Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Research Articles

Reconstruction of chronic anterior cruciate ligament rupture using the ligament advanced reinforcement system artificial ligament-comparisons between patients over 50 years and under 50 years.

With the increasing physical activity level in elderly population, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are becoming more frequent. Due to the possible surgery complications, treatment for ACL rupture in patients with advanced age is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of reconstruction using the ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) artificial ligament in patients older than 50 and patients younger than 50 with chronic ACL rupture. Indications included: (I) concurrent history of subjective symptomatic anterior knee instability despite nonoperative rehabilitation for least 3 months, (II) positive preoperative Lachman and pivot shift tests, (III) ACL stump still connecting the femur with the tibia as demonstrated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and (IV) some residual ligament fibers still connecting the femur with the tibia as demonstrated by arthroscopy. Participants were divided into groups based on their age. Participants were divided into groups based on their age. A total of 37 patients who underwent reconstruction of chronic ACL rupture using the LARS artificial ligament were divided into group A (≥50 years, n=16) and group B (<50 years, n=21). The outcome measures were compared between the 2 groups. These included the baseline clinical data, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring system, Pivot shift test, Lachman test, Kneelax arthrometer measurements, Tegner activity scale, Lysholm knee scoring scale, and Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic classification of arthritis and complications. Postoperative knee laxity and the functional examination were significantly improved compared to preoperative measurements for both groups (all P<0.01). No significant differences were found in postoperative knee laxity and functional examination between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). The level of osteoarthritis did not statistically increase in either group during follow-up (all P>0.05). No complications associated with the arthroscopic surgery were found in either group. The reconstruction of chronic ACL rupture using the LARS artificial ligament showed similar therapeutic effects in patients over the age of 50 and those under the age of 50.

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.

Simultaneous Bicompartmental Bucket Handle Injury Associated With a Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: Case Report and Literature Review

Simultaneous Bicompartmental Bucket Handle Injury Associated With a Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: Case Report and Literature Review

Return to sport rate following sports trauma-related delayed bucket-handle meniscus repair with concomitant ACL reconstruction.

Return to sports rate of chronic meniscus repair concurrent with Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains unclear, especially there is no well-defined return to sports criteria for evaluation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the success rate of chronic locked bucket-handle meniscal tear (BHMT) repair with concomitant ACL reconstruction. This study includes 51 chronic ACL injury patients with a locked meniscal tear of at least 6 weeks who underwent surgery. All cases were treated with arthroscopic BHMT repair and ACL reconstruction between 2017 and 2020. Patient demograph-ics, chronicity, pre-operative, and intraoperative surgical variables which associated with return to sports were defined. BHMT was repaired with an all-in-side meniscus repair and/or combined repair procedure first, then an anatomic outside-in ACL reconstruction using a suspension device for femoral fixation was performed. Patients underwent same rehabilitation program with the goal of return-ing to sport at approximately 4-8 months. A modified return-to-sport criterion was performed in this study. Fifty-one patients with an average age of 27.4 (range 18-48) years were included in the study. The average time elapsed from the occurrence of locked knee symptoms to surgery was 10.5±4.4 weeks. The mean follow-up time was 25.3±4.5 months. Sig-nificant improvement was observed in all patient-reported outcomes from baseline to the final follow-up. The mean modified Lysholm knee score increased from 45.5 points to 91.5 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The 43 out of 51 patients (84.3%) were return to their recreational activities (amateur sports). The mean time to return to sport was 5.9±0.8 (5-8) months. Majority of the patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with BHMT repair return to their pre-operative activity levels in 8 months. All neglected BHMTs with concomitant chronic ACL rupture should be repaired in a single-stage surgery if the half plane-concave shape of the menisci has been preserved regardless of the delay in time to surgery.

