Simultaneous Anterior Cruciate Ligament Research Articles

Posterior Lateral Meniscal Root Repair Through Lateral Tunnel and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision: How to Avoid Tunnel Overlapping

Posterior lateral meniscal root (PLMR) tears are commonly observed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The presence of PLMR tears exacerbates knee instability, increasing stress on ACL grafts and accelerating joint degeneration if left untreated. Anatomical repair of PLMR tears is therefore crucial for restoring native knee kinematics and reducing tibiofemoral contact pressures, thereby safeguarding the ACL graft. However, the standard use of a single medial tunnel approach for concomitant PLMR and revision ACL reconstruction may require reconsideration to prevent the potential risks of tunnel overlapping, which could undermine graft anatomical integrity. This article, to prevent the risk of tunnel overlapping, introduces a surgical approach that employs an additional lateral tibial tunnel for PLMR repair, instead of the typically used single medial one, for PLMR repair during simultaneous revision ACL reconstruction.

Tunnel Overlap Occurs 25% of the Time With Simultaneous Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Meniscal Root Repair

PurposeTo assess the risk of socket-tunnel overlap for posterior medial or lateral meniscal root repair combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using artificial tibias and computerized tomography (CT) scans for three-dimensional (3D) modeling. MethodsArtificial tibias (n=27; n=3/subgroup) were allocated to groups based on inclination of socket-tunnels (550, 600, 650) created for MMPR and LMPR repair, and ACLR. Three standardized socket-tunnels were created: one for the ACL and one for each posterior meniscal root insertion. CT scans were performed and sequentially processed using computer software to produce 3D models for assessment of socket-tunnel overlap. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Significance was set at p<0.05. ResultsThe present study found no significant risk of tunnel overlap when drilling for combined ACLR and MMPR repair, while seven cases of tunnel overlap occurred between ACL tunnels and LMPR (25.9% of cases). No subgroup or specific pattern of angulation consistently presented significantly safer distances than other subgroups for all distances measured. ConclusionThis study demonstrated 25.9% rate of overlap for combined LMPR repair and ACLR, compared to 0% for MMPR repair with ACLR. Lower ACL drilling angle (55 or 60 degrees) combined with higher lateral meniscus drilling angle (65 degrees) produced no socket-tunnel overlap. Clinical RelevanceSocket-tunnel overlap during meniscal root repair combined with ACLR may compromise graft integrity and lead to impaired fixation and treatment failure of either the ACL, the meniscus, or both. Despite this, risk for socket-tunnel overlap has not been well characterized.

Simultaneous High Tibial Osteotomy and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in knees with Bony Frontal and/or Sagittal Deformities: Review of the Current Literature.

Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) and valgus high tibial osteotomy (HTO) alleviates pain in 70% of individuals with ACL deficiency and varus femorotibial osteoarthritis, allows for sustainable stabilization of the knee at the 10-year follow-up and a return to sport (RTS) in 33%-80% of cases, but femorotibial osteoarthritis progression occurs in 39% of cases. The complication rate ranges from 0% to 23.5% (6.5% revision valgus HTO, 17.5% ACL graft failure, 7.7% venous thrombosis). Simultaneous ACLR and HTO leads to satisfactory results in patients with ACL deficiency and varus femorotibial osteoarthritis associated with a high posterior tibial slope (PTS) and appears to have a protective effect on further ruptures in the reconstructed ACL. The younger the patient and the more sporting demands he/she poses, the more we should be inclined to perform a combined intervention (ACLR and valgus HTO).

