Treatment Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Research Articles

Osteotomy combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament injury and biplanar deformity.

It has been confirmed that the increased posterior tibial slope over 12 degrees is a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury, and varus deformity can aggravate the progression of medial osteoarthritis. To evaluate the efficacy of modified high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries with varus deformities and increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) based on clinical and imaging data. The patient data in this retrospective study were collected from 2019 to 2021. A total of 6 patients were diagnosed with ACL injury combined with varus deformities and increased PTS. All patients underwent modified open wedge HTO and ACLR. The degree of correction of varus deformity and the PTS was evaluated by radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. All 6 patients (6 knee joints) were followed up for an average of 20.8 ± 3.7 months. The average age at surgery was 29.5 ± 3.8 years. At the last follow-up, all patients resumed competitive sports. The International Knee Documentation Committee score increased from 50.3 ± 3.1 to 87.0 ± 2.8, the Lysholm score increased from 43.8 ± 4.9 to 86 ± 3.1, and the Tegner activity level increased from 2.2 ± 0.7 to 7.0 ± 0.6. The average movement distance of the tibia anterior translation was 4.8 ± 1.1 mm, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) was 88.9 ± 1.3° at the last follow-up, and the PTS was 8.4 ± 1.4°, both of which were significantly higher than those before surgery (P < 0.05). Modified open wedge HTO combined with ACLR can effectively treat patients with ACL ruptures with an associated increased PTS and varus deformity. The short-term effect is significant, but the long-term effect requires further follow-up.

Career Length After Surgically Treated ACL Plus Collateral Ligament Injury in Elite Athletes

Background: Limited data are available regarding career length and competition level after combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial- or lateral-sided surgeries in elite athletes. Purpose: To evaluate career length after surgical treatment of combined ACL plus medial collateral ligament (MCL) and ACL plus posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries in elite athletes and, in a subgroup analysis of male professional soccer players, to compare career length and competition level after combined ACL+MCL or ACL+PLC surgeries with a cohort who underwent isolated ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A consecutive cohort of elite athletes undergoing combined ACL+MCL and ACL+PLC surgery was analyzed between February 2001 and October 2019. A subgroup of male elite soccer players from this population was compared with a previously identified cohort having had isolated primary ACLR without other ligament surgery. A minimum 2-year follow-up was required. Outcome measures were career length and competition level. Results: A total of 98 elite athletes met the inclusion criteria, comprising 50 ACL+PLC and 48 ACL+MCL surgeries. The mean career length after surgical treatment of combined ACL+MCL and ACL+PLC injuries was 4.5 years. Return-to-play (RTP) time was significantly longer for ACL+PLC injuries (12.8 months; P = .019) than for ACL+MCL injuries (10.9 months). In the subgroup analysis of soccer players, a significantly lower number of players with combined ACL+PLC surgery were able to RTP (88%; P = .003) compared with 100% for ACL+MCL surgery and 97% for isolated ACLR, as well as requiring an almost 3 months longer RTP timeline (12.9 months; P = .002) when compared with the isolated ACL (10.2 months) and combined ACL+MCL (10.0 months) groups. However, career length and competition level were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Among elite athletes, the mean career length after surgical treatment of combined ACL+MCL and ACL+PLC injuries was 4.5 years. Professional soccer players with combined ACL+PLC surgery returned at a lower rate and required a longer RTP time when compared with the players with isolated ACL or combined ACL+MCL injuries. However, those who did RTP had the same career longevity and competition level.

Clinical efficacy of double-bundle and double-tunnel enhanced reconstruction in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury

