scholarly journals Outcomes and Complications After All-Epiphyseal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 232596711769360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric J. Wall ◽  
Paul J. Ghattas ◽  
Emily A. Eismann ◽  
Gregory D. Myer ◽  
Preston Carr

Background: The safest and most effective technique for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in skeletally immature patients is currently unknown. Purpose: To evaluate the functional and patient-reported outcomes of a specific all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction technique in which the graft, bone tunnels, and fixation do not cross the knee growth plates. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Twenty-seven patients (23 boys, 4 girls; mean age, 11 years; range, 8-15 years) underwent an all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction with a single femoral transverse epiphyseal tunnel and primarily split tibial epiphyseal tunnels. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of the manual Lachman test, range of motion, pain, return to activity, angular or leg-length deformity on imaging, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) or Pedi-IKDC score an average of 3.8 years postoperatively, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Results: The mean IKDC score was 94 ± 11. There were no growth arrests, but 3 patients had knee overgrowth, and 2 required a subsequent guided growth procedure. The ACL graft failed in 4 patients (15%), and 2 patients had contralateral ACL tears (7%). There were 5 subsequent ipsilateral meniscal tears, 4 of which were retears of a repaired meniscus. Ipsilateral knee reinjury significantly correlated with the number of associated injuries at the time of index surgery ( P = .040) and the number of sports played ( P = .029). Conclusion: All-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction resulted in excellent long-term functional outcomes, despite a high rate of complications (48%) and secondary procedures (37%) in this highly active cohort. The incidence of graft failure was similar to other standard ACL reconstruction techniques for patients younger than 20 years.

Joints ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 075-079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Parchi ◽  
Gianluca Ciapini ◽  
Carlo Paglialunga ◽  
Michele Giuntoli ◽  
Carmine Picece ◽  
...  

Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the subjective and functional outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the synthetic Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) ligament. Methods Twenty-six patients were reviewed at an average follow-up of 11.6 years. Objective clinical evaluation was performed with stability tests. Patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analogue Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale) were used to assess subjective and functional outcomes. Results Overall satisfactory results were obtained in 22 cases (84.6%). Four patients (15.4%) showed mechanical failure of the graft. No cases of synovitis or infection were reported. Conclusion LARS ligament can be considered a safe and suitable option for ACL reconstruction in carefully selected cases, especially elderly patients needing a rapid postoperative recovery. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ojas Pujji ◽  
Nikita Keswani ◽  
Naomi Collier ◽  
Marion Black ◽  
Lucy Doos

The aim of our review is to identify the reconstruction technique that has a superior functional outcome and decreased number of complications for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). We have divided our review into 2 sections. Our primary question evaluates the functional results and complications of autografts compared to allografts for ACL reconstruction. Our subsidiary question evaluates the functional results and complications of bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts compared to hamstring tendon autografts. We conducted a systematic review (SR) based on high quality evidence provided by Cochrane, PubMed and National Health Service evidence searches for papers comparing different ACL reconstruction techniques. Results from 2 primary studies, 1 SR and 1 meta-analysis showed no significant statistical difference when comparing clinical outcomes such as pain, range of motion, laxity, International Knee Documentation Committee score, single assessment numerical evaluation score, Tegner activity score and patient reported satisfaction with regards to autografts vs allografts. Allografts had worse outcomes for postoperative tibial tunnelling and graft failure. Results of 3 SRs showed statistically significant differences in incidence of anterior knee pain, kneeling pain and knee stability, which were all found to be greater amongst those who had received a BPTB autograft. Knee extension was significantly reduced in patients with BPTB grafts when compared to patients with Hamstring tendon autografts. However, with regards to return to prior levels of activity, there was no statistically significant difference between those that received BPTB autografts and those that received Hamstring tendon autografts. Autograft reconstruction of the ACL was shown to provide better postoperative outcomes when compared to allograft reconstruction, although the difference was not statistically significant. When researching different autograft options BPTB autografts were associated with greater pain but also greater stability of the knee joint postoperatively when compared to hamstring tendon autografts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0011
Author(s):  
Neeraj M. Patel ◽  
Nakul S. Talathi ◽  
Divya Talwar ◽  
Peter D. Fabricant ◽  
Mininder S. Kocher ◽  
...  