Pattern in Simultaneous Rupture of the Medial Collateral Ligament and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Determining the exact details of complex traumatic injuries such as knee ligament rupture will be a crucial point in planning the surgical approach, which is determined through accurate imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to evaluate the pattern of medial collateral ligament (MCL) rupture in patients who presented with simultaneous rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and MCL.&#x0D; Methods: We evaluated knee MRI in 44 patients (25 women and 19 men, mean age: 38.6 ± 5.4 years) who suffered from clinically acute simultaneous ACL and MCL injuries. Meniscus status, MCL rupture patterns, and pivot bone bruise were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: Concerning ACL rupture, 38.6% had a partial ACL rupture, and 61.4% had a complete rupture. The meniscus ruptured in 61.4%. The most common site of the meniscus rupture was related to the medial posterior horn (37.0%). The vertical type rupture was the most common (37.0%), followed by the horizontal rupture (29.6%). MCL rupture was present in all patients with grade 2 rupture revealed in 52.3%. Regarding the location of MCL ligament rupture, the highest ratio was found in the femoral site (65.9%). Semimembranosus rupture was observed in 2.3%. Pivot bone bruise was positive in 34.1%. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) rupture was also revealed in 68.2%. There was a significant relationship between the grade of rupture in the MCL and the presence of pivot bone bruise (P &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Femoral detachment of MCL and posterior horn of medial meniscus (PHMM) are the most common sites of MCL injury and meniscus rupture in the context of ACL rupture. Besides, our results show a relevant influence of the extent of bone bruise on the grade of MCL rupture.

Favorable clinical outcomes of simultaneous ACL reconstruction and UKA or HTO: A systematic surveillance

PurposeOutcomes after combination of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) or high tibial osteotomy (HTO) have been widely reported, but previous systematic reviews have included articles published before 2000 and do not necessarily reflect recent trends. We conducted a thorough investigation to address (1): What are the recent surgical trends in simultaneous ACLR and UKA or HTO? and (2) What are the issues in these surgeries? based on a comprehensive systematic analysis. MethodsA systematic surveillance was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. The inclusion criteria were as follows: simultaneous ACLR and UKA or HTO for medial osteoarthritis (OA) with ACL deficiency; clinical outcomes and complications recorded; publication date after 2000.A total of 1466 potentially relevant articles were identified; after exclusions, 31 articles that included 744 knees were analyzed. Fourteen articles included 330 knees underwent simultaneous ACLR and UKA (UKA group) and 17 articles included 414 knees underwent simultaneous ACLR and HTO (HTO group). ResultsOverall, complications were found in 14 knees (4.2%) in the UKA group and 47 knees (11.3%) in the HTO group. Re-rupture of the ACL was observed in only the HTO group (6 knees: 1.4%). Revision to TKA occurred in 8 knees (2.4%) in the UKA group and 1 knee (0.2%) in the HTO group. No standardized outcome measures for clinical assessment were used for all studies. ConclusionThe systematic surveillance of studies published since 2000 on the outcomes and complications of simultaneous ACLR and UKA or HTO for medial OA with ACL deficiency indicates an increasing number of reports on simultaneous ACLR and HTO or UKA in recent years. Favorable clinical results were achieved in both treatment groups.

Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and implant-mediated guided growth to correct genu valgum in skeletally immature patients

ObjectivesAdolescents with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears can present with concomitant lower extremity coronal plane angular deformity (CPAD) that both predispose to injury as well as may increase the risk of graft rupture following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The goal of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of concomitant ACLR with implant-mediated guided growth (IMGG) compared to isolated IMGG procedures in paediatric and adolescent patients. MethodsOperative records of all paediatric and adolescent patients (age ≤ 18 years) that underwent simultaneous ACLR and IMGG by one of two paediatric orthopaedic surgeons between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A comparison cohort of isolated IMGG patients was identified and matched based on bone age within one year, sex, laterality, and fixation type (i.e. transphyseal screw vs. tension band plate and screw construct). Pre- and post-operative mechanical axis deviation (MAD), angular axis deviation (AAD), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were recorded. ResultsA total of 9 participants who underwent concomitant ACLR and IMGG (ACLR ​+ ​IMGG) were identified, with 7 of these participants meeting the final inclusion criteria. The participants had a median age of 12.7 (IQR ​= ​12.1 – 14.2) years and median bone age of 13.0 (IQR ​= ​12.0 – 14.0) years. Of the 7 participants that underwent ACLR and IMGG, 3 underwent a modified MacIntosh procedure with ITB autograft, 2 received quadriceps tendon autograft, and 1 underwent hamstring autograft reconstruction. There were no significant differences in the amount of correction obtained between ACLR ​+ ​IMGG and matched IMGG subjects with respect to any measurement variable (MAD difference: p ​= ​0.47, AAD difference: p ​= ​0.58, LDFA difference: p ​= ​0.27, MPTA difference: p ​= ​0.20). There were also no significant differences in alignment variables per unit time between cohorts (MAD/month: p ​= ​0.62, AAD/month ​= ​0.80, LDFA/month ​= ​0.27, MPTA/month ​= ​0.20). ConclusionThe results of the current study indicate that concomitant ACLR and lower extremity CPAD correction is a safe approach to treat CPAD concomitantly with ACLR in young patients who present with an acute ACL tear. Furthermore, one can expect reliable correction of CPAD after combined ACLR and IMGG, no different than the correction obtained in the setting of IMGG alone. Level of evidenceIII.

