Search Results (17)

Background and Objectives: Although the use of allografts in revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with theoretical advantages, it has historically led to poorer clinical results and lower survival rates. However, the heterogeneity of the available literature makes it difficult to elucidate the effectiveness of allographs, as most of the studies published do not make any reference to some of the key aspects related to the processing of the allograft employed. The present study analyzed the clinical results and the survival of allografts in patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a well-characterized, single type of allograft. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study analyzing a series of patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with an Achilles tendon allograft with a bone block (FlexiGraft, LifeNet Health), subjected to low-dose irradiation at dry ice temperatures. Preoperative and follow-up clinical variables (IKDC, pain, hop test, and YBT scores) were recorded. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier methodology. Results: A total of 39 patients (34 male, 5 female) were included in the study. The mean patient age was 37.3 years and mean postoperative follow-up was 78.7 months. Forty-one percent of patients were competitive athletes, and all of the patients in the sample exhibited preoperative instability. The mean allograft thickness was 9.2 mm. During surgery, 51.3% of patients required meniscus repair and 20.5% had to be treated for chondral defects. At the last follow-up visit, 92.3% of the subjects presented with IKDC grade A and 7.7% with IKDC grade B. The mean subjective IKDC score was 0.79 and mean pain intensity was 1.15 according to the VAS scale. Limb symmetry, as measured by the various hop tests and the Y balance test, were within the safety range, with 74.4% of patients succeeding in returning to their previous level of sport. Ten-year survival was estimated at 97.4%. Conclusions: Allografts obtained and processed following the current regulations governing patient selection and graft harvesting, which are additionally processed without recourse to chemical procedures and sterilized at less than 2 MRad in dry ice conditions, represent an effective and safe alternative in revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Full article

Background: The isolated rectus femoris tendon (RT) is a less commonly used autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Graft selection is a critical part of ACL reconstruction, especially in revision surgery. Hypothesis: This study compares patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) between revision ACL reconstruction with an RT autograft and a hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. We hypothesized that the RT autograft will yield comparable functional results and high patient satisfaction. Study Design: This was a cohort study; the level of evidence is III. Methods: Fifty-five patients (RT n = 28; HT n = 27) who underwent revision ACL reconstruction were included in this study, with a mean follow-up time of 40.3 months (range, 16.4–64.8) for RT and 61.2 months (range, 34.6–86.3) for HT. Apart from the harvesting technique, the surgical technique was the same for both groups. Clinical and intraoperative data were collected for our postoperative registry. In addition, funcinal outcome was measured using the International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC), the Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and numeric rating scale (NRS). The type and frequency of postoperative complications were documented. Results: At the final follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the RT and HT groups in the IKDC (mean ± SD: 74.7 ± 10.9 vs. 74.9 ± 12.9), Lysholm score (90.9 ± 15.0 vs. 89.0 ± 14.6), or Tegner activity scale (median [IQR]: 5 [4–6] vs. 5 [4–6]). The mean femoral tunnel diameter was 9.0 mm (range, 7.5–10 mm) for the RT and 8.2 mm (range 7.0–9.5 mm) for the HT. The use of the RT reduced the need for a two-stage procedure by 50% compared to HT (n = 5 vs. n = 10), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.11). Stability measured by the Lachman test improved significantly in both groups from the pre- to postoperative period. Retear of the ACL graft was observed in two patients in both groups (7.1% RT and 7.4% HT). Conclusions: The RT and HT autografts achieved similar outcomes in PROMs for revision ACL reconstruction. Good tendon quality with parallel fibers and adjustable thickness characterize the RT. A tendency for a reduced rate of two-stage surgery with RT was noticed. Clinical Relevance: The incidence of revision ACL reconstruction is rising. Surgeons should be aware of all the available graft options. The isolated RT expands the range of autografts available for ACL reconstruction. Full article

