Preservation Of Ligaments Research Articles

Radical retropubic prostatectomy: Preservation of urinary continence

ObjectiveHistorical review of procedures and maneuvers described in the literature to preserve-increase urinary continence after retropubic prostatectomy. Material and methodReview of the original articles on the design of maneuvers for the preservation of urinary continence. ResultsNumerous maneuvers have been described attempting to preserve-increase urinary continence after prostatectomy. They can be grouped into preservation of puboprostatic ligaments, bladder neck, striated sphincter or trigonal innervation, construction of a neourethra, suspension of the anastomosis or the dorsal venous complex and intussusception of the bladder neck. ConclusionThere is no ideal maneuver for preserving-increasing urinary continence after retropubic prostatectomy, as there is no well-conducted work with any of these techniques that confirm their efficacy.

Effect of puboprostatic ligament preservation during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy on early continence: Randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo prove the effectiveness of puboprostatic ligament-preserving robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical (RARP) on enhancing early continence. MethodsNinety-two patients with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate scheduled for RARP from April 2018 to January 2019 were prospectively single-blinded and randomized into two groups, standard RARP (Group A) and puboprostatic ligament-sparing RARP (Group B). The outcomes were continent status at Foley catheter removal and 3 months after surgery using the score from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), pad usage, pathological margin status, blood loss, operative time, and complications. ResultsNinety-six patients were randomized (46 patients in each group), with a mean±SD age of 67.30±6.07 years. There were no differences in baseline characteristics. At 3 months after surgery, ICIQ-UI SF score (mean±SD) in Group A was significantly higher than Group B (8.74±4.28 vs. 6.93±3.96, p=0.038) but no difference at Foley catheter removal. Group A also had a significant higher score for interference with daily life (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 4 [1, 5] vs. 2 [0, 4]; p=0.041) and higher pad use (median [IQR]: 2 [0, 3] vs. 1 [1, 2]; p=0.041) at 3 months. One case in Group A had complete or severe incontinence (>5 pads/day) at 3 months. Groups A and B did not exhibit significant difference in margin status (p=0.828). There were no differences in operative time, blood loss, drain output or complications. ConclusionsUse of puboprostatic ligament-sparing RARP could be a method to accelerate early continence without affecting the final oncological outcome.

Contemporary Techniques of Prostate Dissection for Robot-assisted Prostatectomy

BackgroundOver the years, several techniques for performing robot-assisted prostatectomy have been implemented in an effort to achieve optimal oncological and functional outcomes. ObjectiveTo provide an evidence-based description and video-based illustration of currently available dissection techniques for robotic prostatectomy. Design, setting, and participantsA literature search was performed to retrieve articles describing different surgical approaches and techniques for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to analyze data supporting their use. Video material was provided by experts in the field to illustrate these approaches and techniques. Surgical procedureMultiple surgical approaches are available: extraperitoneal, transvesical, transperitoneal posterior, transperitoneal anterior, Retzius sparing, and transperineal. Surgical techniques for prostatic dissection sensu strictu are the following: omission of the endopelvic fascia dissection, bladder neck preservation, incremental nerve sparing by means of an antegrade or retrograde approach, and preservation of the puboprostatic ligaments and dorsal venous complex. Recently, techniques for total or partial prostatectomy have been described. MeasurementsDifferent surgical approaches and techniques for robotic prostatectomy have been analyzed. Results and limitationsTwo randomized controlled trials evaluating the extraperitoneal versus the transperitoneal approach have demonstrated similar results. Level I evidence on the Retzius-sparing approach demonstrated earlier return to continence than the traditional anterior approach. The question whether Retzius-sparing RARP is associated with a higher rate of positive surgical margins is still open due to the intrinsic bias in terms of surgical expertise in the available comparative studies. This technique also offers an advantage in patients who have received kidney transplantation. Retrospective evidence suggests that the more the anatomical dissection (eg., more periprostatic tissue is preserved), the better the functional outcome in terms of continence. Yet, two randomized controlled trials evaluating the different techniques of dissection have so far been produced. Partial prostatectomies should not be offered outside clinical trials. ConclusionsSeveral techniques and approaches are available for prostate dissection during RARP. While the Retzius-sparing approach seems to provide earlier return to continence than the traditional anterior transperitoneal approach, no technique has been proved to be superior to other(s) in terms of long-term outcomes in randomized studies. Patient summaryWe have summarized available approaches for the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. Specifically, we described the different techniques that can be adopted for the surgical removal of the prostate using robotic technology.