To explore the clinical efficacy of double beam double tunnel enhanced reconstruction technique in the treatment of knee anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) training injuries. Twenty-nine cases of ACL injury of knee joint from January 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All the cases were underwent ligament reconstruction surgery. Cases were grouped by surgical technique:there were 14 patients in conventional reconstruction group, including 13 males and 1 female, aged from 22 to 31 years old with an average of (27.07±7.28) years old, autogenous hamstring tendon was used for ligament reconstruction. There were 15 patients in the enhanced reconstruction group, including 13 males and 2 females, aged from 25 to 34 years old with an average of (29.06±4.23) years old, double tunnel ligament reconstruction, the autogenous hamstring muscle was used as the anteromedial bundle, and the posterolateral bundle was replaced by a high-strength line. The difference between knee tibial anterior distance, Lysholm score, International Knee Literature Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Tegner motor level score and visual analog scale (VAS) at 6th and 12th months after the surgery, limb symmetry index (LSI) were recorded at the last follow-up and surgery-related adverse effects during follow-up. All patients were followed up, ranged from 13 to 15 months with an average of (13.7±0.8) months. There were no serious adverse reactions related to surgery during the period. There was no statistical difference between the preoperative general data and the observation index of the two groups (P>0.05). The difference in tibial anterior distance at 6 and 12 months in the enhanced reconstruction group (1.45±0.62) mm and (1.74±0.78) mm which were lower those that in the conventional reconstruction group (2.42±0.60) mm and (2.51±0.63) mm(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative Lysholm score, Tegner motor level score, IKDC score, VAS, and limb symmetry index at the last follow-up(P>0.05). The enhanced reconstruction technique can more effectively maintain the stability of the knee joint and has no significant effect on the postoperative knee joint function compared with the traditional ligament reconstruction technique. The short-term curative effect is satisfactory, and it is suitable for the group with high sports demand.

Development of an intervention for patients following an anterior cruciate ligament rupture: an online nominal group technique consensus study

Objectives(1) To develop an intervention for to support patients diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture with decision-making regarding treatment. (2) To define evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of...

Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Both female athletes and physically active persons are susceptible to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, a common sports-related injury. The ACL is structurally complex and is considered to be an important proprioceptor, as well as limiting tibial translation. The standard test for ACL tears is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, there is currently no suitable method to accurately determine the severity of the injury. Numerous factors, including gender, muscle strength, and exercise habits, are linked to the causes of ACL tears. ACL tears prevent athletes from playing sports in the near future. They could eventually develop psychological problems, chronic knee disease, and blocked nerve signals, all of which would lower their post-ACL repair return numbers and performance. Reconstruction and recovery are the two stages of ACL treatment, and the therapy plan should be tailored to each patient's unique needs. Athletes' leg muscles should be strengthened as the primary means of preventing ACL injuries, but venues and coaches should also be taken into account.

Principles for optimizing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcomes in elite athletes: a review of current techniques.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common sport-related injuries and occur in greater than 3% of athletes in a four-year window of sports participation. Non-contact injuries are the most common mechanism for ACL injury in elite-level athletes, especially with increased valgus and external rotation of the knee when loading eccentrically in flexion. Because of the immense toll these injuries and their recovery take on athletes especially, optimal treatment has been a subject of great interest for some time. Many ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and repair techniques have been implemented and improved in the last two decades, leading to many surgical options for this type of injury. The surgical approach to high-level athletes in particular requires additional attention that may not be necessary in the general population. Important considerations for optimizing ACL treatment in high-level athletes include choosing repair vs. reconstruction, surgical techniques, choice of auto- or allograft, and associated concomitant procedures including other injuries or reinforcing techniques as well as attention to rehabilitation. Here, we discuss a range of surgical techniques from repair to reconstruction, and compare and contrast various reconstructive and reinforcing techniques as well as associated surgical pearls and pitfalls. Good outcomes for athletes suffering from ACL injury are attainable with proper treatment including the principles discussed herein.

The Psychology of ACL Injury, Treatment, and Recovery: Current Concepts and Future Directions.

Interest in the relationship between psychology and the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) continues to grow as variable rates of return to preinjury level of activity continue to be observed. Articles were collected from peer-reviewed sources available on PubMed using a combination of search terms, including psychology, resilience, mental health, recovery, and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Further evaluation of the included bibliographies were used to expand the evidence. Clinical review. Level 4. General mental health and wellbeing, in addition to a host of unique psychological traits (self-efficacy, resilience, psychological readiness and distress, pain catastrophizing, locus of control, and kinesiophobia) have been demonstrated convincingly to affect treatment outcomes. Moreover, compelling evidence suggests that a number of these traits may be modifiable. Although the effect of resilience on outcomes of orthopaedic surgical procedures has been studied extensively, there is very limited information linking this unique psychological trait to the outcomes of ACLR. Similarly, the available information related to other parameters, such as pain catastrophizing, is limited with respect to the existence of adequately sized cohorts capable of accommodating more rigorous and compelling analyses. A better understanding of the specific mechanisms through which psychological traits influence outcomes can inform future interventions intended to improve rates of return to preinjury level of activity after ACLR. The impact of psychology on patients' responses to ACL injury and treatment represents a promising avenue for improving low rates of return to preinjury activity levels among certain cohorts. Future research into these areas should focus on specific effects of targeted interventions on known, modifiable risk factors that commonly contribute to suboptimal clinical outcomes. B.

