Failure of clinical methods in assessing graft integrity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an arthroscopic evaluation.

We reviewed the findings of 24 patients who underwent knee arthroscopy following a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Preoperative symptoms included pain, swelling, catching, and/or locking. Only one patient presented with subjective instability. The subjective and objective clinical findings as well as KT-1000 examination were compared with the arthroscopic findings. Thirteen of the 24 patients had an insufficient ACL graft by arthroscopic examination. In only 5 of these patients did the physical examination and/or KT-1000 results reliably detect an insufficient ACL graft. The remaining 8 patients had a stable knee by subjective and objective clinical criteria as well as strict KT-1000 criteria. No significant degenerative changes or lack of motion was present in this group. Also, 7 of the 8 patients had an excellent or good Orthop?dische Arbeitsgruppe Knie (OAK) score and maintained a high level of function. In the two patients who underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging the lack of an intact graft was confirmed. A subset of patients appear to have stable knees despite the lack of a functioning ACL graft. Therefore, standard clinical and KT-1000 criteria for ACL deficient knees have limitations in detecting graft integrity after ACL reconstruction. Arthroscopy or magnetic resonance imaging may be needed when graft integrity is in question.     

The effect of injury chronicity and progressive rehabilitation on single-incision arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We conducted a prospective study on 50 consecutive patients who received a single-incision arthroscopic patellar tendon autograft reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. The purposes were to determine if differences existed in results between patients with acute and chronic ACL ruptures, and if a progressive rehabilitation program could safely return patients to sports activities early without compromising knee stability. Forty-two patients (84%) returned for follow-up a mean of 31 months postoperatively. Twenty-one patients had acute ruptures, and 21, chronic ruptures. A progressive rehabilitation program was used by 28 patients (67%) who met strict criteria, which allowed early return to running and sports activities. The results were rated with the Cincinnati Knee Rating System. We found no effect of either injury chronicity or time to return to activity for 21 factors, including anterior-posterior displacement, patellofemoral crepitus, range of knee motion, quadriceps muscle strength, symptoms, functional limitations, or the patient rating of outcome. Using arthrometer and pivot-shift test data, 30 knees (71%) had a functional reconstruction; 8 knees (19%) had partial function; and 4 knees (10%) failed. Patients expressed satisfaction with the operation as follows: 23 (55%) rated their overall knee condition as normal; 16 (38%), very good; and 3 (7%), good. No patients rated their knee condition as fair or poor.Arthroscopy 1998 Jan-Feb;14(1):15-22     

Reconstruction of the chronically insufficient anterior cruciate ligament with the central third of the patellar ligament

The results of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with the central third of the patellar ligament as a free, autogenous, non-vascularized graft were retrospectively reviewed at our institution. Eighty reconstructions in seventy-nine patients were evaluated after a minimum of two years. In forty-eight (60 per cent) of the knees, the reconstruction was augmented with an extra-articular lateral sling of iliotibial band. The patients were evaluated with a physical examination, a KT-1000 arthrometer, radiographs, a subjective questionnaire, and a revision of the scale of The Hospital for Special Surgery for rating ligaments. Postoperatively, seventy-six (95 per cent) of the eighty knees no longer gave way, and the pivot-shift test was negative in sixty-seven (84 per cent) of the knees. The average score on the ligament-rating scale was 93 points. All of the patients who had clinical instability at the time of the most recent follow-up had associated ligamentous instability that had not been appreciated or addressed at the time of reconstruction. Arthrometric evaluation revealed that the laxity differed by three millimeters or less from that of the untreated knee in sixty (76 per cent) of the treated knees. In the patient who had bilateral reconstruction, the laxity was the same in both knees. Seventeen patients, who had more than three millimeters of translation, also had additional related ligamentous instability, most commonly posterolateral instability and insufficiency of the medial collateral ligament. We think that major associated ligamentous instability predisposes the reconstruction to failure and should be corrected in conjunction with the reconstruction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Age and ACL reconstruction revisited

To determine the age limitations for indicating ACL reconstructions in patients with functional instability, this article reviews the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in 23 patients with an average age of 54 years (range: 49-64 years). Patients were evaluated with the Lysholm and Gillquist knee questionairre, visual analog scale, satisfaction rating, physical examination, KT-1000 testing, and radiographs. Nineteen of the 23 patients were available for follow-up at an average of 24 months after the index procedure. Sixteen patients returned for physical examination and 3 agreed to telephone interviews. The mean Lysholm score was 92, visual analog score 0.5, satisfaction rating 100%, KT-1000 testing 2mm, range of motion 0 degrees to 135 degees. Sixteen of the 19 patients returned to acceptable activity levels. Fifteen patients had excellent or good results, while 4 patients had fair or poor results. Three of the 4 fair or poor results had significant moderate or severe knee arthrosis. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with allograft in 49-64 year-old patients with minimal arthrosis is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that allows for return to a desired level of activity.     

