Semitendinosus Tendon Allograft Research Articles

Vertebropexy as a semi-rigid ligamentous alternative to lumbar spinal fusion

PurposeTo develop ligamentous vertebral stabilization techniques (“vertebropexy”) that can be used after microsurgical decompression (intact posterior structures) and midline decompression (removed posterior structures) and to elaborate their biomechanical characteristics.MethodsFifteen spinal segments were biomechanically tested in a stepwise surgical decompression and ligamentous stabilization study. Stabilization was achieved with a gracilis or semitendinosus tendon allograft, which was attached to the spinous process (interspinous vertebropexy) or the laminae (interlaminar vertebropexy) in form of a loop. The specimens were tested (1) in the native state, after (2) microsurgical decompression, (3) interspinous vertebropexy, (4) midline decompression, and (5) interlaminar vertebropexy. In the intact state and after every surgical step, the segments were loaded in flexion–extension (FE), lateral shear (LS), lateral bending (LB), anterior shear (AS) and axial rotation (AR).ResultsInterspinous vertebropexy significantly reduced the range of motion (ROM) in all loading scenarios compared to microsurgical decompression: in FE by 70% (p < 0.001), in LS by 22% (p < 0.001), in LB by 8% (p < 0.001) in AS by 12% (p < 0.01) and in AR by 9% (p < 0.001). Interlaminar vertebropexy decreased ROM compared to midline decompression by 70% (p < 0.001) in FE, 18% (p < 0.001) in LS, 11% (p < 0.01) in LB, 7% (p < 0.01) in AS, and 4% (p < 0.01) in AR. Vertebral segment ROM was significantly smaller with the interspinous vertebropexy compared to the interlaminar vertebropexy for all loading scenarios except FE. Both techniques were able to reduce vertebral body segment ROM in FE, LS and LB beyond the native state.ConclusionVertebropexy is a new concept of semi-rigid spinal stabilization based on ligamentous reinforcement of the spinal segment. It is able to reduce motion, especially in flexion–extension. Studies are needed to evaluate its clinical application.

Allograft reconstruction of acetabular labrum has comparable outcomes to labral refixation.

The acetabular labrum plays an important role in hip stability, intra-articular fluid pressurization and force distribution. For irreparable labral pathology, labral reconstruction is an increasingly adopted technique shown to decrease hip pain and improve function. We evaluated survivorship and clinical outcomes of allograft labral reconstruction using the mini-open anterior surgical approach. Twelve patients who underwent labral reconstruction using a semitendinosus tendon allograft (reconstruction group) were matched 1:3 based on age, gender, body mass index, year of surgery, preoperative Tönnis grade, previous hip surgery, residual hip pathology and extent of acetabular chondral lesion to a control group of 36 patients who underwent direct labral repair with anchors (refixation group). At a minimum follow-up of 2 years, patient-reported outcomes, radiological findings and failure rates were compared. The average age was 31.3 years (±13.6) for reconstruction and 34.7 (±10.2) for refixation. Both groups had similar preoperative symptomatic periods (P = 0.3), prevalence of residual hip pathology (P = 1.0) and prevalence of prior hip surgeries (P = 1.0). both groups had a significant improvement of modified Harris Hip scores and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey physical scores. There was no statistically significant difference in conversion rates to total hip arthroplasty (25% versus 8.3%, P = 0.2); however, time to conversion was significantly longer in the reconstruction group (3.58 years ±1.04) compared to the refixation group (1.20 years± 0.93; P = 0.04). In conclusion, at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, mini-open labrum reconstruction for severe insufficiency of acetabular labrum demonstrated comparable improvements in functional outcomes and significantly longer survivorship compared to labral refixation.

Treatment options for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a review of arthroscopic surgical options.

While functional reconstruction of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears remains a challenge, current techniques aimed at recentering and preventing superior migration of the humeral head allow for clinical and biomechanical improvements in shoulder pain and function. Recentering of the glenohumeral joint reduces the moment arm and helps the deltoid to recruit more fibers, which compensates for insufficient rotator cuff function and reduces joint pressure. In the past, the concept of a superior capsular reconstruction with a patch secured by suture anchors has been used. However, several innovative arthroscopic treatment options have also been developed. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of new strategies and surgical techniques and if existing present initial clinical results. Techniques that will be covered include rerouting the long head of the biceps tendon, utilization of the biceps tendon as an autograft to reconstruct the superior capsule, utilization of a semitendinosus tendon allograft to reconstruct the superior capsule, superior capsular reconstruction with dermal allografts, and subacromial spacers.

Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability in the Military Population: A Systematic Review.