Simultaneous medial unicompartmental knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a narrative review and technical note.

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) simultaneously with medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been suggested as an alternative treatment in patients with ACL deficiency and localized osteoarthritis (OA) in young patients. The objectives of this review were to report the current concepts on the topic and describe an original surgical technique of simultaneous medial UKA and ACL reconstruction. A literature search was performed on PubMed, including articles written in English until June 2021. The articles regarding ACL reconstruction and UKA were reviewed using the narrative approach. Inclusion criteria: (I) original articles about ACL reconstruction and unicompartmental knee replacement; (II) written in English; (III) involving three or more cases. Two non-blinded authors reviewed the titles and abstracts of each article identified in the literature search. The articles regarding ACL reconstruction and UKA were reviewed using the narrative approach. There is controversial evidence about performing the UKA simultaneously with an ACL reconstruction. Biomechanical and clinical studies show that the benefits of restoring good joint stability outweigh the possible risks associated with performing both surgeries at the same time. With this strategy, it is possible to obtain good clinical results with a high survival rate of the implant and patient satisfaction.

Analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life and Clinical Evaluations in Patients with the Triad of Combined Knee Injuries.

Combined knee injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and medial meniscus were called "the unhappy triad" in the past. With recent advances in diagnostic technology, combined ACL, MCL, and lateral meniscus injuries are now known to be the predominant triad. We examined and verified the treatment outcomes of the triad of combined knee injuries from both patient-based subjective evaluation and objective assessments. We studied 49 knees (49 patients) with combined injuries of the ACL, MCL, and lateral meniscus. These cases were divided into those who underwent simultaneous ACL and MCL reconstruction (group A, 18 cases) and those who underwent ACL reconstruction only because MCL injury could be treated conservatively (group B, 31 cases). Clinical evaluation was conducted preoperative and 24 months or longer after surgery. The methods included patient-reported outcomes using Short Form-36, and conventional assessments using Lysholm's score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and quantitative measurement of knee instability using Telos SE. Compared with presurgical scores, the postsurgical Short Form-36 scores showed improvements in all eight subscales, all reaching the national standard values. Significant improvements were observed in the five subscales in group A and seven subscales in group B. Furthermore, significant improvements in Lysholm's score, VAS pain score, and quantitative knee instability were achieved in both groups. This study demonstrated successful clinical outcomes in patients with a triad of knee injuries who were treated with lateral meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy and either combined MCL/ACL reconstruction or ACL reconstruction alone.

