Tendon Graft Harvest Research Articles

Evaluation of Ankle and Foot Function Following Peroneus Longus Tendon Graft Harvest

Evaluation of Ankle and Foot Function Following Peroneus Longus Tendon Graft Harvest

The Solo Anterior Cruciate Ligament Technique: Using an Articulated Arm Holder for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Without a Surgical Assistant

The Federal No Surprises Act was passed to avoid surprise out-of-network billing to patients, particularly after surgical procedures from independent third parties hired as assistants. This has resulted in a scarcity of “for-hire” surgical first assistants. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is challenging to perform without an assistant. During arthroscopy, the leg must be manipulated simultaneously while performing surgery. This usually requires multiple hands and can be physically demanding. This Technical Note will describe the use of an articulated arm holder adapted to hold and manipulate a leg during ACL surgery without an assistant as well as the use of a self-retractor to aid in quadriceps tendon graft harvest and repair when performing a solo quadriceps tendon autograft ACL reconstruction.

Free Fibular Osteocutaneous Flap Combined With Simultaneous Tendon Reconstruction for Midfoot Restoration After Myoepithelial Carcinoma Resection.

Myoepithelial carcinomas of soft tissue are rare, and most are malignant. The optimal treatment is surgical excision. The arches of the foot are a composite structure responsible for weight bearing and pressure distribution, so it is a vast challenge in reconstruction. We report a case of reconstruction of the midfoot with a free fibular bone flap and tendon graft. We review the literature to compare various options in foot reconstructions and sort out the outcomes of different bone flaps. The free fibula osteocutaneous flap is the superior choice for midfoot reconstruction owing to its sufficient length, strength, flexible skin paddles, easy-to-withstand osteotomy, and simultaneous tendon graft harvesting.

Injury to the Main Branch of the Saphenous Nerve following Hamstring Tendon Graft Harvesting: A Report of 3 Cases

Background: Hamstring tendon grafts are commonly utilized tendon autografts; however, the harvesting procedure can result in saphenous nerve injury due to its proximity to the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. Injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve is a less commonly reported and understood injury during these procedures. Purpose: This case report aimed to identify and present cases of iatrogenic injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve during hamstring tendon graft harvesting. Methods: A retrospective chart review of a tertiary-care hospital over the past 10 years was conducted. The search included clinical notes mentioning “saphenous neuropathy, neuralgia or neuritis” and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports indicating saphenous nerve involvement. Patients with a history of a hamstring graft harvesting procedure and radiographically confirmed injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve were included. Injury characteristics, symptoms, and sequential treatment were evaluated. Results: Three cases of iatrogenic injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve during hamstring graft harvesting were identified. Reported symptoms included pain, paresthesia, numbness, hypersensitivity, swelling, and discoloration. All 3 patients had persistent symptoms despite non-operative treatment and therefore underwent surgical intervention, which involved resection and reconstruction using allograft or burial into adjacent musculature. Postoperatively, 2 of 3 patients demonstrated resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Iatrogenic injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve is a complication that can occur during hamstring tendon harvesting procedures, leading to severe, persistent symptoms. A better understanding of the mechanism of injury is needed to minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury.

The accessory heads of the quadriceps femoris muscle may affect the layering of the quadriceps tendon and potential graft harvest lengths

PurposeThe aim of the study was to assess the quadriceps femoris system for the presence of additional layers.MethodsOne hundred and twenty-eight lower limbs fixed in 10% formalin were examined.ResultsFive types of quadriceps tendon layering were found based on the accessory heads of the quadriceps muscle. Type I (55%)—represented by four heads and four layers, and it was something new because standard orthopaedic textbooks described quadriceps tendon as a structure composed of only three layers. Type II (27.4%)—the first four layers were the same as in Type 1, but the accessory tendon of the fifth head of the quadriceps femoris muscle had the deepest attachments. Type III (10.9%)—this type included 6 heads of quadriceps femoris. It consisted of five layers. Type IV (3.1%)—this type included 7 quadriceps femoris heads. This type consisted of only four layers. Type V (3.1%)—this type included 8 heads of the quadriceps femoris heads. This type consist of 5 layers.ConclusionThe findings of this study provide a detailed anatomy of the quadriceps tendon including the accessory tendons of the accessory heads of the quadriceps tendon. The accessory heads of the quadriceps femoris muscle contribute to the layering of the quadriceps tendon. The second conclusion of this study is the development of safe distances depending on the types. Not all types are perfect for harvesting—Type IV seems to be the safest type, in turn Type V the most dangerous.

