Traditional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Research Articles

The healing effect of the all inside technique is superior to the traditional technique in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Our main objective was to examine the curative effect of all inside technique and traditional technique in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In our retrospective study at the First People's Hospital of Jiashan County, we analyzed 88 participants with ACL injuries (50 males, 38 females, average age 27 years). They were randomly divided into two groups: traditional ACL reconstruction (42 participants) and all inside ACL reconstruction (46 participants). We measured and recorded the Visual Analog Scores (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm scores, operation time, graft diameter and length between the traditional technique group and all inside technique group. There were statistically significant differences in the Lysholm scores and IKDC scores between traditional and all inside technique groups. The all inside technique showed a higher efficacy and effective post-operative recovery with minimal pain and recurrent injuries. Our findings showed that the differences in gender, age, side of injury and operation time were not significant (p> 0.05). Follow-up was conducted at 6 months and 12 months post operations (mean, 7.5 ± 1.1 months). All inside technique minimizing tissue disruption, optimizing graft placement and facilitating early recovery have a significant impact on patient outcomes.

Re-tensioning Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using an Adjustable Femoral Button

Background: Despite advancements in surgical techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) treatment, persistent functional impairment, reduced quality of life, and limited physical activity participation continue to be common after postoperative rehabilitation. We modify the traditional ACL reconstruction method by using hamstring tendons grafts and re-tensioning them. Indications: This procedure is indicated for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery with soft tissue grafts, utilizing femoral fixation with an adjustable button and tibial fixation with an interference screw. Technique Description: We employ hamstring grafts for ACL reconstruction and perform femoral fixation using an adjustable button. Initially, we pull the graft approximately 10 mm less than the length of the thickest tunnel drill. This allows for subsequent graft traction after tibial fixation. Following tibial fixation, we pull the graft proximally, inserting it a few millimeters further into the femoral tunnel. This re-tensioning increases tension and enhances physical examination results. In addition, we incorporate the braid graft technique to augment the graft's final thickness. Results: This technique yields reduced postoperative residual laxity during physical examinations. Our institution's ethics committee is currently reviewing a clinical study comparing functional outcomes with traditional techniques. Discussion/Conclusion: The ACL re-tensioning technique is easily implemented and involves a subtle modification to the traditional approach, allowing for graft re-tensioning and diminishing the risk of residual laxity post-interference screw fixation. This approach acknowledges that insertion of the interference screw can inadvertently reduce graft tension, counteracting the tension applied during fixation. Consequently, this technique is expected to yield superior clinical outcomes.

A Modified Technique for All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR): True Femoral Socket

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) performed via arthroscopy is the primary treatment for anterior cruciate ligament injury. In traditional ACLR, the surgeon must create bone tunnels in both the femur and tibia, which increases the risk of bleeding and pain. The advent of all-inside technology has introduced the concept of bone sockets. However, the femoral socket created by the traditional all-inside technique is not a true femoral socket since the tunnel ends are still connected to achieve suspensory fixation. We are dedicated to achieving a true femoral socket in the all-inside ACLR technique. The AperFix Implant fixation system offers the potential for a genuine femoral socket by securely holding the ligaments in place through compression fixation. In this report, we present an all-inside ACLR using the AperFix Implant fixation system, which allows for a single exit of the femur side tunnel. This technique effectively reduces “windshield wiper” effect, “bungee cord” effect, as well as surgical time and minimizes the risk of bleeding, pain, and local microfractures.

Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis via an All-Suture Anchor

Background: In young patients, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction often results in graft failure. This may be due, in part, to concomitant injury to anterolateral complex (ALC) of the knee leading to rotatory laxity. The modified Lemaire lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) technique is intended to address the anterolateral rotatory instability due to injury to the ALC and to protect the ACL graft and meniscus. Indications: The International Anterolateral Complex Consensus Group Meeting identified 4 appropriate indications for the modified Lemaire LET procedure: revision ACL, high-grade pivot shift, generalized ligamentous laxity/genu recurvatum, and young patients returning to pivoting activities. Technique Description: The technique consists of harvesting an 8-cm long by 1-cm wide graft from the iliotibial band. The graft is released proximally and remains attached distally to Gerdy’s tubercle. The graft is then passed deep to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) from distal to proximal. The graft is then affixed to a point proximal and posterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle with an all-suture button. The graft is then tensioned with knee at 30° of flexion and neutral rotation, and then secured in place. Results: With the modified Lemaire LET, there was previously concern for overconstraint and lateral compartment degeneration. However, recent studies have shown that there is no increased risk for these complications with the LET procedure. The STABILITY trial found that the addition of LET to ACL reconstruction significantly reduces re-rupture and residual laxity when compared with ACL reconstruction alone. Moreover, the addition of LET to ACL reconstruction can restore native knee kinematics. Conclusion: The addition of the modified Lemaire LET technique to traditional ACL reconstruction is a safe and effective adjunct that reduces the occurrence of graft rupture, addresses residual rotational laxity, and can restore native knee kinematics in appropriately indicated patient populations. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

RECONSTRUÇÃO ARTROSCÓPICA TOTAL DO LIGAMENTO CRUZADO ANTERIOR

ABSTRACT Introduction: Total internal arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is one of the new technologies in recent years. The main advantage is the need for only one tendon for the surgical procedure. Objective: Compare the clinical effects of total internal and traditional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques. Methods: From January 2019 to January 2022, the clinical data of 45 patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed, including 32 males and 13 females aged 18-33 years, mean of 24.2 ± 3.3 years. Total internal reconstruction was performed in 22 cases (total internal group) and traditional reconstruction in 23 cases (traditional group). The two groups recorded and compared the time of injury, duration of surgical procedure, postoperative VAS score, and recovery of knee function. The International Knee Literature Committee (IKDC) and the Lysholm scoring system were used to evaluate clinical efficacy. Results: 45 patients were followed for 14 to 18 months, mean (15.4 ± 1.3) months. There were no significant differences between the two groups in time between operation and injury, duration of operation, IKDC, and Lysholm score of the affected knee at the last follow-up. However, there were significant differences in the VAS score on day one, day three, day seven, two weeks, and one month after the operation (P < 0.05), with no significant difference at three months, six months, and one year after the operation. Conclusion: The effect of total internal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament is equivalent to that of traditional methods, with less postoperative pain, making it the ideal choice for this treatment. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Management of Partial Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Review of the Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears comprise an estimated 10% to 27% of isolated ACL injuries. Partial ACL tears may be challenging to clinically diagnose. We reviewed relevant studies focusing on the anatomy, diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of a partial injury with the goal of providing guidance to clinicians. Although a comprehensive patient history, thorough clinical examination, and imaging studies are helpful in arriving at a diagnosis, the benchmark for diagnosis remains visualization and examination of the ACL at the time of knee arthroscopy. Currently, limited data exist about the long-term outcomes of nonsurgical treatment. Some studies demonstrate that younger, active patients have the risk of progressing to a complete ACL rupture with conservative treatment. The decision to proceed with surgery is based on careful history and physical examination findings that suggest either a "functional" or "nonfunctional" ACL. Surgical treatment consists of augmenting the intact bundle with a selective bundle reconstruction versus a traditional ACL reconstruction. Selective bundle reconstruction has limited data available but is an option. The best evidence supports traditional ACL reconstruction for the surgical management of patients with documented nonfunctional partial tears of the ACL.