Functional Outcome of Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Reconstruction Using Peroneus Longus Tendon Graft According to AOFAS and IKDC Score: A Case Series

Introduction: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial ligament structure of the knee that plays a significant role in knee joint stability and competitive sports performance. In order to reestablish knee stability, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in the presence of rupture has been recognized as the most common surgical management procedure. Case: This study reported six cases of chronic ACL rupture reconstruction using peroneus longus tendon graft. All patients underwent an arthroscopic ACL repair procedure in Sanglah Hospital Bali. In terms of functional outcome, all patients were assessed using the scoring of AOFAS for the ankle and IKDC for the knee. Result: The functional outcomes of the IKDC and AOFAS score were good from all six patients who already underwent ACL reconstruction using peroneus longus graft with a minimum follow-up of one year. Discussion: Chronic ACL ruptures were successfully treated using the peroneus longus tendon graft. Intraoperatively, there were no significant problems from the harvested peroneus longus tendon graft and ACL reconstruction with the graft. All patients showed no complications, including the local infection following the operation. Rehabilitation procedure post-ACL reconstruction was performed at the Rehabilitation Unit in Sanglah General Hospital. Conclusion: Peroneus longus tendon graft is considered a suitable choice of graft for ACL reconstruction. It presented satisfactory results, effectiveness, and safety based on the AOFAS and IKDC scores.

A modified anterior drawer test for anterior cruciate ligament ruptures

ObjectiveThis study was aimed to utilize a modified anterior drawer test (MADT) to detect the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and investigate its accuracy compares with three traditional tests.MethodsFour hundred patients were prospectively enrolled between January 2015 and September 2017 preoperatively to undergo knee arthroscopic surgeries. The MADT, anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot shift test were used in the outpatient clinical setting and were compared statistically for their accuracy in terms of ACL ruptures, with arthroscopic findings as the gold standard.ResultsThe prevalence of ACL ruptures in this study was 37.0%. The MADT demonstrated the highest sensitivity (0.89) and accuracy (0.92) among the four tests and had comparable specificity (0.94) and a positive predictive value (0.90) compared with the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot shift test. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of MADT was 122.92, with other test values of no more than 55.45. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the MADT was 0.92 ± 0.01, with a significant difference compared with that for the anterior drawer test (z = 17.00, p < 0.001), Lachman test (z = 9.66, p = 0.002), and pivot shift test (z = 16.39, p < 0.001). The interobserver reproducibility of the MADT was good, with a kappa coefficient of 0.86.When diagnosing partial tears of ACL, the MADT was significantly more sensitive than the anterior drawer test (p < 0.001), Lachman test (p = 0.026), and pivot shift test (p = 0.013). The MADT showed similar sensitivity in detecting anteromedial and posterolateral bundle tears (p = 0.113) and no difference in diagnosing acute and chronic ACL ruptures (χ2 = 1.682, p = 0.195).ConclusionsThe MADT is also an alternative diagnostic test to detect ACL tear, which is equally superior to the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot shifting test. It could improve the diagnosis of ACL ruptures combined with other clinical information including injury history, clinical examination, and radiological findings.Levels of evidenceLevel II/observational diagnostic studiesTrial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry. ChiCTR1900022945 /retrospectively registered

Functional outcome of arthroscopic reconstruction of chronic anterior cruciate ligament ruptures using single-bundle triple-weaved hamstring tendons in northern Nigeria

Though anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly reconstructed ligament all over the world, its arthroscopic reconstruction was relatively less frequent in the West African sub region until recently. The patronage of the traditional bone setters in the acute phase of closed knee injuries has made Chronic ACL injury the main form of presentation with significant secondary injuries and degenerative changes from sub-optimal initial care. The aim of this study was to determine functional outcome and patient’s satisfaction from Arthroscopic chronic ACL injury repair. Diagnoses were made using clinical parameters and MRI. Lysholm scores were determined preoperatively, and repeated with patient’s satisfaction assessment (using the Likert scale) at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 months postoperatively. Arthroscopic single-bundle ACL repair using a triple-weaved hamstring tendon (s) was done for all the patients. Debridement and meniscectomy were done for various degrees of degenerative changes and irreparable meniscal injuries respectively. No one was dissatisfied and 91.4% of the patients had well to excellent Lysholm scores at 2 years of follow up. It was concluded that arthroscopic chronic ACL rupture reconstruction using single-bundle triple-weaved hamstring autografts with good rehabilitation offers good to excellent knee function and patients’ satisfaction with minimal complications.

