Tendon Graft Research Articles

Two-Stage Flexor Tendon Reconstruction for Finger Contracture Secondary to Phlegmon: A Case Report

Flexor tendon reconstruction is a complex surgical procedure that requires great precision and specialized expertise. It remains a preferred treatment for patients with neglected lacerations of the digital flexor tendon and after the failure of flexor tendon repair. Improvements in tendon repair methods and follow-up techniques have enhanced outcomes after flexor tendon grafting. Case Presentation: A 14-year-old girl with a history of a phlegmon of the 4th finger of the right hand, treated with antibiotics and drainage. The evolution is marked after 2 years by the progressive development of a flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. On examination, there is a flexion attitude and an inability to extend the PIP joint without vascular or nervous disorders. A two-stage reconstruction was performed using the palmaris longus tendon as a graft. With a follow-up of 3 years, the girl has recovered complete flexion and has limited extension to 25° at the PIP joint. An arthrolysis was proposed, but the girl refused, and she is satisfied with the results.

Evaluation of Return to Military Activities after Combining Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Modified Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Versus Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Alone in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear in Soldiers. A Randomized Comparative Study

Abstract Background: This study aimed to assess the clinical result, complications, failure rate, and return to resuming military duty of a single-stage anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) procedure utilizing quadrupled semitendinosus tendon graft joint with modified lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). This study evaluates the potential impact of combined modified LET with ACLR versus ACLR alone on the rate of return to high-impact military activities, which we call return to sports (RTSs), and the subsequent rate of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure. Materials and Methods: A total of 198 soldiers with primary ACL tears with a high-grade pivot test (grade 3) were included and randomized using the simple randomized method and divided into two groups. A consecutive cohort of military personnel with an isolated ACL tear undergoing ACLR with modified LET (group A, n = 116) and ACLR alone (group B, n = 82) were analyzed between 2016 and 2021. Both groups were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Soldiers underwent a survey evaluating knee function (knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score [KOOS]), RTS criteria (RTS type), symptoms (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] subjective), activity level (Tegner score), and fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11) to assess psychological readiness for sport participation. Results: Among these, a mean age of 32 ± 2.93 years underwent primary ACLR with modified LET (n = 116) or without LET (n = 82) procedure. A total of 31 soldiers (15.6%) experienced ACL graft failure, including 26 (31.7%) reconstructions without LET and 5 (4.3%) with LET. Combined with LET during primary ACLR, it lowered the risk of graft failure by 2.8 times. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant reduction in graft rupture risk (relative risk = 0.325, P = 0.029) associated with LET compared to ACLR alone after adjusting for age, anthropometric factors, and tibial slopes. 105 out of 113 (90.5%) soldiers were able to return to military duty in group A (combined ACLR with modified LET), whereas 51 of 81 (62.9%) of the soldiers who underwent ACLR alone (group B) returned to military duty (P = 0.05). Conclusion: At 24 months postoperatively, combined ACLR plus LET showed a significantly higher RTS rate than ACLR alone. The combined ACLR with the modified LET group also showed a lower failure rate than the ACLR alone group. No marked differences were observed in KOOS sub-scores, IKDCsubjective, and Tegner activity scores.

Comparison of a full tibial tunnel or an all-inside technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An observational study.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction performed with either a full tibial tunnel technique or an all-inside technique. Data from patients with ACL rupture who underwent ACL reconstruction using autogenous hamstring tendon grafts between January 2019 and July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months. Preoperative and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee scores, Lysholm knee scores, visual analog scale pain scores, Tegner activity scale scores, C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell (WBC) count, D-dimer levels, and neutrophils were recorded. At the final follow-up, side-to-side differences were assessed with the pivot shift test, Lachman test, anterior drawer test, and a knee laxity-testing device. This study included 135 patients with ACL rupture, with 62 patients (43 males and 19 females, mean age: 34.42 ± 12.79 years) undergoing the full tibial tunnel technique, and 73 patients (58 males and 15 females, mean age: 32.41 ± 11.01 years) undergoing the all-inside techniques (AITs). There were no significant differences in postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee scores, Lysholm knee scores, or Tegner activity scale scores, except at postoperative 6 months. visual analog scale pain scores showed significant improvement in patients that underwent the AIT compared to the full tibial tunnel technique at postoperative 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month; however, there were no significant differences at postoperative 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, WBC count, D-dimer levels, and neutrophils were significantly lower in patients that underwent the AIT compared to the full tibial tunnel technique at postoperative 1 month, but there were no other significant differences in these outcome measures, except for WBC count at postoperative 3 months. There was no significant difference in knee stability at the last follow-up. In ACL reconstruction, functional outcomes following the AIT are satisfactory and similar to the total tibial tunnel technique, but patients experience less pain and a reduced early postoperative inflammatory response. These results highlight the promising potential of AITs in the clinical management of ACL rupture and advocate for their widespread adoption.