Purpose: Despite several well-described operative techniques, the optimal management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in pediatric patients remains unclear. The goal of this study was to identify preferred techniques in skeletally immature patients of various ages and analyze differences in operative strategy based on surgeon and practice demographics. Methods: An electronic survey was administered to members of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine society, a cohort of experienced surgeons who perform a high volume of pediatric ACL reconstructions. The survey presented a scenario of a patient who had a physical exam and imaging consistent with an acute, isolated ACL tear. The respondent was asked to select their preferred reconstruction technique for females and males at consecutive skeletal ages from 8 to 15 years. Surgeon and practice demographic information was recorded. Univariate analysis was followed by stepwise multinominal logistic regression to control for confounders. Results: Eighty-eight of 103 surgeons (85%) responded to the survey, the majority of whom (68%) performed more than 25 pediatric ACL reconstructions annually. The greatest variation in technique was from ages 11 to 13 in females and 11 to 14 in males. The modified MacIntosh was the most frequently utilized from ages 8 to 10. An all-epiphyseal technique was preferred over a broader age range in males than females, with peak utilization at age 11 in both. A partial trans-physeal (hybrid) technique was preferred in slightly older patients, with peak utilization at age 12 in females and 13 in males. The trans-physeal technique was most widely used at age 13 and up in females and 14 and up in males. The impact of fellowship training on technique preference was statistically significant for males ages 11-13 and females 11 and 12 (p<0.05 for all). Surgeons with pediatric orthopaedic training tended to prefer an all-epiphyseal reconstruction, while those with both pediatric and sports training preferred the modified MacIntosh. Conclusions: The preferred ACL reconstruction technique for skeletally immature patients varied considerably, especially in the 11-13 year-old age range, highlighting a lack of consensus among orthopedic surgeons for the optimal ACL reconstruction strategy in skeletally immature patients. Surgeon’s fellowship training was significantly associated with their preferred surgical technique.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098164
Author(s):  
Steven F. DeFroda ◽  
Devan D. Patel ◽  
John Milner ◽  
Daniel S. Yang ◽  
Brett D. Owens

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in National Basketball Association (NBA) players can have a significant impact on player longevity and performance. Current literature reports a high rate of return to play, but there are limited data on performance after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine return to play and player performance in the first and second seasons after ACLR in NBA players. We hypothesized that players would return at a high rate. However, we also hypothesized that performance in the first season after ACLR would be worse as compared with the preinjury performance, with a return to baseline by postoperative year 2. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: An online database of NBA athlete injuries between 2010 and 2019 was queried using the term ACL reconstruction. For the included players, the following data were recorded: name; age at injury; position; height, weight, and body mass index; handedness; NBA experience; dates of injury, surgery, and return; knee affected; and postoperative seasons played. Regular season statistics for 1 preinjury season and 2 postoperative seasons were compiled and included games started and played, minutes played, and player efficiency rating. Kaplan-Meier survivorship plots were computed for athlete return-to-play and retirement endpoints. Results: A total of 26 athletes underwent ACLR; of these, 84% (95% CI, 63.9%-95.5%) returned to play at a mean 372.5 days (95% CI, 323.5-421.5 days) after surgery. Career length after injury was a mean of 3.36 seasons (95% CI, 2.27-4.45 seasons). Factors that contributed to an increased probability of return to play included younger age at injury (odds ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.47-0.92]; P = .0337) and fewer years of experience in the NBA before injury (odds ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.45-0.93]; P = .0335). Postoperatively, athletes played a significantly lower percentage of total games in the first season (48.4%; P = .0004) and second season (62.1%; P = .0067) as compared with the preinjury season (78.5%). Player efficiency rating in the first season was 19.3% less than that in the preinjury season ( P = .0056). Performance in the second postoperative season was not significantly different versus preinjury. Conclusion: NBA players have a high rate of RTP after ACLR. However, it may take longer than a single season for elite NBA athletes to return to their full preinjury performance. Younger players and those with less NBA experience returned at higher rates.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110273
Author(s):  
Joshua S. Everhart ◽  
Sercan Yalcin ◽  
Kurt P. Spindler

