Improvements In International Knee Documentation Committee Scores Research Articles

Clinical outcome of combined over-the-top reconstruction with modified Lemaire procedure in one-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of over-the-top (OTT) reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) combined with the modified Lemaire technique in one-stage ACL revision. Methods: It's a retrospective study. The clinical data of 37 patients who underwent one-stage revision of ACL using OTT combined with modified Lemaire technique from April 2020 to May 2023 in the Department of Sports Medicine of Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 28 males and 9 females with a mean age of (32.7±5.7) years. The postoperative knee function and surgical revision effect were evaluated by subjective and objective evaluation indexes of the knee joint before and 3 months and 24 months after surgery. The subjective evaluation indexes included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score; and the objective evaluation indexes included the anterior-posterior static displacement distance of the tibia, tibia-femur relative rotation angle, the Lachman test, the axial shift test, and the ratio of the loss of muscle strength of the lower limb. Results: At the final follow-up, all patients returned to pre-injury motor level, with significant improvements in IKDC scores (45.3±6.8 preoperatively, 67.5±4.7 and 93.2±2.3 at 3 months and 2 years after the operation, respectively), Lysholm scores (57.2±2.6 preoperatively, 72.6±2.9 and 89.7±3.7 at 3 months and 2 years after the operation, respectively), and Tegner scores (3.1±0.7 preoperatively, 4.9±0.6 and 5.8±1.3 at 3 months and 2 years after the operation, respectively) (all P<0.001). The anterior-posterior static displacement distance of the tibia reduced significantly [from (5.2±0.5) mm before the operation to (1.4±0.5) mm at 2 years postoperatively) (P<0.001)]; and the relative rotation angle of the tibia-femur restored to the normal physiological range, it was reduced from 6.2°±1.2° before the operation to 1.7°±0.3° 2 years after (P<0.001). The Lachman test and axial shift test at 2 years postoperatively were all negative. The muscle strength loss ratio of the affected lower limb was significantly better than that before the operation (P<0.001). Conclusion: The use of OTT reconstruction combined with modified Lemaire technique for revision of ACL in patients with ACL reconstruction failure can circumvent the tunnel problem for one-stage revision and better restore the stability and function of the knee joint, with ideal clinical results.

Clinical outcomes of a standardized rehabilitation protocol for meniscal repair: A retrospective case series

Background/Purpose: To examine clinical and functional outcomes of patients who underwent meniscal repair with a modified accelerated rehabilitation program. Methods: This study represents a case series of patients who underwent meniscal repair from 2017 to 2019. The mean patient age was 26.6 (range: 15–47) years. Of the 28 total patients, 22 had concomitant anterior cruciate ligament tears that were treated with single-bundle hamstring reconstruction at the time of meniscal repair. All patients were enrolled in a standardized rehabilitation program, allowing early-phase protected weight-bearing and knee mobilization. Patient-reported symptoms, the McMurray test, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) were used to evaluate outcomes. The mean follow-up period was 13 ± 3.1 (range: 9–20) months. Results: Of the participating patients, 75% (22 of 28) returned to their original sports activities. Most patients displayed satisfactory clinical outcomes with significant improvements in IKDC scores. No re-tears were detected. Conclusion: Early protected weight-bearing with progressive early knee mobilization is a safe rehabilitation option after meniscal repair.

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy for traumatic meniscal tears in a young study population: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare outcomes from arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy in young patients with traumatic meniscal tears.MethodsWe conducted a multicentre, open-labelled, randomised controlled trial in patients aged 18–45 years, with...