Relationship between peroneus longus tendon graft thickness and anthropometric variables: a radiographic study using ultrasonography

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of anthropometric measurements for two-stranded peroneus longus tendon (PLT) graft thickness using ultrasonographyMaterials and methodsA prospective study was conducted on 204 healthy volunteers (102 males and 102 females) aged 18–40 years. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), fibular length, calf circumference, and ankle circumference. The Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) was used to assess activity levels. PLT cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured using ultrasonography. Two-stranded PLT graft thickness was calculated using the previously reported formula by Luo et al. A thickness of less than 8 mm of PLT graft was accepted as an insufficient autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of two-stranded PLT graft thickness. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to establish the best threshold values.ResultsMales had a significantly greater PLT CSA (0.17 ± 0.03 cm2) and predicted two-stranded PLT graft thickness (8.1 ± 0.6 mm) compared with females (0.15 ± 0.03 cm2 and 7.5 ± 0.6 mm, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). Correlation analysis revealed that two-stranded PLT graft thickness positively correlated with height, weight, BMI, fibular length, calf circumference, ankle circumference, and Tegner Activity Scale in both genders, with stronger correlations observed in females. The logistic regression model identified height and calf circumference as significant predictors of sufficient two-stranded PLT graft thickness (≥ 8 mm) in males, while calf circumference and the TAS were significant predictors in females. ROC analysis demonstrated that calf circumference and the TAS had acceptable discriminatory abilities in females, with 36.25 cm and ≥ 4 cutoff points, respectively. However, no anthropometric variables in males exhibited strong discriminatory abilities for predicting two-stranded PLT graft thicknessConclusionsCalf circumference and the TAS are significant predictors for two-stranded PLT autograft thickness in females. However, no anthropometric variables in males could be used strongly for prediction. These anthropometric measurements can assist in preoperative planning and decision-making, potentially improving ACLR outcomes by ensuring adequate graft thickness in females.Level of evidence: Level II prospective study

Surgical Management for Boutonniere Disease

Boutonniere disease is a hand injury causing extension lag or restriction in the proximal interphalangeal joint and hyperextension in the distal interphalangeal joint. This condition often arises from direct laceration or closure damage to the central tendon, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Dupuytren contracture, pulley injury, burns, and other conditions. Surgical management for Boutonniere deformity relies on the expertise of the attending physician and involves both non-surgical and surgical options. In acute cases, conservative therapy should be pursued, while in chronic cases, conservative management may be advised. Surgical intervention is used to transform excessive extension force of the distal interphalangeal joint into extension force of the proximal interphalangeal joint. This is necessary to heal an open rupture of the central tendon. Surgical techniques for chronic deformity are complex due to variables and hand surgeons' expertise. There is no definitive surgical therapy for persistent buttonhole deformity, but several approaches have been documented in case studies. These include terminal tenotomy, collateral band surgery, central tendon surgery, tendon transfer and grafting, stepwise extension mechanism readjustment surgery, and arthrodesis. Central tendon surgery addresses the central tendon, where injured tissue transforms into scar tissue, resulting in delayed extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Tendon transfer or grafting have been documented for rotator cuff mechanism rehabilitation, but no definitive guidance exists for these techniques. Curtis treatment introduced a sequential therapy approach for traumatic buttonhole deformity, which involves splinting, excising the transverse reticular ligament, resecting and lengthening the collateral ligament, and repositioning the core tendon. Arthrodesis may be applicable in cases of advanced arthritis, coronal plane deformity, functional impairment, or elderly patients. There are no definitive indications for surgical interventions for persistent buttonhole deformity, and outcomes may be variable or inferior. Understanding the deformity, its progression, and patient's functional constraints is crucial for effective treatment

