Second-look Arthroscopy Research Articles

Novel crescentic, medial-closing, medially translating, centre-of-rotation-of-angulation-based, levelling osteotomy for lateral compartment stifle disease with partial cranial cruciate ligament tear in two dogs

ABSTRACT Case history Two mature, large breed dogs presented with chronic lameness and discomfort localised to the stifle. Clinical findings No hindlimb deformities were present on physical examination or radiographic evaluation. No stifle instability was present. Arthroscopy revealed severe (grade 5/5 modified Outerbridge score) cartilage erosion in the lateral compartment (femorotibial), marked degeneration of the lateral meniscus and early cranial cruciate ligament disease in both patients. Treatment and outcome Medial-closing, medially translating, centre-of-rotation-of-angulation-based, levelling osteotomy (mcmtCBLO) was performed in both patients. The procedure aims to shift the pelvic limb’s mechanical axis medially to reduce pressure in the lateral compartment while also reducing craniocaudal shear forces by lowering the tibial plateau angle. Eight weeks after surgery one patient’s lameness had resolved while the other had improved significantly. Second-look arthroscopy performed at this time revealed fibrocartilage formation in the lateral compartment without progression of cruciate disease in both cases. At long-term follow-up (approximately 3 and 5 years), favourable outcomes (no or minimal lameness, mild or moderate osteoarthritis) were identified on the long-term owner survey, lameness examination and radiographs. Clinical relevance mcmtCBLO reduced or eliminated short- and long-term lameness in these two cases afflicted by concurrent lateral compartment and early cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Effects of higher femoral tunnels on clinical outcomes, MRI, and second-look findings in double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a minimal 5-year follow-up.

To perform anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), tunnels should be placed relatively higher in the femoral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) footprint based on the findings of direct and indirect femoral insertion. But the clinical results of higher femoral tunnels (HFT) in double-bundle ACLR (DB-ACLR) remain unclear. The purpose was to investigate the clinical results of HFT and lower femoral tunnels (LFT) in DB-ACLR. From September 2014 to February 2016, 83 patients who underwent DB-ACLR and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into HFT-ACLR (group 1, n = 37) and LFT-ACLR (group 2, n = 46) according to the position of femoral tunnels. Preoperatively and at the final follow-up, clinical scores were evaluated with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner activity, and Lysholm score. The stability of the knee was evaluated with KT-2000, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test. Cartilage degeneration grades of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) were evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Graft tension, continuity, and synovialization were evaluated by second-look arthroscopy. Return-to-sports was assessed at the final follow-up. Significantly better improvement were found for KT-2000, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test postoperatively in group 1 ( P >0.05). Posterolateral bundles (PL) showed significantly better results in second-look arthroscopy regarding graft tension, continuity, and synovialization ( P <0.05), but not in anteromedial bundles in group 1. At the final follow-up, cartilage worsening was observed in groups 1 and 2, but it did not reach a stastistically significant difference ( P >0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in IKDC subjective score, Tegner activity, and Lysholm score between the two groups. Higher return-to-sports rate was found in group 1 with 86.8% (32/37) vs. 65.2% (30/46) in group 2 ( P = 0.027). The HFT-ACLR group showed better stability results, better PL, and higher return-to-sports rate compared to the LFT-ACLR group.

Increased Host Bone Marrow Edema on 6-Month Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is a Risk Factor for Osteochondral Allograft Failure

