Multiligament Knee Injuries Research Articles

Common sports-related nerve injuries seen by the electrodiagnostic medical consultant.

The high physiologic demands of sports create dynamic stress on joints, soft tissues, and nerves which may lead to injuries in the athlete. Electrodiagnostic (EDx) assessment is essential to identify the correct diagnosis, localization, and prognosis, to guide management of sports-related neuropathies. A comprehensive review was performed to provide the EDx medical consultant with a practical approach to the common peripheral nerve disorders seen in athletes. Sports-related neuropathies reviewed include transient traumatic irritation of the brachial plexus and/or cervical nerve roots ("Burners and stingers,") suprascapular and axillary neuropathies, ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) in throwers, ulnar neuropathy at the hand/wrist in cyclists, multi-ligamentous knee injury, and foot/ankle neuropathies including tarsal tunnel syndrome. A thorough understanding of peripheral anatomy, possible entrapment sites, mechanisms of injury, and key physical examination findings is essential for correct diagnosis. EDx assessments beyond routine studies are generally required for sports-related neuropathy, which may not necessarily follow typical entrapment patterns. Adjunct diagnostic imaging, such as point-of-care ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, are helpful tools to identify associated musculoskeletal pathology such as compressive cysts or nerve entrapment, which may be amenable to interventional or surgical treatment. When no clear reversible structural pathology exists, management of sports-related neuropathy is athlete-specific and generally multi-modal, involving a combination of physical rehabilitation techniques to address muscle imbalances, load management, protective equipment, and interventional pain procedures.

Correction: Atypical Multi-ligamentous Knee Injury (aMLKI): Binary Injury with Avulsion of One Cruciate and Tear of the Other, or Bi-cruciates Avulsion with or Without Collateral Ligament Injury Following Road Traffic Accidents (RTA)

Correction: Atypical Multi-ligamentous Knee Injury (aMLKI): Binary Injury with Avulsion of One Cruciate and Tear of the Other, or Bi-cruciates Avulsion with or Without Collateral Ligament Injury Following Road Traffic Accidents (RTA)

Extremity War Injury Symposium 2024: Sports Medicine and Medical Readiness Section Summary

Collaboration between military and civilian investigators is necessary to develop strategies for optimizing treatments to diminish the sequelae of non–battle-related musculoskeletal injuries, which are highly prevalent among servicemembers. The 2024 Extremity War Injuries Symposium provided a forum whereby a diverse group of clinicians and researchers could develop strategies for optimizing treatments and diminishing the sequelae of conditions that are highly prevalent among active individuals. Key points were as follows: 1. The value of collaborations between military and civilian investigators cannot be overemphasized. These synergies can leverage the capabilities of established infrastructures in order to answer important questions pertaining to short-term outcomes—for example, warrior readiness of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions among servicemembers and long-term posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) outcomes among civilian cohorts. 2. Current and future prospective trials will inform future treatment decisions related to multiligamentous knee injuries and glenohumeral instability. 3. Novel approaches to addressing PTOA in the acute postinjury period will need longitudinal surveillance to measure their impact on improving clinical outcomes and diminishing residual functional deficits.

Comparative study of the outcomes of one-stage versus two-stage reconstruction of chronic multiligament knee injury

BackgroundMulti-ligament knee injury (MLKI) is a complex orthopaedic knee problem, usually following traumatic knee dislocation. Surgical management is preferred and has resulted in better clinical outcomes. However, the optimal surgical treatment protocol is continuously evolving. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of one-stage versus two-stage reconstruction of MLKI. Materials and methodsThis retrospective comparative study was conducted between July 2020 and December 2023 at a government orthopaedic hospital in Nigeria. The inclusion criteria include males and females between 18 and 45 years of age who had one- or two staged knee reconstructions for MLKI and were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The exclusion criteria were patients below 18 and above 45 years of age, those with previous knee surgery, those associated with femoral or tibia fractures, those with radiological evidence of osteoarthritis, and those with follow-ups less than 12 months. Clinical outcomes using the Lysholm scoring system and complication rate were recorded. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. ResultsFifty-one patients (26 in the OS group and 25 in the TS group) were studied. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores in the two groups (p = 0.86 and 0.57 for OS and TS, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the postoperative Lysholm scores in the two groups (p = 0.918). ConclusionOne-stage and two-stage reconstruction of chronic MLKI give similar excellent clinical outcomes.