Excellent outcomes with combined single stage Physica ZUK medial unicompartment knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction results in young, active patients with instability and osteoarthritis with a mean follow up of 5 years

Background (including the aim of the study)Young and more active patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency are difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to explore the outcomes of combined fixed bearing Physica ZUK medial unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) (Lima Corporate, Udine Italy) with ACL reconstruction for patients presenting with isolated medial compartment OA and symptomatic ACL deficiency. MethodsPatients who underwent simultaneous single stage ACL reconstruction and medial UKR between 2012 and 2020 by a single surgeon (GG) were included. Preoperative outcome measures including Lysholm, Tegner, Oxford Knee Score and VAS pain score were evaluated and were repeated postoperatively at the most recent follow up appointment. ResultsTwenty four patients underwent simultaneous combined ACL and ZUK Medial UKR with a mean follow up of 5.1 years. Significant improvements in Lysholm (p < 0.001), Tegner (p < 0.001), Oxford Knee Score (p < 0.001) and VAS pain scores (p < 0.001) were seen with this combined approach with all patients returning to sport. Two patients had a minor peri-operative complication, which was treated conservatively. There were no revision procedures, and no evidence of implant loosening, however one patient had deceased due to an unrelated illness. ConclusionUKR combined with ACL reconstruction can be an effective treatment option for selected patients suffering from medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis and symptomatic ACL deficiency. This allowed active patients to return to sports, addressing both instability and OA pain in a specific patient population.

Management after acute rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Part 1: ACL reconstruction has a protective effect on secondary meniscus and cartilage lesions

PurposeThe aim of this consensus project was to validate which endogenous and exogenous factors contribute to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and to what extent ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction can prevent secondary damage to the knee joint. Based on these findings, an algorithm for the management after ACL rupture should be established.MethodsThe consensus project was initiated by the Ligament Injuries Committee of the German Knee Society (Deutsche Kniegesellschaft, DKG). A modified Delphi process was used to answer scientific questions. This process was based on key topic complexes previously formed during an initial face-to-face meeting of the steering group with the expert group. For each key topic, a comprehensive review of available literature was performed by the steering group. The results of the literature review were sent to the rating group with the option to give anonymous comments until a final consensus voting was performed. Consensus was defined a-priori as eighty percent agreement.ResultsOf the 17 final statements, 15 achieved consensus, and 2 have not reached consensus. Results of the consensus were summarized in an algorithm for the management after ACL rupture (infographic/Fig. 2).ConclusionThis consensus process has shown that the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a complex multifactorial process. Exogenous (primary and secondary meniscus lesions) and endogenous factors (varus deformity) play a decisive role. Due to the complex interplay of these factors, an ACL reconstruction cannot always halt post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee. However, there is evidence that ACL reconstruction can prevent secondary joint damage such as meniscus lesions and that the success of meniscus repair is higher with simultaneous ACL reconstruction. Therefore, we recommend ACL reconstruction in case of a combined injury of the ACL and a meniscus lesion which is suitable for repair.Level of evidenceLevel V.

Clinical outcomes of all-inside meniscal repair using pre-loaded suture anchors

Purpose: This prospective study aims to evaluate clinical results of arthroscopic repair of meniscal tears using clinical scores and functional outcome measures while establishing clinical evaluation as a dependable method of evaluating the healing process of a repaired meniscus. Methods: From June 2019 to October 2020, 203 patients with a mean age of 24 (range, 18-54) years with 203 meniscal tears underwent arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair using a pre-loaded suture anchor. All tears were located in either the red-red or red-white zone. Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed in 170 (84%) of the patients. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated based on clinical examination using Barrett’s criteria wherein the presence of locking, joint-line tenderness, swelling or positive McMurray test were considered to indicate clinical failure. Further, we also used the International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score and Short-Form 36 score for postoperative evaluation. Results: At average of 1.2 years follow-up, the success rate of arthroscopic meniscal repairs in this series was 94% (191 clinically healed menisci out of 203) according to the criteria of Barrett et al. The IKDC, Lysholm and SF-36 scores had significantly improved postoperatively. Conclusions: Arthroscopic all-inside repair using a pre-loaded suture anchor (FastFix 360) is a safe and effective procedure for treating meniscal tears, and clinical evaluation was found to be a dependable method of evaluating the results of a healed, repaired meniscus.