Patient-Reported Outcome, Return to Sport, and Revision Rates 7-9 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Results From a Cohort of 2042 Patients

Background: Long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), rates of return to sport, and revision risk after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) are not well understood. Purpose: To provide long-term follow-up of PROMs, return-to-sport rates, and revision rates after ACLR and to identify predictors for poor outcome. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 2042 patients were included in an institutional ACL registry (2009-2013) and longitudinally followed. PROMs were completed preoperatively and at all follow-up time points. Questions regarding return to sport and knee stability were completed at final follow-up. Predictors for poor outcome on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were estimated in a regression model incorporating risk factors such as patient characteristics, graft choice, and concomitant injuries. Revision rates and risk of subsequent non-ACL surgeries were calculated. Results: Autografts were used in 76% of the patients (patellar tendon, 62%; hamstring grafts, 38%). Allografts were used in 24% of patients. The questionnaires were returned by 1045 (51.2%) patients at a mean of 7.2 years (range, 5.0-9.8 years) after surgery. Improvements in IKDC score of >30 points were sustained for all patient categories. The strongest predictor for lesser improvement in IKDC score was a cartilage lesion >2 cm2 identified during surgery. Male sex and college education completion were associated with improved IKDC scores. Meniscal lesions did not predict change) in the IKDC score. A total of 69% of patients had returned to sport after 8.1 years (range, 6.7-9.8 years). The main reason for not returning to sport was fear of reinjury. The revision rate was 7.2% after 9 years (range, 8-11 years), 13% of patients needed subsequent ipsilateral non-ACL surgery, and 6% underwent contralateral ACLR. The absence of a meniscal tear, younger age, and male sex were predictors for revision. Graft choice did not predict PROM results or revision risk. Conclusion: Improvements in IKDC scores were sustained 7 years after ACLR. The strongest predictor for poor outcome was a cartilage lesion >2 cm2. Patients can expect a 70% return-to-sport rate and an 87% chance of their knee feeling stable during daily and athletic activities after 8 years. Young male patients have better PROM scores but a higher risk of revision. There is a 26% chance of subsequent knee surgery within 9 years, including a revision rate of 7%, subsequent non-ACL surgery to the operated knee in 13%, and a 6% chance of contralateral ACLR.

Clinical Outcomes of an All-Arthroscopic Technique for Single-Stage Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis in the Treatment of Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of an all-arthroscopic approach to autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for patients with articular cartilage lesions of the knee joint. We hypothesize that an all-arthroscopic, single-stage AMIC using a hyaluron-based cell-free scaffold improves the postoperative clinical scores for patients with isolated articular cartilage lesions of the knee in the early follow-up period. MethodsAll patients with focal osteochondral lesions of the knee treated with AMIC at our institution from November 2013 to January 2018 were included for analysis. Demographic information, baseline clinical characteristics, perioperative imaging, and follow-up International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores at 6 and 24 months postoperatively were collected. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Bonferroni correction was used to assess for improvement before and after surgery, with statistical significance defined as p < .05. ResultsA total of 22 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for this study. Articular cartilage lesions were most commonly found at the center of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. Statistically significant improvements in IKDC scores were seen at the 6- and 24-month follow-up periods (p < .05). ConclusionAn all-arthroscopic technique for single-stage autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis demonstrates significant early clinical improvement for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee. Level of Evidence4

Effect of leg dominance on early functional outcomes and return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The effect of leg dominance on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries has been studied with some studies noting a propensity for injuries in the non-dominant leg. Its effect on post-ACL reconstruction recovery, however, is not well known. The authors hypothesize that dominant limb injuries undergo rehabilitation faster and positively affect early functional outcome scores and return to sports and set about studying these effects. This is a retrospective study of 254 patients from a single institution who underwent ACL reconstruction for acute ACL ruptures and the results were compared between patients with dominant and non-dominant limb injuries. Objective measurements including the KT-1000, single-leg hop distance and Biodex knee extension peak torque were used to evaluate recovery. Pre- and post-operative functional outcome scores such as the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner activity score and Lysholm knee scale were documented. Early functional outcomes were similar. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) improvement in IKDC scores was achieved in 69.7% of the dominant versus 66.0% of the non-dominant injury group (p = 0.99), 75.2% versus 79.6% (p = 0.45) for the Lysholm knee scale, and 81.6% versus 84.9% (p = 0.50) for the Tegner activity score. The majority of patients in both subgroups had a return of at least 80% of peak knee flexion and extension peak torque at 5.4 months post-operatively; 92.9% of subjects with a non-dominant leg injury and 87.2% with a dominant leg injury had returned to their pre-injury sports 1 year from surgery. Results from this study suggest that despite theoretical differences, leg dominance does not have a significant impact on short-term functional outcomes and return to sports. Objective measurements suggest that limb strength recovers at a comparable rate. Injuries to either leg demonstrate equally positive improvement post-ACL reconstruction given the same post-operative rehabilitation. III, retrospective comparative study. III, retrospective cohort study.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Autologous Hamstring Tendon in Patients Aged 50 Years or Older