Technology Update in Management of Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries.

Multi-ligament knee injuries present in various combinations of structures around the knee joint, with or without involvement of neurovascular structures, posing significant challenges to the treating physician and therapists. Accurate diagnosis with appropriate surgical intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation to restore function and stability is, therefore, paramount. This article looks at the recent advancements in technology that are aiding in the management of these injuries. An extensive search of literature was done in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar on this topic and the necessary information was derived from the relevant articles for this review. The progress made in the field of diagnosis, surgical management, rehabilitation and patient education tools were explored. A wide variety of diagnostic tools exists that are providing a more accurate evaluation of multi-ligament knee injuries both pre-operatively and post operatively. Advances in technology and techniques have aided in transforming their surgical management to a more minimally invasive approach. Patient-specific instrumentation, computer navigation and robotic-assisted surgery are in various stages of development offering enhanced precision and accuracy during ligament reconstruction procedures along with developments in digital technology and artificial intelligence. Advancements in technology have transformed the management of multi-ligament knee injuries, offering new tools and techniques that enhance diagnostic accuracy, surgical precision, and rehabilitation effectiveness. Artificial intelligence and its utility have widened the horizons, while at the same time bringing in the need for regulations necessary to monitor and develop these technologies.

MPFL Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients: Comparison Between Anatomic and Non-Anatomic Femoral Fixation—Systematic Review

Background: MPFL reconstruction in children with open physis may be challenging, as a major concern during the surgery is to preserve the distal femoral physis. The purpose of this study was to compare the complication rate and the patient-reported outcomes in skeletally immature patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction using an anatomic (A) or non- anatomic (NA) surgical technique. Methods: For this systematic review, the authors adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted from inception to 31 May 2024. Three databases were used: Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane library. We included skeletally immature patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction for chronic or recurrent patellar instability. The included studies should describe the surgical technique, report clinical outcomes and complications. Patients with closed physis, prior ipsilateral knee surgery, concomitant surgical procedures except for lateral retinacular release, multiligament knee injury, congenital or acute patellofemoral instability, hyperlaxity or less than 12 months follow up were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I, MINORS and MCMS scores. Results: Data from 304 procedures were collected, of which 208 were performed using an anatomic technique and 96 using a non-anatomic technique. Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 8 to 17 years. The follow-up time ranged between 12 and 116.4 months. Postoperative Kujala (−0.73, p = 0.55) and Tegner (−0.70, p = 0.80) scores were better in the anatomic group compared to the non-anatomic one. Higher rates of recurrent instability (OR 0.91; 95%CI 0.44–1.86, p = 0.85), redislocation (OR 1.21; 95%CI 0.42–3.51, p = 0.8), subluxation (OR 0.73; 95%CI 0.29–1.83, p = 0.62), a positive apprehension test (OR 0.92; 95%CI 0.27–3.13, p = 0.89), stiffness (decreased ROM) (OR 1.63; 95%CI 0.33–1.72, p = 0.54) and reoperation (OR 1.16; 95%CI 0.35–3.80, p = 0.8) were reported in papers using the anatomic technique. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review reveal that there is no significant difference between anatomic and non-anatomic MPFL reconstruction techniques in terms of patient-reported outcomes and complications. Thus, the choice of surgical technique might be left up to surgeon’s preference. Further high-quality, pediatric-oriented studies with long-term follow–up are needed to better guide clinical decision-making.

The Consequences of Surgical Timing in Multiligament Knee Injury: Commentary on an article by Graeme Hoit, MD, et al.: "Early Compared with Delayed Reconstruction in Multiligament Knee Injury. A Retrospective Propensity Analysis".