Femoral tunnel position in chronic anterior cruciate ligament rupture reconstruction: randomized controlled trial comparing anatomic, biomechanical and clinical outcomes

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between anteromedial (AM) and transtibial (TT) femoral tunnel positioning techniques for the reconstruction of chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. It is a randomized prospective study of 106 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction because of a chronic ACL rupture (55 AMT, 51 TT). Minimum follow-up was 2years. Demographic, clinical and radiological data, including MRI grafts' anatomy and biomechanics intraoperative navigation system evaluation, were analyzed. Also, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Tegner Knee score, Lysholm Knee Score, Short-Form Health Survey and 4-point Likert Scale were evaluated. The AM technique achieves a more anatomic graft than TT technique in both sagittal and coronal plane (6° approximately). Immediate postoperative biomechanical evaluation of the graft showed both techniques significantly improved translational and rotational laxity (p = 0.000). AMT showed superiority only in controlling internal rotation (p = 0.016). Both techniques reported significant improvement in all evaluated score scales, without differences between techniques. Independently of the femoral tunnel positioning technique, patients with cartilage lesion had worse clinical outcomes. Our findings suggest that AMT achieves a more anatomical and biomechanically accurate graft allowing better control over internal rotation laxity; however, this does not lead to better clinical outcomes if we compare with TT in the reconstruction of chronic ACL rupture. Patients with chronic ACL rupture and cartilage lesion had worse clinical outcomes, independently the femoral tunnel positioning technique.

Evaluation of the anterolateral ligament of the knee by magnetic resonance imaging in patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament rupture

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the visibility of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Materials and methodsThis retrospective case – control study compared 1.5 - T MRI scans for 50 patients with a chronic ACL rupture with those of a control group of 50 patients with an intact ACL. The ALL was evaluated in three portions: femoral, meniscal, and tibial. The status of each portion was classified as visualized or non-visualized. Two radiologists separately reviewed all the MRI scans to evaluate interobserver reliability. ResultsAt least one portion of the ALL was visualized in 100% of the control group and 72% of the chronic ACL rupture group. All three portions of the ALL were identified in 72% of the control group but only 10% of the chronic ACL rupture group. In both groups, the most commonly visualized portion was the meniscal portion and the least visualized was the tibial portion. In 18% of the chronic ACL rupture group, no portion of the ALL was visualized. ConclusionsThe visibility of the ALL of the knee was significantly lower in patients with a chronic ACL rupture than in those with an intact one.

Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: Diagnosis, Indications, Technique, Outcomes

In the context of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, anterolateral ligament reconstruction is now recognized as a reliable option to control rotatory instability and should be considered in the knee surgeon's modern armamentarium. By highlighting its daily practical application, this infographic presents the indications for this specific additional lateral augmentation, the anatomic and biomechanical principles that underline its rationale, and the clinical outcomes from recent large series.In 2013, Claes et al. updated the anterolateral ligament (ALL) concept, and numerous subsequent studies detailed its precise anatomy. It is now accepted that the femoral insertion is located proximal and posterior to the epicondyle. The biomechanical behavior of the ALL during the knee flexion path has been reported to provide control of tibial internal rotation during the pivot shift and with increasing knee flexion angles (>35). Clinically, when a patient presents with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, clinical examination (pivot shift test), radiography (Segond fracture), ultrasound, and 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging are useful to assess a combined ALL injury.The following indications for ALL reconstruction are now well established: ACL revision, high-grade pivot shift test, chronic ACL rupture, young patients, pivoting activities, and patients undergoing medial meniscus repair. It has been reported that anatomic and minimally invasive surgical techniques that control anterolateral rotatory instability can achieve successful outcomes without specific complications. Finally, the addition of ALL reconstruction does not delay postoperative rehabilitation, and no modification is required for an early rehabilitation protocol.