Poster 312: Graft harvest for ACL reconstruction from the contralateral knee does not increase patellofemoral arthritis rates versus a normal knee

Objectives: Previous outcome studies after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have suggested a link between patella tendon (PT) graft harvest and increased incidence of patellofemoral (PF) degenerative changes. However, with the graft harvest on the same knee as the ACL reconstruction, it is difficult to specifically elucidate whether this association is directly from the graft harvest itself as opposed to other factors. Knowledge of the incidence of PF osteoarthritis (OA) after graft harvest from the contralateral knee may provide insight into this relationship. The purpose of this study was to compare PF OA rates between contralateral versus ipsilateral graft harvest for ACL reconstruction. Methods: A database of long-term follow up of ACL reconstruction patients done by a single surgeon was queried to find surgeries done between minimum 15 years and maximum 25 years ago. Patients were included if they had long term radiographs within this window for evaluation of PF OA. Exclusion criteria included revision ACL reconstruction, bilateral ACL involvement, subsequent graft retear, contralateral ACL tear, PF chondral wear seen at the time of surgery, preoperative or subsequent surgeries to either knee, or the presence of preoperative PF OA. Once patients met inclusion criteria, they were separated into groups based on ipsilateral or contralateral PT graft harvest. Standard Merchant’s radiographs were taken by the same technicians with the assistance of a Merchant’s board. Radiographs were graded by the physical therapist that saw the patient back for their long term research visit, each individually trained to grade the images based on the set criteria. Radiographs were graded as none, mild, moderate, or severe PF OA based on joint space narrowing of none, <50%, >50% but <100%, and complete, respectively. Patellofemoral OA rates were then statistically compared utilizing chi-squared analysis or Fisher’s exact test. These criteria produced an ipsilateral group with 95 patients and a contralateral group with 98 patients. Mean ages at time of surgery, height, weight, and sex distribution were not statistically different between groups. The ipsilateral group had a slightly, but statistically significantly, longer mean follow up interval (20.0 vs. 17.4 years, p<.001). Results: In the ipsilateral graft group, PF OA of any grade was present in 20.0% of the involved ACL reconstructed knees and 9.5% of the uninvolved normal knees, which was a statistically significant difference ( p=.041, OR 2.4). In the contralateral graft group, PF OA was present in 10.2% of the ACL reconstructed knees and 13.3% of the contralateral graft donor knees ( p=.506). Patellofemoral OA of any grade was present in 14.7% of all knees in the ipsilateral group and 11.7% of all knees in the contralateral group ( p=.348). When comparing the uninvolved normal knee from the ipsilateral group to the contralateral graft donor knee of the contralateral group, there was no statistical difference in PF OA rates of any grade (9.5% vs. 13.3% p=.407). The ACL reconstructed knee in the ipsilateral group exhibited PF OA in 20.0% and 10.2% in the contralateral group ( p=.057). With regard to moderate or severe PF OA in either knee, the rates were not statistically significant between the ipsilateral and contralateral groups. When comparing the ipsilateral group normal knee to the contralateral group donor knee, the rates of moderate or severe PF OA were 1.1% and 2.0% respectively, which was not statistically significantly different. Conclusions: Previous studies suggest that patella tendon grafts are associated with higher rates of PF OA after ACL reconstruction. Our study reveals that PF OA rates are not statistically increased when a patella tendon graft alone is taken from the knee, when compared to a normal control knee. However, when ACL reconstruction and PT graft are combined in the same knee, there is a statistically significant increase in PF OA versus the uninvolved normal knee, with the ACL reconstructed knee with ipsilateral graft being 2.4 times more likely to experience PF OA than the uninvolved knee. Furthermore, harvesting the ACL graft from the contralateral knee trends toward decreased PF OA rates in the ACL reconstructed knee, though this is not statistically significant. We conclude that the PT graft itself does not increase PF OA rates and that contralateral PT graft harvest may provide advantages to ipsilateral graft harvest with regard to PF OA.