Conservative Treatment Using Platelet-Rich Plasma for Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Highly Active Patients: A Retrospective Survey.

Background The recommended treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in active, sports-oriented patients is reconstructive surgery in order to regain stability and prevent secondary meniscal injuries. However, ACL reconstruction requires a long recovery period and poses issues such as decreased muscle strength due to tendon harvesting and postoperative osteoarthritis (OA) progression, thereby raising significant expectations for the advancement of conservative treatments. Recent studies have shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which utilizes the tissue repair-promoting property of platelets, is effective for ACL injuries. Methods We administered PRP therapy within six weeks after ACL injury in patients who expressed the desire for an early return to sports through conservative care. After the treatment, patients wore a simple brace that limited deep flexion but placed no restrictions on weight bearing. Four months was the standard goal established for returning to pre-injury condition, and, depending on the target level, timing, and knee condition, we adjusted the additional PRP treatments and rehabilitation approach, gradually authorizing the patients' return to sport. We assessed the ligament repair status by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) just before the full return to sports.A retrospective survey was conducted to evaluate the status of ligament repair and the condition of return-to-sport in patients with ACLinjuries who underwent conservative treatment using PRP. Results The average patient age was 32.7 years and the average treatment was 2.8 PRP sessions. MRI evaluations confirmed that ligament continuity was regained in all cases. All the patients returned to their pre-injury level (Tegner Activity Scale 7.0) in an average of 139.5 days, but there was one instance of re-rupture following the return to sports. Conclusion All patients with ACL injury who underwent PRP therapy regained ligament continuity and returned to sport successfully with only one case of re-rupture.

Assessment of Quality and Readability of Information Provided by ChatGPT in Relation to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential role of Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT in patient education. To do this, we assessed both the quality and readability of information provided by ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 in relation to Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury and treatment. ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 were used to answer common patient queries relating to ACL injuries and treatment. The quality of the information was assessed using the DISCERN criteria. Readability was assessed with the use of seven readability formulae: the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, the Flesch Reading Ease Score, the Raygor Estimate, the SMOG, the Fry, the FORCAST, and the Gunning Fog. The mean reading grade level (RGL) was compared with the recommended 8th-grade reading level, the mean RGL among adults in America. The perceived quality and mean RGL of answers given by both ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 was also compared. Both ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 yielded DISCERN scores suggesting "good" quality of information, with ChatGPT 4 slightly outperforming 3.5. However, readability levels for both versions significantly exceeded the average 8th-grade reading level for American patients. ChatGPT 3.5 had a mean RGL of 18.08, while the mean RGL of ChatGPT 4 was 17.9, exceeding the average American reading grade level by 10.08 grade levels and 9.09 grade levels, respectively. While ChatGPT can provide both reliable and good quality information on ACL injuries and treatment options, the readability of the content may limit its utility. Additionally, the consistent lack of source citation represents a significant area of concern for patients and clinicians alike. If AI is to play a role in patient education, it must reliably produce information which is accurate, easily comprehensible, and clearly sourced.

