Medial Injury Research Articles

Research progress on pathological mechanism and clinical correlation between medial meniscus posterior root tear and tibial rotation

To summarize the current research progress on the concept, clinical presentation, diagnosis, biomechanical changes, and pathological mechanisms of the medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT), and its clinical correlations with tibial rotation. The research literature on MMPRT and its relationship with tibial rotation at home and abroad in recent years was extensively consulted and summarized. MMPRT is a specific and common type of medial meniscus injury of the knee joint. The occurrence of posterior medial pumping pain events following low-energy trauma in patients provides important clues for the diagnosis of this injury, with MRI being the preferred imaging modality. The biomechanical effects generated by MMPRT are similar to those caused by total removal of the medial meniscus. And this injury is usually associated with tibial rotation. MMPRT induces pathological external rotation of the tibia, which can be restored by timely medial meniscus posterior root repair. Furthermore, changes in tibial rotation are related to the healing status after medial meniscus posterior root repair. MMPRT is closely related to tibial rotation. Understanding the biomechanics, pathological mechanisms, and clinical correlations between the two is of great significance for improving the diagnosis and treatment strategies.

The anteromedial retinaculum in ACL-injured knees: An overlooked injury?

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyse the pattern of injury to the medial knee structures in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured patients. It was hypothesised that anteromedial injuries would be more common than posteromedial lesions. One hundred and twenty subjects aged 18-25 years with a primary ACL injury were included. Patients were excluded if the time between injury and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was more than 28 days or if a knee dislocation or fracture was present. The MRIs were analysed with particular emphasis on injuries to the medial knee structures, menisci and bone bruise patterns. Injuries to the ligaments and anteromedial retinaculum (AMR) were graded according to severity, ranging from periligamentous oedema (grade I), partial fibre disruption of less or more than 50% (grade IIa or IIb) to complete tears (grade III). AMR injury was seen in 87 subjects (72.5%) on the coronal plane and in 88 (73.3%) on the axial plane, with grade III lesions observed in 27 (22.5%) and 29 knees (24.2%). Injuries to the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL), deep MCL (dMCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL) were detected in 60 patients (50%), 93 patients (77.5%)and 38 patients (31.6%). However, grade III injuries to the POL were observed in only seven knees (5.8%). Medial meniscus injuries were associated with lesions of the sMCL and AMR (p < 0.05), while lateral meniscus injuries were significantly more common in patients with dMCL rupture (p < 0.05). Data from this study suggest that injuries to the AMR are much more common than posteromedial lesions in subjects with ACL injuries. Level IV.

Retrospective study of patellar fractures and damage of accessory soft tissue based on MRI.

To better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of patellar fractures, MRI was utilized to identify the imaging signs of various types of patellar fractures. A retrospective study was performed using MRI images of 52 patients with patellar fractures. Observing the development of patellar and femoral morphology and the imaging manifestations of different fracture types, such as fracture displacement, and damage to accessory ligaments, tendons, and meniscus, type of joint cavity effusion, and damage to surrounding accessory bones were identified. There were 21 tangential fractures (40.4%), 8 transverse fractures (15.4%), 8 longitudinal fractures (15.4%), 4 oblique fractures (7.7%), and 11 comminuted fractures (21.2%) among the 52 patients with patellar fracture. Tangential fractures begin at a younger age than the other four forms of fractures. When tangential fractures were compared to other types of fractures, medial patellar retinaculum and anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injuries were statistically significant (P< 0.05). The detection rate of trochlear dysplasia, type II and type III patellar was higher in patients with tangential fractures than in other fractures. Tangential fractures are less common to cause anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injuries than other types of fractures, but they are more likely to cause medial patellar retinaculum injuries.