To evaluate the presence of host bone marrow edema (BME) surrounding osteochondral allograft (OCA) plugs on routine 6-month postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine whether such BME is correlated with subsequent failure. The present study was approved under our institutional review board-approved database (#2020-2123). We included patients who underwent cartilage repair with OCA for focal chondral and osteochondral defects of the distal femur by 2 senior surgeons between January 2016 and May 2021 with minimum 2-year follow-up. OCA is frequently performed with concomitant procedures, and therefore ligament reconstruction, meniscal surgery, and osteotomy were not exclusion criteria. Failure was defined as (1) poor clinical outcome with graft collapse on follow-up MRI or second-look arthroscopy, (2) primary OCA removal or revision, or (3) conversion to unicompartmental or total knee arthroplasty. Routine MRI scans were performed at 6 ± 2 months postoperatively. All postoperative MRI scans were reviewed from our imaging record by 2 blinded fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. Patients were divided for analyses into 2 groups: BME ≥10 cm3 versus BME <10 cm3. Of the 85 patients eligible for the study, 56 patients (30 female, mean age 31.69 ± 11.34 years) had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Nonfailure cases had a mean clinical follow-up of 3.13 ± 0.93 years. The mean time from surgery to failure in our cohort was 1.67 ± 0.91 years. There were 12 (21.4%) patients with BME ≥10 cm³ and 44 (78.6%) patients with BME <10 cm³. No statistically significant differences were found between groups when compared for sex, age, body mass index, OCA size, time to MRI, mean follow-up, number of plugs, graft location, diagnosis, previous surgeries, or concomitant procedures. All OCA failures of the study cohort were in the BME ≥10 cm³ group, representing 50% of this group (P < .001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with the log-rank test demonstrated significant difference in survival distributions between groups (P < .001). Patients who ultimately failed had a mean BME volume of 18.49 ± 5.82 cm3, while the nonfailure group had a mean volume of 4.66 ± 4.97 cm3 (P < .001). Cutoff values around 10 cm³ in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated 100% sensitivity and close to 90% specificity for OCA failure diagnosis. Host BME with a volume greater than 10 cm³ on 6-month postoperative MRI is predictive of an increased subsequent failure rate after OCA transplantation with a failure rate of 50%. Level III, cohort study.

Initial tension at suture fixation affects the suture breakage following medial meniscus posterior root repair: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate whether the initial suture tension when pullout sutures are fixed affects postoperative clinical outcomes following medial meniscus posterior root repair. MethodsThe data of 48 patients who underwent transtibial pullout repair using two simple stitches (outer and inner sutures) with an additional all-inside posteromedial pullout were retrospectively investigated. The patients were sequentially divided into two groups to compare the clinical efficacy of the initial pullout tension (N) when pullout sutures were fixed: the 30 N Group (April 2019 to September 2019, 24 patients) and the 15 N group (October 2019 to February 2020, 24 patients). The rate of suture breakage (suture cutout or rupture) at the second-look arthroscopy at 1 year postoperatively and clinical outcomes at 2 years postoperatively were compared between the two groups. ResultsIn both groups, each clinical score significantly improved at 2 years postoperatively. At the second-look arthroscopy, the rate of posteromedial suture breakage was significantly higher in the 30 N group (19 patients, 79 ​%) than in the 15 N group (10 patients, 42 ​%); the rate of outer suture breakage was also higher in the 30 N group (five patients, 21 ​%) than in the 15 N group (no patients). On comparing 2 years of preoperative clinical scores between the groups categorized according to posteromedial suture breakage, the pain score was significantly higher in the suture breakage group. ConclusionsThe initial tension of pullout repair of the medial meniscus posterior root tear is related to suture breakages. To prevent suture breakage, 15 N is a more initially suitable condition than 30 N. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Intercondylar notch width and osteophyte width impact meniscal healing and clinical outcomes following transtibial pullout repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between intercondylar notch width (ICNW), osteophyte width (OW), and the healing of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) following arthroscopic pullout repair. The study included 155 patients diagnosed with MMPRTs who underwent transtibial pullout repair. Meniscal healing status was evaluated on second-look arthroscopy using a previously reported meniscus healing score. Patients were divided into two groups based on this score: the high healing score (group HH, healing score ≥ 8 points) and suboptimal healing score (group SO, healing score ≤ 6 points) groups. Computed tomography scans were performed on patients 1 week postsurgery. ICNW and OW widths were measured and relatively evaluated based on their ratio to the intercondylar distance (ICD), represented as the ICNW/ICD ratio (%) and OW/ICD ratio (%), respectively. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and on second-look arthroscopy using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). There were no significant demographic differences between the SO and HH group (n = 35 and 120 patients, respectively). Regarding radiographic measurements, significant differences were observed in the ICNW/ICD ratio (group SO, 24.2%; group HH, 25.2%; p = 0.024), OW (group SO, 2.6 mm; group HH, 2.0 mm; p < 0.001), and OW/ICD ratio (group SO, 3.5%; group HH, 2.7%; p < 0.001). Both groups had similar preoperative clinical scores, but postoperative clinical scores, including KOOS-activities of daily living (group SO, 83.4; group HH, 88.7; p = 0.035) and VAS (group SO, 19.1; group HH, 11.3; p = 0.005), were significantly better in group HH. The study suggests that ICNW and OW may play a crucial role in MMPRT healing following arthroscopic pullout repair, as evidenced by the worse clinical outcomes associated with a narrower ICNW and wider OW. These findings highlight the potential significance of ICNW and OW assessments when evaluating meniscal repair indications. Level III.