To assess the clinical and functional outcomes, including the return to sports and the progression of arthritis, in patients aged 50 years or older after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A retrospective series of patients aged 50 years or older with ACL rupture who received ACL reconstruction surgery with autologous hamstring tendon was examined. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were evaluated with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score. Associated injuries, postoperative complications, and the rate of return to preinjury sports were documented. A paired t test and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were used for statistical evaluation. A total of 67 patients with a mean age of 56.6 years were enrolled. The mean follow-up time was 30.2 months. Clinical improvement in the IKDC score (from 41.4 preoperatively to 88.9 postoperatively), Lysholm score (from 49.8 to 86.1), and Tegner activity score (from 2.7 to 4.4) was noted. Regarding clinically relevant values of the MCID, all patients (100%) showed a ΔLysholm score exceeding 8.9; 66 of 67 patients (98.5%) revealed a ΔIKDC score exceeding 16.7; and 47 of 67 patients (70.1%) showed a ΔTegner activity score of more than 1. For the PASS, none of the patients had an IKDC score over 75.9 preoperatively whereas 60 patients (89.5%) had a score exceeding 75.9 postoperatively. Associated lesions included meniscal injuries (73.1%) and osteochondral lesions (89.6%). Of the patients, 36 (53.7%) returned to preinjury sports and 18 (22.9%) returned to sports with less intensity. No major complication, rerupture, or deterioration of arthritis was noted. Patients aged 50 years or older receiving ACL reconstruction achieved significant improvements in IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. All patients reached the MCID for the ΔLysholm score; 98.5%, for the ΔIKDC score; and 70.1%, for the ΔTegner activity score. None of the patients reached the PASS for the preoperative IKDC value, whereas 89.5% reached the PASS postoperatively. Among patients aged 50 years or older, 53.7% returned to preinjury sports and 26.9% returned to sports with lower intensity. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

High-volume image-guided injection for recalcitrant medial collateral ligament injuries of the knee

To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel injection technique in the management of recalcitrant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries of the knee. The injection, comprising 10 ml local anaesthetic with 25-50 mg hydrocortisone, is directed beneath the periosteal attachment of the MCL. Twenty-eight patients who received the intervention were asked to complete a questionnaire, a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form to quantify symptoms pre-injection and at follow-up. Data were assessed using descriptive statistics. Further analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Fisher's exact test. Sixty-eight percent (n = 19) of patients responded. Three patients were excluded according to the exclusion criteria. Of those studied, 37.5% (n = 6) were professional athletes. At follow-up, patients reported a mean improvement on the VAS of 75.5% (SD = 23.6). There was a significant improvement in IKDC scores (mean difference 42%, SD = 14.2) pre- and post-injection (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.001). No residual symptoms were reported by 50% (n = 8) of patients, and a further 37.5% (n = 6) of patients had improved. Of those patients who played sport, two-thirds (n = 10) had returned to their previous level of sport at follow-up, including all of the professional athletes. Periosteal high-volume image-guided injection is a useful treatment for recalcitrant MCL injury. Results are encouraging, particularly amongst the professional athletes studied.