Single compared to double-bundle PCL reconstruction using allograft tissue

This study compares the results of arthroscopic transtibial tunnel single-bundle and double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstructions using allograft tissue in PCL-based multiple ligament injured knees. Ninety consecutive PCL reconstructions are evaluated: 45 single-bundle and 45 double-bundle reconstructions. All PCL reconstructions were performed using the arthroscopically assisted transtibial tunnel PCL reconstruction technique using fresh frozen allograft tissue from the same tissue bank. Achilles tendon allograft was used for the anterolateral bundle; tibialis anterior allograft was used for the posteromedial bundle. The knees were evaluated postoperatively, comparing the single-bundle results to the double-bundle results, with KT-1000 arthrometer (Medmetric Corporation, San Diego, CA) testing, three different knee ligament rating scales, and Telos stress radiography (Austin Associates, Fallston, MD). Both the single-bundle and the double-bundle PCL reconstruction surgical techniques using allograft tissue provide successful results in the PCL-based multiple ligament injured knee when evaluated with stress radiography, arthrometer measurements, and knee ligament rating scales.     

Does the peak torque of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles affect the knee laxity measurements in male patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture?

The aim of the study was to examine whether the peak torque of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles affects the anterior knee laxity measurements in male patients. The study comprised 45 male patients who had a chronic unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Preoperatively, one experienced physiotherapist performed all the KT-1000 examinations. The anterior displacement was registered at 89 Newton. Immediately after the KT-1000 examination, an isokinetic concentric peak torque measurement was performed at 60°/s for both the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. The anterior displacement was significantly larger in the ACL-ruptured knees compared with the noninjured knees (p < 0.001). Patients with strong hamstring muscles on the injured side displayed significantly less knee laxity compared with patients with less strength (p = 0.018). There was an inverse correlation between the peak torque of the hamstring muscles and the KT-1000 anterior laxity measurements in the ACL-ruptured knees (rho = −0.37, p = 0.01). We conclude that male patients with strong hamstring muscles display smaller KT-1000 laxity measurements than patients with less strength. Received: 22 January 2001/Accepted: 24 January 2001     

Association of KT-1000 measurements with clinical tests of knee stability 1 year following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between KT-1000 measurements with an anterior translation force of 89 N and other measures of outcome (the Tegner activity score, the modified Lysholm score, subjective rating of instability, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test) 1 year following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. BACKGROUND: Health care professionals often use the side-to-side difference measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer to determine ACL integrity during passive motion. It has been postulated that a 5-mm or greater difference between impaired and nonimpaired knees represents a procedural failure. METHODS AND MEASURES: Ninety patients (46 men, 44 women) with a mean age of 30 +/- 8 years were examined 1 year after surgery. Patients were classified in 1 of 3 groups depending on the amount of laxity between the impaired knee and the nonimpaired knee. Seventy percent of the subjects had a side-to-side difference less than or equal to 3 mm (tight), 13% had a difference of between 3 and 5 mm (moderate), and 17% had a difference greater than or equal to 5 mm (loose) on examination using the KT-1000. RESULTS: Mean Lysholm and Tegner scores did not differ significantly among groups. Side-to-side differences in KT-1000 measurements at 89 N were not associated with the Lysholm score (r = -0.09) or Tegner score (r = 0.02). Lachman tests were related to involved-knee KT-1000 measurements (r = 0.39) but not to side-to-side differences in KT-1000 measurements (r = 0.15). Similarly, pivot-shift tests were related to involved-knee KT-1000 measurements (r = 0.26) but not to side-to-side differences (r = -0.08). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that side-to-side KT-1000 measurements obtained with an anterior translation force of 89 N should not be used in isolation to determine ACL reconstruction success or failure 1 year following surgery.     