Preliminary Results in Anatomic All-inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most common lesions in knee traumatology; therefore the number of ACL reconstructions is increasing worldwide. Usually, an anteromedial (AM) accessory portal is required in anatomical positioning of the femoral tunnel, which is not absolutely necessary in this technique. Aim: Assessment of all-inside ACL reconstruction preliminary clinical results with adjustable loops and buttons on both femoral and tibial surfaces. Method: Our prospective study included 28 subjects (19 male, 9 female) with chronic ACL ruptures. The mean age of the study population was 27.72 ± 8.23 years. In all cases ACL reconstruction was carried out with the use of quadrupled semitendinosus auto-grafts with adjustable loops and buttons on the femoral and tibial surfaces and anatomic placement of both tunnels, using an outside-in technique, with flipcutters (Arthrex®). Clinical and radiological evaluations were carried out before surgery and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, with the Lysholm scoring system, the Tegner activity scale and anterior-posterior and latero-lateral X-rays. Anterior knee laxity was measured in 25° of flexion using a portable arthrometer (RolimeterTM, Aircast®) and maximum manual force. Results: During the final follow-up, the Lysholm score was good and excellent in 27 cases, with a mean Lysholm score of 95.55 ± 4.63; all results were classified as good. The mean preoperative Tegner activity score was 3.46 ± 1.71 (range: 1-7), and the post-operative mean score was 5.75 ± 2.24 (range: 2-10). We found no graft ruptures. Preoperative knee laxity measurements showed a mean displacement of 11.5 ± 3.1 mm and side-to-side differences of 5.6 ± 3.5 mm, while the postoperative measurements at the last follow-up were 6.3 ± 1.54 mm and 2.65 ± 1.86 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Short-term clinical outcomes of all-inside ACL restoration with anatomic placement femoral and tibial tunnels seem to recommend this surgical option, with good subjective and objective results. Additional research will have to prove the long-term success.

Arthroscopic refixation of acute proximal anterior cruciate ligament rupture using suture anchors

Arthroscopic assisted suture anchor refixation combined with microfracturing of the femoral ACL insertion zone in cases of acute proximal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture to restore anatomical and biomechanical properties of the native ACL. Acute proximal ACL rupture/avulsion, multiligament injury of the knee CONTRAINDICATIONS: Chronic (>6weeks) proximal ACL rupture, intraligamentary rupture, as well as previous ACL surgery. Arthroscopic examination of the knee joint, debridement of the femoral insertion zone, examination of the ligament quality by aprobe, insertion of acurved lasso through the ACL to place the sutures and use of adrill guide to place the anchor in the middle of the femoral ACL insertion. Microfracturing holes around the femoral footprint were made by an awl to enhance healing properties of the ACL. Partial weight bearing was permitted and crutches were used for 6weeks, knee brace limited for the first 2weeks 0‑0-0°, then 0‑0-90° for the following 4weeks. Atotal of 20patients who underwent acute proximal ACL suture anchor refixation were evaluated after amean follow-up of 28months. Regarding stability, mean values of the KT-1000 arthrometer indicated stable results (<3mm), 3patients had a1+ Lachman and 4patients had a1+ pivot shift. IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) score indicated that 17 cases were very good to good (12A, 4B) and in 3 cases the results were satisfactory (3C). Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the ALC was found to be intact in 17cases. The total rate of revision was 15 % (3/20) because of recurrent instability.

