scholarly journals The Anterolateral Ligament: An Anatomic Study on Sex-Based Differences

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711668938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Daggett ◽  
Camilo Helito ◽  
Matthew Cullen ◽  
Andrew Ockuly ◽  
Kyle Busch ◽  
...  

Background: The anterolateral ligament (ALL) has been shown to have an important role in rotatory stability of the knee. While there is abundant research on sex-based differences related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, there is a paucity of literature related to such differences in the ALL. Purpose: To define any sex-based differences in the ALL with regard to length, width, and thickness. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: The ALL was initially evaluated in 165 unpaired knees (92 males and 65 females after exclusion criteria applied). The length, width, and thickness of the ALL were measured using a digital caliper. Width and thickness were measured at the joint line just superior to the lateral meniscus. The Mann-Whitney test and Student t tests were used to compare measurements between males and females. The Pearson product-moment correlation was subsequently used to determine the correlation between height and weight and the statistically different morphometric variables. Results: The mean (±SD) thickness of the ALL in males was 2.09 ± 0.56 mm, almost twice as thick as females (1.05 ± 0.49 mm; P = 8.8 × 10−20). There was also a statistically significant difference in ALL length ( P = 3.8 × 10−7), but no significant difference was found for width. A moderate association was found between donor height and ALL thickness and length. Conclusion: The anatomic measurements of the ALL demonstrate a difference between sexes, and the ALL is significantly thicker in males than females. Clinical Relevance: As the role of the ALL in rotatory stability of the knee becomes better understood, the difference in the thickness of the ALL we have found between the sexes may be another factor why female athletes have an increased incidence of ACL rupture compared with males. This may also help explain why females have issues with knee laxity and rotatory instability.

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 1143-1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaohua Liu ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Hongyue Tao ◽  
Yaying Sun ◽  
Shiyi Chen ◽  
...  

Background: The hamstring tendons are commonly harvested for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with detachment of the tibial insertion. Retaining the insertion may help to preserve vascularity and viability of the graft and bypass the stages of avascular necrosis and revascularization, which might be beneficial to graft maturity. Purpose: To investigate and compare graft maturity by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ACL reconstruction with preservation or detachment of hamstring tendon tibial insertion at up to 2 years. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Forty-five patients (age range, 18-45 years) undergoing isolated ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon were enrolled and randomized to 2 groups. The tibial insertion of the hamstring tendon was preserved in the study group (n = 21) and detached in the control group (n = 24). Patients had follow-up at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, which consisted of the following: (1) clinical examination and (2) MRI evaluation of graft signal intensity based on signal/noise quotient (SNQ) values. Finally, 18 patients in the study group and 19 in the control group received full follow-up evaluation (ie, at all 4 time points). Results: All knees acquired full range of motion at 24 months without significant laxity. At each time point, the KT-1000 arthrometer revealed no significant difference between groups; the clinical scores significantly improved in both groups, although the difference between groups was not significant. In the control group, the SNQ value increased from 3 months, peaked at 6 months, and then decreased (3 months, 21.4 ± 12.7; 6 months, 25.6 ± 12; 12 months, 18.3 ± 7.7; 24 months, 15.3 ± 6.3). However, the insertion-preserved graft in the study group maintained relatively lower and unchanged signal intensity throughout all time points (3 months, 15.0 ± 11.2; 6 months, 14.9 ± 6.3; 12 months, 12.6 ± 7.0; 24 months, 14.6 ± 7.0). Between groups, there was no significant difference at 3 or 24 months ( P = .11 and .75, respectively), while the SNQ values were significantly lower in the study group versus the control group at 6 and 12 months ( P = .002 and .02, respectively). Conclusion: The insertion-detached hamstring tendon grafts underwent a significantly increasing change in signal intensity during the first 2 years after ACL reconstruction, while the insertion-preserved grafts kept a relatively lower and unchanged signal intensity. The difference was most significant at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1819-1826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet ◽  
Adnan Saithna ◽  
William G. Blakeney ◽  
Herve Ouanezar ◽  
Amrut Borade ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of osteoarthritis after successful meniscal repair is significantly less than that after failed meniscal repair. Purpose: To determine whether the addition of anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) confers a protective effect on medial meniscal repair performed at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed to include all patients who had undergone primary ACLR with concomitant posterior horn medial meniscal repair through a posteromedial portal between January 2013 and August 2015. ACLR autograft choice was bone–patellar tendon–bone, hamstring tendons (or quadrupled hamstring tendons), or quadrupled semitendinosus tendon graft with or without ALLR. At the end of the study period, all patients were contacted to determine if they had undergone reoperation. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to perform multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 383 patients (mean ± SD age, 27.4 ± 9.2 years) were included with a mean follow-up of 37.4 months (range, 24-54.9 months): 194 patients underwent an isolated ACLR, and 189 underwent a combined ACLR + ALLR. At final follow-up, there was no significant difference between groups in postoperative side-to-side laxity (isolated ACLR group, 0.9 ± 0.9 mm [min to max, –1 to 3]; ACLR + ALLR group, 0.8 ± 1.0 mm [min to max, –2 to 3]; P = .2120) or Lysholm score (isolated ACLR group, 93.0 [95% CI, 91.3-94.7]; ACLR + ALLR group, 93.7 [95% CI, 92.3-95.1]; P = .556). Forty-three patients (11.2%) underwent reoperation for failure of the medial meniscal repair or a new tear. The survival rates of meniscal repair at 36 months were 91.2% (95% CI, 85.4%-94.8) in the ACLR + ALLR group and 83.8% (95% CI, 77.1%-88.7%; P = .033) in the ACLR group. The probability of failure of medial meniscal repair was >2 times lower in patients with ACLR + ALLR as compared with patients with isolated ACLR (hazard ratio, 0.443; 95% CI, 0.218-0.866). No other prognosticators of meniscal repair failure were identified. Conclusion: Combined ACLR and ALLR is associated with a significantly lower rate of failure of medial meniscal repairs when compared with those performed at the time of isolated ACLR.