Arthroscopic treatment of type III tibial spine fractures using absorbable fixation

Over 2 years, five patients (average age 15 years) were diagnosed with a type III tibial spine fracture. All five fractures were treated with arthroscopic reduction and internal stabilization using absorbable fixation. At average 8.5-year follow-up, patients were interviewed and examined. Results were documented regarding function, KT-1000 testing, range of motion, and radiographic findings. All five patients reported no functional limitations despite participation in high-demand sports. Stability testing by KT-1000 revealed no objective instability. Range of motion was normal when the knee was immobilized in full extension postoperatively. No radiographic abnormality was noted at follow-up.     

Arthroscopic treatment of the discoid lateral meniscus: results of long-term follow-up

Twenty-two patients (25 knees) were evaluated at an average follow-up of 54 months for clinical results of arthroscopic treatment of the discoid lateral meniscus syndrome. Discoid lateral menisci were classified arthroscopically as incomplete (92%) or complete (8%); no Wrisberg-type lesions were noted. Three patients (14%) had bilateral lesions. Symptomatic torn discoid menisci (20 knees) and torn discoid menisci with other significant symptomatic lesions (3 knees) underwent arthroscopic partial lateral meniscectomy utilizing the saucerization technique. Asymptomatic intact discoid menisci (2 knees) were left unresected. Using the knee scale of Ikeuchi, 55% of the symptomatic torn lesions were rated as excellent or good, 30% were rated as fair, and 15% were rated as poor at follow-up. Two of the 3 asymptomatic torn lesions were rated as excellent or good, as were both of the intact discoid lesions. Factors associated with an unsatisfactory rating at follow-up included preexistent degenerative changes, age, and sex. Duration of symptoms, type of discoid tear, and length of follow-up were not necessarily related to outcome results. Seven knees (28%) required arthroscopic reevaluation at a postoperative average of 23 months, documenting apparent physiologic function of the saucerized rim in 4 patients and failure of saucerization in 3 patients (12%). Overall, 14 of the 22 patients in this study (64%) resumed a normal activity level postoperatively, including 61% of those with symptomatic torn discoid lateral menisci.     

Bone-patellar ligament-bone and fascia lata allografts for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament

A prospective study was performed of the first forty-seven consecutive patients who had repair of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and replacement with an allograft. Patients who had a rupture of another ligament were excluded, to provide a homogeneous group. Twenty-two patients received a fascia lata allograft and twenty-five patients received a bone-patellar ligament-bone allograft. All patients were enrolled in an exercise program to facilitate motion of the knee immediately after the operation, and all patients returned for postoperative evaluation (mean, forty months; range, twenty-five to sixty-seven months). The results were based on a comprehensive subjective and objective rating system, which assessed twenty factors. On testing with the KT-1000 arthrometer, 69 per cent of the patients had less than three millimeters of increased anterior-posterior displacement of the knee that had been operated on compared with the contralateral knee, 26 per cent had three to five millimeters, and 5 per cent had more than five millimeters. The knees that had a bone-patellar ligament-bone allograft had significantly lower values for anterior-posterior displacement than did those that had a fascia lata allograft (p less than 0.05). Just one patient, the only one in whom the fascia lata graft failed, had giving-way. There were no infections, and there was no evidence of rejection of the allograft or documented transmission of disease at the time of writing. A strict rating system was used. Eighteen patients (38 per cent) had an excellent result, twenty-four (51 per cent) had a good result, and five (11 per cent) had a fair or poor result. Motion of the knee immediately postoperatively was not deleterious to the allograft, and, because limitations of motion were identified and treated in the early postoperative period, full motion (0 to 135 degrees) was restored in all knees.     

Synovitis and artificial ligaments.

