scholarly journals Knee Imaging Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Surgeon's and Radiologist's Perspectives

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (04) ◽  
pp. 386-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Wan ◽  
Christina Allen ◽  
Lynne Steinbach ◽  
Ramya Srinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cartilage Damage ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Chronic Instability ◽  
Imaging Appearance ◽  
Technical Advances ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Knee Imaging

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are common injuries that if left untreated can result in chronic instability, cartilage damage, meniscal tears, and ligamentous injuries, eventually leading to early osteoarthritis. ACL reconstruction surgeries are therefore increasingly being performed. Despite the fact that most patients achieve excellent postoperative results, patients can present with recurrent instability and pain. These patients often undergo imaging with radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or computed tomography. An understanding of the imaging appearance of the normal ACL reconstruction and common causes of failure is therefore essential for the interpreting radiologist. This article reviews surgical techniques for ACL reconstruction, highlighting recent technical advances, the normal imaging appearance after ACL reconstruction, etiologies for reconstruction failure, and the diagnosis of these with the aid of imaging.

Risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

2018 ◽  
Vol 100-B (3) ◽  
pp. 285-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Nakamae ◽  
N. Adachi ◽  
M. Deie ◽  
M. Ishikawa ◽  
T. Nakasa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cartilage Damage ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Articular Cartilage Damage ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Aims To investigate the risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Patients and Methods A total of 174 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopic evaluation after anatomical ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this study. The graded condition of the articular cartilage at the time of ACL reconstruction was compared with that at second-look arthroscopy. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ACL reconstruction technique, meniscal conditions, and other variables were assessed by regression analysis as risk factors for progression of damage to the articular cartilage. Results In the medial compartment, multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that partial medial meniscectomy (odds ratio (OR) 6.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11 to 22.04, p = 0.001), pivot-shift test grade at the final follow-up (OR 3.53, CI 1.39 to 8.96, p = 0.008), BMI (OR 1.15, CI 1.03 to 1.28, p = 0.015) and medial meniscal repair (OR 3.19, CI 1.24 to 8.21, p = 0.016) were significant risk factors for progression of cartilage damage. In the lateral compartment, partial lateral meniscectomy (OR 10.94, CI 4.14 to 28.92, p < 0.001) and side-to-side differences in anterior knee laxity at follow-up (OR 0.63, p = 0.001) were significant risk factors. Conclusion Partial meniscectomy was found to be strongly associated with the progression of articular cartilage damage despite r anatomical ACL reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:285–93.

Surgical techniques of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Feller
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Ligament Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ◽  
Tunnel Position ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

♦ The principal indication for ACL reconstruction is instability, either existent or predicted♦ In general, it is crucial that the knee has settled and motion has been restored prior to surgery♦ Accurate tunnel position is the most important aspect of surgery

scholarly journals Femoral tunnel in revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Joints ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 01 (03) ◽  
pp. 126-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Giron ◽  
Michele Losco ◽  
Luca Giannini ◽  
Roberto Buzzi
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Femoral Tunnel ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Dimensional Reconstruction ◽  
Sporting Activities ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

The failure rate after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction performed by expert surgeons is estimated to be in the range of 10-15%, and only 60% of patients undergoing this surgery are able to resume sporting activities comparable to those they engaged in prior to the traumatic incident.Incorrect femoral tunnel placement is one of the main causes of failed ACL reconstruction and this must be remembered when undertaking revision surgery.There are various possible errors that can be committed and, to plan revision surgery correctly, it is fundamental to study the position of the existing femoral tunnel(s) both on classic anteroposterior and lateral plain radiographs and on computed tomography scans with frontal, sagittal, and coronal sections, and also using three-dimensional reconstruction.In-depth anatomical knowledge and familiarity with the various possible surgical techniques are also mandatory for a successful surgical outcome.

scholarly journals An Abnormal Tibial Position Is Associated With Alterations in the Meniscal Matrix: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596711882005
Author(s):  
Alexander R. Markes ◽  
Joseph Knox ◽  
Qunjie Zhong ◽  
Valentina Pedoia ◽  
Xiaojuan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Quantitative Mri ◽  
Tibial Rotation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Gradual Improvement ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
And Control