Author(s):  
Hsiu-Chen Lin ◽  
Weng-Hang Lai ◽  
Chia-Ming Chang ◽  
Horng-Chaung Hsu

Female athletes are more likely to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than male athletes. Previous study has showed that female individuals had larger anterior knee laxity than their male counterparts [1]. Researchers have also reported that knee laxity and hyperextension knee were a possible factor contributing to ACL injury [2]. Loudon showed that a person with hyperextension knee, either healthy or ACL-injured, had poorer proprioceptive control. Even more, ACL-injured subjects with hyperextension knee demonstrated a declined function of proprioception feedback loop and the ability to initiate protective reflexes [3].


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-37
Author(s):  
Paul I Iyaji ◽  
Abduelmenem Alashkham ◽  
Abdulrahman Alraddadi ◽  
Roger Soames

Incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and its consequent reconstruction is on the rise. In contributing to the achievement of anatomic reconstruction this study seek to provide information regarding the position and variability of the tibial attachment sites, dimensions of femoral insertions and compare these measurements in males and females, and in right and left knees. Thirty one cadaveric knees (15 right and 16 left from 9 females and 7 males, mean age 77 years) were dissected. Various ACL footprint dimensions were taken. The mean length and width of the tibial anteromedial (AM) bundle footprint were 8.9 and 9.8 mm while that of the posterolateral (PL) bundle were 9.3 and 8.0 mm respectively. The mean length and width of the tibial AM and PL bundles in males were 8.5 and 9.8 mm, and 9.1 and 8.3 mm while corresponding values in females were and 9.2 and 9.7 mm, and 9.4 and 7.8 mm respectively.  Males had larger femoral footprints (P=0.020) and tibial plateau (P<0.001). No significant difference between the right and left knees were observed. The mean anatomical positions of the AM and PL bundles were 46.0% and 50.0% of the mediolateral diameter of the tibial plateau. The mean length and width of the ACL femoral insertion sites were 8.3 and 7.7 mm for the AM bundle and 7.8 and 6.9 mm for the PL bundle respectively. The smaller ACL attachment parameters in females could be a contributing factor to the higher incidence of ACL rupture in female athletes. La incidencia de la rotura del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) y su consiguiente reconstrucción está en aumento. Para contribuir a la actualización de la reconstrucción anatómica del ligamento cruzado anterior, este estudio proporciona información sobre la posición y la variabilidad de los sitios de fijación en la tibia, las dimensiones de las inserciones femorales, así como las relaciones de estas mediciones en hombres y mujeres y en las rodillas derecha e izquierda. Se disecaron treinta y un (15 rodillas de cadáver derecha, 16 izquierda, de 9 mujeres y 7 hombres, con una edad media de 77 años). Se tomaron diversas dimensiones de la huella del LCA. La longitud media y la anchura de la huella del haz tibial anteromedial (AM) eran 8,9 mm y 9,8 mm mientras que la del haz posterolateral (PL) eran 9,3 mm y 8 mm respectivamente. La longitud media y la anchura de la AM tibial y paquetes PL en los varones eran 8,5 y 9,8 mm, y 9,1 y 8,3 mm, mientras que los valores correspondientes en las mujeres eran 9,2 y 9,7 mm, y 9,4 y 7,8 mm, respectivamente. Los varones tenían huellas femorales (P = 0,045 para AM, P = 0,043 para PL) y la meseta tibial (P <0,001) más grandes. No se observó ninguna diferencia significativa entre la rodilla derecha e izquierda. Las posiciones anatómicas medias de los haces de AM y PL fueron 46% y 50% del diámetro mediolateral de la meseta tibial. La longitud media y la anchura de los sitios de inserción femoral del LCA fueron 8,3 y 7,7 mm para el paquete de AM y 7,8 y 6,9 mm para el paquete PL respectivamente. Los parámetros más pequeños de fijación del LCA en las mujeres podría ser un factor que contribuye a la mayor incidencia de rotura del LCA en mujeres atletas.   