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with concurrent lateral extra-articular tenodesis enhances rotational stability. However, not many studies describe radiological features following the abovementioned procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visibility and describe the sonographic morphology of the iliotibial band strip harvested during the modified Lemaire technique and to establish a correlation between these findings and clinical outcomes. Thirty-two consecutive patients underwent primary or revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis by the mini-open modified Lemaire technique. All individuals completed the following preoperative and postoperative questionnaires: the KOOS-pain, KOOS-symptoms, KOOS-ADL, KOOS-sport, KOOS-quality, IKDC, Lysholm, and WOMAC. Each patient underwent a postoperative ultrasound examination to evaluate the lateral extra-articular procedure, especially the harvested iliotibial band strip. The most common ultrasound findings of the iliotibial band strip were its hyperechoic appearance (87.1%), location at the level of the femur (58.1%), no surrounding effusion (83.9%), and no power Doppler signal (100%). Effusion seen in sonographic images was correlated with KOOS-symptoms postoperative scores (p = 0.0115). However, there were no correlations between other iliotibial band strip sonographic features and clinical outcomes. The functional score value increased in each patient compared to preoperative measurements. This is the first study that evaluated the sonographic features of the iliotibial band strip after the lateral extra-articular procedure by the mini-open modified Lemaire technique. Our study indicates that ultrasonography is a useful tool in identifying the iliotibial band strip after the mentioned procedure. Effusion observed around the strip on ultrasound was significantly associated with worse KOOS-symptoms scores, suggesting potential clinical relevance. Full article

Introduction: The number of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (RACLR) procedures is increasing in proportion to the increase in the number of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) procedures. Although approximately 50–75% of these procedures can be performed in a single-stage procedure, not all of them can. The choice of graft may influence the results of RACLR. The most commonly mentioned graft materials for RACLR are allografts and autografts. Background/Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of single-stage RACLR using a semitendinosus (ST) autograft or allograft and to follow-up and compare the results of both groups after 2 years. Methods: The retrospective cohort study was carried out between 2008 and 2021, during which time 2327 ACLRs were performed. Graft rupture occurred in 198 (8.5%) patients, and 98 (4.2%) patients underwent RACLR. RACLR was performed as a single-stage procedure using a semitendinosus autograft or allograft in 56 patients. The KT-2000, Lachman and axis shift, range of motion, Tegner, Lysholm, KSS, KOOS, and IKDC tests were used to assess outcomes. Results: There were no differences between the groups in terms of age, time of revision after procedure, parameters for the graft (screw diameter, endobutton length, femoral tunnel length) or for the procedure and revision, BMI, or in the time needed for returning to dynamics and training. The groups did not differ in quality of life in any measurements, stiffness, pain function, or sport. Analysis showed higher Lysholm results on the day of treatment in the autograft group than in the allograft group (p = 0.11). The allograft group had higher KSS scores on the day of treatment (p = 0.11) and after 60 months or at the moment of breakup than the autograft group (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Single-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with an autograft and ST provides good knee stability. The results of single-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament treatment using an ST autograft or an ST allograft are similar. Full article

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in athletes, but their prevalence has also increased among adults. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is a key treatment option, with graft choice playing a critical role in recovery. The study evaluates the clinical and functional outcomes of ACLR using the Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System (LARS) in patients over 35 years old. It assesses implant survival, failure rate, and revision rate, and measures quality of life and subjective outcomes. Methods: Fifty-three patients were finally included in this retrospective two-center study. The study assessed quality of life (QoL) and subjective outcomes using IKDC and Lysholm scores, evaluated implant survival and revision rates, and assessed the difference in activity levels between the two years before ACL injury and at follow-up. Results: The study found high Lysholm (90.61) and IKDC (80.25) scores, indicating positive clinical results. However, about 40% of patients did not return to their pre-injury activity levels. The graft failure rate was low at 3.8%, with no cases of infection or implant rejection. Conclusions: The study concluded that LARS ACLR is an effective option for middle-aged patients, offering faster recovery and fewer complications. However, it may not be suitable for younger, professional athletes due to its mechanical limitations. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up is recommended. Full article

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in sports and often require surgical intervention, e.g., ACL reconstruction (ACLR), aimed at restoring knee stability and enabling a return to pre-injury activity levels. The choice of graft is crucial, impacting biomechanical properties, clinical outcomes, and complication rates, and is especially important in revision surgeries after graft failure. Over the past 30 years, trends in graft selection have evolved towards more individualized approaches, considering factors such as patient activity level, prior injuries, and tissue availability. In Europe, autografts like hamstring tendon (HT), bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB), and quadriceps tendon (QT) are preferred, with the increasing use of QT grafts. This review synthesizes the current literature on graft selection and its influence on ACLR outcomes. Full article