Sixty anterior cruciate Dacron prosthetic ligaments were placed arthroscopically in 57 patients from 1983 to 1985. Fifty-five of the 57 patients were followed for an average of 4.4 years. The complication rate at 13 months was 29%; at 4.4 years, 43%. There were 34 reoperations. In 16 knees (28%) the prosthesis had to be removed due to abrasion and arthritis with rupture of the prosthesis. Thirteen knees had chronic synovitis and one knee had bacterial infection, all of which were managed with arthroscopic debridement. Four knees required removal of the extraarticular staple. Clinical testing in 42 knees with the Dacron prosthesis still in place showed the Lysholm score improved from a preoperative score of 43 points to a score of 82 points after 5 years. Of the knees, 58% had a pivot shift of 2(+)-3+: a trace pivot shift in 30%; a negative pivot shift in only 12%. The KT-1000 arthrometer verified those pivot shifts. The results of this study are discouraging. The procedure was complicated by a high reoperation rate, usually secondary to arthritis. The impression was that although stability of the knee was improved by use of an artificial anterior cruciate ligament, the end result of the therapeutic procedure was the development of an iatrogenic model of degenerative arthritis in the human knee.     

Results of arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic loss of extension following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Symptomatic loss of knee extension is an important cause of postoperative morbidity following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In a series of 342 consecutive reconstructions performed by the senior author, 17 knees in 16 patients had symptomatic extension deficits (>5 degrees) refractory to a minimum of 4 months of intensive physical therapy that required arthroscopic debridement. Thirteen knees in 12 patients were available for evaluation at a mean follow-up of 3.9+/-1.7 years and form the treatment group. Twenty-six knees in 26 patients who underwent reconstruction but did not develop arthrofibrosis were matched to the treatment group and served as controls. At a mean of 12+/-8 months following reconstruction, patients in the treatment group underwent examination under anesthesia, arthroscopic debridement, revision notchplasty as necessary, and controlled manipulation. Postoperatively, patients were assigned to a closely supervised rehabilitation protocol emphasizing restoration of knee extension. At final evaluation, knee extension deficits had improved from a preoperative mean of 10 degrees (SD 5 degrees) to 3 degrees (SD 4 degrees) (P<.001). Multiple functional rating scales also were used to evaluate the treatment and control groups. With the numbers available, there was no statistically significant difference in function at final evaluation between the treatment and control groups. The best treatment for loss of knee extension is preventive. Complications are avoided by careful patient selection, appropriate timing of surgery, attention to operative detail, and aggressive rehabilitation. However, patients reaching a plateau in rehabilitation with significant residual extension deficits, patellofemoral symptoms, or both predictably benefit from arthroscopic debridement.     

Arthroscopically assisted combined anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the multiple ligament injured knee: 2- to 10-year follow-up

Purpose: This study presents the 2- to 10-year results of 35 arthroscopically assisted combined anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) reconstructions evaluated preoperative and postoperatively using Lysholm, Tegner, and Hospital for Special Surgery knee ligament rating scales, KT-1000 arthrometer testing, stress radiography, and physical examination. Type of Study: Case series. Methods: This study population included 26 men and 9 women with 19 acute and 16 chronic knee injuries. Ligament injuries included 19 ACL/PCL/posterolateral instabilities, 9 ACL/PCL/medial cruciate ligament (MCL) instabilities, 6 ACL/PCL/posterolateral/MCL instabilities, and 1 ACL/PCL instability. All knees had grade III preoperative ACL/PCL laxity and were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with arthrometer testing, 3 different knee ligament rating scales, stress radiography, and physical examination. Arthroscopically assisted combined ACL/PCL reconstructions were performed using the single-incision endoscopic ACL technique and the single femoral tunnel–single bundle transtibial tunnel PCL technique. PCLs were reconstructed with allograft Achilles tendon (in 26 cases), autograft bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) (in 7 cases), and autograft semitendinosus/gracilis (in 2 cases). ACLs were reconstructed with autograft BPTB (16 cases), allograft BPTB (12 cases), Achilles tendon allograft (6 cases), and autograft semitendinosus/gracilis (1 case). MCL injuries were treated with bracing or open reconstruction. Posterolateral instability was treated with biceps femoris tendon transfer, with or without primary repair, and posterolateral capsular shift procedures as indicated. Results: Postoperative physical examination revealed normal posterior drawer/tibial step-off in 16 of 35 (46%) knees. Normal Lackman and pivot-shift test results were found in 33 of 35 (94%) knees. Posterolateral stability was restored to normal in 6 of 25 (24%) knees, and tighter than normal knee results were found in 19 of 25 (76%) knees evaluated with the external rotation thigh foot angle test. In this group, 30° varus stress testing was normal in 22 of 25 (88%) knees, and grade 1 laxity was found in 3 of 25 (12%) knees. 30° valgus stress testing was normal in 7 of 7 (100%) surgically treated MCL tears, and in 7 of 8 (87.5%) brace-treated knees. Postoperative KT-1000 arthrometer testing mean side-to-side difference measurements were 2.7 mm (PCL screen), 2.6 mm (corrected posterior), and 1.0 mm (corrected anterior) measurements, a statistically significant improvement from preoperative status (P = .001). Postoperative stress radiographic side-to-side difference measurements measured at 90° of knee flexion and 32 lb posteriorly directed proximal force were 0 to 3 mm in 11 of 21 (52.3%) knees, 4 to 5 mm in 5 of 21 (23.8%), and 6 to 10 mm in 4 of 21 (19%) knees. Postoperative Lysholm, Tegner, and HSS knee ligament rating scale mean values were 91.2, 5.3, and 86.8, respectively, showing a statistically significant improvement from preoperative status (P = .001). Conclusions: Combined ACL/PCL instabilities can be successfully treated with arthroscopic reconstruction and the appropriate collateral ligament surgery. Statistically significant improvement is noted from the preoperative condition at 2- to 10-year follow-up using objective parameters of knee ligament rating scales, arthrometer testing, stress radiography, and physical examination. Postoperatively, these knees are not normal, but they are functionally stable. Continuing technical improvements will probably improve future results.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 7 (September), 2002: pp 703–714     

