (n = 38; tendon length, ≥ 10 mm). Tunnel aperture area was measured using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) at 1 week and 1 year postoperatively, and tibial TW (%) was calculated. The correlation coefficient between the length of the tendon within the tibial tunnel and tibial TW was also calculated. Clinical assessment was performed 1 year postoperatively, corresponding to the period of CT assessment, which involved the evaluation of the Lysholm's score, measurement of anterior knee stability using a KneeLax3 arthrometer, and the pivot-shift test. A weak positive correlation was observed between the length of the tendon within the tibial tunnel and tibial TW (r = 0.270, p = 0.026). Mean tibial tunnel aperture area increased by 19.3 ± 17.4% and 35.8 ± 25.4% in the groups S and L, respectively. TW in the group L was significantly greater than that in the group S (p = 0.004). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in any clinical outcomes. In conclusion, a longer tendinous portion within the tibial tunnel resulted in a greater tibial TW following anatomical ACL reconstructions using a BTB graft.

Analysis of Mechanical Loading after Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Combined Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography and Conventional Computerized Tomography.

PurposeThis study was to evaluate changes of the mechanical loading pattern after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by analyzing uptake patterns using combined single-photon emission computerized tomography and conventional computerized tomography (SPECT/CT).Materials and MethodsOn SPECT/CT, high signal intensity of the articular surface which shows biological activity and mean increase of mechanical loading was compared with that of the tibiofemoral shaft as a comparative signal. The proportion of positive signals was evaluated in all compartments of the operated knee. Analysis was performed according to combined injury.ResultsA relatively high proportion of positive signals was detected in the posterior zone of the lateral tibial plateau (23.5%) and trochlear groove (23.5%) although increased signal intensity was detected in all compartments. There was no statistical difference depending on the presence of combined injury and between single-bundle and double-bundle ACL reconstruction.ConclusionsFollowing anatomic ACL reconstruction, higher signal intensity was detected, particularly in the posterior part of the lateral tibial plateau and trochlear groove. Close observation for further signal changes or osteoarthritic changes would be required even if there was no combined injury and anatomic reconstruction was performed.

Anterolateral stabilization using the modified Lemaire technique for ACL deficiency

Treatment of persistent anterolateral knee instability. Subjective/objective (rotational) instability of the knee after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. ACL re-rupture including special demands (e.g., high-performance athletes, hyperlaxity) RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS: Osteoarthritis, additional instability of the knee, which should be treated independently; non-anatomic ACL reconstruction with persisting instability should be treated first with anatomic ACL reconstruction. General contraindications for surgery (e. g. septic arthritis), acute irritation of the affected knee. Supine position. Incision along the proximal lateral femoral epicondyle. Marking of the needed width and length of the iliotibial band (ITB) graft. Passing the ITB graft underneath the lateral collateral ligament. Find and mark the isometric point for fixation next to the lateral femoral epicondyle. Fixation of the ITB graft. Layered wound closure. Knee brace for at least 6weeks. Range of motion (RoM): from postoperative day1: flexion-extension 90-0-0°; first 2weeks after surgery: partial weight bearing (20 kg). An anterolateral extra-articular reconstruction may reduce apersistent anterolateral rotatory instability as well as the re-rupture rate following ACL reconstruction with good patient-reported short-term outcomes. Based on current (biomechanical) data, anterolateral tenodesis seems to be superior to areconstruction of the anterolateral ligament. If atenodesis is performed, the graft should be fixed in an isometric position, with neutral rotation of the knee and low graft tension to avoid extraphysiologic load within the lateral compartment. Indications for such aprocedure may include ahigh-grade pivot shift or revision ACL reconstruction as well as apersistent anterolateral rotatory instability following anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Comparison of clinical results, second look arthroscopic findings, and magnetic resonance imaging findings, between the transportal and outside-in techniques after double bundle anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective randomized controlled trial with a minimum 2-year follow-up