Objectives: There remains considerable debate regarding the optimal management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in skeletally immature patients. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of transphyseal ACL reconstruction in patients with open growth plates. Methods: This retrospective study included skeletally immature patients with full-thickness ACL tears and confirmed open physis. ACL reconstructions were performed using a four-strand semitendinosus autograft, with an additional gracilis tendon graft if needed. The surgical technique emphasized tibial and femoral physeal-sparing tunnel placement to minimize disruption of the growth plates. Clinical assessment included measurements for limb length discrepancy, knee stability, and growth disturbances. Functional outcomes were evaluated using IKDC 2000, Lysholm, and KOOS scores, while ligament stability was assessed with KT-1000 arthrometer measurements at routine follow-up. Results: A total of 31 consecutive patients (15 females, 16 males; mean age 13.6 ± 1.8 years, range 9–16 years) were included. Mean follow-up was 49 ± 26 months (range 18–93 months). The mean time to return to sports was 8.8 ± 4.4 months. Eight patients (26%) experienced ACL graft rupture and underwent revision ACL reconstruction. One additional patient required partial meniscectomy. The overall revision rate was 29%. The mean subjective IKDC score was 91.8 ± 7.2, with Lysholm and KOOS scores of 96.6 ± 7.9 and 94.2 ± 5.3, respectively. No significant growth disturbances were noted. The mean side-to-side difference in KT-1000 testing was 2.2 ± 1.5 mm. Patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction showed significantly greater length growth compared with those with intact ACL reconstruction (p = 0.02). Spearman correlation revealed a significant association between length growth and anterior tibial translation (p = 0.02, r = 0.46). Conclusions: Transphyseal ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients provides favorable clinical and radiological outcomes, with minimal risk of growth disturbance. Most patients returned to pre-injury levels of athletic activity. However, the high revision rate emphasizes the complexity of managing ACL injuries in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lateral extraarticular tenodesis (LET) has been advocated in revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to improve knee stability and furthermore, decrease failure rates. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes, knee laxity, and failure rates after revision ACLR with LET (ACLR + LET) versus without LET. It was hypothesized that ACLR + LET improves clinical outcomes and reduces the failure rate. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted to examine patients who underwent revision ACLR with and without LET between 2017 and 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients with coronal malalignment (>5°), posterior tibial slope >12°, and concomitant injuries to collateral ligaments were excluded. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, the Lysholm score, and the Tegner activity scale (TAS). Anterior knee laxity was measured with a Rolimeter and side-to-side difference (SSD) was determined. Revision ACLR failure was defined as ACL revision surgery and SSD > 5 mm. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square-, independent-samples students t-test or Mann–Whitney–U tests. Results: Of 56 eligible patients, 45 (80%, follow up, 23 isolated rACLR vs. 22 rACLR + LET) were included with a mean follow-up of 45.6 ± 15.8 months. Postoperative PROMs were not statistically different between rACLR and rACLR + LET groups (IKDC: 73.0 ± 18.9 vs. 68.7 ± 16.6, n.s.; Lysholm: 84.8 ± 12.3 vs. 77.7 ± 16.2, n.s.). Both groups showed similar TAS (rACLR vs. rACLR +LET (5; range 4–6 vs. 4; range 3–5; n.s.). Anterior knee laxity SSD was 2.4 ± 1.3 mm in the rACLR group and 1.8 ± 1.8 mm in the rACLR + LET group (n.s.). The failure rate was 13% in the rACLR group compared to 4.5% in the rACLR + LET group (n.s.). Conclusions: Isolated revision ACLR showed comparable postoperative patient-reported outcome measures and anterior knee laxity compared to ACLR + LET at mid-term follow up. The addition of a LET demonstrated a lower, though non-significant, failure rate after revision surgery. However, future studies with a prospective, randomized design and an increased number of patients are needed to clearly identify the exact indication for the use of additional LET. Full article

Background: Consensus has not yet been reached regarding combined anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ALLR) with revisional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (RACLR). We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients who underwent isolated RACLR and those who underwent RACLR combined with ALLR. Methods: Between June 2010 and June 2021, 49 patients who underwent RACLR were retrospectively reviewed over a 24-month follow-up. Patients were categorized into the isolated RACLR (n = 37, group 1) or combined ALLR group (n = 12, group 2). Clinical outcomes were evaluated with several patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for each PROM. The side-to-side difference (SSD) of the anterior instability was measured. The pivot-shift test was performed. Results: Baseline characteristics showed no differences between the groups. PROMs showed no significant differences between the groups at the 2-year follow-up. Group 2 was superior to group 1 in the MCID achievement rate for Lysholm knee and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores at 24 months postoperatively. At the final follow-up, the proportion of IKDC grade A in SSD for anterior laxity was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (58.3% versus [vs.] 18.3%, p = 0.009), and the proportion of pivot-shift grade 0 was also higher in group 2 (66.7% vs. 27.0%, p = 0.013). The “near return to activity” rate was also higher in group 2 than in group 1 (83.3% vs. 45.9%, p = 0.043). Conclusions: Combining ALLR with RACLR in non-athletes results in a higher proportion of patients with less mechanical graft failure and satisfactory clinical outcomes. Full article

