Included International Knee Documentation Committee Research Articles

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in the Treatment of Patellofemoral Chondral Defects: Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation versus Fresh Osteochondral Allografts

Objectives: The complex environment and the extreme stresses of the patellofemoral joint make chondral defects a challenge to treat. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) have been reported as case series in the patellofemoral joint with mixed results. This study compared the clinical outcomes for ACI and OCA treatments for patellofemoral chondral defects at our institution. Methods: We reviewed all consecutive patients undergoing ACI and OCA at a single institution for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral cartilage defects. Treatment type was based on surgeon preference. Medical records were examined for patient demographic, lesion specific data, complications, re-operations and failures (graft delamination requiring surgery, revision cartilage repair or conversion to arthroplasty). Clinical outcomes included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Short Form 12 health survey (SF-12) scores. Mean follow up was 5.2 years (range, 3.1-7.5 years). Results: There were 30 patients: 19 in the ACI group and 11 in the OCA group with a mean age of 33 (15-48) and 25.5 (16-55) respectively (p=0.12). Etiology in the ACI group was 63%(n=12) patellar instability, 21%(n=4) post-traumatic osteoarthritis, 10%(n=2) primary osteoarthritis and 5%(n=1) osteochondritis dissecans, whereas it was more evenly distributed in the OCA group (27%, 27%, 19% and 27% respectively). Lesions in the ACI group were either Fulkerson type III (84% (n=16), medial patellar facet) or type IV (16%(n=3), pan-patellar). In the OCA group, lesions varied between type 1 (9%(n=1)), type II (27%(n=3)), type III (9%(n=1)) and type IV (54%(n=6)). The mean lesion size was similar between the two groups (OCA 3.1 cm2 ±1.1 vs. ACI 3.4 cm2 ±2.4, p=0.7) with more bipolar lesions in the OCA group (45%(n=5) vs.11%(n=2), p=0.038). Failures (requiring revision or replacement surgery), were significantly more common in OCA at 36% (n=4) compared to 5.3% (n=1) in ACI patients (p=0.04), one of which was bipolar in the former group. Re-operation was performed in 27%(n=3) OCA patients (each for adhesiolysis) and in 21%(n=4) ACI patients (2 manipulation under anesthesia, 1 adhesiolysis and 1 graft debridement for overgrowth) (p=0.3). There were no significant differences between the OCA and ACI groups in IKDC (60.7 vs. 74, p=0.08) and SF-12 scores (43.5 vs 43.7, p=0.43). Conclusion: Compared to ACI, OCA had significantly more failures for patellofemoral chondral defects at short to mid-term follow-up. This may relate to differences in the etiology and lesion locations between the two groups. Despite these findings, both groups had similar complication rates and functional outcome scores.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Femoral Condyle Utilizing a Thin Plug Graft Technique

Background: Previous studies showed clinical benefit and durable results of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for the treatment of femoral condyle lesions. However, the majority of these studies are difficult to interpret owing to the mixed results of different techniques and anatomic locations. Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of OCA transplantation with thin plug grafts for treatment of isolated femoral condyle osteochondral lesions. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included 187 patients (200 knees) who underwent OCA transplantation for isolated osteochondral lesions on the femoral condyle between 1999 and 2014. For all cases, a thin plug technique was used with commercially available surgical instruments and the minimum amount of bone necessary for fixation. Evaluation included International Knee Documentation Committee score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and patient satisfaction. Frequency and type of further surgery were assessed. Failure of the allograft was defined as further surgery involving removal of the allograft. Results: Mean follow-up was 6.7 years (range, 1.9-16.5 years). The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 31 years, and 63% were male. The medial femoral condyle was affected in 69% of knees. A single thin plug graft was used in 145 knees (72.5%), and 2 grafts were used in 55 knees (27.5%). Mean allograft area was 6.3 cm2, and graft thickness was 6.5 mm (cartilage and bone combined). Further surgery was required for 52 knees (26%), of which 16 (8% of entire cohort) were defined as allograft failures (4 OCA revisions, 1 arthrosurface, 6 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties, and 5 total knee arthroplasties). Median time to failure was 4.9 years. Survivorship of the allograft was 95.6% at 5 years and 91.2% at 10 years. Among patients with grafts remaining in situ at latest follow-up, clinically meaningful improvement in pain, function, and quality of life was reported. Satisfaction was reported by 89% of patients. Conclusion: OCA transplantation with a thin plug graft technique is a valuable procedure for the treatment of femoral condyle osteochondral lesions, resulting in significant improvement in clinical scores, high patient satisfaction, and low reoperation and clinical failure rates.