Background: Several long-term (≥20 years) follow-up studies after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been published in recent years, allowing for a systematic evaluation of outcomes. Purpose: To summarize outcomes at ≥20 years after ACL reconstruction and identify patient and surgical factors that affect these results. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Prospective studies of primary ACL reconstructions with hamstring or bone–patellar tendon—bone (BTB) autograft via an arthroscopic or a mini-open technique and with a mean follow-up of ≥20 years were identified. When possible, the mean scores for each outcome measure were calculated. Factors identified in individual studies as predictive of outcomes were described. Results: Five studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria with a total of 2012 patients. The pooled mean follow-up for patient-reported outcome measures was 44.2% (range, 29.6%-92.7%) and in-person evaluation was 33.2% (range, 29.6%-48.9%). Four studies (n = 584) reported graft tears at a mean rate of 11.8% (range, 2%-18.5%) and 4 studies (n = 773) reported a contralateral ACL injury rate of 12.2% (range, 5.8%-30%). Repeat non-ACL arthroscopic surgery (4 studies; n = 177) to the ipsilateral knee occurred in 10.4% (range, 9.5%-18.3%) and knee arthroplasty (1 study; n = 217) in 5%. The pooled mean of the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee function (IKDC) score was 79.1 (SD, 21.8 [3 studies; n = 644]). In 2 studies (n?= 221), 57.5% of patients continued to participate in strenuous activities. The IKDC-objective score was normal or nearly normal in 82.3% (n = 496; 3 studies), with low rates of clinically significant residual laxity. Moderate-severe radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) (IKDC grade C or D) was present in 25.9% of patients (n = 605; 3 studies). Medial meniscectomy is associated with increased risk of radiographic OA. Radiographic OA severity is associated with worse patient-reported knee function, but the association with knee pain is unclear. Conclusion: Currently available prospective evidence for ACL reconstruction with hamstring or BTB autograft provides several insights into outcomes at 20 years. The rates of follow-up at 20 years range from 30% to 93%. IKDC-objective scores were normal or nearly normal in 82% and the mean IKDC-subjective score was 79 points.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 2501-2509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avinesh Agarwalla ◽  
Richard N. Puzzitiello ◽  
Joseph N. Liu ◽  
Gregory L. Cvetanovich ◽  
Anirudh K. Gowd ◽  
...  

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common traumatic knee injuries experienced by athletes. Return to sport is considered the pinnacle endpoint among patients receiving ACL reconstruction. However, at the time of return to sport, patients may not be participating at their previous levels of function, as defined by clinical metrics. Purpose: To establish when patients perceive maximal subjective medical improvement according to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of the PubMed database was conducted to identify studies that reported sequential PROMs up to a minimum of 2 years after ACL reconstruction. Pooled analysis was conducted for PROMs at follow-up points of 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Clinically significant improvement was determined between pairs of intervals with the minimal clinically important difference. Results: This review contains 30 studies including 2253 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. Clinically significant improvement in the KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) was seen up to 1 year after ACL reconstruction, but no clinical significance was noted from 1 to 2 years. Clinically significant improvement in the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm questionnaires was seen up to 6 months postoperatively, but no clinical significance was noted beyond that. Conclusion: After ACL reconstruction, maximal subjective medical improvement is established 1 year postoperatively, with no further perceived clinical improvement beyond this time point according to current PROMs. The KOOS may be a more responsive metric to subjective improvements in this patient cohort than other patient-reported outcomes, such as the IKDC and Lysholm. Clinical Relevance: After ACL reconstruction, patients perceive interval subjective improvements until 1 year postoperatively.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 232596711877450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J. Scott ◽  
Robert Westermann ◽  
Nathalie A. Glass ◽  
Carolyn Hettrich ◽  
Brian R. Wolf ◽  
...  