Comparison Between Single- and Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With 6- to 8-Stranded Hamstring Autograft

Background: Whether double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with 6- to 8-stranded hamstring autograft (HG) is better than single-bundle (SB) ACL reconstruction remains debatable, as long-term follow-up data are lacking. Purpose: To prospectively investigate and compare the long-term results of DB and SB ACL reconstruction with a 6- to 8-stranded HG. Study Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence: 1. Methods: A total of 80 patients with chronic ACL rupture were randomized to SB or DB ACL reconstruction with a 6- to 8-stranded HG. In the SB group, both the semitendinosus tendon (ST) and the gracilis tendon (GT) were prepared in 3 or 4 strands, with a total of 6 to 8 strands. In the DB group, the ST was prepared in 3 or 4 strands used for the anteromedial bundle, and the GT was prepared in the same manner for the posterolateral bundle. Each graft was fixed with an EndoButton, a bioabsorbable interference screw, and a staple. Outcome assessment was performed by a blinded independent observer using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner, and Lysholm scores, as well as range of motion (ROM), Lachman test, pivot-shift test, KT-2000 arthrometer side-to-side difference, and return-to-sport data. Results: A total of 68 patients (DB group, 34; SB group, 34) were observed for a mean of 80 months (range, 74-86 months). There were 2 traumatic instability failures and two 5° extension restrictions in the DB group, while no failures or 5° extension restrictions were observed in the SB group. The mean Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores improved significantly in both groups compared with preoperation scores (P < .05). No patient had a positive Lachman test result. No significant differences were found between groups in functional scores, incidence of pivot shift, ROM, Lachman test, KT-2000 arthrometer anterior laxity, or time and level of return to sport. Conclusion: Both SB and DB ACL reconstruction with 6- to 8-stranded HG showed satisfactory results in subjective scores and anteroposterior and rotational stability over a nearly 7-year follow-up; neither technique was superior.

Greffe tendineuse courte aux ischio-jambiers augmentée par ligament artificiel LARS® versus greffe aux ischio-jambiers quatre faisceaux dans les reconstructions du LCA : résultats préliminaires

BackgroundThis retrospective study compares the results of reconstruction of isolated chronic anterior cruciate ligament rupture using augmented short and small sized hamstring tendon graft with ligament advanced artificial reinforcement system (LARS®) versus a four-strand hamstring tendon graft (4-SHG). Our hypothesis was that postoperative knee stability after using augmented short length or small diameter hamstring tendon graft with LARS® artificial ligament could be significant and satisfactory more than 4-strand hamstring tendon graft group. Materials and methodsBetween June 2007–July 2008, 72 patients were divided into a LARS® augmented group (n=27) and a 4-SHG group (n=45). ResultsMean FU is 5 years. KT 1000 examinations showed that the LARS® group had significantly less anterior displacement than the 4-SHG group (P=0.013). IKDC score demonstrated statistically significant differences (P=0.05). ConclusionsOur study indicates that early results of augmenting short length or small diameter harvested hamstring tendons with LARS® in ACL reconstruction provides satisfactory, comparable results and displayed higher knee stability compared to 4-SHG group. Level of evidenceLevel III (case control study).

Augmented short undersized hamstring tendon graft with LARS® artificial ligament versus four-strand hamstring tendon in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: preliminary results

BackgroundThis retrospective study compares the results of reconstruction of isolated chronic anterior cruciate ligament rupture using augmented short undersized sized hamstring tendon graft with ligament advanced artificial reinforcement system (LARS) versus a four-strand hamstring tendon graft (4-SHG). Our hypothesis was that postoperative knee stability after using augmented short length or small diameter hamstring tendon graft with LARS artificial ligament could be significant and satisfactory more than 4-strand hamstring tendon graft group. Materials and methodsBetween June 2007–July 2008, 72 patients were divided into a (LARS) augmented group (n=27) and a (4-SHG) group (n=45). ResultsMean FU is 5years. KT-1000 examinations showed that the LARS group had significantly less anterior displacement than the (4-SHG) group P=0.013. IKDC score demonstrated statistically significant differences (P=0.05). ConclusionsOur study indicates that early results of augmenting: short length or small diameter harvested hamstring tendons with LARS in ACL reconstruction provides satisfactory, comparable results and displayed higher knee stability compared to (4-SHG) group. Level of evidenceLevel III (case control study).