Patellar Tendon Reconstruction Using Hamstring Graft: A Case Report

Background: Patellar tendon ruptures presenting in a chronic setting are rare events that impose technical surgical challenges due to proximal retraction of the patella, quadriceps muscle atrophy and contracture, and peripatellar adhesions. Various reconstruction techniques have been described using different grafts and fixation methods; however, there is a paucity of reported out- comes and there is no consensus on standard of care. Indications: The patient is a young female of 18yrs who presented with a history of trauma to right knee and was diagnosed with chronic patellar tendon tear. The patient was indicated for patellar tendon reconstruction with autologous hamstring tendon graft due to chronicity of the injury. Method: Patellar tendon reconstruction using hamstrings graft and fixing with anchor suture and interference screw. Result: Achieving normal patella tendon height and complete range of motion with restoration of extensor mechanism of knee. Conclusion: Knee extensor mechanism disruptions necessitate prompt surgical correction. In patients with poor tendon quality and/or a history of knee arthroplasty, primary repair should be supplemented with autograft or allograft. Early repairs yield better results than late interventions, which necessitate intricate reconstructions to reestablish the extensor mechanism's continuity. Achieving early osteointegration of the graft is important in case of tendon reconstructive procedures such as in this case as it leads to better outcomes in terms of rehabilitation and early progress to daily activities. Keys Words: tendon injuries, patellar tendon reconstruction, chronic patellar tendon tear, hamstring graft, hamstring tendon autograft, interference screw

Which tendon graft to choose for anatomical ligament reconstruction in chronic lateral ankle instability? A biomechanical study

BackgroundThe need for anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction of the ankle continues to grow. This procedure usually requires a gracilis autograft or in some cases an allograft. Siegler et al. reported the mechanical characteristics of the collateral lateral ligaments of the human ankle: 231 ± 129 N for the ATFL and 307 ± 142 N for the CFL.The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of different tendon grafts available for ATFL and CFL reconstruction. We hypothesized that the properties of the tested grafts are not inferior to the published values of those of the original ligaments on the lateral side of the ankle. MethodsThis was a comparative biomechanical study using 6 cadaver specimens (108 grafts): The biomechanical properties of nine types of grafts were determined using validated tensile testing methods: Gracilis, SemiT, EHL, FHL, Plantaris, Peroneus longus and brevis, TA and TP.The main outcome measure was the comparison of the mechanical properties of each single-stranded tendon with each other and with the known values ​​for the ATFL and CFL, during a uniaxial static rupture test. ResultsThe mean load to failure for the gracilis was 257.5 ± 52.9 N. The groups had similar mean values in terms of the maximum load that they could withstand before failing except for the plantaris (137.9 ± 33.7 N) which was statistically lower than all other tested tendons (p < 0,01).The mean load to failure values of the grafts tested were equal or higher than that of the ATFL and CFL reported by Siegler et al. [14]: 231 ± 129 N for the ATFL and 307 ± 142 N for the CFL, while the grafts tested here had mean failure load between 258 ± 53 N and 464 ± 136 N. ConclusionThe gracilis, peroneus longus/brevis, EHL, FHL, TA, TP and semiT are legitimate grafts for combined ATFL and CFL reconstruction in the ankle. These tendons have mechanical properties (load to failure, maximum strain at failure and stiffness) that are equal to or higher than the native ligaments on the lateral side of the ankle, except the plantaris. Clinical relevanceThis study validates the current use of the gracilis autograft for the anatomical reconstruction of the ATFL and CFL, and even provides proof that other tendons would be suitable for this anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligament by auto or even allograft under certain conditions. Level of evidenceDescriptive laboratory study.

Longevity in Sport 25 years post ACL reconstruction: A prospective study comparing patients with patellar tendon and hamstring grafting to uninjured controls

Longevity in Sport 25 years post ACL reconstruction: A prospective study comparing patients with patellar tendon and hamstring grafting to uninjured controls