Managing the Early Risk of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Approximately, one-third of individuals who sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and undergo ACL reconstruction develop radiographic posttraumatic osteoarthritis within one decade of injury. Traditional ACL reconstruction and therapeutic rehabilitation do not reduce the risk of developing posttraumatic osteoarthritis compared to individuals who do not elect to undergo ACL reconstruction. Currently, there is no cure for posttraumatic osteoarthritis; therefore, prevention of posttraumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury and reconstruction is paramount for maintaining long-term joint health following injury. The purpose of the current clinical commentary is to review the overall global burden of knee osteoarthritis and further explain the risk of posttraumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury and reconstruction, as well as outlining current methods for detecting joint tissue changes that may be indicative of early posttraumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury. Finally, we review current concepts for managing the risk of posttraumatic osteoarthritis development following ACL injury and reconstruction. The overall goal of the current review is to provide sports medicine clinicians with knowledge to help improve the long-term health of patients with traumatic knee injuries.

Rehabilitation and nutrition protocols for optimising return to play from traditional ACL reconstruction in elite rugby union players: A case study

ABSTRACTCurrent nutrition and exercise focus during rehabilitation periods has been on reducing muscle atrophy associated with immobilisation. This case report outlines a best practice anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation programme undertaken by two professional rugby athletes, with the addition of an evidence-based supplementation (gelatine and vitamin C) and exercise protocol focused on collagenous tissue. Both players ruptured their left ACL and were repaired with a traditional hamstring graft. Players undertook a structured rehabilitation programme for 34 weeks before being clinically assessed ready to play. Players saw minimal changes in body composition in the early rehabilitation period (P1 – 0.8 kg; P2 – 0.4 kg). Leg lean mass reduced in both legs of Player 1 (Injured – 0.8 kg, Non-injured – 0.6 kg) at 17 weeks, with Player 2 only experiencing a loss of 0.3 kg of lean tissue in the injured leg. Both players returned to baseline body compositions after 24 weeks. Leg strength returned to a maximum at 24 and 15 weeks, respectively, with knee function returning to baseline by 30 weeks. This case report provides evidence that nutrition and rehabilitation programmes targeted at minimising the effects of disuse in both muscle and connective tissue may assist return to play after ACL injury.

Partial tears of anterior cruciate ligament: Results of single bundle augmentation.

Background:Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common and usually present with symptomatic instability. The remnant fibers are usually removed and a traditional ACL reconstruction is done. But with increased understanding of ACL double bundle anatomy, the remnant tissue preservation along with a single bundle augmentation of the torn bundle is also suggested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of selective anatomic augmentation of symptomatic partial ACL tears. Our hypothesis is that this selective augmentation of partial ACL tears could restore knee stability and function.Materials and Methods:Consecutive cases of 314 ACL reconstructions, 40 patients had intact ACL fibers in the location corresponding to the anteromedial (AM) or posterolateral (PL) bundle and were diagnosed as partial ACL tears perioperatively. All patients underwent selective augmentation of the torn bundle, while keeping the remaining fibers intact using autogenous hamstring graft. A total of 38 patients (28 males, 10 females) were available with a minimum of 3 years followup. 26 cases had AM bundle tears and 12 cases had PL bundle tears respectively. Patients were assessed with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm score; instrumented knee testing was performed with the arthrometer (KT 2000). Statistical analysis was performed to compare the preoperative and postoperative objective evaluation.Results:At 3 years followup, 31.6% patients were graded A, 65.8% were graded B and 2.6% was graded C at IKDC objective evaluation. Manual laxity tests, Lysholm's score, mean side to side instrumental laxity and Tegner activity score improved significantly. 76% patients returned to preinjury level of sports activity after augmentation.Conclusion:The results of anatomic single bundle augmentation in partial ACL tears are encouraging with excellent improvement in functional scores, side to side laxity and return to sports activity.

Increased platelet concentration does not improve functional graft healing in bio-enhanced ACL reconstruction.