Debridement arthroscopy. 10-year followup.

The treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is a difficult problem. In the senior author's opinion, nonaggressive arthroscopic debridement of the knee is an effective procedure to relieve pain and restore function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. A subjective telephone interview of patients done 10 or more years after arthroscopic debridement evaluated the long term results of this treatment in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The patients all were candidates for total knee replacement who selected arthroscopy as a temporizing procedure. Of the 191 knees in patients undergoing arthroscopic debridement, 77 patients (91 knees) were contacted for followup. Sixty-seven percent of the 91 knees did not have total knee arthroplasty at an average of 13.2 years followup. The Tegner activity score averaged 3.5 and patient satisfaction averaged 8.6 on a 0 to 10 scale. Twenty-one patients (30 knees) or (33%) had total knee arthroplasty at an average of 6.7 years. Seven of these had total knee arthroplasty within 2 years of arthroscopic debridement. Six of these seven knees had Outerbridge Grade 4 articular cartilage changes and clinically significant meniscus tears. Seven of the 19 knees (37%) with Outerbridge Grade 4 changes in 80% of one knee compartment did not require total knee arthroplasty after greater than 10 year followup. The difficulties in long term followup in this patient population is evident, yet the number of patients who had a functional lifestyle after arthroscopic debridement was notable.     

Long-term results of arthroscopic excision of unstable osteochondral lesions of the lateral femoral condyle

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic removal of unstable osteochondral lesions with subchondral drilling in the lateral femoral condyle. We reviewed the outcome of 23 patients (28 knees) with stage III or IV osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the lateral femoral condyle at a mean follow-up of 14 years (10 to 19). The functional clinical outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score, which improved from a mean of 38.1 (SD 3.5) pre-operatively to a mean of 87.3 (SD 5.4) at the most recent review (p = 0.034), and the Tegner activity score, which improved from a pre-operative median of 2 (0 to 3) to a median of 5 (3 to 7) at final follow-up (p = 0.021). The radiological degenerative changes were evaluated according to Tapper and Hoover's classification and when compared with the pre-operative findings, one knee had grade 1, 22 knees had grade 2 and five knees had grade 3 degenerative changes. The overall outcomes were assessed using Hughston's rating scale, where 19 knees were rated as good, four as fair and five as poor. We found radiological evidence of degenerative changes in the third or fourth decade of life at a mean of 14 years after arthroscopic excision of the loose body and subchondral drilling for an unstable osteochondral lesion of the lateral femoral condyle. Clinical and functional results were more satisfactory.     