Poster 324: Complications following Quadriceps Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients: A Case Series

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the rate and type of complications and subsequent procedures encountered with soft tissue quadriceps tendon autograft (QTA) for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients ≤ 18 years old. Methods: After institutional review board approval, operative records of all pediatric patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent ACLR from June 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A consecutive series of patients who underwent ACLR with a QTA with minimum 6 month-follow up were included in the study. Skeletally immature patients underwent an all-epiphyseal (AE) technique while patients nearing skeletal maturity or that were skeletally mature underwent a complete transphyseal (CT) procedure. All patients underwent ACLR by utilizing a full thickness soft tissue QTA without a bone plug. Additionally, patients who were determined to be at high risk of re-tear underwent a concomitant a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) with a modified Lemaire technique. Preoperative demographic information, surgical details, associated diagnosis, and subsequent injuries and complications were collected. Complications associated with the quadriceps tendon harvest site and use of QTA including removal of non-absorbable sutures from the autograft donor site, quadriceps tendon rupture, and the subsequent development of a superior patellar osteochondritis dissecans lesions (OCD) were reported. Results: A total of 143 pediatric patients ≤ 18 years old underwent an ACLR with a soft tissue QTA during the study period. Of the 143 eligible patients, 137 patients had minimum 6-month follow-up and were included in the study. After 3 attempted contacts, six patients (4%) were deemed lost to follow-up and excluded from the study. The mean age was 14.8±1.6 (range 11-18 years) and 60% were male. The average follow-up time was of 2.0 ± 1.1 years (range 0.5-4.9 years). Of the 137 patients included in the study, 11 (8%) had a subsequent complication associated with the use a of a QTA. Baseline demographic characteristics of this cohort are summarized in (Table 1). Of the 11 patients with QTA related complications, 8 (6%) had a subsequent procedure to remove non- absorbable sutures used for the donor site closure. When we first began to perform QTA ACLR, non- absorbable sutures were used to close the donor site defect. We encountered a subset of patients that developed persistent donor site irritation and pain associated to the use of such sutures, and consequently changed our technique to use absorbable sutures. Interestingly, 2 (1%) patients developed OCD-like lesions in the superior aspect of the patella 1.2 ± 0.8 years on average following surgery (Fig 1). We speculate that the QTA harvest could have compromised the vasculature of the patella, thus resulting in the development of OCD and subsequent chondromalacia. Finally, 2 (1%) patients had quadriceps tendon ruptures following QTA ACLR. The first patient aged 16, slipped and fell onto a hyperflexed left knee 6 weeks after QTA ACLR and sustained a small boney avulsion injury of the superior pole of the patella. During repair, cultures were taken, and rare Staphylococcus aureus were identified. The patient was placed on Keflex for 4 weeks, however 2 weeks after finishing treatment they presented with sudden limited range of motion, increased pain, and a yellow appearing scab. An ultrasound guided aspirated was positive for Staphylococcus aureus, and the patient subsequently underwent an infection and debridement procedure. The second patient, aged 14, sustained a non-contact injury while playing football 7 months post- operatively prior to being cleared to return to sports. They sustained a complete tear of the distal quadriceps tendon, adjacent to the donor site. Of note, 1 patient underwent a concomitant removal of non-absorbable sutures and patellar chondromalacia debridement and is thus represented twice. In addition, 5 (4%) patients had a graft failure and underwent subsequent revision ACLR, 6 (4%) had a second meniscus related surgery, 8 (6%) had a subsequent lysis of adhesions procedure and 13 (9%) underwent ACLR for injuries sustained on the contralateral knee. Conclusions: In this study, we report complications encountered with soft tissue QTA for ACLR. The complication rate for quadriceps tendon graft harvest was 8%. However, given that the removal of non- absorbable sutures from the donor site was caused by the surgical technique used, the revised complication rate for quadriceps tendon graft harvest was 3%. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to raise the suspicion that quadriceps tendon graft harvest could lead to the development of super patellar OCD as this occurred in two patients from this cohort. Although the use of a QTA has recently gained popularity due to its high return to sports and low graft failure rate, surgeons must be aware of the complications and risk associated with quadriceps tendon graft harvest. [Table: see text]