Arthroscopic Evaluation of Association of Meniscus Injuries in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Background: The knee joint's stability relies significantly on the integrity of the meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Chronic ACL tears can compromise knee stability, making the meniscus a crucial stabilizer. Understanding the prevalence and patterns of meniscus injuries associated with chronic ACL tears is essential for effective management. Objective: This study aimed to assess the arthroscopic evaluation of association of meniscus injuries in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on thirty-three patients diagnosed with ACL injuries at MuMCH between January 2021 and December 2023. Patients aged 18-50 with ACL injuries, with or without meniscus damage, were included. Clinical evaluations, knee MRI scans, and diagnostic knee arthroscopies were performed. The study evaluated meniscus injuries associated with chronic ACL injuries and assessed outcomes using the modified Lysholm score. Results: The study revealed a predominant occurrence of meniscus injuries (70%) among participants, with a majority falling within the 38-47 years age bracket (45.45%) and a male majority (60%). Sports and accidental injuries accounted for 40% each, while road traffic accidents contributed 20%. Lateral meniscus tears were the most prevalent (30.30%), followed by combined medial and lateral meniscus tears (33.33%). Posterior horn tears were predominant, particularly in the medial meniscus. Conclusion: The study highlights a high incidence of meniscus injuries associated with chronic ACL tears, with medial meniscus injuries prevailing over lateral tears. Posterior horn tears were predominant, emphasizing the medial meniscus's significant role in knee stability. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and appropriate management of meniscus injuries in chronic ACL-deficient knees to prevent degenerative changes and optimize patient outcomes.

Segond fracture: an indicator for increased risk of lateral meniscus injury in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and anatomic distribution of meniscus injury in patients who have sustained acute ACL injuries with and without concomitant Segond fracture. We hypothesized that patients who have sustained a torn ACL with a concomitant Segond fracture would have a higher incidence of lateral meniscal injuries than patients with an isolated ACL injury. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction from 2012 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Segond fractures were identified on knee radiographs. Inclusion criteria were age 18-40, injury during sports activity, and reconstruction within 90days of injury. Sports activity, anatomic location of meniscus injury, and meniscus treatment were documented. Multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of meniscus injury/treatment. There were 25 of 603 (4.1%) patients who had an ACL tear with concomitant Segond fracture. The incidence of lateral meniscus injury in the Segond group (72%) was significantly higher than in the non-Segond cohort (49%; p = 0.024). A significantly smaller proportion of medial meniscus injuries among patients with Segond fractures were repaired (23.1%) compared to the non-Segond group (54.2%; p = 0.043). Multivariate analysis found patients with Segond fractures to have increased odds of lateral meniscus injury (OR 2.68; [1.09, 6.60], p = 0.032) and were less likely to have medial meniscus injuries repaired (OR 0.35; [0.15, 0.81], p = 0.014). Additionally, males had increased odds of lateral meniscus injury (OR 1.54; [1.08 - 2.91], p = 0.017), which were more likely to require repair (OR 1.48; [1.02, 2.14], p = 0.038). Among acute ACL injuries, the incidence of lateral meniscus injury is greater among patients with Segond fractures. Patients with Segond fracture were less likely to undergo repair of medial meniscal injuries.

Modulation of early osteoarthritis by tibiofemoral re-alignment in sheep

ObjectiveTo investigate whether tibiofemoral alignment influences early knee osteoarthritis (OA). We hypothesized that varus overload exacerbates early degenerative osteochondral changes, and that valgus underload diminishes early OA. MethodNormal, over- and underload were induced by altering alignment via high tibial osteotomy in adult sheep (n = 8 each). Simultaneously, OA was induced by partial medial anterior meniscectomy. At 6 weeks postoperatively, OA was examined in five individual subregions of the medial tibial plateau using Kellgren-Lawrence grading, quantification of macroscopic OA, semiquantitative histopathological OA and immunohistochemical type-II collagen, ADAMTS-5, and MMP-13 scoring, biochemical determination of DNA and proteoglycan contents, and micro-computed tomographic evaluation of the subchondral bone. ResultsMultivariate analyses revealed that OA cartilaginous changes had a temporal priority over subchondral bone changes. Underload inhibited early cartilage degeneration in a characteristic topographic pattern (P ≥ 0.0983 vs. normal), in particular below the meniscal damage, avoided alterations of the subarticular spongiosa (P ≥ 0.162 vs. normal), and prevented the disturbance of otherwise normal osteochondral correlations. Overload induced early alterations of the subchondral bone plate microstructure towards osteopenia, including significantly decreased percent bone volume and increased bone surface–to–volume ratio (all P ≤ 0.0359 vs. normal). ConclusionThe data provide high-resolution evidence that tibiofemoral alignment modulates early OA induced by a medial meniscus injury in adult sheep. Since underload inhibits early OA, these data also support the clinical value of strategies to reduce the load in an affected knee compartment to possibly decelerate structural OA progression.