Particulated autologous cartilage transplantation for the treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus: can the lesion cartilage be recycled?

AimsOsteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are a common cause of disability and chronic ankle pain. Many operative treatment strategies have been introduced; however, they have their own disadvantages. Recently lesion repair using autologous cartilage chip has emerged therefore we investigated the efficacy of particulated autologous cartilage transplantation (PACT) in OLT.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 32 consecutive symptomatic patients with OLT who underwent PACT with minimum one-year follow-up. Standard preoperative radiography and MRI were performed for all patients. Follow-up second-look arthroscopy or MRI was performed with patient consent approximately one-year postoperatively. Magnetic resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score and International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades were used to evaluate the quality of the regenerated cartilage. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Foot Ankle Outcome Scale (FAOS).ResultsAll patients had ICRS grade IV cartilage lesions, except for one (ICRS grade III). The paired MOCART scores significantly improved from 42.5 (SD 1.53) to 63.5 (SD 22.60) (p = 0.025) in ten patients. Seven patients agreed to undergo second-look arthroscopy; 5 patients had grade I (normal) ICRS scores and two patients had grade II (nearly normal) ICRS scores. VAS, FFI, and all subscales of FAOS were significantly improved postoperatively (p ≤ 0.003).ConclusionPACT significantly improved the clinical, radiological, and morphological outcomes of OLT. We consider this to be a safe and effective surgical method based on the short-term clinical results of this study.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):942–947.

Comparison of clinical, imaging and second-look arthroscopic outcomes between varus knee patients with and without preoperative tibial varus deformity after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy

PurposeThis study aimed to compare the regeneration status of articular cartilage, clinical, and radiologic outcomes between varus knee patients with and without preoperative tibial varus deformity (PTVD) after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) MethodsVarus knee patients who had undergone OWHTO were divided into two groups according to preoperative medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA): a great varus (GV) group (MPTA <85°) and a mild varus (MV) group (85°≤preoperative MPTA <87°). The hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle, weight-bearing line ratio (WBL%), MPTA, joint line convergence angle and joint line obliquity were measured. Second-look arthroscopy was undertaken 24 months after HTO. The Knee Society (KS) function score and knee score, and Lysholm score were used to evaluate the functional outcomes. All parameters were evaluated preoperatively and 24 months after HTO. ResultsThe GV group had greater varus than the MV group in HKA and WBL% before surgery, but greater valgus after surgery. The arthroscopic probe before HTO revealed the advanced chondral damage in the GV group and lighter chondral damage in the MV group. The regeneration of medial femoral condyle was considerably more frequent in the GV group (72.5%, 45/62) than in the MV group (50.0%, 27/54) (P = 0.030). No significant differences were observed in all functional outcomes preoperatively and 24 months after HTO. ConclusionThe extent of cartilage regeneration in patients without PTVD was inferior to that in those with PTVD, but the functional outcomes were comparable. OWHTO may be a treatment option in a selected subset of varus knee patients without PTVD.

Arthroscopic pullout repair versus suture anchor repair for medial meniscus posterior root tear combined with high tibial osteotomy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of pullout repair with a metal button and suture anchor repair for medial meniscus posterior root tears in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy with varus alignment. MethodsPatients who underwent arthroscopic pullout repair (P group) and suture anchor repair (SA group) in combination with open-wedge high tibial osteotomy between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively examined. Patients who received second-look arthroscopy at 1 year and at least 2 years of follow up were included. Structural healing (complete/partial or failed healing) and chondral lesions at the initial surgery and the second-look arthroscopy, radiographic parameters around the knee, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scale (before and 2 years after surgery) were compared. ResultsA total of 88 patients (68 women/20 men, mean age 61.1 ± 7.9 years old) were included in the analysis. Of these, 51 patients underwent pullout repair, while the other 37 underwent suture anchor repair. The SA group showed a significantly higher rate of complete healing (64.9%) than the P group (21.6%, P < 0.001). The Lysholm score significantly improved after surgery in both treatment groups. At the final follow up, the SA group had a significantly higher Lysholm score (89.6 ± 10.7) than the P group (80.9 ± 17.4, P = 0.011). ConclusionArthroscopic suture anchor repair had superior healing status and Lysholm Score in comparison with pullout repair with a metal button, as it achieved better tension adjustment. This result is meaningful particularly when medial meniscus root repair and high tibial osteotomy are performed simultaneously.