Approaching expert-level accuracy for differentiating ACL tear types on MRI with deep learning

Treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears depends on the condition of the ligament. We aimed to identify different tear statuses from preoperative MRI using deep learning-based radiomics with sex and age. We reviewed 862 patients with preoperative MRI scans reflecting ACL status from Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital. Based on sagittal proton density-weighted images, a fully automated approach was developed that consisted of a deep learning model for segmenting ACL tissue (ACL-DNet) and a deep learning-based recognizer for ligament status classification (ACL-SNet). The efficacy of the proposed approach was evaluated by using the sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared with that of a group of three orthopedists in the holdout test set. The ACL-DNet model yielded a Dice coefficient of 98% ± 6% on the MRI datasets. Our proposed classification model yielded a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 97%. In comparison, the sensitivity of alternative models ranged from 84 to 90%, while the specificity was between 86 and 92%. The AUC of the ACL-SNet model was 99%, demonstrating high overall diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic performance of the clinical experts as reflected in the AUC was 96%, 92% and 88%, respectively. The fully automated model shows potential as a highly reliable and reproducible tool that allows orthopedists to noninvasively identify the ACL status and may aid in optimizing different techniques, such as ACL remnant preservation, for ACL reconstruction.

Association of Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis With Improved Graft Maturity on MRI 2 Years After ACL Reconstruction With Quadriceps Tendon Autograft in Skeletally Immature Athletes.

Quadriceps tendon autograft (QTA) has recently gained popularity in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures in pediatric patients. The addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to an ACL reconstruction (ACLR) has been found to reduce the risk of ACL retear in high-risk patients. To (1) compare ACL graft maturity using signal intensity ratios (SIRs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in skeletally immature patients undergoing ACLR with QTA either with or without concomitant LET and (2) evaluate LET safety by calculating the physeal disturbance-related reoperation rate in the ACLR+LET group. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. The records of patients aged ≤18 years who underwent ACLR between 2015 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients undergoing ACLR with QTA who had open distal femoral and proximal tibial physes on MRI scans and a minimum 2-year follow-up data were included. SIR values were measured on sagittal MRI scans by averaging the signal at 3 regions of interest along the ACL graft and dividing by the signal of the posterior cruciate ligament at its insertion. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate differences in SIR values at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively in patients who underwent ACLR alone versus ACLR+LET. Overall, 29 patients were included in the study: 16 patients in the ACLR+LET group and 13 patients in the ACLR-only group. There were no significant differences in SIR values between groups at the 6-month or 1-year postoperative timepoints. At 2 years postoperatively, the median SIR of the ACLR+LET group was significantly lower than that of the ACLR-only group on both univariate (1.33 vs 1.86, respectively, P = .0012) and multivariate regression analyses adjusting for both sex and surgical technique (β = -0.49 [95% CI, -0.91 to -0.05]; P = .029). There were no cases of reoperation for physeal disturbance in patients who underwent ACLR+LET. The addition of LET to an ACLR with QTA was associated with lower average SIR values and thus improved graft maturity at 2 years postoperatively compared with ACLR alone in skeletally immature patients. The addition of LET to an ACLR was found to be safe in skeletally immature patients.

Arthroscopic decompression and debridement for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament ganglion cyst in a 45-year-old female

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cysts are infrequently encountered in clinical practice, with limited reported cases. These cysts usually present with chronic knee pain and clinical examination is usually unremarkable except for knee tenderness. Due to the lack of characteristic symptoms and deficiency of precise clinical techniques to diagnose the condition, timely diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, supported by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hence management of ACL ganglion cysts poses unique challenges for healthcare providers. We present a case study of a 45-year-old female with an ACL ganglion cyst successfully treated with arthroscopic decompression and debridement. This article outlines the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical intervention, and post-operative outcomes of this case, providing insights into the effective management of this uncommon condition. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on ACL ganglion cyst, emphasizing findings and treatment outcomes reported in previous studies. This case underscores the importance of considering ACL cysts in the differential diagnosis of knee pain and discomfort. Early identification and appropriate management, such as arthroscopic cyst excision, can lead to favorable outcomes and complete recovery.

Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Independently Tensioned Suture Tape Augmentation at 5-Year Follow-up

Background: Reconstruction using autograft remains the gold standard surgical treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, up to 10% to 15% of patients will suffer a graft failure in the future. Cadaveric studies have demonstrated that the addition of suture tape augmentation to ACL autograft constructs can increase graft strength and reduce elongation under cyclical loading. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes and rerupture rates after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with suture tape augmentation. We hypothesized that augmentation with suture tape would lead to lower rerupture rates. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients undergoing primary ACLR using hamstring or patellar tendon autografts augmented with suture tape between 2015 and 2019 were recruited prospectively. Patients with multiligament injuries or a concomitant lateral extra-articular procedure were excluded. Patients were observed in person for 6 months, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. All patients were contacted, and records were reviewed to determine the incidence of graft failure. PROMs collected were as follows: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), Tegner and Marx activity scores, and visual analog scale for pain (VAS). Results: A total of 97 patients, with a mean age of 34.7 (±13.4) years, were included (76% men; 52 hamstring and 45 patellar tendon grafts). The mean graft diameter was 8 (±1) mm. There was 1 rerupture (1.1%) out of the 90 patients who were contactable at a mean of 5 years postoperatively. Median KOOS scores at 2 years were as follows: Pain, 94; Symptoms, 86; Activities of Daily Living, 99; Sport and Recreation, 82; and Quality of Life, 81. The postoperative scores were significantly higher than the preoperative scores (P < .001). The VR-12 Physical score improved from 43 preoperatively to 55 at 2 years and remained at 56 at 5 years. The VAS pain, Tegner, and Marx scores were 0, 6, and 9, respectively, at 2 years postoperatively. There was no difference in PROMs between graft types. Conclusion: This study demonstrates encouraging results of suture tape augmentation of autograft ACLR for both hamstring and patellar tendon grafts. The failure rate of 1.1% at a mean follow-up of 5 years is lower than published rates for reconstruction, and PROMs results are satisfactory. The technique is safe to use and may permit a return to the preinjury sporting level with a lower chance of reinjury.

Comparison of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with and without concomitant meniscal repair: A prospective comparative study

Background: The treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury includes ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) or ligament preservation, where the former is considered the gold standard. But in meniscal injury, though commonly followed is menisectomy, meniscal repair has gained popularity and success which necessitates the analysis of outcome between ACL-R + meniscal repair and ACL-R + menisectomy as clear consensus have not been established so far in deciding the better overall procedure with respect to function. Methods: This is a prospective, comparative study done in 122 patients with ACL injury and medial/ lateral meniscus in south Indian population at a single center. Where meniscal repair (61) and menisectomy (partial/complete, n=61) with ACL-R were carried out and were evaluated pre-operatively, during the postoperative period at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up for function and compared. The primary outcome evaluated was pain and other symptoms like limping, giving way, swelling and locking were also noted and analysed using KOOS, IKDC and Lysholm scores. Results: The mean difference in KOOS score in postoperative period, at 3 and 6months were significantly higher among the ACL-R + meniscal repair group than the ACL-R + meniscectomy group which is statistically significant. Moreover the median percentage change in IKDC and Lysholm scores from baseline to postoperative 3 and 6 months were significantly higher in ACL-R + meniscal repair group than the other. Conclusion: The meniscal repair with ACL-R has a lower failure rate and shows better functional outcomes than the other group which underwent ACL-R and meniscectomy. Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; ACL-R; meniscectomy; meniscal repair; meniscal tear

Disparate Impact: How Does Social Deprivation Affect Patient-reported Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents?

Research has indicated that lower socioeconomic status is associated with delays in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries; however, there is a paucity of literature evaluating its association with patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated proxy for socioeconomic status, the study aimed to determine how relative socioeconomic disadvantage is related to PROs after primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients. This retrospective cohort study included all patients 18 years old or above who underwent primary ACLR at an academic institution between 2018 and 2021. Exclusion criteria included multiligament injury, congenital ACL absence, and absent outcomes data. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. A Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 50 Pediatric self-report questionnaire was completed at postoperative visits, and domain scores for pain, physical function/mobility, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and peer relationships were generated. The National ADI percentile was calculated using the patients' addresses. Patients were divided into quartiles (low, moderate, moderate-severe, and severe ADI), and comparative analyses were performed to determine the relationship between ADI and PROMIS. A total of 413 patients were identified, including 49% (n=207), 33% (n=139), 11% (n=48), and 7% (n=30) from the low, moderate, moderate-severe, and severe deprivation areas, respectively. As compared with those in the low-deprivation quartile, patients in the severe deprivation quartile had delayed time to the first clinic visit (11 vs. 16.5d, P=0.044) and surgery (51 vs. 80d, P=0.004). There were no differences in the number of additional procedures required at index surgery. All quartiles had progressive improvements in physical function/mobility and pain scores throughout recovery, but at 9 months, there was significantly more pain in the severe deprivation cohort, despite no difference in self-reported physical function and mobility. Those with severe socioeconomic disadvantage had worse psychosocial outcomes, including significantly increased depression, fatigue, and anxiety and decreased peer relationship scores. Although there were no differences in preoperative PROMIS scores, pediatric patients living in areas with higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation/disadvantage had worse psychosocial PROs after ACLR. Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Knee lesions with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in Iraqi adult males: arthroscopic findings.