Integration of polyurethane meniscus scaffold during ACL revision is not reliable at 5years despite favourable clinical outcome.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome at 5-year follow-up of a one-step procedure combining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and partial meniscus replacement using a polyurethane scaffold for the treatment of symptomatic patients with previously failed ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy. Moreover, the implanted scaffolds have been evaluated by MRI protocol in terms of morphology, volume, and signal intensity. Twenty patients with symptomatic knee laxity after failed ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy underwent ACL revision combined with polyurethane-based meniscal scaffold implant. Clinical assessment at 2- and 5-year follow-ups included VAS, Tegner Activity Score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Lysholm Score. MRI evaluation of the scaffold was performed according to the Genovese scale with quantification of the scaffold's volume at 1- and 5-year follow-ups. All scores revealed clinical improvement as compared with the preoperative values at the 2- and 5-year follow-ups. However, a slight, but significant reduction of scores was observed between 2 and 5years. Concerning the MRI assessment, a significant reduction of the scaffold's volume was observed between 1 and 5years. Genovese Morphology classification at 5years included two complete resorptions (Type 3) and all the remaining patients had irregular morphology (Type 2). With regard to the Genovese Signal at the 5-year follow-up, three were classified as markedly hyperintense (Type 1), 15 as slightly hyperintense (Type 2), and two as isointense (Type 1). Simultaneous ACL reconstruction and partial meniscus replacement using a polyurethane scaffold provides favourable clinical outcomes in the treatment of symptomatic patients with previously failed ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy at 5years. However, MRI evaluation suggests that integration of the scaffold is not consistent. Level IV.

The Functional Outcome of Simultaneous Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Meniscus Repair

Background: Meniscal repair is performed in an attempt to prevent post-traumatic arthritis resulting from meniscal dysfunction after meniscal tears. The socio-economic implications of premature arthritis are significant in the young patient population. Investigations and techniques focusing on meniscus preservation and healing are now at the forefront of orthopaedic sports medicine. Methods: All unilateral primary ACL reconstructions in a prospective cohort who had meniscal repair at the time of ACLR were evaluated. Validated patient oriented outcome instruments were completed preoperatively and then again at follow up. Results: 65 unilateral primary ACL reconstructions were performed concomitant meniscal repairs during the study period. Patient follow-up was obtained, allowing confirmation of meniscal repair success (defined as no repeat arthroscopic procedure) or failure. Conclusions: Meniscal repair is a successful procedure in conjunction with ACL reconstruction. When confronted with a “repairable” meniscal tear at the time of ACL reconstruction, orthopaedic surgeons can expect an estimated &gt;90% clinical success rate using a variety of methods as shown in our study.

Good Clinical Success Rates Are Seen 5 Years After Meniscal Repair in Patients Regularly Undertaking Extreme Flexion

PurposeTo report the functional and radiologic outcomes of meniscal repair healing in a cohort of patients with a high demand for loaded extreme flexion angles after undergoing meniscal repair.MethodsWe performed a retrospective clinical and radiologic evaluation of patients who perform extreme knee flexion activities on a daily basis at a minimum follow-up of 2 years after meniscal repair. International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores were obtained, and clinical examinations and radiologic (magnetic resonance imaging and radiography) evaluations were performed.ResultsOf 47 eligible patients, 39 patients (40 knees) were available for review with an average follow-up time of 5 years (range, 2-9 years). The average age was 26.7 years (range, 19-39 years); 38 patients were men. The average time from injury to surgery was 20.9 months (range, 3 days to 120 months). Associated anterior cruciate ligament injury was present in 31 knees, but only 20 underwent simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament surgery. The mean International Knee Documentation Committee score was 88.9 (range, 53-99). The mean Lysholm score was 90.9 (range, 48-100). The mean Tegner activity level dropped from 6.18 before injury to 5.51 at the time of evaluation. According to the Barrett criteria for clinical outcomes, complete healing was observed in 29 of 40 knees (72.5%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the functional outcomes and the clinical outcomes (P = .008). On magnetic resonance imaging, 22 of 38 knees (57.9%) showed completely healed menisci.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that loaded deep knee flexion may be safe after a period of restricted rehabilitation, and clinical and radiologic tissue healing is independent of the overall functional outcome.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, case series with subgroup analysis.