Relationship between post-operative residual patellar J sign and the laxity of reconstructed medial patellofemoral ligament in recurrent patellar instability adult patients

Objective To discover the relationship between the post-operative positive residual patellar J sign and the laxity of reconstructed medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) after MPFL reconstruction combined with tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO). Methods A total of 39 consecutive recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) adult patients who were performed MPFL reconstruction and TTO with more than 2 follow-up time were analyzed retrospectively in the present study. The patellar tracking of all the patients was evaluated and was classified into positive patellar J sign group and negative J sign control group during knee active flexion and extension at final follow up. The computed tomography (CT) examination was performed in all patients at 0° extension of the knee. The patellar laxity index measured by patellar glide test (PGT) and the radiographic parameters (tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, bisect offset index, patella trochlear-groove distance, patella lateral tilt angle, femoral anteversion angle, tibial external angle and knee rotational angle) calculated by CT scans slices as well as the pre-/post- operative knee functional scores including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Kujala score, and Lysholm score were compared between the positive group and negative group at final follow up. Results The average follow-up duration was 26.3±6.7 months (range 24-31) and all the patients did not suffer from the RPD during the follow-up. Ten (26%, 10/39) patients performed positive J sign, and the remaining 29 (74%, 29/39) performed negatively. The two groups were compatible with no significant difference in age, gender, injury side, follow-up duration and preoperative knee function scores (P>0.05). At the final follow up, the patellar laxity index in the positive J sign group was 34.9%±6.9%, while that in the negative group was 24.6%±8.6%. There was significantly difference in the patellar laxity index between two groups (t=-3.413, P=0.002). The bisect offset index in the positive group was 102.9%±12.4%, while that in the negative group was 76.0%±18.4%. There was significantly difference in the bisect offset index between two groups (t=-4.268, P=0.000). The patella trochlear-groove distance in the positive group was 2.2±3.7 mm, while that in the negative group was -7.6±5.8 mm. There was significantly difference in the patella trochlear-groove distance between two groups (t=-4.233, P=0.000). The two groups were compatible with no significant difference in tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, patella lateral tilt angle, femoral anteversion angle, tibial external angle and knee rotational angle (P>0.05). The IKDC, Kujala, and Lysholm in the positive group were 86.4±6.5, 85.3±1.1, 91.5±7.9 respectively with significantly differences compared with preoperative scores 53.3±2.4, 73.2±9.7, 76.7±6.6 (t=-10.163, P=0.000; t=-1.274, P=0.023; t=-8.533, P=0.018). The IKDC, Kujala, and Lysholm in the negative group were 87.3±8.6, 84.3±4.7, 93.1±4.3 respectively with significantly differences compared with preoperative scores 49.1±4.6, 71.4±6.5, 79.5±7.0 (t=-14.381, P=0.000; t=-0.068, P=0.037; t=-6.902, P=0.013). There were no significant difference in the postoperative knee function scores between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion RPD patients can recover the patellar instability from the surgical technique of MPFL reconstruction and TTO and none of them suffer from the RPD during the follow-up. However, the morbidity of post-operative positive residual patellar J sign was 26%. The positive J sign might increase the laxity of patella. Key words: Patellofemoral joint; Wounds and injuries; Arthroscopy; Joint instability

Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair: Two-Year Results of a First-in-Human Study.

Background:Bridge-enhanced anterior cruciate ligament repair (BEAR) combines suture repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a specific extracellular matrix scaffold (the BEAR scaffold) that is placed in the gap between the torn ends of the ACL to facilitate ligament healing.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to report the 12- and 24-month outcomes of patients who underwent the BEAR procedure compared with a nonrandomized concurrent control group who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with an autograft. We hypothesized that the BEAR group would have physical examination findings, patient-reported outcomes, and adverse events that were similar to those of the ACLR group.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Ten patients underwent BEAR, and 10 underwent ACLR with a 4-stranded hamstring autograft. At 24 months, 9 of the 10 BEAR patients and 7 of the 10 ACLR patients completed a study visit. Outcomes reported included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective results, knee anteroposterior (AP) laxity findings via an arthrometer, and functional outcomes.Results:There were no graft or repair failures in the first 24 months after surgery. The IKDC subjective scores in both groups improved significantly from baseline (P < .0001) at 12 and 24 months, to 84.6 ± 17.2 in the ACLR group and to 91.7 ± 11.7 in the BEAR group. An IKDC objective grade of A (normal) was found in 44% of patients in the BEAR group and in 29% of patients in the ACLR group at 24 months; no patients in either group had C (abnormal) or D (severely abnormal) grades. Arthrometer testing demonstrated mean side-to-side differences in AP laxity that were similar in the 2 groups at 24 months (BEAR, 1.94 ± 2.08 mm; ACLR, 3.14 ± 2.66 mm). Functional hop testing results were similar in the 2 groups at 12 and 24 months after surgery. Hamstring strength indices were significantly higher in the BEAR group compared with the ACLR group (P = .0001).Conclusion:In this small, first-in-human study, BEAR produced similar outcomes to ACLR with a hamstring autograft. BEAR may result in knee stability and patient-reported outcomes at 2 years sufficient to warrant longer term studies of efficacy in larger groups of patients.

Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Affect the Outcome of Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation? A Matched Cohort Study With a Mean Follow-up of 6 Years

Background: Few studies have evaluated the influence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on the outcome of cartilage repair. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to investigate the association between ACL reconstruction and functional outcomes after osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation. The hypothesis was that patients treated with OCA transplantation who had a history of ACL reconstruction would have inferior clinical outcomes and lower osteochondral graft survivorship when compared with a matched group of patients undergoing OCA transplantation without a history of ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study compared 31 knees that underwent OCA transplantation with a history of ACL reconstruction (OCA and ACL group) and 62 knees treated with isolated OCA transplantation (OCA group) that had an intact ACL. Groups were matched by age, diagnosis, year of surgery, and graft size. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Frequency and type of reoperation were assessed. Clinical failure was defined as revision OCA transplantation or conversion to arthroplasty. Subjective outcome measures included International Knee Documentation Committee scores, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores, and patient satisfaction. Results: Clinical failure occurred in 3 of 31 knees (9.7%) in the OCA and ACL group and 6 of 62 knees (9.7%) in the OCA group (P ≤ .999). Five- and 10-year survivorship of the OCA was 94.7% and 82.3% for the OCA and ACL group and 93.4% and 79.6% for OCA group, respectively (P = .979). Mean follow-up was 6.2 ± 3.3 years among all knees with grafts in situ. Changes from preoperative to latest follow-up visit (difference scores) on all subjective outcome measures were greater in the OCA group; however, none of the difference scores were statistically significant. Satisfaction with the results of OCA transplantation was reported in 78.3% of the OCA and ACL group and 71.7% of the OCA group (P = .551). Conclusion: Treatment of cartilage lesions with OCA transplantation proved to be reliable and effective regardless of a history of ACL reconstruction as demonstrated by the improvements in outcome scores, long survivorship, and high satisfaction rates. History of ACL reconstruction did not influence outcome of OCA transplantation.

Modern Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: The “Gold Standard” for Femoral Condyle Cartilage Repair?

Objectives:Cartilage repair for femoral condyle lesions comprise the majority of the biological procedures performed in the knee joint. Treatment options have evolved but there is still uncertainty regarding longer-term clinical outcomes with current surgical techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcome of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation utilizing dowel type grafts for the treatment of isolated femoral condyle cartilage lesions.Methods:This study comprised 187 patients (200 knees) who underwent OCA transplantation for isolated cartilage lesions on the femoral condyle between 1999 and 2014. Mean patient age was 31.1 ± 11.6 years, 62.6% were male, and the medial femoral condyle was affected in 69% of the knees. For all cases, dowel technique was used with commercially available surgical instruments utilizing the minimum amount of bone necessary for fixation (modern technique). A single graft was used in 145 knees (72.5%), two grafts were used in 55 knees (27.5%). Average allograft area was 6.3 cm2 (range, 2.3 to 13 cm2) and graft thickness was 6.5 ± 1.4 mm (cartilage and bone combined). All patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Evaluation included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores; Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and patient satisfaction. The frequency and type of further surgery was assessed. OCA failure was defined as a further surgery that involved removal of the allograft. An additional subgroup analysis on location comparing medial to lateral femoral condyle grafts was performedResults:The average follow-up was 6.7 years (range, 1.9 to 16.5 years). IKDC scores improved from preoperatively to latest follow-up for pain (5.5 to 2.7), function (3.4 to 7.3) and total scores (43.7 to 76.2) (all p<0.001). KOOS pain and activities of daily living scores improved from 66.5 to 85.3 and 74.5 to 91.1, respectively (p<0.001). At latest follow-up, outcome scores did not differ by location on the femoral condyle (Table 1). The majority of patients (89%) reported satisfaction with the results of the OCA transplantation. Further surgery was required in 52 knees (26%), of which 16 knees (8% of entire cohort) were defined as OCA failures (4 OCA revisions, 1 arthrosurface, 6 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties, and 5 total knee arthroplasties). The median time to failure was 4.9 years (range, 0.3 to 16.1 years). Survivorship of the OCA was 95.6% at 5 years and 91.2% at 10 years (Figure 1).Conclusion:OCA transplantation utilizing a modern technique is a valuable procedure for the treatment of femoral condyle cartilage lesions, resulting in significant improvement in clinical scores, high patient satisfaction, and low reoperation and clinical failure rates. These results are similar or better than any other cartilage repair procedure for isolated femoral condyle lesions.Table 1.Outcomes among 184 knees with grafts in situ at latest follow-upMeasureAll knees N=184Medial N=125Lateral N=59p-value*IKDC Pain2.7 ± 2.42.6 ± 2.43.1 ± 2.50.176 Function7.3 ± 2.27.4 ± 2.27.2 ± 2.20.364 Total76.2 ± 18.776.9 ± 19.274.8 ± 17.50.312KOOS Symptoms82.5 ± 15.584.0 ± 14.579.7 ± 17.20.251 Pain85.3 ± 16.386.9 ± 15.682.5 ± 17.30.103 Activities of daily living91.1 ± 14.791.8 ± 14.089.8 ± 16.00.535 Sports / recreation70.2 ± 26.473.6 ± 24.064.9 ± 29.40.199 Quality of life62.1 ± 24.364.5 ± 24.957.7 ± 22.60.113Satisfaction Extremely satisfied67.7%70.5%61.5%0.260 Satisfied21.3%19.6%25.0% Somewhat satisfied5.5%4.5%7.7% Somewhat dissatisfied3.0%1.8%5.8% Dissatisfied2.4%3.6%0.0%Results are shown a mean ± standard deviation or percentage.IKDC, International Knee Documentation Committee; KOOS, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score*P-value for comparison of medial vs lateralFigure 1.Kaplan-Meyer survivorship with revision of the allograft or conversion to arthroplasty as the endpoint