Os subtibiale displacement secondary to pronation-external rotation ankle injury: A case report.

Os subtibiale is a rare accessory ossicle of the ankle, considered not of clinical significance. But its presence in trauma patients may cause misdiagnosis as malleolar fracture and over-treatment. Because the ossicle is attached to the deltoid ligament, ankle trauma that cause medial compartment injury may detach os subtibiale from medial malleolus. In these situations, MR imaging may help to diagnose the deltoid injury, demonstrate the features of the ossicle, and guide treatment.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Documented Knee Dislocation Versus Multiligamentous Knee Injury: A Comparison of KD3 Injuries at Mean 6.5 Years Follow-up

Background: Previous research has found that the incidence of neurovascular injury is greatest among multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) with documented knee dislocation (KD). However, it is unknown whether there is a comparative difference in functional recovery based on evidence of a true dislocation. Purpose: To determine whether the knee dislocation-3 (KD3) injury pattern of MLKI with documented tibiofemoral dislocation represents a more severe injury than KD3 MLKI without documented dislocation, as manifested by poorer clinical outcomes at long-term follow-up. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who underwent surgical treatment for KD3 MLKI between May 2012 and February 2021. Outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Documented dislocation was defined as a radiographically confirmed tibiofemoral disarticulation, the equivalent radiology report from outside transfer, or emergency department documentation of a knee reduction maneuver. Subgroup analysis was performed comparing lateral (KD3-L) versus medial (KD3-M) injuries. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to determine whether documented dislocation was predictive of outcomes. Results: A total of 42 patients (25 male, 17 female) were assessed at a mean 6.5-year follow-up (range, 2.1-10.7 years). Twenty patients (47.6%) were found to have a documented KD; they reported significantly lower IKDC (49.9 vs 63.0; P = .043), Lysholm (59.8 vs 74.5; P = .023), and Tegner activity level (2.9 vs 4.7; P = .027) scores than the patients without documented dislocation. VAS pain was not significantly different between groups (36.4 vs 33.5; P = .269). The incidence of neurovascular injury was greater among those with documented dislocation (45.0% vs 13.6%; P = .040). Subgroup analysis found that patients with KD3-L injuries experienced a greater deficit in Tegner activity level than patients with KD3-M injuries (Δ: –3.4 vs −1.2; P = .006) and had an increased incidence of neurovascular injury (41.7% vs 11.1%; P = .042). Documented dislocation status was predictive of poorer IKDC (β = −2.15; P = .038) and Lysholm (β = −2.85; P = .007) scores. Conclusion: Patients undergoing surgical management of KD3 injuries with true, documented KD had significantly worse clinical and functional outcomes than those with nondislocated joints at a mean 6.5-year follow-up. The current MLKI classification based solely on ligament involvement may be obscuring outcome research by not accounting for true dislocation.

Increased lateral femoral condyle ratio measured by MRI is associated with higher risk of solitary meniscus injury.