Background: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is designed to advance patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments by utilizing question banks for major health domains. Purpose: To compare the responsiveness and construct validity of the PROMIS physical function computer adaptive test (PF CAT) with current PRO instruments for patients before and up to 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Initially, 157 patients completed the PROMIS PF CAT, Short Form–36 Health Survey (SF-36 physical function [PF] and general health [GH]), Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS activities of daily living [ADL], sport, and quality of life [QOL]), and EuroQol–5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years after ACL reconstruction. Correlations between instruments, ceiling and floor effects, effect sizes (Cohen d), and standardized response means to describe responsiveness were evaluated. Subgroup analyses compared participants with and without additional arthroscopic procedures using linear mixed models. Results: At baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months, the PROMIS PF CAT showed excellent or excellent-good correlations with the SF-36 PF ( r = 0.75-0.80, P < .01), KOOS-ADL ( r = 0.63-0.70, P < .01), and KOOS-sport ( r = 0.32-0.69, P < .01); excellent-good correlation with the EQ-5D ( r = 0.60-0.71, P < .01); and good correlation with the KOOS-QOL ( r = 0.52-0.58, P < .01). As expected, there were poor correlations with the MARS ( r = 0.00-0.24, P < .01) and SF-36 GH ( r = 0.16-0.34, P < .01 ). At 2 years, the PROMIS PF CAT showed good to excellent correlations with all PRO instruments ( r = 0.42-0.72, P < .01), including the MARS ( r = 0.42, P < .01), indicating frequent return to preinjury function. The PROMIS PF CAT had the fewest ceiling or floor effects of all instruments tested, and patients answered, on average, 4 questions. There was no significant difference in baseline physical function scores between subgroups; at follow-up, all groups showed improvements in scores that were not statistically different. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF CAT is a valid tool to assess outcomes after ACL reconstruction up to 2 years after surgery, demonstrating the highest responsiveness to change with the fewest ceiling and floor effects and a low time burden among all instruments tested. The PROMIS PF CAT is a beneficial alternative for assessing physical function in adults before and after ACL reconstruction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 2962-2969
Author(s):  
Frans J.A. Hagemans ◽  
Freerk J. Jonkers ◽  
Matthijs J.J. van Dam ◽  
Amber L. von Gerhardt ◽  
Jelle P. van der List

Background: The short-term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with bone–patellar tendon–bone or hamstring tendon (HT) graft are excellent with good clinical stability and patient-reported outcomes. Although some studies have reported the long-term outcomes of bone–patellar tendon–bone graft ACL reconstruction, few have reported the outcomes of HT graft ACL reconstruction. Purpose: To assess clinical and radiographic outcomes of HT graft ACL reconstruction with femoral cortical button fixation at a minimum 20-year follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A prospective study was performed in which all patients undergoing isolated transtibial primary ACL reconstruction between 1994 and 1996 with HT graft and femoral cortical button fixation were assessed clinically and radiographically. Follow-up was obtained in 48 of 94 patients (51%). Median (interquartile range) age at operation was 31 years (26-39 years); median follow-up was 21 years (20-22 years); 65% were male; and 48% had meniscal injury at surgery and underwent partial meniscectomy. Graft rupture, reoperation, and contralateral injury rates were assessed; clinical stability was measured using the KT-1000 arthrometer; patient-reported outcomes were assessed (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Lysholm, Forgotten Joint Score, Tegner activity, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], Anterior Cruciate Ligament Quality of Life [ACL-QOL], EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level [EQ-5D-5L]); and radiographic osteoarthritis (defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2) was assessed for the ipsilateral and the contralateral knee. Results: Graft rupture occurred in 4 patients (8%), contralateral injury in 4 patients (8%), and reoperation in 15 patients (31%), which consisted mainly of meniscal tears or hardware removal. In patients with an intact graft, excellent patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were noted, with a median Lysholm of 90 (78-100), subjective IKDC of 86 (72-95), and KOOS–Sports of 86 (58-100). There was low awareness of the operated knee (Forgotten Joint Score, 81 [60-96]) and good quality of life (ACL-QOL, 85 [75-94]; EQ-5D-5L, 0.87 [0.83-1.00]). Median side-to-side difference, as measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer, was 1 mm (-1 to 3 mm). Radiographic osteoarthritis was evident in 49% of ipsilateral and 10% of contralateral knees and was associated with meniscectomy at index surgery and decreased PROMs at follow-up. Conclusion: Long-term outcomes of transtibial HT graft ACL reconstruction with femoral cortical button fixation are generally good with a low failure rate, low awareness of the operated knee, and good clinical stability. Radiographic osteoarthritis was evident in approximately half of the patients at 20-year follow-up and was associated with meniscectomy at index surgery and decreased PROMs at follow-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 1567-1575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Beischer ◽  
Eric Hamrin Senorski ◽  
Christoffer Thomeé ◽  
Kristian Samuelsson ◽  
Roland Thomeé