This cross-sectional study aimed at exploring the frequency and extent of knee joint lesions associated with delayed treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. It enrolled 300 patients from 2020 to 2022 who were subjected to arthroscopy for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The sample was comprised of Iraqi adult male patients from different regions of Iraq, and the surgical procedure was carried out in Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital. The findings were recorded by Karl Storz's camera system. Dissection and arthroscopy were done under general anesthesia using an anterolateral portal technique. The study employed a visualization of the anterior cruciate ligament probing the meniscus and reaching the posteromedial space for the ramp lesion. The mean age of patients was 28.05±6.92 years, ranging from 19 to 35 years and the mean duration from onset of injury to the time of operation was 3.69±1.07 years, ranging from 6 months to 10 years. The arthroscopic examination revealed medial meniscus tear in 80% of the cases, lateral meniscus tear in 40% of the cases, cartilage lesion in 40% of the cases, and meniscus ramp lesions in 10% of the cases. Most cases of ACL tear are associated with a meniscus injury, cartilage defect, and collateral ligament tear. These serious lesions, such as complex meniscus tears or full articular cartilage defects, are a direct consequence of delayed treatment. Consequently, it is crucial to inform the patients about the significant issues that can arise due to treatment delays.

Responsiveness of the Indonesian Versions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Injury Score, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form, and the Lysholm Score in Patients With ACL Injury.

The Indonesian versions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form (IKDC), and the Lysholm scores are considered valid and reliable for Indonesian-speaking patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the responsiveness of the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores in an Indonesian-speaking population with ACL injury. It was hypothesized that they would have good responsiveness. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Between March 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, patients with an ACL injury at a single hospital in Indonesia were asked to complete the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores before either reconstruction surgery or nonoperative treatment. At 6 months after treatment, the patients completed all 3 scores a second time, plus a global rating of change question. The distribution-based and the anchor-based methods were used to study responsiveness. For each scale, the standardized response mean, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and minimal detectable change (MDC; at the group [MDCgr] and individual [MDCind] levels) for each scale were determined. Of 80 eligible patients, 75 (93.8%) completed the study. The standardized response means for the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores were 1.59, 1.72, and 1.51, respectively, indicating good responsiveness. The MCIDs for the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores were 6.8, 7.8, and 4.8, respectively; all MCIDs were larger than that of the MDCgr (1.1, 0.7, and 0.6, respectively). At the individual level, the MCID for the IKDC was larger than the MDCind (7.8 vs 5.8). However, the MCIDs for ACL-RSI and Lysholm scores were smaller than those of the MDCind (6.8 vs 10.9 and 4.8 vs 5.1, respectively). The Indonesian ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores indicated good responsiveness and can be used in the follow-up of patients after ACL injury, especially at the group level. In individual patients, IKDC was found to be more efficient than the ACL-RSI or Lysholm scores for detecting clinically important changes over time after ACL treatment.