Introduction Although image analysis has shown that the outside-in (OI) technique is associated with different femoral tunnel geometry than the transportal (TP) technique in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, it is not known whether clinical results differ between the two techniques. We aimed to compare clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between the TP and OI techniques in anatomic double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Methods From November 2010 to March 2013, 128 cases were enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to either the TP group (64 cases) or the OI group (64 cases), and DB ACL reconstructions were performed. At the minimum 2-year follow-up (34.9 ± 10.9 months), 111 patients (86.7 %) were evaluated with multiple clinical scores and stability tests. Ninety-three knees were evaluated for graft continuity, graft tension, and synovialization by using second-look arthroscopy. Seventy-eight knees were evaluated on MRI for graft continuity, femoral graft tunnel healing, and graft signal/noise quotient (SNQ). Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical evaluation, with the exception of postoperative functional test of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score. The ratio of grade A and B on the functional test of the objective IKDC score was significantly larger for the OI group than the TP group (P = 0.005). The second-look arthroscopic findings were not significantly different between the two groups in either bundle (P > 0.05). In addition, MRI findings did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion With the exception of the functional test of IKDC objective score, clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and MRI findings did not differ significantly between the OI and TP techniques for anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Hyperflexion and Femoral Interference Screw Insertion in ACL Reconstruction.

Background:In anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions produced with flexible reamers and no knee hyperflexion, it is unknown whether knee hyperflexion is necessary for femoral interference screw insertion.Purpose:To compare femoral screw-graft divergence in anatomic ACL reconstructions with endoscopic interference screws placed without knee hyperflexion and with the use of flexible versus rigid screwdrivers.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Ten matched pairs of cadaveric knees had bone-tendon-bone graft ACL reconstructions with anatomic femoral tunnels. The knees were flexed to 90°. Femoral interference screws (7 × 20 mm) were placed in pairs of knees: in 1 knee with a flexible screwdriver and in the opposite knee with a rigid screwdriver. Graft-screw divergence was imaged with computed tomography scans and tested with cyclic and static biomechanical tests.Results:The mean screw-graft divergence was 12.07° ± 4.04° with the rigid screwdriver and 10.68° ± 3.23° with the flexible screwdriver (P = .35). The cyclic tests with screws placed by a rigid screwdriver had a mean increase in displacement of 0.56 ± 0.20 mm. For screws placed with the flexible screwdriver, the mean increase in displacement was 0.58 ± 0.32 mm (P = .66). Yield load was 393.3 ± 95.1 N for screws placed by a rigid screwdriver and 408.2 ± 119.0 N for screws inserted with the flexible screwdriver (P = .78). Maximum load was 523.1 ± 88.7 N for screws placed by a rigid screwdriver and 467.1 ± 107.3 N for screws inserted with the flexible screwdriver (P = .09).Conclusion:With either a rigid or a flexible screwdriver, there were no significant effects on screw divergence or fixation strength.Clinical Relevance:Knees can be kept at 90° during endoscopic femoral interference screw insertion. The use of a traditional rigid or flexible screwdriver will not affect screw-graft divergence or fixation strength.

Risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a second-look arthroscopic evaluation.

To investigate the risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total of 174 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopic evaluation after anatomical ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this study. The graded condition of the articular cartilage at the time of ACL reconstruction was compared with that at second-look arthroscopy. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ACL reconstruction technique, meniscal conditions, and other variables were assessed by regression analysis as risk factors for progression of damage to the articular cartilage. In the medial compartment, multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that partial medial meniscectomy (odds ratio (OR) 6.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11 to 22.04, p = 0.001), pivot-shift test grade at the final follow-up (OR 3.53, CI 1.39 to 8.96, p = 0.008), BMI (OR 1.15, CI 1.03 to 1.28, p = 0.015) and medial meniscal repair (OR 3.19, CI 1.24 to 8.21, p = 0.016) were significant risk factors for progression of cartilage damage. In the lateral compartment, partial lateral meniscectomy (OR 10.94, CI 4.14 to 28.92, p < 0.001) and side-to-side differences in anterior knee laxity at follow-up (OR 0.63, p = 0.001) were significant risk factors. Partial meniscectomy was found to be strongly associated with the progression of articular cartilage damage despite r anatomical ACL reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:285-93.