Postoperative quadriceps weakness and male sex are risk factors for patellofemoral articular cartilage lesions after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PurposePatellofemoral (PF) compartment cartilage lesions are a frequent problem after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence PF cartilage lesions after anatomical ACL reconstruction.MethodsThis study enrolled a total of 114 patients who did not manifest PF compartment cartilage lesions during anatomical ACL reconstruction and underwent second-look arthroscopy 18 months postoperatively. Arthroscopy using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification was used to assess cartilage lesions. The correlation between surgical findings, radiographic factors, and clinical factors and change of ICRS grade was analysed. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to reveal the independent risk factors for PF cartilage lesions among patients’ demographic data and parameters that correlated with the change of ICRS grade in the correlation analyses.ResultsICRS grade changes in PF cartilage were significantly correlated with age, sex, quadriceps strength at 1 year postoperatively, hamstrings strength at pre- and 1 year postoperatively, and single leg hop test at 1 year postoperatively. However, no significant correlation was found between the time between injury and surgery, posterior tibial slope angle, pre- and postoperative Tegner activity scale, graft type, initial graft tension, meniscus injury, meniscus injury treatment, pre- and postoperative range of motion, anteroposterior laxity and preoperative quadriceps strength, and the change in ICRS grade. Multivariate regression analysis revealed male (P = 0.019) and quadriceps strength weakness at 1 year postoperatively (P = 0.009) as independent risk factors for PF cartilage lesions.ConclusionsQuadriceps strength weakness 1 year after ACL reconstruction and males were correlated with a new PF cartilage lesion after anatomical ACL reconstruction, with no significant correlation between bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft, initial graft tension, or extension deficit and new PF cartilage lesion. Rehabilitation that focuses on quadriceps strength after ACL reconstruction is recommended to prevent new PF cartilage lesions.Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Improved Results From Medium- and Long-Term Outcomes of Autogenous Osteoperiosteal Grafting for Large Cystic Lesions of the Talus

To investigate the medium and long-term follow-up outcomes of large cystic medial osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) treated with autologous tibial osteoperiosteal grafts from the medial tibia and to explore the risk factors influencing the treatment outcomes. The retrospective study included 75 patients with large cystic medial OLTs who underwent autologous osteoperiosteal cylinder graft taken from the medial tibia between January 2004 and August 2018. They were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using a visual analog scale, the Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS), and short-form 36-item Short Form Health Survey score. Magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue, second-look arthroscopy, and biopsy were used to evaluate the grafting areas. After a follow-up period of 6.3 years, the virtual analog scale score decreased to 1.47 ± 1.32, and the AOFAS and 36-item Short Form Health Survey scores increased to 82.78 ± 11.65 and 83.26 ± 8.49, respectively, all of which showed significant improvement over preoperative scores (P < .001), and the average magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue score was 82.6 ± 8.4 (56.0-91.6). Eight patients underwent a second-look arthroscopic examination and were rated by the International Cartilage Repair Society scale; of them, 2 patients were rated grade Ⅰ, 4 were rated grade Ⅱ, and 2 were rated grade Ⅲ. Three patients underwent grafting area biopsy during the second-look arthroscopy, and the results showed that the grafting areas were rich in chondrocytes. Large OLTs (≥200 mm2) and obesity (body mass index ≥25) were responsible for the poor improvement of AOFAS score, according to multivariate Cox regression analysis. Autologous osteoperiosteal grafting was an effective treatment for large cystic medial OLTs, with effective cartilage regeneration in the grafted areas in the medium and long term. However, the large OLTs and obesity may reduce the treatment outcomes. Level IV, case series.

Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy with microfracture in treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis: clinical outcomes and second-look arthroscopic results.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of medial opening high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) combined with arthroscopic microfracture in the treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis and to assess cartilage regeneration using second-look arthroscopy. Methods: This study involved 86 patients (86 knees) who underwent MOWHTO and microfracture from August 2016 to August 2020, including 15 men and 71 women with an average age of 55.3 ± 7.6years (range, 42-71years). The patients underwent a second-look arthroscopy to evaluate the status of cartilage regeneration at the time of plate removal, an average of 2years after the initial osteotomy. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit. The radiologic evaluation included the weight-bearing line ratio (WBL ratio), mechanical femorotibial angle (FTA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), posterior tibial slope angle (PTS) and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society score (KSS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. Arthroscopic findings were assessed by macroscopic evaluation of cartilage repair according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system. Results: The mean KSS and IKDC scores significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to the scores obtained preoperatively (p < 0.05). At the time of plate removal, a second-look arthroscopic examination showed that the ICRS grade of the medial femoral condyle was as follows: grade I -11 cases, grade II -56, grade III-12, and grade IV-7, and cartilage regeneration was seen in 85% of knees (73/86). The ICRS grade of medial tibial plateau was grade I-12 cases, grade II-44, grade III-22, and grade IV-8, and cartilage regeneration was seen in 63% of knees (54/86). Significant differences were observed between cartilage regeneration and clinical outcomes (p < 0.05). Clinical results were better in the good cartilage regeneration group (grades I and II) than were in the poor cartilage regeneration group (grades III and IV). Conclusion: MOWHTO combined with arthroscopic microfracture can effectively improve clinical outcomes in the treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis. Cartilage regeneration can be promoted by correcting varus deformities, which affect clinical outcomes.

Increased quadriceps muscle strength after medial meniscus posterior root repair is associated with decreased medial meniscus extrusion progression

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess quadriceps muscle strength after medial meniscus (MM) posterior root repair and determine its relationship with clinical scores and MM extrusion (MME).MethodsThirty patients who underwent pullout repair for MM posterior root tear and were evaluated for quadriceps muscle strength preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively were included in this study. Quadriceps muscle strength was measured using the Locomo Scan-II instrument (ALCARE, Tokyo, Japan). MME and clinical scores (i.e., Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and visual analog scale pain score) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively, and second-look arthroscopy was performed at 1 year postoperatively. Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used to compare each measure pre- and postoperatively. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation with quadriceps muscle strength values. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the change in MME (ΔMME).ResultsSecond-look arthroscopy confirmed continuity of the posterior root in all patients. The quadriceps muscle strength measured at 1 year postoperatively (355.1 ± 116.2 N) indicated significant improvement relative to the quadriceps muscle strength measured preoperatively (271.9 ± 97.4 N, p < 0.001). The MME at 1 year postoperatively (4.59 ± 1.24 mm) had progressed significantly relative to the MME preoperatively (3.63 ± 1.01 mm, p < 0.001). The clinical scores at 1 year postoperatively were improved significantly relative to the scores preoperatively (p < 0.001). The postoperative quadriceps muscle strength was correlated with ΔMME (correlation coefficient = -0.398, p = 0.030), and the change in quadriceps muscle strength was correlated with the KOOS-Quality of Life (correlation coefficient = 0.430, p = 0.018). Multiple regression analysis showed that the postoperative quadriceps muscle strength had a significant effect on ΔMME even when the body mass index and time from injury to surgery were included.ConclusionsAfter MM posterior root repair, patients with greater quadriceps muscle strength showed less MME progression. In addition, patients with greater improvement in quadriceps muscle strength had better clinical scores; therefore, continued rehabilitation aimed at improving quadriceps muscle strength after MM posterior root repair is recommended.Level of evidenceIV

Efficacy of meniscus suture absorbability on meniscus healing success rate via second-look arthroscopy after meniscal repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTo preserve the meniscus’s function, repairing the torn meniscus has become a common understanding. After which, the search for the ideal suture material is continuous. However, it is still controversial about the efficacy of suture absorbability on meniscus healing.MethodsThis review is designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria: (1) Studies on meniscus repair; (2) Second-look arthroscopy was performed; (3) The meniscus was repaired by absorbable and non-absorbable sutures; (4) The healing condition of repaired meniscus via second-look arthroscopy was described. Exclusion criteria: (1) Animal studies, cadaveric studies, or in vitro research; (2) Meniscus transplantation; (3) Open meniscus repair; (4) Reviews, meta-analysis, case reports, letters, and comments; (5) non-English studies. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database were searched up to October 2022. Risk of bias and methodology quality of included literature were assessed according to ROBINS-I and the modified Coleman Methodological Scale (MCMS). Descriptive analysis was performed, and meta-analysis was completed by RevMan5.4.1.ResultsFour studies were included in the systematic review. Among them, three studies were brought into the meta-analysis, including 1 cohort study and 2 case series studies about 130 patients with meniscal tears combined with anterior cruciate ligament injury. Forty-two cases were repaired by absorbable sutures, and 88 were repaired by non-absorbable sutures. Using the fixed effect model, there was a statistical difference in the healing success rate between the absorbable and the non-absorbable groups [RR1.20, 95%CI (1.03, 1.40)].ConclusionIn early and limited studies, insufficient evidence supports that non-absorbable sutures in meniscus repair surgery could improve meniscal healing success rate under second-look arthroscopy compared with absorbable sutures. In contrast, available data suggest that absorbable sutures have an advantage in meniscal healing.Trial registrationThe review was registered in the PROSPERO System Review International Pre-Registration System (Registration number CRD42021283739).