Simultaneous Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Posterior Cruciate Ligament, Posteromedial Corner, and Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction of the Knee

Concomitant injuries of the 4 groups of ligaments of the knee are a serious condition and challenge the orthopaedic surgeon when reconstruction of all ligaments is needed. Staged reconstruction can be chosen owing to the complexity of the combined procedures; however, simultaneous reconstruction is favored to facilitate recovery. We describe a simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), posteromedial corner (PMC), and posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction technique, in which autografts are used and both cruciate ligaments are reconstructed in a single-bundle manner. We believe the introduction of this technique will familiarize surgeons with the principle of simultaneous 4-ligament reconstruction of the knee and the method of cruciate ligament balancing during bicruciate ligament reconstruction.

Results of Simultaneous Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to investigate the clinical and functional outcomes and complication rate of simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). A systematic search in PubMed–Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was carried out to identify eligible randomized clinical trials, observational studies, or case series that reported on clinical and functional results of combined ACLR and UKA in adults with a unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis and ACL deficiency. Four retrospective studies and three prospective studies were included in this review. A total of 169 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. The Mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 29.4 to 43.9 at the final follow-up. All the other reported scores significantly improved after surgery. The overall revision rate was 3.5%. The MINORS score ranged from 8 to 14. Association analysis of MINORS score and year of publication, through Pearson’s coefficient, showed no significant association (p = −0.089). Simultaneous ACLR and UKA is a safe procedure with a significant postoperative improvement of functional and clinical outcomes for patients with ACL injury that complain of knee instability and isolated medial compartment pain.

Meniscus repair with simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Clinical outcomes, failure rates and subsequent processing

PurposeTo retrospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of meniscus repair with simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and explore the causes of failure of meniscus repair. MethodsFrom May 2013 to July 2018, the clinical data of 165 patients who were treated with meniscus surgery and simultaneous ACL reconstruction, including 69 cases of meniscus repair (repair group) and 96 cases of partial meniscectomy (partial meniscectomy group) were retrospectively analyzed. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) ACL rupture associated with fracture, collateral ligament injury, or complex ligament injury; (2) a history of knee surgery; or (3) a significant degree of osteoarthritis. The 69 patients in the repair group were divided into the non-failure group (62 cases) and the failure group (7 cases) depending on the repair effect. Postoperative outcomes of the repair group and the partial meniscectomy group were compared. General conditions and postoperative outcomes of the failure group and the non-failure group were compared. During the median follow-up period of 28 months (range, 4 - 65 months) after the second arthroscopy, postoperative outcomes of seven patients in the failure group were summarized. SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsSeven patients in the failure group who underwent the second arthroscopy were followed up for (30 ± 17.4) months and their postoperative outcomes were summarized. Compared with the partial meniscectomy group, the International Knee Documentation Committee scores of patients in the repair group improved significantly (p = 0.031). Compared with the non-failure group, more patients in the failure group were younger than 24 years (p = 0.030). The median follow-up period was 39.5 months. All patients recovered well after subsequent partial meniscectomy and relieved clinical symptoms. Visual analog scale scores decreased significantly (p = 0.026), and the International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm scores improved significantly (p = 0.046 for both). ConclusionThe failure rate of meniscus repair in this study was 10.1% (7/69), all of which were medial meniscus tears. However, the surgical outcomes of ACL reconstruction were not affected, and there might be a role for graft protection. Therefore, meniscus retears can be successful treated by performing subsequent partial meniscectomy in patients with repair failure.