A Minimally Invasive and Simple Technique of Superficial Quadriceps Tendon Graft Harvesting

Quadriceps tendon (QT) graft is a versatile graft for anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Advantages of quadriceps tendon autograft are the superior quality of graft, customization of graft size, reduced anterior knee pain, reduced risk of neurovascular injury, reduced incidence of arthrofibrosis compared to BPTB graft, preservation of ACL agonists, i.e., hamstrings, implantation of thicker graft and better patella mobility. Considering its advantages over other available autografts, its popularity is now increasing among surgeons. Conventionally, quadriceps tendon graft is harvested by an open technique, which produces an ugly scar and delays rehabilitation. In this article, we describe a minimally invasive technique of quadriceps tendon graft harvesting with a 2-2.5-cm vertical skin incision. Our technique does not require any specialized instrumentation, unlike other reported minimally invasive QT graft harvesting techniques, as we harvest the graft with a close tendon stripper.

Soft-tissue fixation is not inferior to suture-anchor fixation in reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using a nonresorbable suture tape.

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL-R) with nonresorbable suture tape (FiberTape®, FT) is becoming popular. Patella-side fixation of the FT can be performed with suture anchors or via soft-tissue fixation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patella-side soft-tissue fixation can achieve equivalent primary stability compared to suture-anchor fixation. In ten human, fresh-frozen knee joint specimens (m/f 6/4; age 74 ± 9 a), the MPFL was identified and dissected near the femoral insertion site. In five knee joints, the MPFL-R using FT was performed with soft-tissue fixation at the patella (study group; SG), and in five knee joints, the FT was fixed via suture anchors (control group, CG). All reconstructions were evaluated until load to failure of the patella-side fixation with a displacement rate of 200mm/min. The mean maximum load to failure in the SG was 395.3 ± 57.9N. All reconstructions failed by complete tearing off the medial patellar retinaculum from its medial patellar margin, but fixation of the FT remained stable. In the CG, the mean maximum load to failure was 239.4 ± 54.5N and was significantly different compared to the SG (p = 0.04). All reconstructions failed via pullout of the suture anchors. Stiffness and elongation did not differ between the groups, and no failure of the FT was observed in any of the specimens. Primary stability of soft-tissue MPFL-R using FT was superior to suture-anchor fixation. Both fixation techniques provided sufficient primary stability, superior to previously reported native MPFL tensile strengths. MPFL-R with FT could be a possible alternative procedure for MPFL-R, eliminating potential complications due to autologous tendon graft harvesting.

A modified oblique incision in hamstring tendon graft harvesting during ACL reconstruction

BackgroundDuring anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, different methods of harvesting hamstring tendon may lead to different degrees of injury to the inferior patellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN). Most of recent studies in the literature suggest that the classic oblique incision (COI) can reduce the incidence of IPBSN injury. We proposed a modified oblique incision (MOI) and compared it with the COI in terms of the resulting levels of injury and sensory loss and the clinical outcome.MethodsPatients with ACL injury admitted to our hospital from April 2015 to July 2019 were randomly selected and included in our study. Thirty patients underwent the COI to harvest hamstring tendons, and the other 32 patients underwent the MOI. The pin prick test was performed to detect the sensation loss at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. Digital photos of the region of hypoesthesia area were taken, and then, a computer software (Adobe Photoshop CS6, 13.0.1) was used to calculate the area of the hypoesthesia. The length of the incision and knee joint functional score were also recorded.ResultsAt the final follow-up, the incidence of IPBSN injury in COI and MOI were 33.3% and 9.4%, and the areas of paresthesia were 26.4±2.4 cm2 and 9.8±3.4 cm2 respectively. There was no significant difference in the incision length or knee functional score between the two groups.ConclusionThe MOI can significantly reduce the risk of injury to the IPBSN, reduce the area of hypoesthesia, and lead to high subjective satisfaction. Therefore, compared with the COI, the MOI is a better method of harvesting hamstring tendons in ACL reconstruction.