Overexpression of CGRP receptor attenuates tendon graft degeneration in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Cell apoptosis or necrosis, extracellular matrix loss, and excessive inflammation may induce tendon graft degeneration. The impairment in the regeneration capability of nerve fibers and blood vessels may be the critical cause. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), exhibiting a short half-life, favors cell proliferation, nerve fiber regeneration and angiogenesis. We aimed to investigate the effects of CGRP receptor-mediated signaling on tendon graft integrity and study if the modulation pathways are ascribed to cell proliferation, nerve fiber and blood vessel regeneration. A total of three groups in mice with ACL reconstruction were established: the control group (PBS treatment), the adenovirus vectors expressing CGRP receptor (CALCRL) treated group (Adv-Calcrl treatment), and the adenovirus vectors carrying shRNA targeting Calcrl treated group (Adv-shCalcrl treatment). The histological assessment indicated the Adv-Calcrl treatment was favored while the Adv-shCalcrl significantly impaired tendon graft integrity. TUNEL staining revealed a significant decreased number of apoptotic cells in the Adv-Calcrl group relative to the control group and the adv-shCalcrl group. Compared to the control group and the Adv-shCalcrl group, the Adv-Calcrl group showed significantly enhanced proliferation of nestin positive cells. Of note, the Adv-Calcrl treatment significantly increased EMCN expression at the tendon graft relative to the control and the Adv-shCalcrl groups, which may be ascribed to attenuation of the Hippo signaling pathway. Importantly, the Adv-Calcrl treatment significantly increased sensory nerve fibers and also PIEZO2 levels. Our results demonstrate the activation of CGRP receptor-mediated signaling attenuated tendon graft degeneration, which was ascribed to enhanced proliferation of Nestin positive cells, angiogenesis, and nerve fiber outgrowth.

Peroneus Longus vs Hamstring Tendon Autografts in ACL Reconstruction: A Comparative Study of 106 Patients' Outcomes.

BACKGROUND Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction commonly uses a hamstring tendon autograft, but the peroneus longus tendon can also be used. This study aimed to compare outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 106 patients using peroneus longus tendon and hamstring tendon autografts. MATERIAL AND METHODS ACL repair was performed on 54 patients using a hamstring tendon autograft and 52 patients with a peroneus longus tendon autograft. Knee function was assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, while the ankle was evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and the Foot &amp; Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores. Donor-site morbidity and graft characteristics were compared. RESULTS There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of knee IKDC and Lysholm scores (p=0.49, p=0.68, respectively). The diameter of the peroneus longus tendon graft (8.56±0.93) was significantly larger than the hamstring tendon (7.44±0.6) (p<0.001). The peroneus graft harvesting time was significantly shorter (p<0.001). Thigh hypotrophy and donor-site morbidity were significantly higher in the hamstring group (p<0.001 and p=0.006). The donor ankle AOFAS score was 93.46±3.8, and the FADI score was 93.48±4.6. No morbidity associated with the peroneus longus graft was observed. CONCLUSIONS Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using the peroneus longus tendon experienced faster knee rehabilitation and less donor-site morbidity, such as thigh hypotrophy and knee pain. The peroneus longus tendon, with its larger diameter, fewer graft-related complications, and similar knee scores compared to the hamstring group, is considered a suitable alternative graft source.

Histological Changes in the Blood Vessels of Ruptured Human Anterior Cruciate Ligaments.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a commonly encountered sports injury worldwide.ACL rupture is known to have poor healing capacity, hypothesized to be due to low vascularity. ACL reconstruction surgery with ligament removal and tendon graft became essential for the higher grades of ACL tears. However, ACL-reconstructed patients faced post-traumatic osteoarthritis 10-15 years after surgery. In the recent past, the tibial remnant of ACL was shown to have intrinsic healing potential. Blood vessel density and the location of blood vessels of ACL remnants have critical implications in the newly upcoming remnant-preservation ACL reconstruction surgeries that showed better healing response. This study was performed to characterize the histological features of ruptured ACL remnants in terms of blood vessels to assess the healing potential and their utility in novel surgical techniques. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which the tibial remnant of 24 ruptured ACL samples was evaluated for blood vessel density (per sq. mm), luminal area (sq. µm), and location of blood vessels using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining with ImageJ software (U. S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA). The blood vessel density and location of blood vessels were compared among various groups based on the duration of injury and number of injuries. Twenty-three male and one female adult patients with a mean duration of injury of 7.54 ± 5.63 months (range: 2-24 months) were included in the study. They were divided into three groups based on duration of injury: group I (2-5 months; n = 10), group II (6-8 months; n = 8), and group III (9-24 months; n = 6). The median blood vessel density (blood vessels per sq. mm) was 5.50 (3.30, 10.23) per sq. mm. There was no correlation of blood vessel density observed with duration of injury. All groups showed similar results statistically.More patients in earlier duration of injury showed very high range (10.1-40 per sq. mm) of blood vessels compared to the patients of later duration. Immature and intermediary blood vessels were identified denoting angiogenesis. Location of blood vessels varied in the groups based on duration of injury. There was no significant difference in blood vessel density and location of blood vessels between patients with single injury and those with multiple injuries. The present study demonstrates the presence of healing potential of ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments in terms of blood vessel density, luminal area, and location of blood vessels. Future studies looking into the functional outcome would enhance the understanding of utility of novel remnant-preservation surgeries in place of standard graft reconstruction surgeries.