20-Year Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft: The Catastrophic Effect of Age and Posterior Tibial Slope

Background: No well-controlled studies have compared the long-term outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft between adolescents and adults. Increased posterior tibial slopes (PTSs) have been reported in the ACL-injured versus controls, but the effect of PTS on the outcome after reconstruction is relatively unexplored. Purpose: To compare the prospective longitudinal outcome of “isolated” ACL ruptures treated with anatomic endoscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft over 20 years in adolescent and adult cohorts and to examine factors for repeat ACL injury. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A single-surgeon series of 200 consecutive patients undergoing isolated primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft were prospectively studied. Subjects were assessed preoperatively and at 2, 7, 15, and 20 years postoperatively. Outcomes included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Knee Evaluation, IKDC subjective scores, KT-1000 instrumented laxity testing, and radiological evaluation of degenerative change and medial tibial slope. Twenty-year outcomes were compared between those who underwent surgery at the age of 18 years or younger (adolescent group, n = 39) and those who underwent surgery when older than 18 years (adult group, n = 161). Results: At 20 years, 179 of 200 subjects were reviewed (89.5%). ACL graft rupture occurred in 37 subjects and contralateral ACL injury in 22 subjects. Of those with intact ACL grafts at 20 years, outcomes were not statistically different between adolescents and adults for the variables of IKDC subjective score (P = .29), return to preinjury activity level (P = .84), current activity level (P = .69), or degree of radiological degenerative change at 20 years (P = .51). The adolescent group had a higher proportion of grade 1 ligamentous laxity testing compared with the adult group (P = .003). Overall, ACL graft survival at 20 years was 86% for adults and 61% for adolescents (hazard ration, 3.3; P = .001). The hazard for ACL graft rupture was increased by 4.8 in adolescent males and 2.5 in adolescent females compared with adults. At 20 years, the ACL survival for adolescents with a PTS of ≥12° was 22%. The hazard for ACL graft rupture was increased by 11 in adolescents with a PTS of ≥12° (P = .001) compared with adults with a PTS <12°. Conclusion: Repeat ACL injury after isolated ACL reconstruction is common, occurring in 1 in 3 over 20 years. In the absence of further injury, isolated ACL reconstruction using this technique was associated with good long-term outcomes with respect to patient-reported outcomes and return to sports, regardless of age. However, mild ligament laxity and ACL graft rupture after ACL reconstruction are significantly more common in adolescents, especially adolescent males, compared with adults. PTS of 12° or more is the strongest predictor of repeat ACL injury, and its negative effect is most pronounced in adolescents.

Clinical Outcomes in Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine overall objective graft failure rate, failure rate by graft type (allograft vs autograft reconstruction), instrumented laxity, and patient outcome scores following revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Outcomes of interest were collected for all studies meeting the study inclusion criteria, but lower-level studies (level III/IV) were not pooled for quantitative synthesis due to high levels of heterogeneity in these study populations. A comprehensive search strategy was performed to identify studies reporting outcomes of revision ACL reconstruction. The primary outcome reported was graft failure. A meta-analysis comparing rate of failure by graft type was conducted using a random effects model. Studies also reported patient clinical outcome scores, including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS) and graft laxity. Eight studies with 3,021 patients (56% male, 44% female) with an average age of 30 ± 4years and mean follow-up time of 57months were included. The overall objective failure rate was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8%-12.3%). Mean instrumented laxity as side-to-side difference was 2.5mm (95% CI, 1.9-3.1mm). Mean IKDC subjective score was 76.99 (95% CI, 76.64-77.34), mean KOOS symptoms score was 76.73 (95% CI, 75.85-77.61), and mean Lysholm score was 86.18 (95% CI, 79.08-93.28). The proportion of patients with IKDC grade A or B was 85% (95% CI, 77%-91%). When the available data for failure rate were analyzed by graft type, autograft reconstruction had a failure rate of 4.1% (95% CI, 2.0%-6.9%), similar to allograft reconstruction at 3.6% (95% CI, 1.4%-6.7%). In this meta-analysis, revision ACL reconstruction had failure rates similar to autograft or allograft reconstruction. Overall outcome scores for revision reconstruction have improved but appear modest when compared with primary ACL reconstruction surgery. Meta-analysis of Level II studies, Level II.