Background: Past studies found that an increased lateral femoral condyle ratio is associated with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, but it is not clear if there is a link between MRI-measured lateral femoral condyle ratios and meniscal injuries. MRI provides a more accurate selection of measurement planes. Compared to X-rays, it further reduces data errors due to non-standard positions. Objective: To study the relationship between knee bone morphology and Solitary meniscal injuries by MRI. Methods: A total of 175 patients were included in this retrospective case-control study, including 54 cases of pure medial meniscus injury, 44 cases of pure lateral meniscus injury as the experimental group, and 77 control subjects. MRI images were used to measure the femoral notch width, femoral condylar width, femoral notch width index, lateral femoral condylar ratio (LFCR), posterior tibial slope, medial tibial plateau depth, and meniscus slope. In addition, carefully check for the presence of specific signs such as bone contusions and meniscal extrusions. Comparing the anatomical differences in multiple bone morphologies between the two groups, a stepwise forward multifactorial logistic analysis was used to identify the risk factors for Solitary meniscal injuries. Finally, ROC curves were used to determine the critical values and best predictors of risk factors. Results: MTS, LTS, and LFCR ended up as independent risk factors for meniscus injury. Among all risk factors, LFCR had the largest AUC of 0.781 (0.714-0.848) with a threshold of 72.75%. When combined with MTS (>3.63°), diagnostic performance improved with an AUC of 0.833 (0.774-0.892). Conclusion: Steep medial tibial plateau slope, steep lateral tibial plateau slope angle, and deep posterior lateral femoral condyles on MRI are independent risk factors for meniscal injuries. In patients with knee discomfort with the above imaging findings (X-ray, MRI), we should suspect and carefully evaluate the occurrence of meniscal injuries. It not only provides a theoretical basis to understand the mechanism of meniscus injury but also provides theoretical guidance for the prevention of meniscus injury and the development of intervention measures. Level of evidence III.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Validates the Clinical Accuracy of the Mcmurray's Test in Diagnosing Medial Meniscal Tears

Background: A physical examination method to find medial meniscal tears is the McMurray's test. The purpose of this research was to evaluate how effectively the McMurray's test can identify medial meniscal tears in a clinical situation that have been verified by MRI. However, arthroscopic evaluation is now replacing the traditional methods. Aim: To determine diagnostic accuracy of McMurray's test is in diagnosing Medial Meniscal knee injuries. Methods: This prospective case series study was conducted in the department of Orthopedic MTI Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar on 100 consecutive patients who received an MRI for suspected medial meniscal tears between August 2022 and July 2023. Each patient underwent the McMurray's test, and the findings were compared to those of the MRI scans. Positive and negative predictive values, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of the McMurray test, were calculated. The McMurray test was performed on all patients to check for meniscal tears, and arthroscopy was then performed on the affected knees to evaluate the accuracy of the test. Results: Overall, one hundred patients took part in the study. There were 65 males and 35 females among the patients. There was a wide range of ages represented in the group, from 18 to 75. A total of 45 out of the 100 cases were young adults. The mean age was 31.46, while the standard deviation was 9.12 years. Participants of all ages were involved in the study. Forty-seven patients (47%) were in the 18-30 age range, 25(25%) were in the 31-45 age range, 19(19%) were in the 46-60 age range, and 9(9%) were in the 61-75 age range. In 100 patients MRI and McMurray tests can diagnose medial meniscal abnormalities. According to the study, the sensitivity of McMurray's test is 62.9%, the specificity is 81.6%, the positive predictive value is 84.8%, and the negative predictive value is 57.4%. Practical Implication: McMurray's Test is a good alternative to MRI for diagnosis of medial meniscus in areas where the facility of imaging is not available. Conclusion: The McMurray's test is a good clinical method for detecting medial meniscal tears that has been verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Keywords: McMurray test, meniscal tears, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, arthroscopy, accuracy.