The high incidence of ankle sprain within the military sets the stage for prevalent chronic ankle instability. The purpose of this review was to compare and evaluate chronic ankle instability treatment strategies in the military population. Electronic databases were systematically searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines for English-language, human studies with a military patient population that had been diagnosed with and treated for chronic ankle instability. Exclusion criteria were animal, cadaver, and review studies and case reports. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 695 military service members-625 males (89.9%) and 70 females (10.1%)-and 4 treatment strategies: Broström-related procedures, modified Watson-Jones procedure, Colville's technique, and anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon allograft. The percentage of satisfactory outcomes was 100% for Colville's technique, and ranged from 73.2% to 94.7% for Broström-related procedures and 72% to 80% for the modified Watson-Jones procedure. Mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores, anterior drawer displacement, talar tilt, and visual analogue scale scores were also reported. This review demonstrates that the Bröstrom procedure has consistently satisfactory outcomes within the military population, and Colville's technique is another promising option for this patient population but would require additional studies to support this claim. Level IV.

Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability in the Military Population

Category:Ankle; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:The high incidence of ankle sprain within the military sets the stage for prevalent chronic ankle instability. The purpose of this review was to compare and evaluate chronic ankle instability treatment strategies in the military population.Methods:Electronic databases were systematically searched for English-language, human studies with a military patient population that had been diagnosed with and treated for chronic ankle instability. Exclusion criteria were animal, cadaver, and review studies and case reports.Results:Eight studies met inclusion criteria and represented 695 military service members-625 males (89.9%) and 70 females (10.1%). The four treatment strategies included were Broström-related procedures, modified Watson-Jones procedure, Colville's technique, and anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon allograft. The percentage of subjective satisfactory outcomes ranged from 80 to 94.7%, and the percentage of objective satisfactory outcomes ranged from 72 to 100%. The range for Broström-related procedures was 73.2% (objective) to 94.7% (subjective). The modified Watson-Jones procedure had a subjective satisfactory outcome of 80% and objective satisfactory outcome of 72%. Colville's technique had an objective satisfactory outcome of 100%. No satisfaction outcome was available for the study utilizing the anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus tendon allograft. Mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, anterior drawer displacement, talar tilt, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were also reported.Conclusion:This review demonstrates that the Bröstrom procedure has consistently satisfactory outcomes within the military population, and Colville's technique is another promising option for this patient population, but would require future studies to fully support this claim.

A new approach to superior capsular reconstruction with hamstring allograft for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: a dynamic biomechanical evaluation.

Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) treatment of massive, symptomatic, irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs) has become a more recently used procedure. However, there is a lack of consensus surrounding optimal graft choice for the SCR technique, and current dermal grafts have increased cost and are technically challenging because of a need for multiple implants. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically investigate a biological lower-cost alternative as a support for the superior capsule reconstruction concept: an isolated semitendinosus tendon (STT) allograft and a combination graft with the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) in an established massive posterosuperior RCT cadaver model. Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (53.3 ± 12.4 years: range: 26-65) were tested on an established dynamic shoulder simulator using dynamic muscle loading. Cumulative deltoid forces, maximum abduction angle, and superior humeral head translation were compared across 4 testing conditions: (1) intact state, (2) massively retracted (Patte III), irreparable posterosuperior RCT, (3) SCR repair using an STT allograft, and (4) SCR repair using a combined STT-LHBT repair. Intact shoulders required a mean deltoid force of 154.2 ± 20.41 N to achieve maximum glenohumeral abduction (55.3° ± 2.3°). Compared with native shoulders, the maximum abduction angle decreased following a massively retracted posterosuperior RCT by 52% (28.3° ± 8.4°; P < .001), whereas the cumulative deltoid forces increased by 48% (205.3 ± 40.9 N; P = .001). The STT repair and the STT-LHBT repair improved shoulder function compared with the tear state, with a mean maximum abduction angle of 30.6° ± 9.0° and 31.8° ± 7.7° and a mean deltoid force of 205.3 ± 40.9 N and 201.0 ± 34.0 N, respectively, but this was not statistically significant (P > .05). The STT-LHBT repair significantly improved the range of motion with respect to the tear state (P = .04). In a dynamic shoulder simulator model, both the STT and the STT-LHBT repair techniques improved glenohumeral joint kinematics in an amount similar to previously reported "traditional" SCR techniques for treatment of an irreparable posterosuperior RCT.