The Consequences of Surgical Timing in Multiligament Knee Injury: Commentary on an article by Graeme Hoit, MD, et al.: "Early Compared with Delayed Reconstruction in Multiligament Knee Injury. A Retrospective Propensity Analysis".

Strategies for Preventing Tunnel Convergence in Multiligament Knee Injury Reconstructions.

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are complex and heterogeneous, often associated with concomitant injuries, and necessitates precise treatment strategies. Effective preoperative management in MLKIs requires comprehensive evaluation, starting with a detailed patient history to identify the mechanisms of injury and prior treatments. Physical examination assesses for knee stability, while imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographs detail ligament, cartilage, and meniscal injuries to identify all injured structures. Vascular evaluations are critical given the high risk of concomitant neurovascular injuries especially in dislocated knees, bicruciate injuries, and lateral-sided injuries. Anatomic reconstruction of the torn ligaments has been biomechanically and clinically validated to improve knee stability and function. When performing multiple anatomic reconstructions, the risk of tunnel convergence is high. Therefore, surgical intervention aimed at optimizing outcomes necessitates careful planning to avoid tunnel convergence. This involves strategic tunnel placement, orientation, and techniques, such as adjusting tunnel angulation and using intraoperative imaging. These measures are vital for restoring knee functionality and minimizing future complications. Managing tunnel convergence is vital in treating MLKIs. Avoiding convergence on the medial side of the femur and tibia is more challenging due to the number of tunnels. In an MLKI involving all ligaments, 4 femoral tunnels and 4 tibial tunnels are required on the medial side, compared to 3 on the femur and 1 on the tibia for the lateral side, respectively. The successof a multiligament knee reconstruction depends on a precise diagnosis, thorough preoperative management, and strategic tunnel placement. A multidisciplinary approach not only enhances surgical outcomes, but also ensures long-term improvement in knee function, effectively addressing the complexities and risks associated with these injuries.

Management of Multiligament Knee Injuries Using Anatomic Autograft Reconstructions: A Case Series.

While proven effective management of multiligament knee injury (MLKI) using allograft is often reported, it has shown an increased risk for graft failure compared with autograft and raises availability and cost issues. Osseous stock preservation and tunnel convergence avoidance led us to develop a compromise innovative surgical procedure using only ipsilateral autograft for anatomic reconstruction of Schenck III-L or higher MLKI. We report the description and early outcomes of our initial experience. Our strategy consisted of an anatomic single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft and a "Versailles" reconstruction for the posterolateral corner, which we modified to reconstruct the anterolateral ligament in case of anteromedial rotatory instability, called "full lateral." A second-stage surgery was planned for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. Outcomes were Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores for functional status, Short Form 12 (SF-12) for quality of life, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Complications, full weight-bearing, return to work, and sport were also computed. Between March 2019 and August 2020, 10 patients were included. At follow-up, light pain was found in nine patients with a mean VAS of 1.2 ± 2.16 during the day. The mean Lysholm, Tegner, and subjective IKDC scores were good, with 61.2 ± 20.6, 2.8 ± 2.1, and 52.6 ± 20.4, respectively. However, quality of life was altered with poor SF-12 scores. In our first 10 patients with Schenck III-L or higher MLKI, our procedure using only ipsilateral autograft enabled correct daily knee functional activities while preserving osseous stock.

Adjustable Loop Fixation in Multi-ligament Knee Injuries: A Technical Note.