Effects of Long-Term Walking Exercise on Structural Progression, Symptoms, and Extensor Muscle Strength in Patients With Mild or at High Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between walking exercise and medial joint space narrowing progression, symptoms, and knee extensor muscle strength in early knee osteoarthritis patients. This nested cohort study within the Osteoarthritis Initiative included participants aged 50 yrs and older with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 0-2). Walking exercisers were identified using a modified Historical Physical Activity Survey Instrument. Differences in medial joint space narrowing, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and knee extensor muscle strength were evaluated through the three-way analysis of variance. Among 896 participants, 83.4% reported walking exercise. Female walkers showed significant improvements in symptoms (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-pain: P < 0.001; Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-symptom: P < 0.001; Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-quality of life: P < 0.001; Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-function, sports, and recreational activities: P = 0.007). Similar results were observed in male walkers (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-pain: P < 0.001; Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-symptom: P < 0.001; Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-quality of life: P = 0.001; Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-function, sports, and recreational activities: P = 0.009). Walkers showed significantly increased knee extensor muscle strength at 24 mos (female: P < 0.001; male: P = 0.003). Female nonwalkers had significantly decreased knee extensor muscle strength at 24 mos ( P < 0.001). Walkers showed significant improvement in medial joint space narrowing (odds ratio = 1.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-1.2) and Kellgren-Lawrence grade (OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 1.0-1.1) compared with nonwalkers. Walking exercise prevents structural progression and improves symptoms. Meanwhile, the increased knee extensor muscle strength in all walkers further supports the validity of recommending walking exercises for early-stage knee osteoarthritis patients.

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS MAINTAIN ARTICULAR STABILIZATION AND PROMOTE ENDOGENOUS CARTILAGE REPAIR AFTER HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY: A SECOND-LOOK ARTHROSCOPY STUDY

Varus malalignment increases the susceptibility of cartilage to mechanical overloading, which stimulates catabolic metabolism to break down the extracellular matrix and lead to osteoarthritis (OA). The altered mechanical axis from the hip, knee to ankle leads to knee joint pain and ensuing cartilage wear and deterioration, which impact millions of the aged population. Stabilization of the remaining damaged cartilage, and prevention of further deterioration, could provide immense clinical utility and prolong joint function. Our previous work showed that high tibial osteotomy (HTO) could shift the mechanical stress from an imbalanced status to a neutral alignment. However, the underlying mechanisms of endogenous cartilage stabilization after HTO remain unclear. We hypothesize that cartilage-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) dampen damaged cartilage injury and promote endogenous repair in a varus malaligned knee. The goal of this study is to further examine whether HTO-mediated off-loading would affect human cartilage-resident MSCs' anabolic and catabolic metabolism. This study was approved by IACUC at Xi'an Jiaotong University. Patients with medial compartment OA (52.75±6.85 yrs, left knee 18, right knee 20) underwent open-wedge HTO by the same surgeons at one single academic sports medicine center. Clinical data was documented by the Epic HIS between the dates of April 2019 and April 2022 and radiographic images were collected with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Medial compartment OA with/without medial meniscus injury patients with unilateral Kellgren /Lawrence grade 3–4 was confirmed by X-ray. All incisions of the lower extremity healed well after the HTO operation without incision infection. Joint space width (JSW) was measured by uploading to ImageJ software. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) toolkit was applied to assess the pain level. Outerbridge scores were obtained from a second-look arthroscopic examination. RNA was extracted to quantify catabolic targets and pro-inflammatory genes (QiaGen). Student's t test for two group comparisons and ANOVA analysis for differences between more than 2 groups were utilized. To understand the role of mechanical loading-induced cartilage repair, we measured the serial changes of joint space width (JSW) after HTO for assessing the state of the cartilage stabilization. Our data showed that HTO increased the JSW, decreased the VAS score and improved the KOOS score significantly. We further scored cartilage lesion severity using the Outerbridge classification under a second-look arthroscopic examination while removing the HTO plate. It showed the cartilage lesion area decreased significantly, the full thickness of cartilage increased and mechanical strength was better compared to the pre-HTO baseline. HTO dampened medial tibiofemoral cartilage degeneration and accelerate cartilage repair from Outerbridge grade 2 to 3 to Outerbridge 0 to 1 compared to untreated varus OA. It suggested that physical loading was involved in HTO-induced cartilage regeneration. Given that HTO surgery increases joint space width and creates a physical loading environment, we hypothesize that HTO could increase cartilage composition and collagen accumulation. Consistent with our observation, a group of cartilage-resident MSCs was identified. Our data further showed decreased expression of RUNX2, COL10 and increased SOX9 in MSCs at the RNA level, indicating that catabolic activities were halted during mechanical off-loading. To understand the role of cartilage-resident MSCs in cartilage repair in a biophysical environment, we investigated the differentiation potential of MSCs under 3-dimensional mechanical loading conditions. The physical loading inhibited catabolic markers (IL-1 and IL-6) and increased anabolic markers (SOX9, COL2).Knee-preserved HTO intervention alleviates varus malalignment-related knee joint pain, improves daily and recreation function, and repairs degenerated cartilage of medial compartment OA. The off-loading effect of HTO may allow the mechanoregulation of cartilage repair through the differentiation of endogenous cartilage-derived MSCs.