High Tibial Valgus Osteotomy and Concomitant Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Which is the most appropriate surgical technique?

Introduction:The aim of this study is to evaluate advantages of close vs. open HTO of a group of patients who underwent a one-stage combined operation for chronic ACL rupture and early medial compartment arthritis.Material and Methods:We retrospective evaluated two series of patients operated on for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO) for chronic anterior knee instability associated with medial tibio femoral osteoarthritis. Close HTO using rigid plate fixation and ACL reconstruction with bone patellar tendon bone graft was performed in Group A (7 patients). An open HTO using Puddu plate and ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft was performed in Group B (9 patients). The mean age in Group A was 41 years old with an average varus of 8 degrees. Mean age in Group B was 42 years old and with 4 degrees of varus. Lysholm Score, HSS and Radiographs were performed.Results:Group A obtained a mean Lysholm score of 94, mean HSS of 91. Group B showed a mean Lysholm score of 83, mean HSS of 87. The mean follow-up was 5 years in both groups. In all cases osteotomies consolidated.Discussion:Technically we found that open HTO with hamstrings had several advantages such as lower risk of peroneal nerve injury, use of one incision, no problems as regards graft length, possibility of fixing the graft in the proximal tibia, maintenance of tibial slope and preservation of bone stock. The Open HTO need of osseous graft, may produce patella baja and the risk of nonunion is higher. This technique is indicated for relaxed medial collateral ligament. As regards the Close HTO there may be possibilities of a peroneal nerve injury, it may decrease the tibial slope, patellar ascent, loss of bone, the need to disrupt either the fibula or proximal tibio-fibular joint and may generate instability in the posterolateral corner and the screws could compromise the tunnels path. The advantages are provision of bone to bone contact with excellent union rates and the potential for full early weight-bearing.Conclusion:In spite of these issues, both procedures relieved pain and restored knee stability and the choice will depend on each particular case.

Morphologic Changes of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament on Magnetic Resonance Imaging before and after Reconstruction of Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the morphologic change of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear before and after reconstruction.Materials and MethodsOn the MRI image after ACL reconstruction, a base line (BL) was drawn between the femoral and tibial insertion sites of the PCL. Point A was established as the vertically farthest point from BL. Line 1 and 2 were drawn respectively between point A and the insertions of PCL. The angles between BL and Line1 and 2 were defined as angle a and angle b. Correlations between the preoperative anterior knee instability assessed with the KT 1000 arthrometer and the parameters were evaluated.ResultsThe average angle a was 52.3°±7.1° preoperatively and 30.1°±3.4° postoperatively, and the average angle b was 28.95°±4.62° preoperatively and 22°±2.9° postoperatively (p<0.05). The preoperative manual maximal side-to-side difference was 7.2±2.3 mm, which had no significant correlation with angle b.ConclusionsThe preoperative buckling of PCL in the case of chronic ACL injury disappeared after ACL reconstruction. The degree of PCL buckling had no correlation with the degree of preoperative anterior instability.

The Triple PCL Sign: Bucket Handle Tears of Both Medial and Lateral Menisci in a Chronically ACL-Deficient Knee