Adjustable Loop Fixation devices (ALD) were introduced to allow tensioning and re-tensioning while increasing flexibility of graft length in the bone tunnel. ALDs have shown comparable clinical and biomechanical results when used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. We routinely use ALDs in multi-ligament knee reconstructions. In double bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, using an ALD, we can achieve differential tensioning of the anterolateral and posteromedial bundles utilizing two femoral and one tibial tunnel. When performing an anatomic posterolateral corner reconstruction using our modification of the anatomical LaPrade technique, an ALD permits differential tensioning of the fibular collateral ligament and popliteus tendon/popliteofibular ligaments with a single graft. In anatomic superficial medial collateral ligament reconstructions, ALD allows for tensioning from the femoral side, subsequent cycling, followed by re-tensioning to achieve a stable reconstruction. In conclusion, ALDs provide numerous benefits when performing multi-ligament knee reconstructions. ALDs allow for appropriate tensioning and re-tensioning which is helpful in removing creep from the graft to prevent postoperative laxity. Additionally, it permits differential tensioning which helps achieve accurate tensioning of individual bundles to help restore native knee kinematics.

Ramp Lesions with ACL Injuries Between MRI and Arthroscopic Evaluation.

To compare the accuracy of arthroscopy with MRI in diagnosing ramp lesions associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Prospective observational study. Material and Methods: We included 100 patients with complete ACL tear. 1) Partial ACL tear, 2) ACL revision surgery or previous knee surgery, 3) Multi-ligamentous knee injury, 4) Extensive medial meniscus tear. Results: Nine patients were diagnosed with ACL-associated ramp lesions. All nine had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs, but these were not statistically significant ( 2=1.884, FEp=0.348). Mean medial meniscal slope for patients with ramp lesions was 2.88 +- 0.46, without was 2.47 +- 0.55 (T=2.146, P=0.034), implying statistical significance as visualized by arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is superior in diagnosing ramp lesions. Arthroscopy is superior in diagnosing ramp lesions due to cost-effectiveness, direct visualization, and immediate treatment capability. The absence of specific MRI signs for ramp lesions further supports this conclusion.

Knee

The October 2024 Knee Roundup360 looks at: Managing the unexpected: treatment of intraoperative medial collateral ligament injuries; Identifying subgroups of patients that may benefit from robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty: secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial; Cost-effectiveness of enoxaparin versus aspirin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip or knee arthroplasty: an analysis from the CRISTAL cluster-randomized trial; Cartilage regeneration and long-term survival in medial knee osteoarthritis patients treated with high tibial osteotomy and osteochondral autologous transfer system; Treatment of chronic and complex meniscal tears with arthroscopic meniscus repair augmented with collagen matrix wrapping: failure rate and functional outcomes; Long-term outcomes of multiligament knee injuries in American football players.

Atypical Multi-ligamentous Knee Injury (MLKI): Binary Injury with Avulsion of One Cruciate and Tear of the Other, or Bi-cruciates Avulsion with or Without Collateral Ligament Injury Following Road Traffic Accidents (RTA).

Multi-ligamentous knee injuries (MLKI) fall within a narrow spectrum, accounting for around 11% of all knee injuries. Atypical MLKI involve binary injury: avulsion of one cruciate and tear of the other, or both cruciates avulsion with or without collateral ligament injury. The purpose of this study is to analyse the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients diagnosed with atypical MLKI, and to assess the differences in outcomes between patients with collateral injury and those without. 66 patients with atypical MLKI were studied and compared in this retrospective cohort. 32 of these patients did not have collateral injuries, while the remaining 34 patients did have collateral injuries. The duration of the study was from 2010 to 2022. Reconstruction forthe cruciate tearsand open or arthroscopic reduction and fixation (ORIF/ARIF) of the cruciate avulsion were performed. In earlier years (2010-2015), posterior cruciate ligament avulsions were open reduced andfixed using the double draping approach. However, in later years (2016-2022), the double draping method was replaced by the single draping technique. Conservative or surgical management of the collateral ligaments was determined based on factors such as intraoperative laxity, tissue quality, injury site, and chronicity.Group 1 comprised of atypical MLKI patients without collateral ligament injuries, while Group 2 included atypical MLKI patients with collateral ligament injuries and subgroup was based on the various combinations of cruciate avulsions, tears and collateral injuries.A comparative statistical analysis was conducted on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, knee flexion range of motion (ROM), and laxity on stress radiographs. The male:female ratio were 54:12 patients. The average follow-up was 26.48months (range 23-30months). The average age of the patients is 37.66 (range 20-50years). All patients had significant improvement from pre-operative scores to final follow-up scores (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the atypical MLKI with collateral and atypical MLKI without collateral injury in terms of the postoperative IKDC score (P = 0.154), Lysholm score (P = 0.387), knee flexion ROM (P = 0.314), and laxity on radiographs with anterior stress (P = 0.108) and posterior stress (P = 0.272). The intergroup analysis was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in patients' functional outcomes at final follow-up based on fixation modality. Patients recovered to their pre-injury activity levels without knee joint giving way on daily activities. None of the patients in our series had infections. The incidence of atypical MLKI in multi-ligamentous injury was 9.53% (66/692). Atypical MLKI with cruciate avulsion can be treated with ARIF and cruciate tears with reconstruction in single-stage single draping method with good clinical and radiographic results. Atypical MLKI with or without collateral ligament injury had similar outcomes when appropriate techniques are instituted to address collateral ligaments.