Background: An altered tibial position is still present despite anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It has been demonstrated that an abnormal tibial position after an ACL injury may play a role in subsequent injuries to the meniscus, which can lead to early cartilage degeneration. Purpose: To determine changes in both the tibial position and the meniscal matrix present before and after ACL reconstruction as well as to evaluate the association between these 2 variables in ACL-injured knees 3 years after reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Bilateral knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 32 patients with unilateral ACL injuries was performed before reconstruction; 13 control participants also underwent MRI. Follow-up MRI was performed up to 3 years after surgery. Tibial position, internal tibial rotation, and T1ρ and T2 values of the menisci were calculated using an in-house MATLAB program. Student t tests and multiple linear regression were used to compare differences between injured, uninjured, and control knees as well as to assess correlations between the tibial position at 3 years and 3-year changes in quantitative MRI meniscal relaxation values. Results: The tibial position of injured knees was more anterior than that of uninjured knees at baseline, 6 months, and 1, 2, and 3 years ( P < .05 for all). The T1ρ and T2 values of the menisci of injured knees were greater than those of uninjured and control knees in the posterior lateral and posterior medial horns up to 1 and 2 years after surgery, respectively ( P < .05 for all). The tibial position at 3 years was associated with increased T2 values from baseline to 3 years in the posterior medial horn (β = 0.397; P = .031) and anterior medial horn (β = 0.360; P = .040). Conclusion: Results of the current study indicate that there is a persistently altered tibial position after ACL reconstruction. Initial preoperative meniscal abnormalities show prolonged but gradual improvement. Additionally, correlations between the tibial position and changes in the medial meniscal matrix suggest that the tibial position may play a role in the increased susceptibility to medial meniscal tears seen after reconstruction. The development of newer surgical techniques must address a persistently altered tibial position. Quantitative MRI is an effective instrument to evaluate meniscal matrix changes and can serve as an early radiological tool for meniscal injuries.

scholarly journals Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Leads to Greater Limb Asymmetry and Less Cartilage Damage Than Untreated ACL Transection or ACL Reconstruction in the Porcine Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 667-674
Author(s):  
Naga Padmini Karamchedu ◽  
Martha M. Murray ◽  
Jakob T. Sieker ◽  
Benedikt L. Proffen ◽  
Gabriela Portilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cartilage Damage ◽  
Maximum Force ◽  
Impulse Loading ◽  
Acl Repair ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Acl Transection

Background: The extent of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in the porcine anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection model is dependent on the surgical treatment selected. In a previous study, animals treated with bridge-enhanced ACL repair using a tissue-engineered implant developed less PTOA than those treated with ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Alterations in gait, including asymmetric weightbearing and shorter stance times, have been noted in clinical studies of subjects with osteoarthritis. Hypothesis: Animals receiving a surgical treatment that results in less PTOA (ie, bridge-enhanced ACL repair) would exhibit fewer longitudinal postoperative gait asymmetries over a 1-year period when compared with treatments that result in greater PTOA (ie, ACLR and ACL transection). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Thirty-six Yucatan minipigs underwent ACL transection and were randomized to receive (1) no further treatment, (2) ACLR, or (3) bridge-enhanced ACL repair. Gait analyses were performed preoperatively, and at 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Macroscopic cartilage assessments were performed at 52 weeks. Results: Knees treated with bridge-enhanced ACL repair had less macroscopic damage in the medial tibial plateau than those treated with ACLR or ACL transection (adjusted P = .03 for both comparisons). The knees treated with bridge-enhanced ACL repair had greater asymmetry in hindlimb maximum force and impulse loading at 52 weeks than the knees treated with ACL transection (adjusted P < .05 for both comparisons). Although not significant, there was a trend that knees treated with bridge-enhanced ACL repair had greater asymmetry in hindlimb maximum force and impulse loading (adjusted P < .10 for both comparisons) compared with ACLR. Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis, the surgical treatment resulting in less macroscopic cartilage damage (ie, bridge-enhanced ACL repair) exhibited greater asymmetry in load-related gait parameters than the other surgical groups. This finding suggests that increased offloading of the surgical knee may be associated with a slower rate of PTOA development. Clinical Relevance: Less cartilage damage at 52 weeks was found in the surgical group that continued to protect the limb from full body weight during gait. This finding suggests that protection of the knee from maximum stresses may be important in minimizing the development of PTOA in the ACL-injured knee within 1 year.