La prostatectomía radical retropúbica: preservación de la continencia urinaria

ObjectiveHistorical review of procedures and maneuvers described in the literature to preserve-increase urinary continence after retropubic prostatectomy. Material and methodReview of the original articles on the design of maneuvers for the preservation of urinary continence. ResultsNumerous maneuvers have been described attempting to preserve-increase urinary continence after prostatectomy. They can be grouped into preservation of puboprostatic ligaments, bladder neck, striated sphincter or trigonal innervation, construction of a neourethra, suspension of the anastomosis or the dorsal venous complex and intussusception of the bladder neck. ConclusionThere is no ideal maneuver for preserving-increasing urinary continence after retropubic prostatectomy, as there is no well-conducted work with any of these techniques that confirm their efficacy.

Commentary on: Improvement of Alar Concavity With Scroll Ligament Preservation: Sandwich Technique.

Commentary on: Improvement of Alar Concavity With Scroll Ligament Preservation: Sandwich Technique.

Adherence to international guidelines for Groin Hernia Management: a retrospective cross-sectional study in a tertiary government training hospital.

This study aims to determine overall compliance of the Department of Surgery in a tertiary government training hospital to the latest International Guidelines for Groin Hernia Management from July to December 2018. Medical records of operations involving inguinal hernia in adults done from July to December 2018 (N = 150) were reviewed and compliance rates were determined based on selected ten parameters. Overall, the Department of Surgery was poorly compliant to the guidelines. All cases were only partially compliant. The highest over-all compliance was noted on the use of clinical examination alone in diagnosing primary inguinal hernias (N=147, 100%, recurrent hernias excluded), use of appropriate technique (N=147, 98%), and use of preoperative antibiotics (N=144, 96%). Poor compliance was noted on round ligament preservation in females (0%), use of intraoperative local anesthesia (N=5, 3%), and the use of European Hernia Society Classification in the final diagnosis (N=42, 28%). Strict education, implementation, and regular monitoring of these guidelines among both the resident and consultant staff are needed to ensure better compliance to the guidelines.

Dorsal Capsule Interpositional Arthroplasty of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint.

Background: Current recommendations for osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) are confined to implant arthroplasty to preserve joint motion and provide pain relief. This study documents the median 2-year results of a novel soft tissue arthroplasty technique that interposes the dorsal capsule. Methods: A retrospective review of 10 MCPJ dorsal capsule interposition arthroplasties in 8 patients was conducted. Physical evaluation assessed MCPJ range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and pain. Outcome tests used were the Michigan Hand Outcome Score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH). Kellgren and Lawrence Classification assessed severity of MCPJ osteoarthritis on preoperative radiographs. Results: The mean follow-up was 29 months from surgery. Average VAS was 2/10 postoperatively and average postoperative ROM improved 7 degrees. Average postoperative grip strength of the surgical hand was 30 kg. The QuickDASH average score was 24. Average Michigan Hand Questionnaire final score was 70. Patients with Kellgren Grades 2 or 3 osteoarthritis had the best QuickDASH and Michigan Hand Outcome scores. All patients working before surgery returned to work. No patient required a second surgery. Conclusion: This technique of dorsal capsule interposition arthroplasty provides a viable surgical option for isolated degenerative or traumatic arthritis of the MCPJ at an average follow-up of 2 years. Pain relief was most reliably provided in patients with less severe radiograph findings. The advantages of this procedure include preservation of bony anatomy, collateral ligaments, and volar plate to not preclude later implant arthroplasty.

Arthroscopic Primary Repair of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament With Single-Bundle Graft Augmentation

Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in ligament preservation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that has the advantage of preserving the native tissue and maintaining proprioceptive function. Studies reporting outcomes of remnant-preserving ACL surgery have shown encouraging results with a higher potential for early healing and better functional outcomes compared with remnant-resecting surgery. Over the past decade, several surgical techniques for remnant preservation of the ACL have been proposed. In this technical note, the technique of primary ACL repair with graft augmentation is described. The goal of this technique is to preserve and tension the native tissue, thereby restoring the anatomy as much as possible while avoiding cyclops lesions, whereas the additional graft provides strength to the repaired ligament.