Does Treatment of the Tibia Matter in Bipolar Chondral Defects of the Knee? Clinical Outcomes with Greater Than Two Years Follow-Up

Objectives:The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to investigate the optimal treatment of bipolar tibiofemoral cartilage lesions by comparing femoral osteochondral allograft (OCA) with tibial debridement to bipolar lesions treated with femoral OCA and tibial microfracture and 2) to compare the outcomes of bipolar lesions with isolated femoral defects treated with OCA.Methods:A series of 36 patients undergoing femoral OCA for bipolar lesions was identified. Group 1 contained 20 patients with tibial lesions treated with debridement, Group 2 contained 16 patients with tibial lesions treated with microfracture, and Group 3 (control group) contained 20 patients with isolated femoral lesions treated with OCA. Group 3 was matched by gender, BMI, laterality, and OCA size to Groups 1 and 2. Patient-specific, defect-specific data was collected. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Short Form 12 (SF-12) scores, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS), and Lysholm scores, were recorded. All patients had greater than two-year follow-up.Results:There were no significant differences between the three groups in terms of gender, body mass index (BMI), number of previous surgeries, femoral or tibial defect size, and OCA size. Preoperative to postoperative patient reported clinical outcomes (PROs) demonstrated statistical and clinically meaningful improvement in all 3 groups (p < 0.05), without differences between groups (Figure 1). Patient-specific and defect-specific factors did not significantly correlate with PROs. The graft survivorship for Group 1 was 85% at 4.5 years, 100% for Group 2 at 2.5 years, and 95% for Group 3 at 3.8 years.Conclusion:Regardless of tibial treatment, debridement or microfracture, patients with bipolar cartilage lesions treated with femoral OCA have significant and clinically meaningful improvements in PROs, which are comparable to isolated femoral defects treated with OCA. In addition, bipolar lesions treated with OCA had excellent graft survivorship at greater than two-years follow-up.

Arthroscopic Mechanical Chondroplasty of the Knee Is Beneficial for Treatment of Focal Cartilage Lesions in the Absence of Concurrent Pathology.

Background:Articular cartilage lacks the ability for intrinsic repair after acute injury, and focal articular cartilage lesions cause significant morbidity worldwide. Arthroscopic debridement (chondroplasty) represents the majority of cartilage procedures of the knee; however, limited data exist regarding outcomes after chondroplasty performed in isolation of concurrent procedures or not as a primary treatment for osteoarthritis (OA).Hypothesis:Arthroscopic mechanical chondroplasty is beneficial for patients with a focal cartilage lesion of the knee in the absence of meniscal pathology or OA.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Potential participants were identified by querying billing data from a 3-year period in a single-surgeon practice, and eligible patients were verified to meet inclusion criteria through electronic medical record review. OA was quantified through Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scoring. Subjective patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Tegner, Lysholm, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), were collected preoperatively and at follow-up intervals. International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade and lesion size were determined at arthroscopy. Linear regression was used to determine the effect of baseline score on final follow-up score. Correlated regression equations were used to assess the relationship of covariates and change in PRO scores.Results:Fifty-three of 86 (62%) eligible participants completed postoperative questionnaires at an average of 31.5 months (range, 11.5-57 months). The mean patient age was 37.3 ± 9.7 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.7 ± 5.6 kg/m2; 33 (62%) participants were women. The mean treated lesion size was 3.3 ± 1.9 cm2, of these, 36 (68%) were ICRS grade 2 or 3, and 42 (79%) patients had a KL score of 0 to −2. On average, the cohort demonstrated significant improvement from baseline for almost all PRO scores. Regression analysis of change in score versus baseline indicated participants with lower preoperative scores gained more benefit from chondroplasty. Correlated regression equations showed KL score >0 and male sex had a consistent positive effect on change in PRO scores, high ICRS grade had a consistent negative effect, and lesion size, age, and obesity had no effect. Eight patients (15%) required further surgical intervention within the follow-up period.Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of chondroplasty for repair of focal cartilage defects of the knee has not been studied in isolation from concurrent orthopaedic procedures. Our data show that arthroscopic mechanical chondroplasty is beneficial to patients, and response to surgical intervention is correlated with baseline PRO scores, sex, ICRS grade, and KL score.