Anterior Cable Reconstruction of the Superior Capsule Using Semitendinosus Allograft for Large Rotator Cuff Defects Limits Superior Migration and Subacromial Contact Without Inhibiting Range of Motion: A Biomechanical Analysis

To biomechanically assess translation, contact pressures, and range of motion for anterior cable reconstruction (ACR) using hamstring allograft for large to massive rotator cuff tears. Eight cadaveric shoulders (mean age, 68 years) were tested with a custom testing system. Range of motion (ROM), superior translation of the humeral head, and subacromial contact pressure were measured at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of external rotation (ER) with 0°, 20°, and 40° of glenohumeral abduction. Three conditions were tested: intact, stage III tear (supraspinatus+ anterior half of infraspinatus), and stage III tear+ allograft ACR (involving 2 supraglenoid anchors for semitendinosus tendon allograft fixation. Allograft ACR included loop-around fixation using 3 side-to-side sutures and an anchor at the articular margin to restore capsular anatomy along the anterior edge of the cuff defect. ACR with allograft for stage III tears showed significantly higher total ROM compared with intact at all angles (P ≤ .028). Augmentation significantly decreased superior translation for stage III tears at 0°, 30°, and 60° ER for both 0° and 20° abduction, and at 0° and 30° ER for 40° abduction (P ≤ .043). Augmentation for stage III tears significantly reduced overall subacromial contact pressure at 30° ER with 0° and 40° abduction, and at 60° ER with 0° and 20° abduction (P ≤ .016). Anterior cable reconstruction using cord-like allograft semitendinosus tendon can biomechanically improve superior migration and subacromial contact pressure (primarily in the lower combined abduction and rotation positions), without limiting range of motion for large rotator cuff tendon defects or tears. In patients with superior glenohumeral instability, using hamstring allograft for ACR may improve rotator cuff tendon defect longevity by providing basic static ligamentous support to the dynamic tendon while helping to limit superior migration, without restricting glenohumeral kinematics.

Minimally Invasive Approach for the Reconstruction of the Peroneal Brevis Tendon Using Semitendinosus Autograft: An Alternative Technique to Avoid Soft Tissue Complications

Surgical treatment of irreparable tears of the peroneal brevis tendon has been widely performed with reconstruction of the tendon using semitendinosus tendon allograft or autograft. However, it is carried out through a long lateral curved incision prone to soft tissue complications such as scar tenderness, sural nerve lesion, wound dehiscence, and swelling. We present a less invasive approach through 2 short incisions, preserving the lateral soft tissues of the hindfoot. It represents an effective and safe alternative to the long lateral curved approach. Besides that, it can be useful to treat patients at risk of wound healing complications such as smokers, vasculopaths and diabetics. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Open Repair of Quadriceps Tendon With Suture Anchors and Semitendinosus Tendon Allograft Augmentation

Quadriceps tendinopathy in an increasingly recognized diagnosis can lead to quadriceps tendon rupture, especially in the older population. It can be caused by repeated micro trauma or also predisposed by systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and connective tissue disorders that can in turn lead to extensor mechanism deficits. Although a trial of conservative treatment is advocated, operative treatment should be performed in cases of persistent pain, extension deficit, or complete rupture of the tendon. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe in detail a procedure for open repair of a quadriceps tendon, with significant degeneration due to quadriceps tendinopathy, using suture anchors and semitendinosus tendon allograft augmentation.

Radiological and clinical outcome of lateral ankle instability with medial compartment osteoarthritis

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankle instability Introduction/Purpose: When lateral ankle instability (LAI) is not treated for long period, unbalanced loading on medial ankle may proceed to osteoarthritis (OA). Outcome studies about osteoarthritis with lateral ankle instability after stabilization, however, have rarely been reported. The authors have investigated the radiological and clinical outcome of ligament stabilization for LAI with medial compartment OA. Methods: The study is based on 25 ankles of LAI with medial compartment ankle OA that underwent lateral ankle ligament reconstruction from 2007 to 2014 with at least 1 year follow-up. The medial ankle OA was diagnosed with degenerative change of medial ankle on plain X-ray or MRI or arthroscopic findings. The OA was classified using Takakura stage, and arthroscopic degenerative change was classified by modified Outerbridge grading. Ligament stabilization surgery was done using either modified Broström procedure or lateral ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon allograft. Arthroscopic synovectomy, debridement, and microfracture for osteochondral lesion were performed when needed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Karlsson- Peterson score, and subjective patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis were done using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The average instability duration was 98 (range, 12-480) months and the average follow up period was 46 (range, 13-108) months. Preoperative Takakura stage was mostly I (n=19, 76%) and II (n=4, 17%), and was same postoperatively. MRI OA findings of 18 ankles were medial cartilage denudation (17%), cartilage thinning/erosion (44%), medial osteophyte (50%), and loose bodies (30%). Modified Outerbridge grade 2 and 4 were most common (both 41%). The VAS pain score decreased from 6.1 ± 1.6 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 1.6 postoperatively (P&lt;0.05). The AOFAS score improved from 61.8 ± 14.7 preoperatively to 90.0 ± 6.3 postoperatively, and the Karlsson-Peterson score improved from 54.5 ±14.4 to 89.4 ± 8.4 (P&lt;0.05). There were no significant complications. All patients were satisfied. Conclusion: Ligament stabilization accompanied with arthroscopic procedure could draw good outcome, even without structural bony deformity correction. Even with no improvement in plain radiograph, functional score could be improved.

Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Technique: An Anatomic-Based Approach

Restoration of anteroposterior laxity after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has been predictable with traditional open and endoscopic techniques. However, anterolateral rotational stability has been difficult to achieve in a subset of patients, even with appropriate anatomic techniques. Therefore, differing techniques have attempted to address this rotational laxity by augmenting or reconstructing lateral-sided structures about the knee. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the anterolateral ligament as a potential contributor to residual anterolateral rotatory instability in anterior cruciate ligament–deficient patients. Numerous anatomic and biomechanical studies have been performed to further define the functional importance of the anterolateral ligament, highlighting the need for surgical techniques to address these injuries in the unstable knee. This article details our technique for an anatomic anterolateral ligament reconstruction using a semitendinosus tendon allograft.

Anatomical Reconstruction of Lateral Ankle Ligaments Using Free Tendon Allografts and Biotenodesis Screws.

Lateral ankle instability is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders and can result in ankle damage. This study reports on the results of the anatomical reconstruction of ligaments using semitendinosus tendon allograft and bioabsorbable tenodesis screws for chronic lateral ankle instability, as well as the functional and radiological results of this procedure. From February 2007 to January 2013, 70 patients (72 ankles) underwent this procedure. Six patients were lost to follow-up, and ultimately 64 patients (66 ankles) were evaluated. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Karlsson-Peterson ankle scores, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at a mean of 22.1 months (range, 12-68 months) postoperatively. The talar tilt angle and anterior translation were assessed radiographically in pre- and postoperative ankle stress views. The mean patient age at surgery was 30.1 years (range, 16-59 years). The mean VAS pain score decreased from 5.5 to 1.3 (P < .05), and the mean AOFAS improved from 71.0 to 90.9 (P < .05). The mean Karlsson-Peterson score improved from 55.1 to 90.3, whereas talar tilt decreased from 14.8 degrees to 3.9 degrees. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the pretensioned and nonpretensioned groups. This procedure yielded successful results, including satisfactory ankle stability and clinical outcomes, in ankles with poor lateral ligament tissues. Level IV, case series.

Outcome of subtalar instability reconstruction using the semitendinosus allograft tendon and biotenodesis screws.

Subtalar instability (STI) has often been obscured by lateral ankle instability. Moreover, although there have been several reports of techniques for reconstructing STI, no clinical outcome results are known to have been published. The authors report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the ligament reconstruction of STI with a recently reported novel technique utilising a semitendinosus tendon allograft and interference screws. This study is based on 20 ankles that underwent ligament reconstruction for STI between 2009 and 2013. The average follow-up period was 15.0±5months, and the average age at surgery was 28.1±10.8years old. Visual analogue (VAS) pain scores, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Karlsson-Peterson ankle scores as well as patient satisfaction were evaluated. Radiographic evaluation of medial translations of calcaneus and subtalar tilt angles was preformed with ankle and Broden's stress radiographs. The VAS pain score decreased from 6.1±1.1 preoperatively to 1.8±1.2 post-operatively (p<0.05). The AOFAS score improved from 66.0±12.2 preoperatively to 89.6±6.7 post-operatively, and the Karlsson-Peterson score improved from 57.0±13.5 to 91.1±6.8 (p<0.05). There were no complications such as recurred STI or subtalar joint stiffness. All of the patients were satisfied with the surgery. Subtalar tilt angle decreased from 11.5° preoperatively to 3.0° post-operatively, and the calcaneal medial translations decreased from 7.4 to 3.9mm. This is the first report on the comprehensive clinical and radiographic outcomes of STI reconstruction using a semitendinosus tendon allograft and interference screws. The novel technique of STI reconstruction was found to show encouraging clinical outcomes with high patient satisfaction. IV.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Anatomical Double-bundle Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Secured With Knot Fixation Versus Screw Fixation