Improvement of Alar Concavity With Scroll Ligament Preservation: Sandwich Technique.

Excessive concavity of the lower lateral crura can cause significant aesthetic problems for the nasal tip and can be associated with significant functional problems, such as insufficiencies in the external nasal valve. The aim of this study was to develop a novel technique for the improvement of several alar concavities that preserve the scroll area. In this retrospective study, 51 primary rhinoplasty patients with unoperated alar concavity deformities were assessed. Alar concavities were repaired with alar strut grafts and a superior transposition flap or superior-based sliding flap, which were designed with the "sandwich" technique. Additionally, the scroll ligament was completely preserved in the 2 variants of the technique. All patients who were included in the study were assessed with the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire before surgery and at their 1-year follow-up appointment. The median age of patients was 29.2 years (range, 19-49 years). The ROE scores ranged between 90 and 100 points after 1 year. The median score was 91.2 points, and this was significantly increased at the 1-year follow-up appointment (P = 0.002). Patient satisfaction was found to be excellent in 92% of the included patients. Patients were also evaluated in terms of functionality. The patients' patency scores increased to 9.4 from 6.1 (out of 10) after a 12-month follow-up (P = 0.003). This "sandwich" technique involves a combination of superior transposition flaps, superior-based sliding flaps, and alar strut grafts. Thus, patients who receive this treatment may also benefit from new flap techniques and vertical and longitudinal scroll ligament preservation. This new technique presents a novel and easy method for the reconstruction of severe alar concavities.

Preservation of the Posterior Ligaments for Preventing Postoperative Spinal Instability in Posterior Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Comparative Study between Port-Hole Decompression and Subtotal Laminectomy

Preservation of the Posterior Ligaments for Preventing Postoperative Spinal Instability in Posterior Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Comparative Study between Port-Hole Decompression and Subtotal Laminectomy

How can we prevent postprostatectomy urinary incontinence by patient selection, and by preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative measures? International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society 2018.

To review current prevention strategies for urinary incontinence among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). This is a consensus report of the proceedings of a research proposal from the annual International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS), 14 to 16 June 2018(Bristol, UK): "How can we prevent postprostatectomy incontinence by patient selection, and by preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative measures?" Several baseline parameters were proposed as predicting factors for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI), including age, tumor stage, prostate volume, preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms, maximum urethral closure pressure, and previous transurethral resection of the prostate. More recently, magnetic resonance imaging has been used to measure the membranous urethral length and sphincter volume. Peroperative techniques include preservative and reconstructive approaches. Bladder neck preservation improved early (6 months), as well as long-term (>12 months) continence rates. Several prospective studies have reported earlier return of continence following preservation of puboprostatic ligaments, although no long-term data are available. Preservation of the urethral length yielded controversial outcomes. Concerning postoperative strategies, it is probably optimal to remove the catheter in a window between 4 and 7 days if clinically appropriate; however, more research in this regard is still required. Postoperative PFME (preoperative pelvic floor muscle exercise) appears to speed up the recovery of continence after RP. Conservative strategies to prevent PPUI include proper patient selection and PFME. Peroperative techniques have largely shown benefit in the short term. Postoperative complications and timing of trial without catheter can influence continence status. Future research initiatives must assess peroperative and postoperative measures, with longer-term follow-up.

Results of a Continent of Urine After an Open Retropubic Prostatectomy with Preservation of the Puboprostatic Ligament

Open retropubic prostatectomy is one of the most common operations used to treat clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Today, there is a limited amount of evidence of the successful use of some modern surgical modifications.The objective: to analyze the functional results of applying the technique of preservation of the prostoprostatic ligament in a group of patients with localized prostate cancer.Materials and methods. A clinical retrospective study was carried out over a 3-year period at the Urology Clinic of theScientificCenter for the Management of Human Migration. The study included men with clinically localized prostate cancer who agreed to undergo surgical treatment. Patients with locally advanced forms of prostate cancer and those with severe concomitant pathology were excluded from the study. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 17).Results. In total, from September 2014 to September 2017, 72 patients underwent open-ended radial prostatectomy with preservation of the puboprostatic ligament. The average age of the patients was 67 years (ranged from 55 to 76 years). In 6 patients, stress incontinence was detected, in 8 patients, post-prostatectomy incontinence was detected for 3 months. So, 58 (out of 72) patients out of 72 for 3 months were continental.Conclusion. Preservation of puboprostatic ligaments when performing an open-ended posterior prostatectomy is associated with faster and more frequent renewal of the urine continent in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Creation of a Neovagina: A Modified Davydov Approach