Comparative Influence of Sport Type on Outcome After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

To investigate differences between sport types for patient-reported outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Included patients were enrolled as part of a prospective institutional ACL registry. Inclusion criteria were preoperative self-identification as a competitive athlete, maximum score on the preoperative Marx Activity Scale, and minimum 2-year follow-up. Demographic, intraoperative, and outcome data were extracted from the registry. Outcome tools administered as part of the registry included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm-Tegner Scales, Marx Activity Scale (MAS), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). A total of 294 patients with a mean age of 25.5years (standard deviation 12.1) met the study inclusion criteria; mean follow-up was 3.7years. Included sports categories were soccer (n= 92; 31.3%), skiing (n= 67; 22.8%), basketball (n= 56; 19.1%), lacrosse (n= 38; 12.9%), football (n= 29; 9.9%), and Tennis (n= 12; 4.1%). At baseline, compared with other sports, lacrosse players have higher outcome scores while skiers had lower scores. At 2-year follow-up, however, across all outcome tools, football players demonstrated significantly higher outcome scores than all other athletes (IKDC, 93.2, P=.001; Lysholm, 93.2, P= .03; MAS, 13.1, P= .03; SF-12 Mental Component Summary, 57.9, P= .0002). Conversely, at 2-year follow-up, soccer players demonstrated a significantly lower Lysholm (86.7, P= .02) and a trend toward lower IKDC (85.6, P= .09) scores. Patient-reported outcomes after ACLR among active athletes are comparable. Football players demonstrate quantitatively higher outcome scores whereas soccer players have lower scores. However, these outcome score differences may not be clinically significant and may be subject to confounding variables. Continued attention should be paid to understanding sport-specific outcome after ACLR. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release in Adolescents With Medial Patellofemoral Ligament-centered Knee Pain

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has been implicated as a common pain generator in adolescents with anterior knee pain. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic lateral retinacular release (ALRR) for refractory MPFL-centered pain and to identify risk factors for poor outcomes and surgical failures. A single-surgeon database was queried to identify all patients undergoing ALRR. Inclusion criteria included minimum 12-month follow-up and ALRR performed for MPFL pain rather than for generalized anterior knee pain or patellar instability. All patients had persistent MPFL-centered pain despite participating in a nonsurgical protocol before surgery. Primary outcomes included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and need for further surgery, typically tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO). Eighty-eight knees in 71 patients [66 female, 5 male; average age, 15.7 y (range, 8.4 to 20.2 y)] were included. Average follow-up was 59 months (range, 12 to 138 mo). Average preoperative IKDC score was 41.9 (range, 18.4 to 67.8), whereas average postoperative IKDC score was 77.8 (range, 11.5 to 98.9; P<0.01). Postoperative IKDC scores were worse in patients with a preoperative sulcus angle of <134 degrees than those with sulcus angle of ≥134 degrees (69.9±22.1 vs. 82.0±12.5, P=0.04). Lower preoperative IKDC score correlated negatively with improvement of IKDC score postoperatively (r=-0.40, P<0.05). Seventeen knees (19.3%) subsequently underwent TTO for persistent symptoms. Patients who ultimately required TTO were younger than patients who did not (14.8±1.5 vs. 15.9±2.1; P=0.04) and had lower mean preoperative Blackburne-Peel ratio (0.95±0.25 vs. 1.11±0.24; P=0.02). This study demonstrates that patients with refractory MPFL-centered knee pain had significant improvements in clinical outcomes after undergoing ALRR at mean 5 years' follow-up. Poor outcomes and surgical failures were associated with lower preoperative IKDC score, younger age, lower preoperative Blackburne-Peel ratio, and sulcus angle of <134 degrees. Outcomes were not recorded prospectively, but mean IKDC scores <60 months postoperatively were similar to those collected ≥60 months after surgery (80.4 vs. 78.3, P=0.15). Level IV.

Quadriceps function relates to muscle size following ACL reconstruction.