scholarly journals Maturation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft—Possibilities of Surgical Enhancement: What Do We Know So Far?

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3597
Author(s):  
Michał Ebisz ◽  
Adrian Góralczyk ◽  
Marcin Mostowy ◽  
Robert F. LaPrade ◽  
Konrad Malinowski
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Tunnel Widening ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Surgical Methods ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

The purpose of this study is to review the surgical methods of enhancing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft maturation. Several methods of ACL maturation enhancement were identified through research of the literature available in the PubMed database. ACL remnant preservation was the most extensively investigated technique. ACL reconstruction with a pedunculated hamstring graft provides superior revascularization of the graft along with higher mechanical strength. The usage of a graft enveloped with a periosteum was proposed to enhance the tendon-bone unit formation, and consequently, to prevent the bone tunnel widening. The muscle tissue on the graft is a potential source of stem cells. However, an excessive amount may weaken whole graft strength despite its enhanced remodeling. Similarly, amniotic tissue may augment the ACL reconstruction with stem cells and growth factors. Despite the existence of several surgical techniques that utilize amnion, the outcomes of these augmentation methods are lacking. Lastly, the intra-articular transplantation of the synovium on the surface of an ACL was proposed to augment the graft with synovial tissue and blood vessels. In conclusion, diverse approaches are being developed in order to enhance the maturation of an ACL reconstruction graft. Although these approaches have their foundation in on well-established scientific research, their outcomes are still equivocal. Clinical trials of high quality are needed to evaluate their utility in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reruptures Are Related to Lower Functional Scores at the Time of Return to Activity: A Prospective, Midterm Follow-up Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596711988888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Costa Astur ◽  
João Victor Novaretti ◽  
Elton Luiz Borges Cavalcante ◽  
Adilson Goes ◽  
Camila Cohen Kaleka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Study Patient ◽  
Skeletally Immature ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Return To Activity

Background: Skeletally immature patients show a higher rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reruptures. A better understanding of the risk factors for an ACL rerupture in this population is critical. Purpose/Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to analyze preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics of pediatric patients undergoing ACL reconstruction and determine the relationship of these factors with an ACL rerupture. It was hypothesized that patients with worse activity scores and knee function at the time of return to activity would have a higher rate of ACL reruptures at midterm follow-up. Additionally, it was hypothesized that most ACL reruptures would occur before age 20 years in the study population. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 65 skeletally immature patients (age <16 years) with ACL ruptures underwent reconstruction with a quadruple hamstring tendon graft between 2002 and 2016. Of these patients, 52 were available for the study. Patient characteristics, surgical details, Tegner and Lysholm scores, and ACL reconstruction outcomes were recorded. Patients were analyzed and compared according to ACL rerupture occurrence. Results: Of the 52 patients, 18 (34.6%) experienced an ACL rerupture after reconstruction. The majority of reruptures (77.8%) occurred before age 20 years. There were 2 patients who sustained ACL reruptures during the rehabilitation period before they returned to activity. The majority of reruptures occurred after 12 months (83.2%), with 66.6% occurring after 24 months. Upon returning to activity between 6 and 9 months postoperatively, patients who ended up with intact ACL grafts reported 69% higher mean Tegner scores ( P = .006) and 64% higher mean Lysholm scores than patients who sustained ACL reruptures ( P < .001). Within the limits of this study, we could identify no statistical relationship between the rate of ACL reruptures and different sport types, surgical techniques, or associated injuries ( P > .05). Conclusion: Skeletally immature patients who underwent ACL reconstruction and sustained ACL reruptures had lower Tegner and Lysholm scores upon returning to activity than patients without ACL reruptures. In addition, most ACL reruptures occurred in patients younger than 20 years (77.8%) and after 24 months postoperatively (66.6%).