Video Objective This video presents a stepwise approach to the creation of a neovagina through a modified laparoscopic Davydov approach. Setting This procedure is most commonly performed for vaginal agenesis. First line treatment is self-dilation with multidisciplinary support. When first line treatment fails, a surgical approach to neovaginal creation is the Davydov procedure. This video illustrates the steps of a modified laparoscopic Davydov procedure for the creation of a neovagina in a patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome. Interventions The modified laparoscopic Davydov procedure is comprised of five steps: 1) define the anatomy (± salpingectomy), 2) create the neovaginal space, 3) line the neovagina with peritoneum, 4) dissect the pelvic sidewall, and 5) suture the neovagina over the stent. The modified laparoscopic approach involves round ligament preservation (instead of transection) for added vaginal support. It also involves transection of the utero-ovarian ligaments (instead of preservation) to keep ovaries in their anatomical location. More extensive pelvic sidewall dissection helps avoid tension on sidewall structures. Conclusion The Davydov procedure has high rates of sexual satisfaction and should be considered for the surgical creation of a neovagina.

Scroll Ligament Preservation and Improvement in Nasal Tip with the Room Concept.

In rhinoplasty operations, concavity and convexity have a particular place in terms of aesthetic and functional problems. To fix the problems associated with concavity and convexity, several techniques were reported for straightening of the lower lateral cartilage (LLC). The scroll ligament and its associated tissues can be preserved, and a better nasal tip can be obtained after the surgery. The purpose of this research is to present a new, more comfortable and more practical technique to overcome the problems associated with LLC. The records of 190 patients who were operated on with this novel technique were assessed retrospectively. In the present "superior-based sliding flap" technique, the LLC remained thick and stable; therefore, a particular functional improvement was achieved. Additionally, the scroll ligament was preserved, so this technique prevented the accumulation of skin at the nose tip. Patients were evaluated using the "Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation" (ROE) 12months after the surgery. The median patient age was 24.3years. Among 190 patients, 23 were male (12.1%) and 167 were female (87.9%). All patients included in the study completed the ROE questionnaire. Patient satisfaction was excellent, registering at 95% of the included cases. In the assessment of nasal obstruction, it was found that the patients' patency score increased to 8.8 from 6.2 (out of 10) after the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Revision surgery was not needed in any patient. The ability to have control over the LLC for all shapes via suturing two different points together is a noteworthy benefit of this technique. This is a safe, controlled and easily applicable technique that can be applied to generally every patient without the need for additional grafts. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Step-by-step colpotomy in total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a technique to avoid apical support damage to the upper vagina

The purpose of this video article is to demonstrate our colpotomy technique that enables maximal protection of the cervical ring, helps to prevent the ureteral injury by distancing, and avoids shortening of the vagina at total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Step-by-step explanation of the colpotomy technique is presented using educational video setting in university-affiliated private hospital. After the uterine artery transection, a VECTEC surgical uterine manipulator (VECTEC, Hauterive, France) was inserted into the vagina in place of the sharp curette. The plastic rotating blade of uterine manipulator was strongly pushed forward into the anterior vaginal fornix. Colpotomy incision was started from the uppermost middle point of an anterior vagina, and extended to both sides with a monopolar L-hook electrocautery at 40 watts cutting mode. Then the manipulator’s blade was maneuvered into the right lateral fornix, and THUNDERBEAT platform (Olympus Medical Systems Corp, Tokyo, Japan) was chosen as the modality of energy for the transection of the rest of the vagina. At the posterior part of colpotomy, the vaginal wall was cut from the uppermost part of uterosacral ligaments, as well. Finally, the left lateral fornix was cut by the same principles, and colpotomy was completed circumferentially. In conclusion, maximal preservation of paracervical ligaments with this technique preserve the apical support of vagina, and avoids shortening of vaginal length. The technique also minimizes the ureteral injury by distancing.