全关节镜下膝关节后外复合体重建

目的 介绍全关节镜下腘肌腱重建、腘肌腱联合腘腓韧带重建或膝关节后外复合体(posterolateral corner,PLC)解剖重建的手术技术,探讨全关节镜下PLC重建治疗膝关节后外不稳定的效果.方法 2008年8月至2010年4月,共完成全关节镜下后十字韧带(posterior cruciate ligament,PCL)+PLC重建手术34例.患者在接受手术时平均年龄34.1岁(15～52岁);男32例,女2例;从受伤到手术平均10.7个月.所有病例均为陈旧性损伤,且均为复合韧带损伤.所有PCL损伤的病例都存在PLC损伤.合并前十字韧带损伤6例(17.6%),合并前十字韧带、内侧副韧带损伤2例(5.9%),合并内侧副韧带损伤5例(14.7%).对膝关节PLC损伤进行分型,采用不同的重建技术进行治疗.对于A型旋转不稳定,采用全关节镜下腘肌腱重建、腘肌腱联合腘腓韧带重建;对于C型后外不稳定,采用全关节镜下PLC解剖重建.结果 14例患者获得随访并进行二次关节镜检查,平均随访18.5个月(13～25个月).终末随访包括:膝关节查体、KT-1000测量、膝关节应力像和胫骨外旋稳定性.使用膝关节应力像测量胫骨后移程度,胫骨后移由术前平均15.56mm减少为术后5.16mm,手术前后差异有统计学意义.使用屈膝30°位胫骨外旋试验评估膝关节后外旋转不稳定.对比患侧与健侧胫骨外旋的差值,由术前平均14.92°减小为术后-0.22°,手术前后差异有统计学意义.术后患者平均屈曲受限4.23°,无伸膝受限.结论 对于膝关节PLC损伤导致的不稳定,采用全关节镜下PLC重建的手术技术,能够有效恢复膝关节后外旋转不稳定.这种手术技术能够与PCL重建联合应用.

Abstract：

Objectiye To introduce the surgical technique of arthroscopy assisted anatomical posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction,including popliteal ligament,popliteofibular ligament and lateral collateral ligament,and evaluate the results of this technique.Methods From August 2008 to April 2010,34arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and PLC reconstruction surgeries were performed.The average age of the patients was 34.1 (15-52) years.There were 32 males and 2 females.The average time period from injury to surgery was 10.7 months.All patients were chronic injuries and combined ligament injuries,including PCL and PLC injuries.Some cases had other ligament injury,including 6 patients of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (17.6%),2 of ACL combined medial cruciate ligament (MCL) injuries (5.9%),and 5 of MCL injuries (14.7%).According to Fanellis classification,for type A posterolateral rotation instability,we performed arthroscopic popliteal ligament reconstruction or popliteal ligament combined popliteofibular ligament reconstruction.For type C posterolateral instability,we performed arthroscopic PLC anatomical reconstruction.Results During the follow-up period,14 patients had undergone a second look arthroscopic examination and removal of hardware.The average follow-up time was 18.5 months (13-25 months).At the final follow-up,physical examination,stability evaluation with KT-1000 and Telos stress view,and dial test were performed.The posterior displacement of the knee had decreased from 15.56 mm preoperatively to 5.16mm postoperatively.The external rotation instability had decreased from 14.92° preoperatively to -0.22°postoperatively.The average limitation of knee flexion was 4.23° and no knee extension was limited.Conclusion With the surgical technique of arthroscopy assisted anatomical PLC reconstruction,we can restore the external rotation stability of knee.This technique can be performed combine with PCL reconstruction.     

Radiographic assessment of instability of the knee due to rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. A quadriceps-contraction technique

We compared the results of a radiographic technique for the measurement of instability of the knee with those obtained with a KT-1000 arthrometer. The study was conducted on both knees of sixty patients who had a ruptured anterior-cruciate ligament in one knee, as well as in ten control subjects. The radiographic technique included the examination of a true lateral radiograph, made while the knee was in full extension and the quadriceps was maximally contracted, with a 66.7-newton downward force produced by a 6.8-kilogram weight suspended from the ankle. As demonstrated by both techniques, the maximum difference between the displacements of the right and left knees in the control subjects was 2.5 millimeters and the mean difference between the displacements in the two knees in the patients was 7.5 millimeters. In fourteen of the sixty knees in which the ligament was ruptured, the injury was acute. The forward translation of the medial side in these fourteen knees was compared with that in the forty-six knees in which the injury was chronic. The mean difference in the displacement of the medial side in the right and left knees was 3.5 millimeters in the fourteen patients who had an acute injury and 5.0 millimeters in the forty-six patients who had a chronic injury. Thirteen of the sixty patients had disruption of the posteromedial corner of the injured knee, and the translation of the medial side in these knees was significantly increased compared with that in the intact knees of the same patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Arthroscopic debridement for grade III and IV chondromalacia of the knee in patients older than 60 years