Arthroscopic Dorsal Round-Block Capsulo-Ligamentoplasty for Dynamic Scapholunate Instability: An Anatomical Study and Case Series

Abstract Background Chronic dynamic scapholunate (SL) instability remains difficult to treat. Several treatment options exist. Purpose We propose an arthroscopic dorsal round-block capsulo-ligamentoplasty technique to treat dynamic scapholunate instability: a dorsal purse-string-like suture around the dorsal aspect of the proximal row, following the course of the dorsal intercarpal ligament (DICL). A Fiberwire suture travels between the radiocarpal and midcarpal space, piercing the attachments of the DICL on the triquetrum and of the scaphotrapezial ligament on the distal scaphoid. It reinforces the DICL and the dorso-capsuloscapholunate septum, also inducing a fibrotic healing. Moreover, it produces an extension lever correcting the scaphoid flexion/pronation. Compared with other capsulodesis techniques, the all-inside dorsal round-block capsulo-ligamentoplasty is theoretically likely to produce less stiffness, without additional damage to the SL complex. The wrist remains practically undamaged after surgery: no bone tunnels, bone anchors, or tendon grafts are required, thus enabling all possible secondary procedures. Data of a cadaveric study and case series illustrate the technique. Conclusion The arthroscopic dorsal round-block capsulo-ligamentoplasty can be considered to treat chronic dynamic scapholunate instability.

Choice of Acromioclavicular Dislocation Treatment Should Not Be Influenced by Risk of Development of Acromioclavicular Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

It is currently unknown to what degree surgical or nonoperative treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation influences the development of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to evaluate AC OA after surgical and nonoperative treatment for AC dislocations, compare OA prevalence between treatment options, and compare OA prevalence between the injured and contralateral shoulder. Articles reporting on the prevalence of OA after surgical or nonoperative treatment of an AC dislocation with a minimal 2-year follow-up were included. AC OA presence was extracted for the injured and contralateral shoulder. Treatment categories were defined based on anatomical variation in the reattachment of ligaments: AC fixation, coracoclavicular (CC) fixation, AC and CC fixation, Bosworth screw synthetic graft, tendon graft, and conservative. Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Ninety-four articles were included for qualitative analysis, and 7 articles were included for meta-analysis (n = 3,812; follow-up = 2.0-24.2 years; mean age 37.6 ± 10.4 years). A total of 3,483 patients underwent surgical treatment, and 329 patients underwent conservative treatment. OA prevalence ranged from 6.7%-29.3% between 7 pooled treatment categories. Most included studies had a follow-up <10 years (94%) and OA prevalence increased with time, regardless of treatment option. There was no difference in OA prevalence between the injured and contralateral shoulder (p = 0.120). MINORS scores were varied, ranging from poor to very good. The pooled AC OA prevalence of the 7 treatment categories ranged from 6.7% for the CC fixation surgical group to 29.3% for the conservative treatment group. However, the included studies were predominantly of low quality and had varying follow-up periods, with most having relatively short follow-up durations. No difference in AC OA prevalence was found between the injured and contralateral shoulder. Based on the available evidence, treatment choice for AC dislocation should not be influenced by the potential development of AC AO. Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Reduced Knee Flexion Strength 18 Years After ACL Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Versus Patellar Tendon