This case report describes a new approach to segmental meniscal reconstruction using a peroneal longus autograft in a patient with recurrent traumatic medial meniscus tear and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) failure. While allograft meniscal transplantation is the preferred method for treating meniscal deficiency, its high cost and various legal regulations have limited its widespread use. Autologous tendon grafts have been proposed as a substitute for allograft meniscus transplantation, but their initial results were poor, leading to little progress in this area. However, recent animal experiments and clinical studies have demonstrated promising results in using autologous tendon grafts for meniscal transplantation, including improvements in pain and quality of life for patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of segmental meniscal reconstruction using autologous tendon grafts, but it could potentially lead to more accessible and cost-effective treatment options for patients with meniscal deficiency. Full article

Introduction: The Purpose of the present study was to assess the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with an accelerated rehabilitation protocol and to compare it to a conservative rehabilitation protocol. It was hypothesized that an accelerated rehabilitation protocol, including brace-free early weight bearing, would result in a higher rate of recurrent instability and revision surgery compared to a conservative rehabilitation protocol. Methods: From 2016 to 2017, two different rehabilitation protocols for isolated ACLR were used at a high-volume knee surgery center. A total of 65 consecutive patients with isolated hamstring ACLR, of whom n = 33 had been treated with an accelerated (AccRehab) and n = 32 with a conservative rehabilitation protocol (ConRehab), were retrospectively included in the study. Patients were evaluated for recurrent instability, revision surgery, and other complications at a mean follow-up period of 64 ± 7.4 months. In addition, Tegner Activity Scale, Lysholm Score, and IKDC-subjective Score were evaluated. Statistical comparison between the two groups was performed utilizing Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test. Results: Mean age (29.3 vs. 26.6 years) and preoperative Tegner Score (6.4 vs. 5.9) were comparable between both groups. At 64 ± 7.4 months after ACLR, six cases of recurrent instability were reported in the AccRehab group (18%) in comparison to three cases (9%) in the ConRehab group (p = n.s.). There was no significant difference regarding revision surgery and further complications. Furthermore, no significant difference was found between both groups regarding Tegner (5.5 ± 1.9 vs. 5.5 ± 1.2), Lysholm (93.6 ± 6.3 vs. 89.3 ± 10.7), and IKDC score (89.7 ± 7.9 vs. 86.7 ± 12.1). Conclusion: No significant disadvantage of an accelerated rehabilitation protocol following ACLR was found in terms of recurrent instability rate, revision surgery, or patient-reported outcome. However, a trend towards a higher reinstability rate was found for an accelerated rehabilitation protocol. Future level one trials evaluating brace-free early weight bearing following ACLR are desirable. Full article

Background and Objectives: The goal in treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury especially in revision cases is return to sports activity by regaining dynamic postural stability. Among various methods to achieve this goal, additional anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) is gaining attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional ALLR in revision ACL reconstruction (RACLR). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent RACLR between July 2015 and June 2018 were enrolled. The exclusion criteria were less than 1-year follow-up, age older than 45 years, concomitant multiple ligament injuries, contralateral knee injury, subtotal or total meniscectomized state, and articular cartilage lesions worse than Outerbridge grade 3. Thirty-nine patients (20 patients; RACLR only (Group A), 19 patients; RACLR with additional ALLR (Group B)) were included. Clinical scores (Lysholm score, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner activity scale), isokinetic strength test, single-leg-hop for distance test (SLHDT), Y-balance test (YBT) were checked preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Results: Limb symmetry index values in YBT showed significantly better result in Group B 1-year postoperatively (Group A: 97.2 ± 4.0, Group B: 100.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.010), although there were no differences preoperatively between groups (Group A: 90.4 ± 6.7, Group B: 89.3 ± 5.5, p = 0.594). Regarding clinical scores, isokinetic strength tests, and SLHDT, there were no differences between groups preoperatively nor 1-year postoperatively. Conclusions: Additional ALLR in RACLR helped patients gain better dynamic postural stability at 1-year postoperative follow-up. Full article