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (14) ◽  
pp. 3391-3399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy A. Burkhart ◽  
Manoj Matthew ◽  
W. Scott McGuffin ◽  
Alexandra Blokker ◽  
David Holdsworth ◽  
...  

Background: Previous research demonstrated that the attachment of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) to the lateral meniscus is stiffer and stronger in its tibial attachment than its femoral attachment. How this relates to anterolateral knee stability and lateral meniscal function is unknown. Hypothesis/Purpose: The hypothesis was that the ALL acts as a peripheral anchor to the lateral meniscus, aiding in anterolateral rotatory stability, and that the inframeniscal fibers of the ALL will provide greater anterolateral rotatory stability because of their greater tensile properties. The purpose was therefore to compare the difference in kinematics of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee between the infra- and suprameniscal ALL-sectioned states. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight paired fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were tested in a 5–degree of freedom loading jig under the following loading conditions: 5-N·m internal rotation at 15° incremental angles of flexion and combined 5-N·m internal rotation moment, 10-N·m valgus moment, and 88-N anterior translation force representing a pivot shift test at 0°, 15°, and 30° of flexion. The knees were tested under intact, ACL-deficient, and ACL-/ALL-deficient conditions, with the pairs of knees being randomized to either supra- or inframeniscal ALL sectioning. Resultant joint kinematics and tibiofemoral translations were measured and compared with a 2-way mixed repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Internal rotation increased by 3° after sectioning of the ACL at 0° of knee flexion ( P = .035). At 45° of knee flexion, internal rotation increased significantly by 2° between the ACL-deficient and the ACL-/ALL-deficient conditions ( P = .049). Secondary kinematics of valgus and anterior translation were observed in response to the 5-N·m load after ACL and ALL sectioning. Analysis of the pivot shift showed increases in tibiofemoral translation after sectioning of the ACL, with further translations after sectioning of the ALL. No differences were observed between supra- and inframeniscal ALL sectioning under any of the loading conditions. Conclusion: An injury to the ALL, coexisting with ACL deficiency, results in only minor increases in knee joint patholaxity. No differences in pivot-shift kinematics or tibiofemoral rotations were observed between the supra- and inframeniscal sectioning of the ALL in the ACL-deficient knee Clinical Relevance: Tears of the midbody and/or posterior root attachment of the lateral meniscus are often observed at the time of ACL reconstruction. Increased anterolateral rotatory laxity has been observed in both lateral meniscus– and ALL-deficient states in combination with an ACL injury. While no significant functional relationship was found between the ALL and lateral meniscus, ALL sectioning did result in increased knee joint patholaxity, as demonstrated by composite tibiofemoral rotations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (12_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0019
Author(s):  
Germán A. Jaramillo ◽  
Rubén D. Arias ◽  
Esteban Arrubla ◽  
Natalia Valencia