A Modern-Day Algorithm for the Treatment of Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries.

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKI) are rare and complex, significantly impacting long-term outcomes, with risks of osteoarthritis, joint stiffness, and reduced activity levels. To explore the evolution of MLKI treatment protocols, comparing historical and modern approaches, and to present a patient-tailored, preservation-first algorithm. This article reviews the literature on MLKI management, focusing on surgical timing, techniques, and rehabilitation protocols. The proposed algorithm categorizes MLKIs based on tear location and tissue quality, incorporating options, such as primary ligament repair, augmentation, and reconstruction. The modern preservation-first algorithm provides a tailored approach to MLKI treatment, addressing the complexity and heterogeneity of these injuries, and aims to mitigate risks like postoperative arthrofibrosis. MLKI management remains complex and controversial. The presented algorithm offers a structured, individualized treatment strategy that integrates modern surgical and rehabilitation advancements.

Use of Internal Bracing in Multi-ligamentous Knee Injury Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Multi-ligament Knee Injuries (MLKI) are often caused by a high-energy impact resulting in dislocation of the knee joint. Given the higher degree of instability associated with these MLKIs, surgical fixation with adjunctive internal bracing and the use of suture augmentation have been proposed with the intention of better restoring knee stability and improving the long-term outcomes of surgery. This systematic review seeks to appraise the current literature in relation to the role of internal bracing in the management of MLKI. All randomised control trials, observational studies, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies containing patients with multi-ligamentous knee injuries managed with the use of internal bracing or suture tape augmentation were included in this review. The primary outcomes of interest were re-operation and failure rates, with secondary outcomes focussed on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and examination findings of knee stability. 282 studies were identified for screening, 13 of which were suitable for inclusion and five of these had injuries with Schenck grade III or above. Of the studies identified, failure rates ranged from 0 to 13.6%. Lysholm score was the most commonly utilised PROM tool with scores ranging from 61.8 to 95. Stiffness requiring MUA ± adhesiolysis was a common complication identified across studies. The use of internal bracing in Multi-ligament Knee Injuries appears to be as effective as not using an internal bracing technique. The post-operative PROMs and relatively low failure rates reflect promising outcomes for the ongoing use of internal bracing in MLKI. However, further prospective studies directly comparing braced versus non-braced ligamentous repairs are required in order to definitively determine if the use of the internal brace does allow for increased joint stability and early rehabilitation.