Background: Bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) and double-looped semitendinosus and gracilis (hamstring) grafts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Short-term and midterm studies show little or no differences between the 2 grafts; however, there are only a few long-term studies to compare results between the 2 grafts. Purpose: To compare the results after using either BPTB grafts or hamstring tendon grafts 18 years after ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence 2. Methods: A total of 114 patients with ACL rupture between 2001 and 2004 were randomized to reconstruction with either a BPTB graft or a hamstring tendon graft. Patients were operated on at 4 major hospitals. The 18-year follow-up evaluation included anterior knee laxity measured with a KT-1000 arthrometer, defined as the primary outcome, while clinical examination (Lachman and pivot-shift tests), isokinetic testing of muscle strength, patient-reported outcome measures, and an assessment of radiographic osteoarthritis using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification were defined as secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 96 patients (84%, 47 BPTB and 49 hamstring grafts) were available for follow-up, 71 of these for clinical examination. Seven of 96 patients were excluded for ACL revision (n = 5) or knee replacement (n = 2) surgery. In total, 25 patients (10 BPTB and 15 hamstring grafts) had undergone additional surgery other than ACL revision or total knee arthroplasty. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of anterior laxity test with KT-1000 arthrometer (primary outcome). In secondary outcomes, no significant differences between groups were reported regarding clinical examination, patient-reported outcome scores, or radiographic osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-4 for patellofemoral joint [18 hamstring and 14 BPTB] or tibiofemoral joint [20 hamstring and 19 BPTB]), while isokinetic testing revealed that the hamstring group had a 10.7% reduction in mean peak flexion torque compared with the BPTB group at 60 deg/s (df = 59; P = .011). At 60 deg/s the mean total flexion work in the hamstring group was reduced by 17.2% compared with the BPTB group (df = 59; P = .002). Conclusion: The flexion strength in the hamstring group was significantly reduced in the operated knee after 18 years. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding subjective outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, clinical and instrumented knee laxity, and the development of osteoarthritis. Registration: NCT05876013 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Cell-based tissue engineered flexor tendon allograft: A canine in vivo study.

This study aimed to compare the clinically established autologous extrasynovial tendon graft to a newly developed tissue-engineered allograft (Eng-allograft) in terms of functional outcomes following flexor tendon reconstruction in a canine model. The second and fifth flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons from 16 dogs were transected and repaired in Zone II. After 6 weeks of cage activity, the repaired tendons were intentionally ruptured, creating a clinically relevant model for reconstruction. The re-ruptured FDP tendons were then reconstructed using either the clinically standard autologous extrasynovial tendon graft or the Eng-allograft, which had been revitalized with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and synovialized using carbodiimide derivatized synovial fluid (cd-SYN). Following 12 weeks of postoperative rehabilitation, the functional outcomes of the surgical digits were evaluated. The Eng-allograft group exhibited improved digital function, including lower digit work of flexion and reduced adhesion status, while maintaining similar tendon gliding resistance compared to the autograft group. However, the failure load of both the distal and proximal host/graft conjunctions in the Eng-allograft group was significantly lower than that of the autograft group with higher graft rupture at the host-graft junction. In conclusion, the decellularized allogenic intrasynovial tendon, when revitalized BMSCs and synovialized with cd-SYN, demonstrates positive effects on digital function improvement and adhesion reduction. However, the healing at both proximal and distal graft/host junctions is far lower than the autograft. Further research is needed to enhance the healing capacity of allograft conjunctions, aiming to achieve a comparable level of healing seen with autografts.

Reconstructing Quadriceps Tendon Disruptions in Post Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients with an Autogenous Peroneal Tendon Graft: A Viable Alternative.

Quadriceps tendon disruption post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rare. Existing reconstruction procedures use allografts or synthetic meshes with varied success. This study evaluates outcomes with autogenous peroneal tendon grafts, a cost-effective alternative, compared to synthetic polypropylene mesh for quadriceps reconstruction. 16 patients who underwent extensor mechanism reconstruction between 2017 and 2021were retrospectively analysed. Parameters evaluated included type of reconstruction, extensor lag, IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) Score and AOFAS-Hindfoot-score (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society). At final follow-up, extensor lag for peroneal autograft group was 6.6° ± 1.5 and for synthetic polypropylene mesh group, 7.2° ± 0.7. Both groups improved in IKDC score (p < 0.01) AOFAS-Hindfoot-score was comparable for peroneal autograft patients with opposite side (p = 0.15). Autogenous peroneal tendon graft for quadriceps reconstruction could be viable, cost-effective alternative to allografts or synthetic meshes, with good clinical outcomes. Graphical abstract depicting the harvesting of the peronei grafts and their passage through the quadriceps tendon. Sonographic image showing the preoperative presence of a gap in the quadriceps tendon which is reconstructed post-operatively. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-024-01247-8.