Background: Injuries of posterior lateral meniscus root (PLMR) are related to an acute trauma mechanism, which is commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Many biomechanical studies have exposed the importance of the integrity of PLMR. There are several surgical techniques for its treatment, but is still controversial about which is the most appropriate, especially for combined injuries. Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of patients with a surgical treatment of PLMR tear combined with ACL rupture Methods: Prospective case series. With patients who undergone repair of PLMR tears with ACL rupture, from 2016 to 2017 in a specialized hospital in Medellín city. Clinical evaluation it was determinate with Lysholm and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) scores, before and one year after the surgical procedure. The paired sample t-test was applied to compare the results of the scores. Results: Six patients with acute lesion of PLMR tear combined with ACL rupture received treatment with a variation in the transtibial fixation of the PLMR surgical technique. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing the two scores before and after surgery (p=<0.05). In addition, no additional surgical interventions were performed in the follow-up time. Conclusion: The combined surgical treatment of PLMR and ACL injuries can be performed safely. This surgical technique provided an improvement in function, pain and activity level, which may help to delay the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 2086-2092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hytham S. Salem ◽  
Vahe Varzhapetyan ◽  
Nimit Patel ◽  
Christopher C. Dodson ◽  
Fotios P. Tjoumakaris ◽  
...  

Background: Female athletes are 2 to 8 times more prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture than males. Furthermore, reinjury to the ipsilateral or contralateral knee can occur in >20% of athletes. Female sex and younger age are known risk factors for graft failure. The optimal graft choice for young females remains unknown and poorly studied. Purpose/Hypothesis: The authors aimed to compare clinical outcomes in young females who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) and quadrupled hamstring (HS) autografts. It was hypothesized that no significant differences in outcomes exist between graft choices. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Female patients aged 15 to 25 years who underwent primary ACLR with BTB or HS autograft were included for review. Patients were subdivided into 2 age groups: 15 to 20 years and 21 to 25 years. The occurrence of chondral, meniscal, or ligamentous injury to either knee was recorded for comparison. Results: A total of 256 females were included (BTB, n = 175; HS, n = 81). The majority of patients were between the ages of 15 and 20 years (BTB, 80%; HS, 77.8%). Overall, graft rupture occurred in 23 patients (9%) and contralateral ACL tear occurred in 18 (7%). Subgroup analysis showed that 75% of BTB and 100% of HS graft retears occurred in females aged 15 to 20 years. Within this age group, there was a significantly lower rate of graft ruptures in the BTB group (6.4%) as compared with the HS group (17.5%, P = .02). Allograft augmentation was used in 4 of the 11 HS grafts that retore. When allograft-augmented grafts were excluded, there was no significant difference in graft failure rate between graft choices. Fifteen patients in the BTB group (12%) as opposed to 1 in the HS group (2%) reported extreme difficulty or the inability to kneel on the front of the knee ( P = .04). Conclusion: In females aged 15 to 20 years undergoing ACLR, BTB autograft may lead to fewer graft ruptures than HS autograft. While this difference was not observed in females aged 21 to 25 years, a larger sample may be required to accept the null hypothesis in this age group. BTB autograft significantly increased the risk of kneeling pain as compared with HS regardless of age.


2006 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 39-42
Author(s):  
V. Stevanovic ◽  
Z. Blagojevic ◽  
Z. Basarevic ◽  
S. Tomic ◽  
A. Crnobaric

Few authors have studied the effects of gender on the outcome of ACL reconstruction in athletes. This retrospective- prospective study compared the treating results using the patellar tendon (LP) and hamstring (StG) techniques in men and women. We followed 40 athletes (23 males, 17 females) from population of 120 patients operated at Institute for Orthopedic Surgery Banjica". There were 13 males and 7 females in the LP group and 11 males and 9 females in the StG group. Patients were operated by the same surgeons within 6 month from injury and underwent the same rehabilitation program. After an average of 24 months they were assessed by clinical evaluation, knee laxity analysis and standard knee scores. Among LP patients there were no significant differences between males and females regarding knee evaluation form, laxity or functional tests. Females in the hamstring group had significantly grater laxity and significantly higher deficit in flexion and extension. We suggest further studies on the clinical significance of these findings, particularly on their ramifications of return to sports and rehabilitation of female athletes.


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