A preliminary study on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging of brain after anterior cruciate ligament preservation reconstruction with autologous tendon

Objective: To preliminarily study on the possible mechanism of cerebral cortical dysfunction pattern after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) preservation reconstruction with autologous tendon through resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: From June 2015 to February 2019, 18 patients (10 males and 8 females with an average age of (36±10) years) with left anterior cruciate ligament rupture and treated with arthroscopic preservation reconstruction with autologous tendon were enrolled in this study, and 17 comparable healthy controls were included in Tongji Hospital of Tongji University. fMRI was performed after the postoperative period (2 to 12 weeks). The fMRI data were preprocessed by SPM8 software package and RESTplus software. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) in those two groups were calculated. Two-sample t-test was performed on ALFF and fALFF of the two groups, and multiple test corrections were performed by using AlphaSim. These methods were used for contrast studies on the characteristic activities of the brain dysfunction. Results: Compared with those in the control, ALFF in the central cingulate gyrus (cingulum_mid_bilateral), involving the auxiliary movement zone (supp_motor_ area) were significantly higher in the patients (P<0.01 before correction, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction). The fALFF in activation cluster 1 was significantly higher in the right central gyrus (postcentral_R), the right lower lobule (parietal_inf_R), and the right upper margin (supramarginal_R) in the patients than that in the normal control group, respectively (P<0.01 before correction, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction); the fALFF in activation cluster 2 in the right central cingulate gyrus (cingulum_mid_R), involving the right auxiliary movement zone (supp_motor_area_R) was significantly higher in the patients than that in the normal control group, respectively (P<0.01 before correction, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction). Conclusion: The patients' cerebrum cortical function associated with the kinesthesis and their regulations are abnormally changed after anterior cruciate ligament preservation reconstruction with autologous tendon.

Decision Making in Preservation Rhinoplasty: A 100 Case Series With One-Year Follow-Up.

Preservation rhinoplasty (PR) is a new chapter in rhinoplasty history. The term was coined by Daniel in 2018 and represents a fundamental change in philosophy. The aim of this study is to discuss a single-surgeon case series utilizing PR techniques. One hundred fifty-three primary rhinoplasty cases were studied retrospectively between December 2016 and August 2017. One hundred cases had at least 1 year of follow-up. Technical details were recorded, including dissection plane, ligament preservation, tip support, lateral crural maneuvers, alar contour grafts, and preservation of the dorsum vs traditional reduction. These 100 cases can be categorized as either complete preservation rhinoplasty (PR-C) or partial preservation rhinoplasty (PR-P). All patients had open rhinoplasty and the average follow-up time was 13 months. All patients had preservation of the dorsal soft tissue envelope, and in 36 the entire soft tissue envelope and ligaments were preserved. Fifty-four had preservation of the alar cartilages. Thirty-one had dorsal preservation. The combinations include: PR-C (skin, dorsum, and alars): 24; PR-P (skin and dorsum): 2; PR-P (alars and dorsum): 2; and PR-P (skin and alars): 7. In most patients, the dorsal soft tissue envelope and nasal ligaments can be preserved. When possible, the lateral crura should be preserved and tensioning chosen over excision. Dorsal preservation is a versatile technique when proper patient selection is undertaken, and long-term issues with the middle vault and keystone area can be avoided. Some patients will benefit from total preservation where nothing is removed/disrupted and underlying structures are reshaped.