Comparison of ACL and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction With Isolated ACL Reconstruction Using Hamstring Autograft: Outcomes in Young Female Patients With High-Grade Pivot Shift.

Inferior return to sports (RTS) and functional outcomes have been reported in women after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose was to evaluate the results of combined ACLR and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) in young women with a high-grade pivot shift (grade ≥2). It was hypothesized that combined ACLR and ALLR would result in better RTS and rotational stability than isolated ACLR. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Two groups were retrospectively evaluated and compared. Group I (n = 39; mean age, 31.1 ± 5.7 years) underwent isolated ACLR using hamstring autografts; group C (n = 39; mean age, 30.4 ± 6.1 years) underwent combined ACLR and ALLR. Subjective outcome measures included the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, Lysholm, Tegner, and ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI). Objective tests included a KT-2000 arthrometer stress test, a pivot-shift test, an isokinetic strength test, a Y-balance test, and a single-leg hop test. A postoperative questionnaire was administered to determine the rates and types of RTS, quality of sports performance, and reinjury and satisfaction rates. Subjective scores and clinical tests were performed at 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopy were conducted during the 1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively. The mean follow-up for groups I and C were 30.4 ± 3.9 and 29.3 ± 3.5 months, respectively (P = .194). Patients in group C had better anteroposterior (P = .001) and rotational (P = .005) stability and higher ACL-RSI scores (P = .025) than those in group I. Group C had higher composite and posteromedial reach scores on the Y-balance test than group I (P = .014 and P = .010, respectively). A total of 26 (66.7%) patients in group C and 17 (43.6%) in group I returned to their prior level of sports (P = .040). Rerupture of the ACL graft and contralateral ACL rupture occurred in 2 (5.1%) and 2 (5.1%) patients in group I, respectively, compared with no rerupture or contralateral ACL rupture in group C. Combined ACLR and ALLR in young women with a high-grade pivot shift was associated with better knee stability parameters, dynamic postural stability, and psychological readiness to RTS than isolated ACLR.

Effect of hardware removal and second-look arthroscopy after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is the standard and safe procedure for medial compartment osteoarthritis. Although hardware removal (HWR) is performed after post-OWHTO bone union, the effects of HWR on OWHTO have been rarely reported. We hypothesised that HWR would improve range of motion (ROM) and implant-related complications. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of HWR on postoperative ROM, the Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score/visual analogue scale (VAS) score and hardware-related complications after OWHTO. Patients who underwent OWHTO between January 2016 and June 2018 and HWR were retrospectively reviewed. To perform OWHTO, locking plates and prosthetic bone were used to achieve optimal stabilisation of biplanar osteotomy. HWR was performed after a second-look arthroscopy through the previous skin incision. For clinical evaluation, the JOA score, VAS score, and ROM were assessed before and 1year after HWR using the Wilcoxon rank test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of post-HWR improvement. Of 98 knees examined (91 patients), 80 (73 patients; 39 men and 34 women) were included. At the time of OWHTO, mean age was 64.0 ± 9.7years and body mass index, 25.5 ± 3.1kg/m2; Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 1 was seen in 20 cases, KL-2 in 46, and KL-3 in 14. Mean periods between OWHTO and HWR were 13.4 ± 2.0months, and 11.9 ± 1.2months between HWR and evaluation. The JOA score and flexion angle significantly improved after HWR (The JOA score: p = 0.026 flexion angle: p < 0.001); however, the VAS score and extension angle did not (VAS score: p = 0.162, extension angle: p = 0.934). Hardware irritation was observed in four cases (5%), which improved after HWR. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower preoperative KL grade and flexion angle were predictors of improvement after HWR [KL grade: p = 0.008; odds ratio 3.244, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.350-7.794; flexion angle: p < 0.001; odds ratio 1.150, 95% CI 1.062-1.245]. HWR improves flexion angle, clinical outcomes and hardware-related complications after OWHTO. Preoperative KL grade and flexion angle are predictors of improvement after HWR in patients who have undergone OWHTO.

Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Polyglycolic Acid Meniscal Scaffold for Irreparable Meniscal Tear.

Meniscal tears treated with a partial meniscectomy could induce knee osteoarthritis, thereby altering or damaging knee kinetics and biomechanics. We have developed a meniscal scaffold made of polyglycolic acid (PGA) coated with polylactic acid/caprolactone (PGA scaffold), which could induce new tissue growth of meniscus-like tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel meniscal scaffold for the treatment of irreparable meniscal injuries. This study describes the findings of a cyclic torque test and first clinical trial of a PGA scaffold for inducing meniscus-like tissue in humans. As the first step, biomechanical testing of the PGA scaffold was performed using a cyclic torque test. Six patients underwent arthroscopic implantation of the PGA scaffold. Furthermore, the patients underwent preoperative clinical, serological, radiographic, and magnetic resonance imaging examinations at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The patients also underwent a second-look arthroscopy 12 months after implantation. Torque increased with increasing cyclic loading. However, no structural damage to the sample was noted after 70,000 loading cycles. All patients showed improvement in pain, Lysholm scores, Tegner activity scores, International Knee Documentation Committee, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome. The second-look arthroscopy revealed that meniscal tissue had regenerated in 5 patients (83%). Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed no progression of degenerative joint disease. The PGA scaffold could tolerate shear forces, did not produce safety concerns, and may have therapeutic potentials for irreparable meniscal tears in humans.

Single-step ultra-purified alginate gel implantation in patients with knee chondral defects.

Implantation of ultra-purified alginate (UPAL) gel is safe and effective in animal osteochondral defect models. This study aimed to examine the applicability of UPAL gel implantation to acellular therapy in humans with cartilage injury. A total of 12 patients (12 knees) with symptomatic, post-traumatic, full-thickness cartilage lesions (1.0 to 4.0 cm2) were included in this study. UPAL gel was implanted into chondral defects after performing bone marrow stimulation technique, and assessed for up to three years postoperatively. The primary outcomes were the feasibility and safety of the procedure. The secondary outcomes were self-assessed clinical scores, arthroscopic scores, tissue biopsies, and MRI-based estimations. No obvious adverse events related to UPAL gel implantation were observed. Self-assessed clinical scores, including pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports activity, and quality of life, were improved significantly at three years after surgery. Defect filling was confirmed using second-look arthroscopy at 72 weeks. Significantly improved MRI scores were observed from 12 to 144 weeks postoperatively. Histological examination of biopsy specimens obtained at 72 weeks after implantation revealed an extracellular matrix rich in glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen in the reparative tissue. Histological assessment yielded a mean overall International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society II score of 69.1 points (SD 10.4; 50 to 80). This study provides evidence supporting the safety of acellular UPAL gel implantation in facilitating cartilage repair. Despite being a single-arm study, it demonstrated the efficacy of UPAL gel implantation, suggesting it is an easy-to-use, one-step method of cartilage tissue repair circumventing the need to harvest donor cells.

Clinical and MRI Outcomes of Repaired Peripheral Longitudinal Tears of the Posterior Horn of the Medial Meniscus With ACL Reconstruction: Results According to Tear Size.

Arthroscopic repair of longitudinal tears in the medial meniscal posterior horn (MMPH) has been reported to result in high rates of meniscal healing when performed alongside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, studies that have focused on longitudinal tears and their impact on clinical outcomes after arthroscopic repair are insufficient. To investigate the clinical outcome and healing status after concomitant arthroscopic ACLR and repair of MMPH peripheral longitudinal tears, with respect to the tear length. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 263 patients who underwent concurrent arthroscopic suture repair of longitudinal tears of the MMPH and ACLR were enrolled. All patients had 2-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations, and 61% of patients underwent a second-look arthroscopy. The exclusion criteria were partial meniscectomies and multiligament injuries. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively for clinical scores, amount of anterior translation, grade of pivot shift, and presence of meniscal tear extension. According to the length of longitudinal tears, patients were classified into 2 groups: (1) patients with tears that were located in the posterior compartment and (2) patients with tears that extended to the midbody of the meniscus. Binary stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for unhealed menisci as identified by MRI. A total of 83 patients were included in this study-52 patients (group 1) had MMPH tears without tear extension and 31 patients (group 2) had MMPH tears with tear extension. There were no differences in outcomes between the groups, including the healing rate after meniscal repair (P > .05). Based on postoperative MRI scans, 67 patients (80.7%) were categorized as completely healed and 16 patients (19.3%) as unhealed. There were no significant differences between the completely healed and unhealed groups in outcomes or the rate of preoperative midbody tear extension. Higher body mass index and lower preoperative Lysholm scores were identified as risk factors for unhealed menisci. Overall, the rate of complete healing of MMPH tears repaired concomitantly with ACLR was 80.7% (67/83), and midbody tear extension did not affect the healing rate of the repaired meniscus. Results indicate that suture repair for unstable MMPH tears should be considered regardless of tear size.