Return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the argument for a multimodal approach to optimise decision-making: current concepts

2021 ◽  
pp. jisakos-2020-000597
Author(s):  
Deepak Chona ◽  
Karl Eriksson ◽  
Simon W Young ◽  
Matteo Denti ◽  
Parag K Sancheti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Existing literature is varied in the methods used to make this determination in the treatment of athletes who have undergone recent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Some authors report using primarily time-based criteria, while others advocate for physical measures and kinematic testing to inform decision-making. The goal of this paper is to elucidate the most current medical evidence regarding identification of the earliest point at which a patient may safely return to sport. The present review therefore seeks to examine the evidence from a critical perspective—breaking down the biology of graft maturation, effect of graft choice, potential for image-guided monitoring of progression and results associated with time-based versus functional criteria-based return to play—to justify a multifactorial approach to effectively advance athletes to return to sport. The findings of the present study reaffirm that time is a prerequisite for the biological progression that must occur for a reconstructed ligament to withstand loads demanded by athletes during sport. Modifications of surgical techniques and graft selection may positively impact the rate of graft maturation, and evidence suggests that imaging studies may offer informative data to enhance monitoring of this process. Aspects of both functional and cognitive testing have also demonstrated utility in prior studies and consequently have been factored into modern proposed methods of determining the athlete’s readiness for sport. Further work is needed to definitively determine the optimal method of clearing an athlete to return to sport after ACL reconstruction. Evidence to date strongly suggests a role of a multimodal algorithmic approach that factors in time, graft biology and functional testing in return-to-play decision-making after ACL reconstruction.Level of evidence: level V.

scholarly journals The Effect of Initial Graft Tension After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Braden C. Fleming ◽  
Paul D. Fadale ◽  
Michael J. Hulstyn ◽  
Robert M. Shalvoy ◽  
Heidi L. Oksendahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cartilage Damage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Graft Tension ◽  
High Tension ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Low Tension

Background: The initial graft tension applied at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction alters joint contact and may influence cartilage health. The objective was to compare outcomes between 2 commonly used “laxity-based” initial graft tension protocols. Hypotheses: (1) The high-tension group would have less knee laxity, improved clinical and patient-oriented outcomes, and less cartilage damage than would the low-tension group after 36 months of healing. (2) The outcomes of the high-tension group would be equivalent to those of a matched control group. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Ninety patients with isolated unilateral ACL injuries were randomized to undergo ACL reconstruction using 1 of 2 initial graft tension protocols: (1) autografts tensioned to restore normal anterior-posterior (AP) laxity at the time of surgery (ie, low tension; n = 46) and (2) autografts tensioned to overconstrain AP laxity by 2 mm (ie, high tension; n = 44). Sixty matched healthy patients formed the control group. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and at 6, 12, and 36 months after surgery. Results: No significant differences were found between the 2 initial graft tension protocols for any of the outcome measures at 36 months. However, there were differences when comparing the 2 treatment groups to the control group. On average, AP laxity was 2 mm greater in the ACL-reconstructed groups than in the control group ( P < .007). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee evaluation scores, peak isokinetic knee extension torques, and 4 of 5 Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) were significantly worse than the control group ( P < .001, P < .027, and P < .05, respectively). Short Form–36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores and reinjury rates were similar between groups at 36 months. Although there were significant changes in radiography and magnetic resonance imaging present in the ACL-reconstructed knees of both treatment groups, the magnitude was relatively small and likely clinically insignificant at 36 months. Conclusion: Both laxity-based initial graft tension protocols produced similar outcomes without fully restoring joint function or patient-oriented outcomes (KOOS) when compared with the control group. There was minimal evidence of cartilage damage 36 months after surgery.

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