The use of an extracellular matrix scaffold (ECM) combined with platelets to enhance healing of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft ("bio-enhanced ACL reconstruction") has shown promise in animal models. However, the effects of platelet concentration on graft healing remain unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine whether increasing the platelet concentration in the ECM scaffold would (1) improve the graft biomechanical properties and (2) decrease cartilage damage after surgery. Fifty-five adolescent minipigs were randomized to five treatment groups: untreated ACL transection (n=10), conventional ACL reconstruction (n=15) and bio-enhanced ACL reconstruction using 1× (n=10), 3× (n=10) or 5× (n=10) platelet-rich plasma. The graft biomechanical properties, anteroposterior (AP) knee laxity, graft histology and macroscopic cartilage integrity were measured at 15weeks. The mean linear stiffness of the bio-enhanced ACL reconstruction procedure using the 1× preparation was significantly greater than traditional reconstruction, while the 3× and 5× preparations were not. The failure loads of all the ACL-reconstructed groups were equivalent but significantly greater than untreated ACL transection. There were no significant differences in the Ligament Maturity Index or AP laxity between reconstructed knees. Macroscopic cartilage damage was relatively minor, though significantly less when the ECM-platelet composite was used. Only the 1× platelet concentration improved healing over traditional ACL reconstruction. Increasing the platelet concentration from 1× to 5× in the ECM scaffold did not further improve the graft mechanical properties. The use of an ECM-platelet composite decreased the amount of cartilage damage seen after ACL surgery.

No difference at two years between all inside transtibial technique and traditional transtibial technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

one of the most recent technique is the "all inside" anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. One of the main characteristic of this procedure is the sparing of the tibial cortex. Furthermore, the all-inside technique requires only one tendon harvested. the present study describes two year clinical outcomes of the all-inside method for ACL reconstruction, and compares them with clinical results of a group of patients treated with the traditional transtibial single-bundle ACL reconstruction technique using the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons (ST-G). pilot study, using historical controls. ACL reconstruction was performed on two groups of 20 patients each. The patients in one group underwent the all-inside transtibial technique with ST tendon alone. The second group underwent ACL reconstruction with the traditional transtibial single-bundle procedure using quadrupled ST-G tendons. Follow up at 24 months was undertaken using the IKDC, VAS pain score, Lysholm and Tegner scales. the VAS pain score for the traditional ACL group was 84.6 ± 12.6; whereas the score for the all-inside group was 81.6 ± 13.1, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In the traditional ACL reconstruction group the Lysholm scale gave a "good results" for 7 patient (35%) and "excellent results" for 13 patients (65%) and the all-inside group gave "sufficient results" for 4 patients (20%), "good results" for 7 patients (35%) and "excellent results" for 9 patients (45%) (n.s.). The median of Tegner score was 6.5 (2-10) for the standard method group and 6 (1-9) for the all-inside group (n.s). The IKDC evaluated 50% of patients from the standard technique group as class A, and 45% as class B and 5% as class C. As regards patients of the all inside technique 55% were class A, 40% class B and, here too, just 5% scored as class C. No patients were classed as group D in each group. this study suggests that, in respect to return to sports and adequate articular function, there are no differences between the all-inside transtibial ACL reconstruction technique and the traditional transtibial ACL reconstruction using ST-G. The role of all-inside transtibial ACL reconstruction remains dubious. III or Level C according with Oxford Center of EBM.

Eminence-Based Medicine Versus Evidence-Based Medicine: Is Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Optimally Performed With the Double-Bundle Technique?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) comprises 2 distinct bands or bundles—the anteromedial bundle, which is tighter in flexion, and the posterolateral bundle, which is tighter in extension. Traditional ACL reconstruction uses 1 graft. A new technique, known as the double-bundle technique, uses 2 tendon grafts to more closely approximate normal anatomy. Because the medical literature does not provide a definitive answer as to which reconstruction method is better, we surveyed 500 experts in sports medicine in a previous study to determine whether they agreed with the statement “ACL reconstruction is optimally performed with the double-bundle technique.” Respondants were inclined to answer “This statement is probably false.” Our article interprets the expert responses by reviewing the basic and clinical sciences implicit in the question and reviewing the literature regarding outcomes. We found that double-bundle ACL reconstruction is theoretically appealing, but evidence proving that it improves clinical outcomes is unavailable. High-quality studies are under way on the topic, which may provide a definitive answer. However, until such data are available, the expert consensus from our survey was that the double-bundle technique is not necessarily the optimal approach.