The Effect of Graft Harvest and Skin Incision Angle on Sensory Disturbance in ACL Reconstruction With Semitendinosus-Gracilis Tendon Graft: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Cadaveric Study.

Background:Injury to the inferior branch of the saphenous nerve (IBSN) and the subsequent loss of skin sensation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are common. The literature suggests that the incision angle may affect the incidence and area of loss of skin sensation.Purpose:To determine whether there is a difference in the incidence and area of altered sensory loss on the tibia between vertical (VI) and oblique (OI) incisions for semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft harvest during ACL reconstruction. The cadaveric component was designed to determine whether there is a “safe zone” for incision by identifying the location and number of branches of the IBSN.Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Patients (n = 37) were randomized to receive either VI or OI. Incidence and area of altered skin sensation were documented during at least 1 postoperative visit. In addition, 18 cadaveric knees were dissected.Results:The presence or absence of hypoesthesia did not differ between groups postoperatively. Although no statistical differences between groups were seen in the total area of perceived altered skin sensation at 3 (P = .57), 6 (P = .08), 12 (P = .65), and 24 months (P = .27), data demonstrated a trend toward VI participants having a larger area of hypoesthesia at every time point. Among the 18 cadaveric specimens, 4 variations in the distribution of IBSN were noted: 18 (100%) had 1 branch, 14 (78%) had 2 branches, 6 (33%) had 3 branches, and 1 (6%) had 4 branches. No safe zone for incision could be identified.Conclusion:No difference was found between a vertical and an oblique incision with respect to incidence or area of sensory loss. Furthermore, it was not possible to identify a safe zone that would prevent transection of all nerves branches of the IBSN based on the cadaveric component of this study.

Injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve during tendon graft harvesting for knee ligament reconstruction: An ultrasound simulation study.

The clinical anatomy of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) is of particular importance during operations in the area of the knee, especially when material for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is harvested. The nerve can easily be injured during the harvesting procedure, leading to postoperative complications that reduce quality of life. Three different skin incisions are commonly used during hamstring tendon harvesting: horizontal, vertical, and oblique. The aim of this ultrasound simulation study was to assess the risk of IPBSN injury associated with the type of skin incision and the point-of-emergence of the IPBSN relative to the sartorius muscle. Thirty healthy volunteers (60 lower limbs) were recruited for identification of the IPBSN. When it was found, using a high-frequency ultrasound probe, three different 3 cm skin incisions over the pes anserinus were simulated. Vertical, horizontal, or oblique lines simulating incisions were marked over the pes anserinus and ultrasound was used to visualize the structures that could be injured during the marked incisions. The IPBSN was visualized in 58 lower limbs (96.7%). The results of the simulation study indicated that the vertical incision should be avoided during hamstring tendon harvesting, as it is associated with a significantly higher risk of injury (25.9%) to the IPBSN than the horizontal (3.5%) or oblique (8.6%) incisions. We recommend that a preoperative ultrasound assessment of IPBSN anatomy be performed to minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury to the nerve and associated complications. Clin. Anat. 30:868-872, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Risk of iatrogenic injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve during hamstring tendon harvesting: A meta-analysis.