Bucket handle tears of both menisci in the setting of acute or chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears of the same knee have rarely been reported in the literature. This article presents a case of a bucket handle tear affecting both the medial and lateral menisci in a patient with chronic ACL rupture. Both bucket handle tears were displaced and locked in the intercondylar notch. A new magnetic resonance image (MRI) sign suggested on sagittal view is called the triple PCL sign, comprising the intact posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the 2 displaced fragments in the intercondylar notch from the two bucket handle tears. The precise diagnosis of this condition is of obvious importance for optimal operative planning. While finding the displaced fragment from the medial meniscus is expected to cause the double PCL sign, the torn ACL may have made it easier to visualize the bucket handle tear of the lateral meniscus in the same sagittal plane as the PCL. Only 5 other reports mention bimeniscal bucket handle tears of both the medial and lateral menisci in association with an ACL tear. None have shown the suggested triple PCL sign because of lack of overlap between the 2 bucket handle tears in the coronal plane while lying in the intercondylar notch causing them not to fall in the same sagittal plane. Our patient showed some overlap between the 2 meniscal fragments while lying in the notch to create the triple PCL sign on sagittal MRI.

Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Four Versus Eight Strands of Hamstring Tendon Graft

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of a double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with 4 strands versus 8 strands of hamstring tendon graft. Seventy-six patients with chronic ACL rupture were randomly separated into two groups for double-bundle ACL reconstruction. In the 4-strand hamstring graft (4SHG) group, the semitendinosus tendon was used to make two 2-stranded hamstring tendon grafts, whereas in the 8-strand hamstring graft (8SHG) group, the semitendinosus tendon was used to make one 4SHG and the gracilis tendon was used to make the other 4SHG. The 4SHG group comprised 33 patients and the 8SHG group comprised 35 patients, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scales were used to evaluate the clinical results. In the 4SHG group the side-to-side difference was less than 3 mm in 26 patients (78.8%), 3 to 5 mm in 4 patients (12.1%), and 6 to 10 mm in 3 patients (9.0%), with a mean value of 2.8 +/- 0.5 mm; the pivot-shift test was negative in 29 patients (89.9%) and positive in 4 (12.1%). In the 8SHG group the side-to-side difference was less than 3 mm in 32 patients (91.4%), 3 to 5 mm in 2 patients (5.7%), and 6 mm in 1 patient (2.9%) (P = .004), with a mean value of 1.3 +/- 0.4 mm (P = .0003); the pivot-shift test was negative in 34 patients (97.1%) and positive in 1 (2.9%). According to the IKDC scale, 29 patients (87.9%) in the 4SHG group and 33 patients (94.3%) in the 8SHG group had a grade of normal or nearly normal. In the 4SHG and 8SHG groups the mean IKDC subjective knee evaluation results were 86.4 +/- 4.2 and 96.3 +/- 2.8 (P = .0007), respectively, and the mean Lysholm scores were 89.6 +/- 3.7 and 96.5 +/- 2.9 (P = .0006), respectively. On the basis of KT-1000 examination (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA) and clinical measures, double-bundle ACL reconstruction with 8SHG yields significantly better results than double-bundle ACL reconstruction with 4SHG, with a mean side-to-side difference in anterior knee laxity of 1.3 +/- 0.4 mm versus 2.8 +/- 0.5 mm (P = .0003), IKDC subjective result of 96.3 +/- 2.8 versus 86.4 +/- 4.2 (P = .0007), and Lysholm score of 96.5 +/- 2.9 versus 89.6 +/- 3.7 (P = .0006). Level II, lesser-quality randomized controlled trial.

Cyclops syndrome occurring after chronic partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament without surgical reconstruction

Cyclops syndrome is one of the specific causes of loss of extension of the knee following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This syndrome is manifest by progressive loss of knee extension associated with pain and audible clunk at terminal extension caused by a pedunculated nodule of fibrovascular proliferative tissue usually arising from a graft. Recent published reports, however, have described Cyclops syndrome also developing after a partial ACL rupture without surgical reconstruction. In most cases, Cyclops syndrome generally occurred within 2 months after reconstruction surgery or rupture. Here we report on the case of a patient with symptoms and arthroscopic and histological findings compatible with Cyclops syndrome that developed after a chronic partial ACL rupture that occurred 23 years ago. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of Cyclops syndrome occurring after chronic partial ACL rupture.