It remains unclear what role reduced volume and cross-section area (CSA) of individual quadriceps muscles may play in persistent quadriceps weakness and more global dysfunction following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this investigation was to establish the relationship between cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscle group and measures of knee related and quadriceps function following ACLR. Thirty participants with a history of primary, unilateral ACLR experiencing persistent quadriceps activation failure participated in this cohort study. Clinical factors including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, normalized knee extension MVIC torque (Nm/kg) and quadriceps central activation ratio (CAR, %) were assessed in addition to CSA. Quadriceps CSA was measured via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; Siemens Avanto 1.5T). Quadriceps CSA (cm(2) ) and quadriceps volume (cm(3) ) as well as individual muscle estimates were identified within a 10 cm mid-thigh capture area. Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients (r) established relationships between CSA and all other variables. Stepwise linear regression established which CSA factors were able to successfully predict clinical factors. Knee extension MVIC torque was strongly correlated with Vastus Intermedius (VI; r = 0.857, p < 0.001) CSA as well as partial VI (r = 0.849, p < 0.001) and quadriceps (r = 0.830, p < 0.001) volume. Partial VI (r = 0.365, p = 0.047) volume was weakly correlated with IKDC score. Knee extension MVIC torque was strongly predicted using VI CSA alone (R(2) = 0.725) or in combination with Vastus Medialis CSA (VM; R(2) = 0.756). Statement of Clinical Significance: Atrophy of the VI and VM muscles negatively impacts knee extension strength following ACLR. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1656-1662, 2016.

Cryopreserved Amniotic Suspension for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis.

There are few treatment options for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Human amniotic suspension allografts (ASA) have anti-inflammatory and chondroregenerative potential and thus represent a promising treatment strategy. In anticipation of a large, placebo-controlled trial of intra-articular ASA for symptomatic knee OA, an open-label prospective feasibility study was performed. Six patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4 tibiofemoral knee OA were administered a single intra-articular ASA injection containing cryopreserved particulated human amnion and amniotic fluid cells. Patients were followed for 12 months after treatment. No significant injection reactions were noted. Compared with baseline there were (1) no significant effect of the ASA injection on blood cell counts, lymphocyte subsets, or inflammatory markers and (2) a small, but statistically significant increase in serum IgG and IgE levels. Patient-reported outcomes including International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores were collected throughout the study and evaluated for up to 12 months. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of a single intra-articular injection of ASA for the treatment of knee OA and provides the foundation for a large placebo-controlled trial of intra-articular ASA for symptomatic knee OA.

Evaluation of Peripheral Vertical Nondegenerative Medial Meniscus Tears Treated With Trephination Alone at the Time of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

To determine (1) subjective results and incidence of symptomatic medial meniscus tears (MMTs) in patients treated with trephination alone compared with a control group without meniscus tears and (2) if trephination treatment resulted in a higher incidence of knee arthritis compared with controls with intact menisci. Between 1997 and 2010, 419 patients met the inclusion criteria of having an isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, peripheral vertical nondegenerative MMT treated with trephination alone, no lateral meniscus tears, normal radiographs before surgery, and no bilateral knee involvement. A control group of 462 patients included patients who met the same criteria but without MMT. Objective data included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective evaluation. Subjective data included IKDC and Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS) scores. Objective follow-up was obtained for 191 patients in the study group and 200 patients in the control group (mean, 5.6 and 5.9 years, respectively; range, 2 to 16 years). Subjective survey follow-up was obtained for 312 patients in the study group and 343 patients in the control group (mean, 7.0 and 7.1 years, respectively). The mean CKRS score was 91.8 ± 13.3 for the study group and 92.3 ± 10.9 for the control group (P= .27). The mean IKDC score was 86.5 ± 15.8 for the study group and 86.7 ± 16.3 for the control group (P= .81). Subsequent MMTs occurred in 51 patients (16.3%) in the study group and 20 patients (5.8%) in the control group (P < .0001). IKDC radiographic ratings were normal for 95% of the study group and 92% of the control group (P= .18). Patients with peripheral nondegenerative MMTs treated with trephination alone had a 16.3% rate of subsequent symptomatic MMTs compared with 6% in patients with intact menisci. However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups for radiographic and subjective results. Level III, therapeutic case control study.

Functional outcome of septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

Septic arthritis is a rare complication after cruciate ligament surgery. The lack of conclusive evidence makes it difficult to obtain a consensus concerning the best treatment option. From June 1993 to May 2010, 31 patients met the inclusion criteria for this prospective case series. The average age at ACL injury was 33.5 years. Treatment protocol was based on the grade of infection. Options included arthroscopic treatment for infections of Gaechter grades 1 and 2 or arthrotomy for infections of grades 3 and 4. Graft retention was decided based on the clinical findings. The setting was a specialized trauma hospital. Follow-up included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) forms, Tegner score, and Lysholm scores at a mean of six years (71 months; range, 13-140) after treatment. In all cases, treatment of infection was successful; overall, a mean of 2.6 operations were required. In eight cases, it was possible to salvage the graft. The Tegner activity level before the knee injury was 6.5 points. At follow-up, the average score was 4.5 points. The postoperative subjective IKDC score averaged 63. The mean Lysholm score was 63.9. On clinical examination, a mean extension deficit of 2.5° and a mean maximum flexion of 121° were found. In the single-legged hop test, a mean capacity of 68% compared with the uninjured side was measured. The stage-adapted procedure gives reliable results for septic arthritis after ACL surgery. There were no recurrences of septic arthritis or bone infection. Early infection can be managed arthroscopically with satisfactory results. More advanced infections should be addressed with a more radical approach. In conclusion, functional outcome in most of the presented cases was only fair compared with results from ACL surgery not complicated by infection.