Variability in the Spectrum of Reporting on the Schenck KD I Classification in the Orthopaedic Literature: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

There has been a marked increase in the number of Schenck knee dislocation (KD) I injuries reported in the multiligament knee (MLK) injury (MLKI) and KD literature. To examine the heterogeneity of the Schenck KD I classification in the MLKI and KD literature. Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. A systematic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted for all studies that investigated KDs and/or MLKIs, utilized the Schenck or an MLKI classification system, and included patients with KD I or MLK 1 injuries. Pooled analysis determined the total number of KD I or MLK 1 injuries and the specific ligamentous tear patterns. Binary meta-analyses of the studies that reported neurovascular injury within each Schenck KD class compared the pooled odds ratio (OR) of vascular and neurological injury in unicruciate (KD I) and bicruciate (KD II-IV) injuries. Included were 50 studies in which 3460 KD I injuries were reported out of 7872 KDs and MLKIs (43.9%). Of the 2912 patients reported to have had a Schenck KD I injury, 26 patients (0.9%) had a clinically and/or radiographically confirmed tibiofemoral KD. The overall prevalence of Schenck KD I injury with documented tibiofemoral KD was 26 of 7872 (0.3%). A total of 22 studies (n = 1702 patients) reported the specific ligamentous tear patterns; the most common patterns were posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)/lateral collateral ligament (LCL) (n = 526; 30.9%), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)/LCL (n = 488; 28.7%), ACL/medial collateral ligament (MCL) (n = 408; 24.0%), and PCL/MCL (n = 198; 11.6%). Meta-analyses demonstrated that when compared with bicruciate KD or MLKI, unicruciate KD or MLKI was significantly less likely to have concomitant vascular injury (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15-0.51; P < .0001) and concomitant neurologic injury (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37-0.65; P < .00001). The number of true, clinically and/or radiographically confirmed unicruciate KDs was extremely rare, representing <1% of all reported Schenck KD I injuries. A misappropriation of these injury patterns as true KDs may be taking place, affecting outcome studies and potentially biasing published clinical results. An MLKI classification system must document whether a confirmed KD has occurred.

Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Multiligament Knee Injuries in a Cohort Including Competitive Athletes With Long-Term Follow-Up.

There is a paucity of outcomes data on surgical reconstruction for multiligament knee injury (MLKI) in the orthopaedic literature. To examine functional and return-to-sports (RTS) outcomes and revision rates after single-stage reconstruction for MLKIs in a cohort containing a large proportion of competitive athletes over a 20-year period. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. We identified all patients at our institution who underwent surgical reconstruction for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or bicruciate (ACL-posterior cruciate ligament) MLKI between 2001 and 2020 and had ≥2 years of postoperative outcome data. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, a surgical satisfaction survey, and questions about subsequent knee surgery and RTS administered via telephone. Summary statistics for all outcomes data were calculated, and predictors of IKDC scores at follow-up were examined using univariable linear regression. Out of 151 patients eligible for this study, outcomes data were collected in 119 patients (79%). The mean follow-up time was 8.3 ± 4.4 years, and the mean IKDC score at follow-up was 79 ± 17. A total of 83 competitive athletes were included; 62 of these athletes attempted to return to preinjury sport. Among the 62 who attempted RTS, 50 (81%) were successful, and 12 were unable to return due to limitations from their surgery. At follow-up, 112 of the overall cohort of 119 patients (94%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with their surgical outcome, and 91% stated the surgery met or exceeded their expectations. In addition, 24% had subsequent ipsilateral knee operations after their index multiligament knee reconstruction. Older age at surgery and female sex were associated with worse IKDC scores at follow-up. Despite the severity of the injuries in our cohort, we found high levels of patient-reported function and a high rate of successful RTS in the competitive athletes. Older age and female sex were associated with worse patient-reported knee function at follow-up.