Good Surgical Outcomes After Concomitant Repair of Double Radial Tears of the Lateral Meniscus and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PurposeTo describe double radial tears of the lateral meniscus (LM), report early clinical treatment outcomes, and determine reoperation and failure rates.MethodsTwenty-one (N = 21) consecutive cases of arthroscopic-treated lateral meniscus double radial tears treated between 2012 and 2018 were reviewed, including 15 males (71.4%) and 6 females (28.6%). Meniscus repairs were all performed at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Patients with associated fractures or prior surgeries were excluded. Concomitant injuries were reported, as were preinjury and postoperative Tegner scores, preoperative and postoperative visual analogue pain scale (VAS) scores, and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores. Reoperation and failure rates were documented.ResultsTwenty-one (N = 21) tears were located in the posterior horn of the meniscus near the root attachment; 15 (71.4%) underwent all-inside repair, 4 (19.0%) underwent transtibial pull-through repair, 1 (4.8%) was partially debrided, and 1 (4.8%) was left untreated. Twenty-one tears (N = 21) were in the body of the meniscus; 7 (33.3%) were repaired, 7 (33.3%) were partially debrided, and 7 (33.3%) were left untreated. Thirteen patients (62%) had associated medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries. Mean follow-up was 2.6 years. VAS at rest and with activity improved by 2.1 points (P < .001) and 3.1 points (P = .017) after surgery. The mean postoperative Tegner activity score was 6.4, and the mean IKDC score was 83.2 at final follow-up. Reoperation was required in 5 patients (23.8%), and the surgical treatment failed in 1 patient (4.7%).ConclusionsDouble radial tears of the LM are uncommon injuries that occur in the setting of ACL tears, usually combined with MCL injury. The variety of surgical treatment techniques have a low failure rate at short-term follow-up. Patients tend to have good clinical outcomes with improvement in pain and overall function after surgically treating these injuries with simultaneous ACL reconstruction.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study, case series

Tunnel Convergence Rate in Combined Anteromedial Portal Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Structure Reconstructions Is Influenced by Anterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Flexion Angle, Tunnel Position, and Direction

The goal of the present study was to evaluate a potential tunnel convergence in combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the anteromedial portal technique and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). Ten fresh frozen femora were dissected and a K-wires were inserted into the middle of the ACL stump, according to an ACL reconstruction at 110° and 140° knee flexion. ACL reconstruction at 120° and 130° was simulated. Seven K-wires with different femoral insertion sites and angulations were drilled into the lateral femoral condyle relative to the lateral epicondyle (E3: 8 mm proximal and 4 mm posterior; E1: 5 mm proximal and 5 mm anterior and E2: over-the-top position). Tunnel conflict rate was evaluated using a measuring arm and a metrology software. Drilling the femoral ACL tunnel in low knee flexion (110°-120°) significantly (P < .001) reduced the tunnel conflict rate compared to the ACL drilled in high knee flexion (130°-140°). Changing the insertion point from proximal and posterior (E3) to proximal and anterior (E1) showed a reduced tunnel conflict rate from 40 ± 21.2% to 15 ± 26% and no tunnel conflict for an ACL drilled at 110°-130° knee flexion. A possible tunnel conflict in simultaneous ACL reconstruction using the AMP technique and LET was dependent on ACL knee flexion angle, LET insertion site, and angulation. This posed the dilemma that no generally applicable LET configuration could be recommended to avoid a tunnel conflict. However, it appears that an insertion point located proximal and anterior to the lateral epicondyle results in less tunnel conflicts than an insertion point located proximal and posterior. An insertion point located proximal and anterior to the lateral epicondyle with a 30° proximal and 30° anterior angulation could reliably avoid a tunnel conflict when the ACL was drilled between 110 and 130° using a low anteromedial portal.

Outside-In Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision With Lateral Tenodesis and High-Strength Suture Augmentation Is Easy to Perform With the Iliotibial Band

We describe a technique for revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery using a 15-cm strip of the iliotibial band as a graft and the gracilis tendon if available. An internal brace is added to augment the graft. The graft is passed through the femur by drilling an outside-in tunnel from the isometric point F9 of Krackow toward the ACL’s footprint and is then double fixed at the tibia using an interference screw and a cortical button. This technique makes it possible to perform simultaneous ACL reconstruction and lateral tenodesis with a continuous, rigid, good-diameter graft that is pedicled to the Gerdy tubercle. Good rotational control is achieved, and all the factors that contribute to ligamentization are present.