Updates in prevalence and management of medial meniscal injury among adolescents and young adults in Saudi Arabia: systematic review

Although medial meniscus tears in stable knees are frequently seen in young active populations, there are few studies on their epidemiology, particularly in younger populations. The first step in reducing injury rates is to have a better understanding of injury patterns. This study set out to identify the demographic and athletic risk factors as well as the incidence of medial meniscus injuries. For pertinent information, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and EBSCO were systematically searched. The entire careful procedure was carried out using the Rayyan QRCI. The current article included 16 studies, in which the overall prevalence of medial meniscal injuries became higher. The main parameters like age, sex, number of participants and period of study were obtained. The clinical studies were required to report the prevalence of medial meniscal injuries and the correlations related to the disorder. Meniscus tears are a frequent orthopedic disease. A thorough medical history, physical examinations, specialized diagnostic procedures, and most likely magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the lesion are all necessary for the diagnosis of meniscal tears. To create the best management strategy, a thorough understanding of the meniscal anatomy, the impacted motions, and the related symptoms is essential.

Prevalence and Predictors of Concomitant Meniscal and Ligamentous Injuries Associated With ACL Surgery: An Analysis of 20 Years of ACL Reconstruction at a Tertiary Care Children’s Hospital

Background: There is an increasing rate of procedures being performed for concomitant injuries during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Few studies have examined risk factors for these associated injuries in young patients. Hypothesis: There are patient-related factors predictive of concomitant knee pathology that differ between age-based cohorts. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Natural language processing was used to extract clinical variables from available notes of patients undergoing ACL surgery between 2000 and 2020 at a single institution (5174 ACL surgeries; mean age, 17 ± 4 years; 53.1% female; accuracy, >98%). Patients were stratified to pediatric (5-13 years), adolescent (14-19 years), and young adult (20-35 years) cohorts. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of concomitant injury to the menisci, medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterolateral corner (PLC), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Results: Between 2000 and 2020, 54% of pediatric, 71% of adolescent, and 70% of adult patients had ≥1 concomitant soft tissue injury. In children and adolescents, increased age was consistently predictive of sustaining a concomitant injury (P < .02). Female children had increased odds of concomitant medial meniscal injury, while female adults had decreased odds (P≤ .046). Adolescent and adult female patients had decreased odds of concomitant lateral meniscal injury (P≤ .027). Female children had increased odds of injury to the MCL (P = .015), whereas female children and adolescents had decreased odds of PCL injury (P≤ .044). Adolescents undergoing revision ACL surgery had increased odds of meniscal injury (P≤ .001) and decreased odds of concomitant MCL injury (P = .028). Increased body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased odds of concomitant medial meniscal injury in all cohorts (P≤ .041), lateral meniscal injury in adults (P = .045), and PLC injury in children (P = .016). Contact injuries were associated with increased odds of MCL injury in adolescents (P = .017) and PLC injury in adolescents and adults (P < .014). Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis, as there were multiple factors that significantly affected the risk of concomitant injuries that differed between cohorts. Increased age, BMI, and contact injury history were generally associated with increased odds of sustaining a concomitant injury, whereas female sex and revision ACL surgery had mixed effects. Further studies are essential to investigate the sex-based differences in risk for concomitant injuries and to develop tailored treatment plans that minimize the risk of secondary ACL injury.