Comparison of Clinical Results, Second-Look Arthroscopic Findings, and MRI Findings Between the Transportal and Outside-In Techniques for Double-Bundle Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: Although image analysis has shown that the outside-in (OI) technique is associated with different femoral tunnel geometry than the transportal (TP) technique in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, it is not known whether clinical results differ between the 2 techniques. Purpose: To compare clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between the TP and OI techniques in anatomic double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: From November 2010 to March 2013, 128 patients were enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to either the TP group (64 patients) or the OI group (64 patients), and DB ACL reconstructions were performed. At the minimum 2-year follow-up (34.9 ± 10.9 months), 111 patients (86.7%) were evaluated with multiple clinical scores and stability tests (KT-2000 arthrometer, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test). Ninety-three knees were evaluated for graft continuity, graft tension, and synovialization by use of second-look arthroscopy. Seventy-eight knees were evaluated on MRI for graft continuity, femoral graft tunnel healing, and graft signal/noise quotient (SNQ). The primary outcome was KT-2000 arthrometer results. Results were compared between the TP and OI groups. Results: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of KT-2000 arthrometer results, which was the primary outcome, and other clinical results, with the exception of the postoperative functional test of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score. The ratio of grade A and B on the postoperative functional test of IKDC objective score was significantly larger for the OI group (51/58) than the TP group (36/53) (P = .005). The second-look arthroscopic findings were not significantly different between the 2 groups in either bundle (P > .05). In addition, MRI findings did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P > .05). Conclusion: With the exception of the functional test of IKDC objective score, we found that clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and MRI findings did not differ significantly between the OI and TP techniques for anatomic ACL reconstruction, although femoral tunnel geometries differed significantly between the 2 techniques.

Chronicity of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency, Part 1: Effects on the Tibiofemoral Relationship Before and Immediately After Anatomic ACL Reconstruction With Autologous Hamstring Grafts.

Background:It remains unclear whether the tibiofemoral relationship in the sagittal plane is restored after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, particularly in cases of chronic ACL deficiency (ACLD).Hypothesis:Patients with long-term ACLD will exhibit an anteriorly subluxed tibia both preoperatively and immediately postoperatively, even after anatomic reconstruction.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:In total, 358 patients who had undergone anatomic ACL reconstruction with autologous semitendinosus grafts were divided into 5 groups based on chronicity of ACLD: (1) 0 to 6 months, (2) 6 months to 1 year, (3) 1 to 2 years, (4) 2 to 5 years, and (5) longer than 5 years. Preoperatively and immediately postoperatively, all patients underwent lateral radiography in extension to evaluate the tibiofemoral relationship, specifically with regard to anterior tibial subluxation (ATS), space for the ACL (sACL), and extension angle. Demographic and radiographic factors were compared among the 5 groups.Results:Preoperative ATS values in groups 4 (mean ± SD, 2.9 ± 2.1 mm) and 5 (2.6 ± 1.9 mm) were significantly greater than in group 1 (1.6 ± 1.9 mm). Postoperatively, the tibia was posteriorly overconstrained in all groups, and there was no difference in immediately postoperative ATS among the 5 groups. Further evaluation of the tibiofemoral relationship in the sagittal plane revealed that the mean preoperative side-to-side difference in sACL (sACL-SSD) was greater in groups 4 (2.5 ± 1.6 mm) and 5 (2.2 ± 1.7 mm) than in group 1 (1.2 ± 1.5 mm). Immediately after ACL reconstruction, however, there were no group-dependent differences in sACL-SSD. No significant group-dependent differences were found for extension deficit.Conclusion:Chronicity of ACLD had an effect on the preoperative tibiofemoral relationship in the sagittal plane, including ATS and sACL-SSD, especially in patients with ACLD longer than 2 years. However, preoperative extension deficit was not influenced by chronicity. Immediately postoperatively, chronicity did not affect the ability of anatomic ACL reconstruction to reduce subluxation.