Purpose: Both dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) and reconstruction (RECO) are common treatment methods for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. We report short term outcomes after DIS (Ligamys, Mathys, Bettlach, Switzerland) and RECO using semitendinosus tendon. We compared postoperative complications, deficits of range-of-motion (ROM), and revision rates between the two treatment options. Methods: A total of 690 patients (437 male, 253 female), after either DIS or RECO, were included. Of these, 147 patients (21%) received DIS and 543 (79%) underwent RECO. Follow-up examination focused on clinical examination, complications and revision rates. Anteroposterior instability and ROM deficits were analyzed in order to evaluate our policy of early intervention for all cases of ROM restrictions. Results: Relevant ROM restrictions occurred at a significantly higher rate after DIS than after RECO (4.8% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.008). Flexion was more restricted after DIS than RECO (110° vs. 124°, p < 0.001). Extension deficits also occurred more frequently after DIS compared to RECO (49.7% vs. 24.5%; p < 0.001). Total revision surgery rate was 9.1%, with patients after DIS being significantly more frequently affected (20.4% vs. 6.1%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings indicate a significantly higher risk for ROM restriction after DIS compared to RECO, resulting in a significantly higher revision rate. Full article

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is widely used to restore knee stability after injury, but the risk of revision surgery increases when the autograft size is inadequate. Ultrasound (US) measurements of preoperative target tendons have been applied to predict the intraoperative autograft size, with various outcomes across different studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence and investigate the usefulness of US in predicting autograft size. Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies from inception to 19 January 2022. The primary outcome was the correlation between the preoperative US measurements of donor tendons and intraoperative autograft size. The secondary outcomes encompassed the predictive performance of US for autograft size and the comparison between US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for preoperative tendon measurements. Nine studies, comprising 249 patients, were enrolled. The preoperative US measurements of the donor tendons demonstrated a significant positive correlation with their intraoperative autograft diameter, with a pooled correlation coefficient of 0.443 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.266–0.591, p < 0.001) for the gracilis and semitendinosus autograft, 0.525 (95% CI, 0.114–0.783, p = 0.015) for the semitendinosus autograft, and 0.475 (95% CI, 0.187–0.687, p = 0.002) for the gracilis autograft. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of US imaging in predicting the autograft diameter were 0.83 (95% CI 0.57–0.95) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.36–0.91), respectively. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between US and MRI measurements in predicting the sizes of the gracilis and semitendinosus autografts. Preoperative US measurements of the target tendons were moderately correlated with the intraoperative autograft size. US imaging has a discriminative performance similar to that of MRI in predicting the autograft size. A standardized US scanning protocol is needed for future studies to minimize the variations in tendon measurements across different investigators and increase the comparability of US imaging with intraoperative findings. Full article

Background: This study aimed to assess long-term progression of osteoarthritis (OA) after isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in athletes compared to the healthy contralateral side. Methods: The study included 15 patients and 30 knees with a mean age of 40 years (range, 35–46) years, none of whom had had revision surgery or an injury to the contralateral side. The mean follow-up period was 16.4 years (range, 13–22). Clinical and radiographic assessment included the Tegner activity scale (TAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grade. The long-term results of the injured knees were compared with the status of the healthy contralateral side and compared with previously published mid-term results of the same cohort of patients. Results: Patients generally remained clinically asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic at final follow-up, which is reflected by a KOOS pain score of 33 points (maximum 36 points) and an IKDC total subjective score of 87% (maximum 100%). There was a significant difference between mid-term and final follow-up in terms of the function score of the IKDC subjective questionnaire (p = 0.031), compartment findings and donor site morbidity of the IKDC functional examination (both p = 0.034), and the total KOOS score (p = 0.047). The KL score indicated significant progression of OA from mid-term to final follow-up in the injured knees (p = 0.004) and healthy contralateral knees (p = 0.014). Mean OA grades of the injured knees were significantly higher compared with the healthy contralateral side (p = 0.006) at final follow-up, and two patients showed moderate to severe signs of OA in the injured knee. Conclusions: Although most patients remained clinically asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, long-term progression of OA after isolated ACL reconstruction in athletes was significantly higher compared with the healthy contralateral knee. Full article