Meniscal Ramp Lesion Repair Without the Need for a Posteromedial Portal

Medial meniscal ramp injury has gained the attention of orthopaedic surgeons in recent years. It consists of a tear of the peripheral insertion of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Its prevalence in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction varies between 9% and 40% according to different studies. Ramp lesions cannot always be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging scans. To identify ramp lesions, the arthroscope should be introduced into the posteromedial compartment of the knee during the routine examination of the knee (Gillquist maneuver). Not all authors advocate systematically repairing ramp injuries of the medial meniscus, especially when these injuries are small and stable. They have historically been repaired using an outside-in technique using a hook-type suture passed through a posteromedial portal. In this study, we present our all-inside suture technique without the use of a posteromedial portal.

Correlation between Clinical Examination, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Arthroscopy in Meniscal Injuries of the Knee: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Purpose: In comparison to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, this study compares the diagnostic efficacy of meniscal injury with clinical examination tests such the McMurray’s test, Thessaly test, and joint line tenderness. Methodology: Two hundred and fifteen patients having a history of knee injuries with symptoms such as pain, instability, and locking were studied from June 2020 to June 2022 at our institution, for a 2-year period. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of McMurray’s test for medial meniscus were 84% and 84.21%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for medial joint line tenderness were 88.15% and 55.55%, respectively. Thessaly’s test for the medial meniscus was 92.10% sensitive and 88.8% specific. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for medial meniscal injury were 94.87% and 93.75%, respectively. McMurray’s test for lateral meniscus had a sensitivity of 84.44% and a specificity of 76.92%. Lateral joint line tenderness for lateral meniscus had a sensitivity of 86.95% and a specificity of 66.66%. The sensitivity and specificity of Thessaly’s test for lateral meniscus were 93.33% and 84.61%, respectively. MRI revealed a sensitivity of 93.75% and a specificity of 90% for lateral meniscus injuries. Conclusion: Even though MRI is a precise and noninvasive method for detecting meniscal injuries, a thorough clinical examination by a skilled physician has the same diagnostic power as MRI to rule out meniscal injuries. In contrast to previous tests, the Thessaly test can be used as a useful tool to detect meniscal injuries, as we discovered in our study.

A low carrying angle is measured in elite tennis players just before ball impact during the forehand, suggesting a dynamic varus instant accommodation moving towards full extension.

The goal of this study was to use image analysis recordings to measure the carrying angle of elite male tennis players during the forehand stroke, with the hypothesis that elite tennis players overstress their elbow in valgus over the physiological degree in the frontal plane just before ball contact on forehand groundstrokes. The carrying angle of male tennis players ranked in the top 25 positions in the ATP ranking was measured on selected video frames with the elbow as close as possible to full extension just before the ball-racket contact in forehands. These frames were extracted from 306 videos professionally recorded for training purposes by a high-profile video analyst. All measures were conducted by three independent observers. Sixteen frames were finally included. The mean carrying angle was 11.5° ± 4.7°. The intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.703, showing good reliability of the measurement technique. The measured carrying angle was lower than what has been observed in historical cohorts using comparable measurement methodology, suggesting a possible instant varus accommodation mechanism before hitting the ball. The observed decrease in the carrying angle is a consequence of an increase in elbow flexion position dictated by the transition from a closed to open, semi-open stances. As the elbow flexes during the preparation phase, it is less constrained by the olecranon and its fossa, increasing the strain on the medial collateral ligament and capsule structures. Moving towards full extension before the ball-racket contact, the elbow is dynamically stabilised by a contraction of the flexor muscles. These observations could provide a new explanation for medial elbow injuries among elite tennis players and drive specific rehabilitation protocols. Descriptive epidemiology study. Level IV.