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

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

Reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament complex with aflat semitendinosus auto- or allograft

Replacement of superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL) with an allograft. Chronic 3° isolated medial instability and combined anteromedial or posteromedial instability. Infection, open growth plates, restricted range of motion (less than E/F 0-0-90°). Longitudinal incision from medial epicondyle to superficial pes anserinus and exposure of the medial collateral ligament complex. Thawing of the allogeneic semitendinosus tendon graft at room temperature, reinforcement of the tendon ends with sutures and preparation of atwo-stranded graft. Placement of guidewires in the sMCL and POL insertions and control with image intensifier. Tunnel drilling. Pulling the graft loop into the femoral bone tunnel and fixation with aflip button. Pulling the two graft ends into the tibial tunnels. Tibial fixation by knotting the suture ends in a20° flexion on the lateral cortex. Suture the tendon bundles to the remaining remnants of the medial collateral ligament complex to adopt the flat structure of the natural medial collateral ligament complex. Six weeks partial weight-bearing, immediately postoperatively splint in the extended position, after 2weeks movable knee brace for another 4-6weeks. Mobility: 4weeks 0-0-60, 5th and 6th weeks 0-0-90. From 2015-2021, this surgical procedure was performed in 19patients (5women, 14men, age34years). Mean Lysholm score at follow-up after at least 2years was 89 (76-99) points. In 6patients, there was restricted range of motion 3months postoperatively, which resulted in further therapy (3 ×systemic cortisone therapy, 3 ×arthroscopically supported manipulations under anesthesia).

Treatment concepts for the medial clavicle and the sternoclavicular joint

Medial clavicle fractures and injuries to the sternoclavicular joint are rare injuries but can have life-threatening consequences. There are no standardized treatment algorithms or guidelines for the diagnostics and treatment. This article provides an overview of the individual topographies as well as the conservative and surgical treatment strategies.Conservative treatment is preferred for medial clavicle fractures. The indications for surgical treatment are variable but this is frequently carried out if there is a fracture displacement > 1 cm or1 shaft width and high functional demands. In the case of accompanying injuries to neurovascular structures, an open fracture or the threat of perforation of the skin, surgical treatment is mandatory. Open reduction and internal fixation using (locking) plates is currently the preferred form of treatment.In the case of posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint, an immediate closed reduction must be attempted with the patient under analgosedation and with emergency treatment on standby. This temporal urgency does not exist for anterior and superior dislocations. Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of unsuccessful reduction, persistent symptomatic instability or injuries of the neurovascular bundle. From a multitude of treatment options, arthrodesis with suture cerclage has shown good results. Tendon grafts as well as special hook plates are increasingly being used due to better biomechanical qualities. The surgical treatment of combined injuries is determined by the individual injury pattern.Despite the variety of treatment strategies, the long-term outcome has consistently been positively described.

Easy and safe: A new surgical fixation -technique for acute and chronic anterior instabilities of the sternoclavicular joint: technique and results

Instabilities of the SC joint are a rare injury, accounting for only 3% of all injuries of the shoulder-girdle. While acute posterior dislocations are an emergency and require immediate surgical intervention, anterior instabilities (first and second degree according to Allman) can mostly be treated conservatively. Chronic and highly instable acute anterior instabilities often imposes a significant limitation on the lives of affected patients. Currently, there is no established therapeutic algorithm in place. This retrospective case series with prospective collection of data was performed at a level-I trauma centre. Patients treated surgically for anterior SC joint instabilities between January 2013 and December 2019 and with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included. The injuries comprised of six acute anterior dislocations treated with tape-cerclage in a "figure-of-8" configuration; twelve patients with chronic anterior SC instabilities were treated with autologous tendon grafts. For one highly unstable chronic anterior instability in addition to the tendon graft synthetic suture material was applied. The clinical evaluation consisted of a physical examination and a standardized questionnaire, which included subjective and objective shoulder scores. Out of 24, 19 patients (79%) with an average age of 32 years ± 15 were available for follow-up. 63% of the patients were male. After a mean follow-up of 57 months, the mean age- and sex-adapted Constant-Murley Shoulder Score (CS) of acute anterior luxations amounted to 90 points ± 20, Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS) to 81 points ± 22 and DASH Score to 11 points ± 18. Chronic anterior instabilities had a mean CS of 90 points ± 12, NCS of 83 points ± 17 and DASH Score of 4 points ± 5. The study shows a complication rate of 10%. Two patients underwent revision surgery. To conlude, monocortical SCJ fixation in a "figure-of-8" fashion presents a low risk for complication and a low revision rate and can achieve equally good functional outcome after the treatment of highly unstable acute and chronic anterior SCJ instabilities than other published techniques. Our approach presents less risk to the neurovascular structures of the mediastinum than other published techniques requiring bicortical drilling, therefore making the technique more accessible to hospitals without a cardiothoracic surgical background.