Arthroscopic debridement has been used to treat patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis, although there is sometimes conflicting evidence documenting its efficacy. This study evaluates the success of arthroscopic debridement in elderly patients with grade III and IV chondromalacia of the knee as measured by patient satisfaction and the need for additional surgery. From December 1998 to August 2001, a total of 102 consecutive cases of knee arthroscopy in 99 patients > 60 years were performed. Average follow-up was 34 months (range: 7-104 months). Patients were asked about their satisfaction using a visual analog scale, and the presence of meniscal lesions during arthroscopy and the treatment for these lesions were evaluated. Knees also were assessed for articular surface degeneration using Outerbridge's classification for chondromalacia. The need for and type of additional surgery was evaluated. During arthroscopy, meniscal lesions requiring a partial meniscectomy were found in 95 knees. Chondromalacia was found in 92 knees; 53 knees had grade I or II chondromalacia and 39 knees had grade III or IV chondromalacia. Additional surgery was performed in 17 knees. Mean patient satisfaction score was 73 (range: 50-100) in the 39 knees with grade III or IV chondromalacia after arthroscopic debridement was performed. These findings suggest arthroscopic debridement in elderly patients has a place in the treatment algorithm for grade III or IV chondromalacia of the knee.     

Refixation of femoral anterior cruciate ligament tears combined with a semitendinosus tendon augmentation

As part of a retrospective study, 76 patients with acute tears of the anterior cruciate ligament who underwent reinsertion and augmentation with the semitendinosus tendon were examined. The follow-up took place on average 4.5 years (range 3–7 years) after surgery. A decreased range of motion upon comparison with the uninjured opposite side was seen in 43 patients. The Lachman test revealed a grade 1 instability in 42 patients, grade 2 in 17 and grade 3 in 2, while 15 patients had a negative test result. The average Lysholm score was 92 points and the Tegner activity score had an average of 7.1 points. KT-1000 measurements showed an identical degree of anterior translation for both knees at 89 N in 25 individuals. The analysis revealed a difference of 2 mm in 15 patients, 4 mm in 19, 6 mm in 15 and greater than 6 mm in 2. The radiographic follow-up examination revealed a deterioration of the degenerative change of 1 deg in 17 patients and 2 deg in 4 patients. Isometric testing showed no loss in flexion strength of the operated knee joints compared to the healthy opposite side. The ratio between flexion and extension strength was also identical for both knees. The reinsertion and augmentation with a single strand of semitendinosus tendon is not, as this study demonstrates, the appropriate reconstructive technique for the majority of ACL tears.     

导航辅助前十字韧带单束与双束重建的比较研究

 目的 比较导航辅助前十字韧带单束与双束重建的临床效果。方法 对导航辅助的前十字韧带单束与双束重建病例进行回顾性队列研究, 单束重建组29 例、双束重建组28 例, 分别使用导航辅助单束、双束重建技术。两组术前KT-1000 患侧与健侧膝关节前向稳定性差值、轴移试验、国际膝关节评分委员会(International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC)膝关节功能评级的差异均无统计学意义。结果 两组病例随访时间均超过2 年。末次随访时单束重建组膝关节前向稳定性差值为(1.6±5.1)mm, 双束重建组为(2.2±3.0)mm, 差异无统计学意义。单束重建组轴移试验阳性率为14.3%, 双束重建组为29.6%, 差异无统计学意义。单束重建组IKDC 膝关节功能评级优于双束重建组, 差异有统计学意义。单束重建组10 例行二次关节镜检查, 均可见移植物连续且张力好;双束重建组28 例行二次关节镜检查, 8 例(28.6%, 8/28)可见后外束且张力较好, 15 例(53.6%, 15/28)可见后外束但松弛, 5 例(17.8%, 5/28)未见后外束。结论 导航辅助前十字韧带单束与双束重建术后早期膝关节稳定性相同, 单束重建患者对术后膝关节功能的主观评分优于双束重建患者。