Location and Progression of Chondral Injuries at the Time of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery Varies by Sex

To quantify progression of chondral and meniscal injuries between primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Patients who underwent both index and revision ACL reconstruction between 2000 and 2020 at our institution were identified, and dates of injury and surgery, demographics, and clinical data were obtained from operative reports. Outerbridge grade was recorded in each compartment, along with presence and location of meniscal injury. The frequency of each injury between first and second cases was calculated. Differences in injury and progression were compared over time as well as between patient sex and age. The study included 189 patients (96 female, 93 male). Age at first surgery was 31.7 ± 13.2 years. Mean time to second injury was 3.3 ± 3.0 years. In total, 116 patients had a new or previous chondral injury (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1). The medial femoral condyle (31%) and the patella (21%) accounted for the highest proportion of new injury to articular surfaces, whereas new injury to menisci was comparable between the medial (25%) and lateral (23%) meniscus. At the time of revision ACL reconstruction, females had a high prevalence of chondral injuries to the lateral compartment, whereas males had a high prevalence of chondral injury to the medial femoral condyle. The prevalence of new chondral injuries was comparable between sexes, with males having a slightly higher proportion. While time between surgeries, sex, and age had graphical evidence of moderating risk, the effects were small and imprecise. Revision ACL reconstruction carried a 1.6 increase in the odds for new or progressive chondral lesions in our cohort. At the time of revision, females had a relatively higher proportion of lateral-sided chondral injuries, whereas males had a relatively higher proportion of medial femoral condyle injuries. The greatest increase in the prevalence of new and progressive lesions was observed in the medial femoral condyle and trochlea. This progression appeared to be moderated by time between surgeries, patient sex, and age; however, the differences were small and imprecise. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

The ulnar collateral ligament response to valgus stress, repetitive pitching, and elbow muscle contraction in asymptomatic baseball pitchers

In baseball, repetitive pitching leads to medial elbow injuries, particularly to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). To prevent pitchers from UCL injuries, it is important to quantify the response to elbow stress. Repetitive elbow external valgus torque and muscular fatigue induced by repetitive pitching could affect markers of the response, that is, humeroulnar joint gap and UCL morphology. The aims of the study were three-folded: to investigate the effect of (1) exerted handgrip force on the humeroulnar joint gap, (2) repetitive pitching on the humeroulnar joint gap and the UCL morphology, and (3) exerted handgrip force on the humeroulnar joint gap for different levels of elbow valgus stress is different after compared to before repetitive pitching in asymptomatic baseball pitchers. Medial elbow ultrasound images were collected in 15 asymptomatic male baseball pitchers. Three levels of static elbow valgus stress (0N, 50N, 100N) were applied with a TELOS device before and after repetitive pitching and with or without handgrip force. These images were used to assess the humeroulnar joint gap size and UCL length and thickness. After 110 fastball pitches or when 80% self-perceived fatigue on a VAS scale was reached, participants were instructed to stop throwing. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to statistically test significant differences. Handgrip force did not significantly affect the humeroulnar joint gap. The UCL thickness and length and the humeroulnar joint gap were also not different after compared to before repetitive pitching. While higher levels of applied valgus stress significantly increased the humeroulnar joint gap (P < .001), this effect was not significantly different in the interaction with handgrip force and repetitive pitching. The humeroulnar joint gap changes for different levels of elbow valgus stress. However, adult baseball pitchers did not respond to elbow stress after a single pitching session with or without submaximal handgrip force in the humeroulnar joint gap and UCL morphology.

The efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave combined with platelet rich plasma in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with meniscus injury: A retrospective analysis.

To determine the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) combined with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with meniscus injury in terms of pain relief, functional outcome and complications. This is a retrospective observational study. Clinical data of 144 patients with KOA accompanied by medial meniscus injury, who received treatment in Jilin Provincial People's Hospital from March 2021 to December 2022, were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 128 patients (81 males and 47 females) were finally included in the study after screening. Of them, 45 patients received PRP treatment (PRP-group), 43 patients received ESW treatment (ESW-group), and 40 patients received ESW combined with PRP treatment (Combined-group). The relief of knee joint pain and functional improvement among three groups of patients were compared. After treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS), Lequesne, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores of patients in the Combined-group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (p<0.05). Combined ESW-PRP treatment was associated with significantly greater joint range of motion of patients compared to ESW and PRP alone (p<0.05). The total incidence of related complications in the Combined-group was lower compared to the other two groups (p<0.05). Compared with PRP or ESW treatment alone, ESW combined with PRP for KOA with meniscus injury can better alleviate pain, achieve faster functional recovery, and significantly reduce complications.