Clinical Outcome of Revision Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes after revision meniscal allograft transplantation (RMAT). Eleven patients underwent RMAT performed by the senior author (B.J.C.). These patients were studied prospectively and completed standardized outcome surveys (including International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Cincinnati Knee-Rating System, Tegner score, Lysholm score, Short Form-12, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], and overall satisfaction) preoperatively and annually thereafter for a minimum of 2years. Radiographic analysis before surgery and at the most recent follow-up included anteroposterior, Rosenberg, lateral, and sunrise views graded by the Kellgren and Lawrence (K & L) scale. The status of the articular cartilage was graded intraoperatively using the Outerbridge classification. Two patients were lost to follow-up and one declined further participation. The average time to RMAT from the index procedure was 3.45 ± 2.52years, with a mean follow-up after RMAT of 3.83 ± 1.3years. One patient progressed to arthroplasty during follow-up and was not included in subjective outcome score follow-up. Clinical outcome scores that demonstrated significant improvements included IKDC (43 ± 12 to 61 ± 16; P= .03) and KOOS pain score (66 ± 12 to 79 ± 11; P= .047). Along with this, the subjective symptom rate significantly improved from 5.0 ± 0.9 preoperatively to 6.7 ± 1.8 postoperatively (P= .011). Radiographic (P= .7) and Outerbridge (P= .809) grading did not show progression. Seven of 8 patients would have surgery again, and satisfaction at final follow-up was 7.6 ± 2.6. In this small series with short-term follow-up, RMAT resulted in high patient satisfaction and significant symptom reduction on validated outcome scores (IKDC and KOOS pain score), proving the original hypothesis that outcomes after RMAT would be improved compared with preoperative conditions. Identifiable causes of MAT failure may help predict response to RMAT. Because arthroplasty is still not favored in young active patients, a thorough discussion with the patient is necessary to best align their goals with those of the surgery when considering revision meniscus transplantation. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Prospective Evaluation Of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Revision: A Minimum Of 2-year Follow-up

Prospective Evaluation Of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Revision: A Minimum Of 2-year Follow-up

Second-Look Arthroscopic Evaluation of Chondral Lesions After Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been reported to yield better joint stability than single-bundle (SB) reconstruction. Few studies have compared the 2 techniques with regard to postoperative articular cartilage changes. Hypothesis: Less cartilage damage should occur in the short term after DB ACLR than after SB ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The study included 52 patients (27 in the DB group and 25 in the SB group) with no chondral or meniscus injury at primary ACLR, as confirmed under arthroscopy. Four-strand and 6- to 8-strand hamstring autografts, respectively, were used for transtibial SB and 4-tunnel DB reconstruction. Each graft was fixed with an EndoButton bioabsorbable interference screw and a staple. Cartilage status at 6 identified regions was evaluated by second-look arthroscopy and the Outerbridge classification. Other assessments at final follow-up included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner and Lysholm scores, side-to-side difference on KT-2000 arthrometer, and range of motion. Results: The mean time from reconstruction to second-look arthroscopy was 18.2 and 17.3 months for the DB and SB groups, respectively. Both groups had cartilage lesions at the patellofemoral joint (patella, 9 vs 13; trochlea, 5 vs 12) and the medial compartment (1 vs 2). Significantly less severe lesions were found in the DB group than in the SB group (mean grade, 0.33 vs 0.96; P < .05). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of cartilage status at other regions, IKDC score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, KT-2000 arthrometer anterior laxity, or range of motion. Conclusion: Chondral lesions were found postoperatively in both DB and SB ACLR groups with hamstring autograft. The DB ALCR led to less cartilage damage at the femoral trochlea at short-term follow-up.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the bone-posterior cruciate ligament-bone allograft

Background Allografts were widely used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction for patients with ACL rupture of the knee. This study was to approve the feasibility of bone-posterior cruciate ligament-bone (BPCLB) allograft transplantation in ACL reconstruction. Methods Eight patients underwent ACL reconstructions with BPCLB allografts and were followed up for an average period of 32 months after operation. Results Subjective parameters including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), modified Larson knee ligament, Lysholm, and Tegner rating scales were much improved and side to side KT-2000 arthrometer difference was much less postoperatively. Pivot shift test was negative in all patients. The reconstructed ACL had satisfactory shape and tension. Conclusions BPCLB allograft is an optional choice for ACL reconstruction.