Mini-Open Access for Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Indications, Technique, and Outcomes.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a relatively new procedure. It was established as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open interbody fusion. LLIF allows the surgeon to access the disc space via a retroperitoneal transpsoas muscle approach. Theoretical advantages of the LLIF technique include preservation of the longitudinal ligaments, augmentation of disc height with indirect decompression of neural elements, and insertion of large footprint cages spanning the dense apophyseal ring bilaterally1,2. The original 2-incision LLIF technique described by Ozgur et al., in 2006, had some inherent limitations3. First, it substantially limited direct visualization of the surgical field and may have endangered nerve and vascular structures. Additionally, it often required multiple separated incisions for multilevel pathologies. Finally, for surgeons with experience in traditional open retroperitoneal surgery, utilization of their previously acquired skills may have been difficult with this approach. To overcome these limitations, we adopted the mini-open lateral approach, which allows for visualization, palpation, and electrophysiologic neurologic confirmation during the procedure4. As detailed below, the patient is positioned in the lateral decubitus position and a single incision is carried out centered between the target discs. For single-level LLIF, the incision spans approximately 3 cm and can be lengthened in small increments for multilevel procedures. After blunt dissection, the retroperitoneal space is entered. The psoas muscle is split under direct visualization, carefully avoiding the traversing nerves with neurosurveillance5. A self-retaining retractor is used, and after thorough discectomy, the disc space is sized with trial components. The implant is filled with bone graft materials and is introduced using intraoperative fluoroscopy. The 2-incision LLIF technique or traditional anterior or posterior lumbar spine interbody fusion techniques might be used instead. LLIF offers the reported advantages of minimally invasive surgery, such as reduced tissue trauma during the approach, low blood loss, shorter length of stay, decreased recovery time, and less postoperative pain. LLIF allows for the placement of a relatively larger interbody cage spanning the dense apophyseal ring bilaterally. The lateral approach preserves the anterior longitudinal ligament and posterior longitudinal ligament. These structures allow for powerful ligamentotaxis and provide extra stability for the construct. Compared with other approaches, LLIF has a reduced risk of visceral and vascular injuries, incidental dural tears, and perioperative infections. Although associated with approach-related complications such as motor and sensory deficits, LLIF can be a safe and versatile procedure1,2.

Technical details to achieve perfect early continence after radical prostatectomy.

Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (RP) is still an issue and may compromise patient quality of life and psychosocial behavior, regardless of oncologic outcomes. As this condition usually resolves by the end of the first postoperative year, many surgeons focused their attention on "early" return of urinary continence (UC). The aim of this non-systematic review is to present an overview of the current knowledge on the anatomy and the surgical techniques addressed to early functional recovery of continence after RP. The available literature data suggest that the preservation of bladder neck, pubo-prostatic ligaments, endopelvic fascia and vesico-urethral complex may play a role in recovery of early UC. Similarly, bladder neck reconstruction, anterior and/or posterior myo-fascio-ligamentous support to the anastomosis and tension-free watertight vesico-urethral anastomosis can improve early UC recovery post RP. More recently surgical approaches (i.e. Retzius-sparing technique) seem to add a piece in the jigsaw in the scenario of the early recovery of UC. Notwithstanding the efforts of the surgeons, more evidence from randomized studies is required to prove benefits of the different approaches and the "ideal" RP is far to be standardized.

A matched quantitative computed tomography analysis of 3 surgical approaches for osteochondral reconstruction of the capitellum

The location of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the sagittal plane guides the surgical approach used for autologous osteochondral transplantation. We sought to compare the capitellar region accessible for orthogonal graft placement through 3 approaches: (1) posterior anconeus-split approach; (2) lateral approach with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) preservation (LCL-preserving lateral approach); and (3) lateral approach with LCL release (LCL-sacrificing lateral approach). The 3 approaches were sequentially performed on 9 cadaveric elbows: posterior anconeus-split approach, LCL-preserving lateral approach, and LCL-releasing lateral approach. The extent of perpendicular access was delineated with Kirschner wires. Each specimen underwent computed tomography. The accessible region was quantified as degrees on the capitellum and converted into time on a clock, where 0° corresponds to the 12-o'clock position. Generalized estimating equation modeling was used to investigate for significant within-specimen, between-approach differences. The LCL-preserving and LCL-sacrificing lateral approaches provided more anterior perpendicular access than the posterior anconeus-split approach (mean, 0° vs 83°; P < .001). The posterior anconeus-split approach provided more posterior perpendicular access (mean, 215.0°; P < .001) than the LCL-preserving (mean, 117°; P < .001) and LCL-sacrificing (mean, 145°; P < .001) lateral approaches. The LCL-sacrificing lateral approach provided more posterior exposure than the LCL-preserving lateral approach (mean, 145° vs 117°; P < .001). The mean arc of visualization was greater for the LCL-sacrificing lateral approach than for the LCL-preserving lateral approach (145° vs 117°, P < .001). A capitellar OCD lesion can be perpendicularly accessed from a posterior anconeus-split approach if it is posterior to 83° (2:46 clock-face position). A laterally based approach may be required for lesions anterior to this threshold. These data inform clinical decisions regarding the appropriate surgical approach for any OCD lesion.