Paper 38: Addition of a Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis is Associated with Lower Quadriceps Tendon Autograft MRI Signal Intensity Two Years Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Adolescents

Objectives: In recent studies, quadriceps tendon autograft (QTA) has been shown to yield promising results in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures in pediatric and adolescent patients. Additionally, lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has been found to reduce the risk of ACL re-tear in high-risk patients when performed concomitantly with ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate graft maturity two years after ACLR by comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity ratio (SIR) of QTA in patients that underwent a primary ACL reconstruction with a concomitant LET versus patients without a concomitant LET. Methods: After institutional review board approval, operative records of all pediatric patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent an ACLR from June 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. MRIs were ordered for this age cohort of patients for clinical growth plate surveillance. Patients were included if they underwent an ACLR using a QTA and had open distal femoral and proximal tibial physes. MRIs were excluded if they were external or were ordered due to a new injury. The final cohort included 28 patients: 13 without a LET (ACLR only) and 15 with a LET (ACLR+LET). Signal intensity ratio (SIR) was measured on sagittal MRI by averaging the signal at three regions of interest along the ACL graft and dividing by the signal of the insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate for differences in SIR values at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-operatively in skeletally immature patients undergoing ACLR alone versus ACLR with LET. Results: A total of 43 patients had an MRI at a two-year follow-up, 28 of whom were included in the study. The mean age of the complete cohort was 12.63±3.62 years (ACLR+LET: 13.96±0.91 years vs. ACLR only: 13.51±1.19 years). There were no significant differences in SIR between groups on the 6-month MRI or the 12-month MRI. However, the average SIR of the ACLR+LET group was significantly lower than the average SIR of the ACLR-only group at the two-year post-operative time point (1.398 vs. 1.916, respectively, p=0.046). Conclusions: QTA MRI signal intensity is lower two years after surgery in patients that underwent ACLR with a LET versus ACLR alone. Lower MRI signal intensity correlates with increased graft maturity and structural integrity. These findings suggest improved graft maturation, remodeling, and structural integrity with the addition of a LET to an ACLR with QTA in skeletally immature patients. [Table: see text]

Evaluation of Autografts Used in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Terms of Tensile Strength.

Introduction Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries increase the likelihood of chronic knee problems in later years, including early onset osteoarthritis. Therefore, ACL treatment is important in preventing knee problems from developing. The treatment of choice for ACL tears is surgery (ACL reconstruction), and the most popular tendons for ACL reconstruction are the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon (semitendinosus and gracilis tendons), and bone-patellar tendon-bone. The present study compares the tensile strength of autografts used in ACL reconstruction to identify the optimum autograft for ACL in terms of mechanical properties. Methods Cadavers were dissected, and the Achilles tendons, quadriceps tendons, hamstring tendons (semitendinosus and gracilis tendons), patellar tendon grafts, and ACLs were harvested. Tensile tests of each tendon graft were performed using a Shimadzu Autograph AG-IS 100 kN tester (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). Results The mean difference in tensile strength between ACL and other grafts was lowest for the quadriceps in both males and females (p ˂ 0.001), meaning that ACL and quadriceps grafts are more compatible than other tendon grafts in terms of tensile strength. Conclusion The present study found the lowest mean difference in tensile strength to be between the ACL and the quadriceps tendon, suggesting that the use of the quadriceps tendon in ACL reconstruction will yield more positive outcomes.

Primary Human Ligament Fibroblast Adhesion and Growth on 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications

The current gold standard technique for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is reconstruction with a tendon autograft. These treatments have a relatively high failure and re-rupture rate and are associated with early-onset osteoarthritis, developing within two decades of injury. Furthermore, both autografting and allografting come with several drawbacks. Tissue engineering and additive manufacturing present exciting new opportunities to explore 3D scaffolds as graft substitutes. We previously showed that 3D-printed scaffolds using low-cost equipment are suitable for tissue engineering approaches to regenerative medicine. Here, we hypothesize that Lay-Fomm 60, a commercially available nanoporous elastomer, may be a viable tissue engineering candidate for an ACL graft substitute. We first printed nanoporous thermoplastic elastomer scaffolds using low-cost desktop 3D printers and determined the mechanical and morphological properties. We then tested the impact of different surface coatings on primary human ACL fibroblast adhesion, growth, and ligamentous matrix deposition in vitro. Our data suggest that poly-L-lysine-coated Lay-Fomm 60 scaffolds increased ligament fibroblast activity and matrix formation when compared to uncoated scaffolds but did not have a significant effect on cell attachment and proliferation. Therefore, uncoated 3D printed Lay-Fomm 60 scaffolds may be viable standalone scaffolds and warrant further research as ligament tissue engineering and reconstruction grafts.