Functional outcome of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background/PurposeThe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most frequently injured ligaments in the knee joint and is generally treated by surgical reconstruction. A possible reason for the unsatisfactory nature of this reconstruction is that the complex function of the ACL is not reproduced by the traditional ACL reconstruction procedure, which replicates only a single bundle rather than the two separate bundles that form the original ACL. It has been suggested that re-establishment of the double-bundle anatomy of the ACL is crucial for obtaining a better restoration of the normal biomechanics of the knee and improving the knee's rotatory stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the authors' current double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique and assess the various functions of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles. MethodsPatients were assessed for instability and laxity after a mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 12–26 months). The range of motion was measured and compared with the opposite normal knee. Clinical evaluation was performed using the modified Lysholm scoring scale, the Tegner activity scale, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) rating system. ResultsThe study included 20 patients, 15 males and five females, with a mean age of 22.7 years (range, 18–29 years) at the time of surgery. Following the procedure described by Yasuda et al, double-bundle ACL reconstruction, which anatomically reproduces the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles using hamstring tendon grafts, was performed on patients under general anesthesia. The clinical results for the Lysholm rating system were good to excellent, being 71 points preoperatively and 94 postoperatively. The IKDC rating was 65% preoperatively and 92% postoperatively. All patients showed a negative pivot shifting test. ConclusionThe ACL not only is the primary restraint on anterior tibial translation but also contributes considerably to normal knee kinematics. Our study showed that the four-tunnel double-bundle ACL reconstruction provides significant advantages in terms of anterior and rotational stability as well as objective IKDC. The subjective measurement of postoperative functional results using either the Lysholm or the IKDC rating system revealed a promising outcome after a short follow-up period.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with synthetic grafts. A review of literature

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, one of the most common knee injuries in sports, results in anteroposterior laxity, which often leads to an unstable knee. Traditional ACL reconstruction is performed with autograft; disadvantages of this technique are donor site morbidity and a long rehabilitation period. In the 1980s, artificial ligaments became an attractive alternative to biological grafts. The initial enthusiasm surrounding their introduction stemmed from their lack of donor morbidity, their abundant supply and significant strength, immediate loading and reduced postoperative rehabilitation. Synthetic grafts made of different materials such as carbon fibers, polypropylene, Dacron and polyester have been utilised either as a prosthesis or as an augmentation for a biological ACL graft substitute. Nevertheless, every material presented serious drawbacks: cross-infections, immunological responses, breakage, debris dispersion leading to synovitis, chronic effusions, recurrent instability and knee osteoarthritis. Recently, a resurgence of interest in the use of synthetic prostheses has occurred and studies regarding new artificial grafts have been reported. Although many experimental studies have been made and much effort has been put forth, currently no ideal prosthesis mimicking natural human tissue has been found.

The double‐bundle technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic overview

In traditional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, there is a subset of patients complaining of knee instability, especially rotational instability, and athletes not able to return to their preinjury level of sports activity. Currently, controversy exists over the usefulness of the double bundle technique (DBT) in addressing these problems. In order to evaluate the DBT, we completed a literature review from 1969 to February 2006 focusing on anatomy, magnetic resonance imaging, graft incorporation, biomechanics, kinematics, surgical techniques, complications and outcome. The DBT is not a standardized technique, which makes it difficult to compare results. Cadaver studies have proven biomechanical advantages with respect to ap-stability, but assessing the rotational stability remains difficult. There is a lack of available outcome studies with sufficient follow-up to demonstrate the potential advantages of DBT. The theoretical advantages of DBT require careful evaluation with outcome, biomechanical and kinematic studies. In addition, studies are needed to address issues such as graft incorporation and complications. An advantage offered by DBT is the possibility to identify rupture patterns that can lead to surgical preservation of an intact and augmentation of an injured bundle. The approach of augmentating a single bundle technique reconstruction with adequate anterior-posterior but poor rotational stability is promising.