Our goal was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of studies reporting data on the rate of injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve following hamstring tendon graft harvesting with respect to the type of incision over the pes anserinus. A broad search through all major electronic databases was conducted to identify articles eligible for inclusion. All available data were extracted and pooled into the analysis. Eleven studies (n = 1,050 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The study revealed that a vertical incision during hamstring tendon harvesting over the pes anserinus was associated with the highest rate of injury with a pooled rate of 51.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.6-67.2%). This was followed by oblique and horizontal incisions with pooled rates of 26.0% (95% CI,1.3-61.3%) and 22.4% (95% CI, 5.4-45.5%), respectively. We highly recommend the use of the shortest possible oblique incision during hamstring tendon harvesting over the pes anserinus. Muscle Nerve 56: 930-937, 2017.

A new technique for hamstring tendon graft harvesting

Introduction Harvesting of hamstring tendon is a very important step in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Although there are many advantages for using the hamstring tendon for cruciate ligaments reconstruction, there are many disadvantages of the traditional technique for hamstring tendon harvesting. Therefore, we have used a new technique to avoid all the disadvantages and allow for fast, easy, and perfect hamstring tendon graft harvesting. The aim of our new technique for hamstring tendon harvesting is to avoid all complications and difficulties related to graft harvesting and keeping sartorial fascia in a good and repairable condition. Patients and methods We carried out arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons autograft. We used a new technique for hamstring tendons harvesting. This work was done on 12 patients with an average age of 24 years (20–38) between March 2010 and December 2010. Results Subjective assessment was done according to International knee Documentation Committee rating system. This was defined as four grades as follows: normal (a), nearly normal (b), abnormal (c), and severely abnormal (d). Before ACL injury, 12 (100%) patients considered their knees to have been grade A. Twenty-four months after reconstruction, 11 patients rated their knees as normal or nearly normal. One patient rated his knee as abnormal at 2 years of follow-up. This patient had severe osteoarthritic changes. Conclusion It would be advisable to follow this technique of graft harvesting for all individuals undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons to avoid the problems encountered with the standard technique and also to achieve an excellent outcome.

Relationship between peri-incisional dysesthesia and the vertical and oblique incisions on the hamstrings harvest in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of peri-incisional dysesthesia according to the skin incision technique for hamstring tendon graft harvest in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. MethodsThirty-three patients with ACL rupture were separated in two groups: group 1, with 19 patients submitted to the oblique skin incision to access the hamstrings and group 2–14 patients operated by vertical skin incision technique. The selected patients were assessed after surgery. Demographic data and prevalence of dysesthesia was measured by digital pressure around the skin incision and classified according to the Highet scale. ResultsThe total rate of dysesthesia was 42% (14 patients). Five patients (26%) on the oblique incision group reported dysesthesia symptoms. On the group submitted to the vertical incision technique, the involvement was 64% (nine patients). On the 33 knees evaluated, the superior lateral area was the most affected skin region, while the superior medial and inferior medial regions were affected in only one patient (7.1%). No statistical differences between both groups were observed regarding patients’ weight, age, and height¸ as well as skin incision length. ConclusionPatients who underwent reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using the oblique access technique had five times lower incidence of peri-incisional dysesthesia when compared with those in whom the vertical access technique was used.

Relação da disestesia peri‐incisional com os acessos vertical e oblíquo na retirada dos tendões flexores na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho

ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of peri‐incisional dysesthesia according to the skin incision technique for hamstring tendon graft harvest in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. MethodsThirty‐three patients with ACL rupture were separated in two groups: group 1, with 19 patients submitted to the oblique skin incision to access the hamstrings and group 2‐ 14 patients operated by vertical skin incision technique. The selected patients were assessed after surgery. Demographic data and prevalence of dysesthesia was measured by digital pressure around the skin incision and classified according to the Highet scale. ResultsThe total rate of dysesthesia was 42% (14 patients). Five patients (26%) on the oblique incision group reported dysesthesia symptoms. On the group submitted to the vertical incision technique, the involvement was 64% (nine patients). On the 33 knees evaluated, the superior lateral area was the most affected skin region, while the superior medial and inferior medial regions were affected in only one patient (7.1%). No statistical differences between both groups were observed regarding patients’ weight, age, and height¸ as well as skin incision length. ConclusionPatients who underwent reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using the oblique access technique had five times lower incidence of peri‐incisional dysesthesia when compared with those in whom the vertical access technique was used.