Methods to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligaments anatomically have been described. No clear advantage of 1 technique has been elucidated. The authors' hypothesis was that the biomechanical properties of a modified knot fixation technique would be similar to the anatomical double-bundle technique. Sixteen matched cadaveric shoulders were used for this study, and 1 additional shoulder was used in the knot fixation group only. Shoulders were randomly assigned to the anatomical double-bundle coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction technique (n=8) or a knot fixation technique (n=9). The intact coracoclavicular ligaments were tested to failure with superior displacement at a rate of 2 mm/s. Reconstruction was performed using a semitendinosus tendon allograft, and load to failure was repeated for each construct. Ultimate failure load, stiffness, and failure mode were compared using a paired t test (P<.05). No significant difference existed in load to failure between native and reconstructed ligaments or between reconstruction techniques. Stiffness decreased significantly after reconstruction in the double-bundle group (from 32.5 to 22.5 N/mm; P=.035) and in the modified knot fixation group (from 35.5 to 21.9 N/mm; P=.043). No significant difference existed in stiffness between the 2 reconstruction groups. A significant difference (P=.003) existed between failure modes between the 2 reconstruction techniques. Although less stiff than the native ligament, either technique used to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament can be performed to yield a load to failure similar to the intact ligament. The majority of failures in the double-bundle group were by means of the graft slipping at the screw-tendon interface at 1 of the clavicular drill holes. The modified knot fixation technique failed the majority of the time by graft elongation.

Anatomic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments using a semitendinosus tendon allograft and interference screws

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of a novel surgical technique devised to treat chronic lateral ankle instability. The technique involves direct repair of the anterior talofibular ligament and anatomic reconstructions of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) using a free semitendinosus tendon allograft and interference screws. This retrospective study involved a review of the records of 27 patients (28 ankles) with chronic lateral ankle instability treated from 2007 to 2009. VAS pain scores, AOFAS scores, Karlsson-Peterson ankle scores (24 ankles), and patient satisfaction were evaluated at median of 19 (12-26)months postoperatively. Radiographically, talar tilt angles and anterior talar translation were assessed in pre- and postoperative ankle stress views. Median patient age at surgery was 36.5 (16-57)years. Median VAS pain score decreased from 6 (3-9) to 2 (0-4) (P<0.05), and median AOFAS score improved from 63 (41-84) to 91 (81-100) preoperatively to final follow-up (P<0.05). Median Karlsson-Peterson score also significantly improved from 55 (32-77) to 80 (59-100) (P<0.05), whereas talar tilt decreased from 17.8° (10.0°-25.5°) to 6.7° (0.3°-13.0°) and the mean anterior drawer test decreased from 10.0mm (0.6-19.4) to 4.5mm (0.2-8.7) (P<0.05). Eighty-eight percent (21/24) were satisfied with surgery. No complication, such as subtalar stiffness or recurrent instability, was encountered. The described technique, which involves anatomic reconstruction of the ATFL and CFL using the semitendinosus tendon and interference screws with direct repair of the capsule, is a viable option for treating lateral ankle instability with stable tendon fixation and provides satisfactory clinical outcomes. Case-series, Level IV.

Simultaneous Reconstruction of the Medial and Lateral Ligament Complexes of the Ankle Joint with Semitendinosus Tendon Allograft

Ankle ligament injuries occur frequently during recreational activities as well as competitive sports1. Although most heal with little medical intervention, recurrent instability can occur in 15% to 48% of patients2-6 and long-term sequelae can occur in up to 50% of patients7. Even following nonoperative treatment such as physiotherapy, bracing, or medication, continued problems may require surgical intervention, and the normal stability and biomechanics of the ankle joint should be reestablished to prevent the development of arthritis8,9. Several procedures for the reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments have been proposed, and the overall success rates of these operations have been reported to be >80%6,9-15. However, reconstruction of the deltoid ligament has received relatively little attention16-20. Moreover, operative management of chronic global ankle instability, including an incompetent deep deltoid ligament, has rarely been described, to the best of our knowledge18,21. We present a case of combined insufficiency of the medial and lateral ankle ligaments that was treated successfully with simultaneous reconstruction of those ligaments with a semitendinosus tendon allograft. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he consented. A thirty-six-year-old man presented with discomfort in the left ankle. He had sustained an ankle injury seven years earlier during a soccer game, after which recurrent sprains had often occurred with only minor exertion. He did not participate in sports activity as much as he wanted to because of a feeling of the ankle giving way. He was seen at our clinic with symptoms of instability and a clunking sensation in the ankle joint two months after sustaining another, severe ankle injury. On physical examination, there was no effusion or swelling …