Outcomes after multiligament knee injury worsen over time: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are devastating injuries that can have life-long consequences. A management plan requires the decision to perform surgery or not, timing of surgery, consideration of repair versus reconstruction, reconstruction techniqueand reconstruction graft choice. The purpose of this study was to analyze development of clinical outcomes of MLKIs over time at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Four databases were queried for surgical outcome-based studies of MLKIs published from 01/2000 through 09/2022 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Technique articles, nonoperative treatment, arthroplasty, pediatricand review articles were excluded. Study characteristics including design, number of patients, age, follow-up period, anatomical regionand posterior-cruciate ligament (PCL)-based injury were collected. Primary outcomes were Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) outcome scores and Tegner activity score. Random-effects model analysis was performed. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 3571 patients in 79 studies were included in the analysis. The mean age at surgery was 35.6 years. The mean follow-up was 4.06 years (range 2-12.7). The mean Lysholm score at 2-yearfollow-up was 86.09 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.90-89.28], with a yearly decrease of -0.80 [95% CI: -1.47 -0.13], (p = 0.0199). The mean IKDC at 2 years was 81.35 [95% CI: 76.56-86.14], with a yearly decrease of -1.99 [95% CI: -3.14 -0.84] (p < 0.001). Non-PCL-based injuries had a higher IKDC 83.69 [75.55-91.82] vs. 75.00 [70.75-79.26] (p = 0.03) and Lysholm score 90.84 [87.10-94.58] versus 84.35 [82.18-86.52] (p < 0.01) than PCL-based injuries, respectively. According to the present systematic review and meta-analysis of MLKIs with minimum 2-year follow-ups, the patients who suffered an MLKI can expect to retain around 80-85% of knee function at 2 years and can expect a yearly deterioration of knee function, depending on the score used. Inferior outcomes can be expected for PCL-based injuries at 2 years postoperative. Level IV meta-analysis.

How Stable Do Multiligament Knee Reconstructions Become?: An Objective Stability and PROMs Study.

Multiligament injuries (MLKI) of the knee mainly result from high-velocity impacts. This study was done to analyse multilgament knee reconstructions done in a single setting at a minimum 12month follow-up with objective gait, squat, stability and fluoroscopic examination along with PROMs and compare the individual KD categories. Also, the study analyses the difference between < 30- and > 30-year-olds as well as those who had sporting injuries versus RTAs. All cruciate ligaments were reconstructed arthroscopically. Collateral ligaments were reconstructed using autografts and fixed with interference screws. All were kept non-weight-bearing for 6weeks on a brace. ROM exercises were begun at the earliest. Gait analysis, stability, balance, squat analysis and fluoroscopic analysis were used to determine the objective outcomes during follow-ups. PROMs were analysed pre- and postoperatively to document the functional activity of the patient. The analysis of the various parameters with objective measurements of the clinical, functional and patient-reported measures was done to assess the outcome in multiligament knee injury patients. ACL with MCL was the most common presenting multiligament-involved presentation, with KD3 being the most common pattern of injury. The parameters for contact time, step length, ROM at knee and hip on the normal and operated limbs were near normal and same at a minimum 1-year follow-up with a good stability index. The PROMs improved significantly postop. There was no difference in the results of sporting versus non-sporting injuries, those < 30 and > 30years and between the individual KD groups. The results showed statistically significant improvement in stability and PROMs at follow-up in multiligament reconstructions, but no difference comparing individual KD groups, < 30 and > 30years age and those injured by RTA s and sporting injuries.

Timing of Surgery & Rehabilitation After Multiligamentous Knee Reconstruction.

To provide an overview of the current evidence of the timing of surgery and rehabilitation after multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) and offer insights into the ongoing multi-center randomized controlled study, the 'STaR trial'. Due to the complexity of the MKLIs, they are usually treated surgically with the goal of either repairing or reconstructing the injured ligaments. Although the current literature on MLKIs is relatively extensive, the consensus on the timing of surgery or rehabilitation following surgery for MLKIs is still lacking. While current literature mostly suggests early treatment, there is also evidence preferring delayed treatment. Furthermore, evidence on the timing of postoperative rehabilitation is limited. Thus, the current multi-center randomized controlled study, the 'STaR trial', is expected to respond to these questions by adding new high-level evidence. The MLKIs are often associated with knee dislocation and constitute a highly complex entity, including concomitant injuries, such as neurovascular, meniscal, and cartilaginous injuries. The treatment of MLKIs usually aims to either repair or reconstruct the injured ligaments, however, there is no general consensus on the timing of surgery or rehabilitation following an MLKI surgery. This current review stresses the need for more high-level research to address the paucity of evidence-based treatment guidelines for the treatment of complex MLKIs.