Ulnar nerve transection during Tommy John surgery: novel findings and approach to treatment.

While iatrogenic injuries to peripheral nerves in sports-related surgeries are rare, the morbidity of a peripheral nerve injury can be substantial, particularly in the young, active patient population [8]. Medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction with tendon graft (Tommy John surgery) is a safe and effective operative intervention in treating medial elbow instability in overhead throwing athletes [6, 9] and complications are rare. Ulnar nerve neurapraxia is the most commonly recognized nerve complication [4]. However, median nerve transection during tendon graft harvest has been reported [5, 7, 10, 11, 13]. We report the first documented case of a complete ulnar nerve transection following UCL reconstruction and present a novel surgical intervention to address this serious complication.

Is There a Gender Difference in Fat Distribution around the Hamstring Tendon Insertion? A Prospective MRI Evaluation of 40 Cases

Introduction. Knee ligament reconstructions are commonly performed using hamstring tendon grafts. We observed anecdotally that there was a difference in the fat distribution superficial to the pes anserinus between men and women and proposed that this effect was independent of BMI, being significantly greater in women. Methods. We performed a prospective study to evaluate 40 MRI scans performed in 20 women and 20 men. The scans allowed visualisation of the insertion of the hamstring tendons at the pes anserinus. Results. The mean BMI of the male patients was 25.6 (19.8–37.2) and of the female patients was 24.7 (17.9–34.5). The mean fat distribution superficial to the pes anserinus in men was 16.2 mm (4.1–29.4) and in women was 29.7 mm (19.6–47.5). There was a significant increase in fat superficial to the hamstring tendons in women compared with men (P<0.001), despite no significant difference in BMI (P=0.5). Conclusions. Our evaluation of a prospective series of MRI scans has shown that there is significantly more fat superficial to the insertion of the hamstring tendons in women than in men. This effect is independent of BMI and may influence exposure during hamstring tendon graft harvesting.

“Central” Quadriceps Tendon Harvest With Patellar Bone Plug: Surgical Technique Revisited

The objective of this article is to review the surgical technique for quadriceps tendon graft harvest while highlighting an additional technical note that has not been previously emphasized. The quadriceps tendon typically inserts eccentrically on the superior pole of the patella. By shifting the soft-tissue harvest to a location just off the medial edge of the tendon, the adjoining patellar bone plug will be centered on the superior pole of the patella, reducing the risk of an iatrogenic patellar fracture.

Anatomic Guidelines for Harvesting a Quadriceps Free Tendon Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to review the anatomy of the quadriceps tendon and provide guidelines for harvesting the quadriceps tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Eleven cadaveric knees were dissected, and the quadriceps tendon was analyzed. Multiple measurements of length, depth, and width were taken in a standardized manner for each cadaver and recorded. The quadriceps tendon superficial morphology showed 2 distinct peaks, with the maximum length correlating with the lateral peak. The mean tendon peak length was 88.3 ± 8.4 mm (range, 78.3 to 99.7 mm). The mean width of the quadriceps tendon at its insertion onto the patella was 43.3 ± 5.8 mm (range, 34.3 to 54.1 mm). The quadriceps tendon was noted to be asymmetric, with the maximum tendon length located at 61.6% ± 4.1% of the width from the medial border of the quadriceps tendon insertion. This point was also the maximum tendon depth at insertion. Quadriceps free tendon graft harvesting should begin by locating the apex (maximum length) of the quadriceps tendon (61% of the distance from the patella's medial edge). The surgeon should then harvest a 10-mm-wide graft centered about 2 mm medial to this point, using the depth of a No. 10 scalpel blade (7 mm) as a guide to thickness to harvest an optimal quadriceps free tendon graft for ACL reconstruction. This anatomic study identifies the site of harvest of a quadriceps free tendon autograft (without a patellar bone block) to maximize the length and bulk of the graft for its use in ACL reconstruction.