Clinical outcomes after repair of an isolated radial tear in the middle segment of the lateral meniscus - All-inside suture repair vs trans-capsular suture repair –

Background/objectiveFor radial tears, all-inside suture (AIS) repair was clearly biomechanically superior, compared to conventional trans-capsular suture (TCS) repairs. However, clinical comparative studies of these two repairs techniques have not to be performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes after AIS repair and TCS repairs for isolated radial tear at middle segment of lateral meniscus (RTMLM) in stable knees of young athletes. MethodsTwenty-six athletes (mean age, 19.1 years) underwent AIS repair with the double horizontal suture technique, using SutureLasso™ (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for isolated RTMLM (AIS group), and 20 athletes (mean age, 19.0 years) underwent inside-out repair, one of TCS repairs, with tie-grip suture technique (TCS group). All athletes were assessed for preoperative and two-year postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). At six-month after repair, the lateral meniscal extrusion on mid-coronal plane on MRI and healing status on second-look arthroscopy were also evaluated in all patients. ResultsIn both groups, KOOS improved to either good or excellent postoperatively, while complete healing was found in only 23 and 25% at second-look arthroscopy. We identified no group-dependent differences in KOOS or healing status on arthroscopy. However, a close examination of failure rates revealed significant lower rates in AIS group relative to that of TCS group (p = 0.048). Moreover, the change from preoperative to postoperative lateral meniscal extrusion in AIS group was significantly smaller than that in TCS group (p = 0.038). ConclusionsAIS and TCS repairs for RTMLM were comparable in providing satisfactory clinical results with low rates of complete healing on arthroscopy. However, AIS repair could have lower failure rate of healing on arthroscopy and minimize postoperative lateral meniscal extrusion more effectively than TCS repair on MRI.

Poster 260: Influence of Donor Demographics on Graft Survival following Knee Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Objectives: To evaluate whether donor and recipient factors such as donor age, sex mismatch, and time from death to graft implantation affect graft survival following knee osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation. Methods: Patients undergoing OCA transplantation in the knee from 2003-2016 were prospectively followed. Inclusion criteria consisted of primary OCA transplantation and minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient and donor demographic data were collected. Patients were evaluated for failure, defined as (1) subchondral collapse of the OCA as confirmed on postoperative MRI scans, or via second-look arthroscopy in the setting of persistent symptoms, (2) removal or revision of the primary OCA, or (3) conversion to arthroplasty. Multivariate cox proportional hazards modelling was utilized to evaluate associations between demographic variables and graft failure. Results: A total of 220 patients undergoing OCA transplantation met inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 5.9 ± 2.8 years (range: 2.0 – 16.3, Table 1). The most common concomitant procedure was meniscal allograft transplantation (Table 2). A mismatch in donor and recipient sex was present for significantly more female patients (65%) than male patients (10%, p &lt; 0.001). The mean days from donor death until implantation was 24.1 days (range: 15 – 28). Thirty-nine patients (18%) met criteria for graft failure at a mean of 4.3 ± 3.2 years (Table 3). Log-rank testing did not determine a difference in survivability between those with a donor-recipient sex mismatch for female or male patients (P = .130 and .831, respectively). Upon multivariate cox regression, no association existed between donor-recipient sex mismatch or time from donor death to implantation with graft survival. Of note, increased donor age was associated with failure for female patients (P = .020) and trended towards significance in males (P = .166). Conclusions: OCA graft survival appears to be most strongly influenced by donor age. In contrast to previous historic data, no substantial survival difference was noted for sex mismatched donors and recipients. These data can help inform graft selection and outcome optimization following OCA. [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]