Background: Adult patients who succeed in returning to their preinjury levels of sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been characterized by a more positive psychological response. It is not known whether this relationship is valid for adolescent athletes. Purpose: To investigate psychological readiness to return to sport, knee-related self-efficacy, and motivation among adolescent (15-20 years old) and adult (21-30 years old) athletes after ACL reconstruction. A further aim was to compare athletes (15-30 years old) who had recovered their muscle function and returned to sport with athletes who had not. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Athletes previously involved in knee-strenuous sport who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction were included. Data comprised psychological patient-reported outcomes and results from 5 tests of muscle function. Comparisons were performed between age groups, between athletes who had and had not recovered their muscle function, and between patients who had returned to sport and not. Results: In all, 384 (50% females) and 271 athletes (52% females) were included at the 8- and 12- month follow-ups, respectively. Enhanced self-efficacy was reported at both follow-ups by adolescents and by athletes who had recovered their muscle function. Athletes who had recovered their muscle function reported higher ( P = .0007) motivation to achieve their goals. Subgroup analyses on patient sex revealed findings similar to those in the main analyses for females but not for males. Moreover, adolescent and adult athletes who had returned to sport reported significantly higher levels on the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale and the ACL–Return to Sport After Injury scale at both follow-ups. Conclusion: Adolescent athletes, especially females, perceived enhanced self-efficacy, had a higher return-to-sport rate, and were more motivated to reach their goals after ACL reconstruction compared with adults. Regardless of age, athletes who had returned to sport and athletes with more symmetrical muscle function had a stronger psychological profile.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoan Li ◽  
Ali Hosseini ◽  
Hemanth Gadikota ◽  
Thomas Gill

This study evaluated the biomechanical efficacy of single-tunnel double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction technique. The graft construct is achieved using a novel fixation device that splits an ACL (SPACL) graft into two bundles, recreating the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles for ACL reconstruction. A pullout strength test of the SPACL was performed using a 7-mm bovine digital extensor tendon graft. The capability in restoration of knee kinematics after SPACL reconstruction was investigated using cadaveric human knees on a robotic testing system under an anterior tibial load of 134 N and a simulated quadriceps load of 400 N. The data indicated that the SPACL graft has a pullout strength of 823.7±172.3 N. Under the 134 N anterior tibial load, the anteroposterior joint laxity had increased constraint using the SPACL reconstruction but not significantly (p > 0.05) at all selected flexion angles. Under the 400 N quadriceps load, no significant differences were observed between the anterior tibial translation of intact knee and SPACL conditions at all selected flexion angles, but the SPACL graft induced a significant increase in external tibial rotation compared to the intact knee condition at all selected flexion angles with a maximal external rotation of −3.20 deg ±3.6 deg at 90 deg flexion. These data showed that the SPACL technique is equivalent or superior to existing ACL reconstruction techniques in restoration of knee laxity and kinematics. The new SPACL reconstruction technique could provide a valuable alternation to contemporary ACL reconstruction surgery by more closely recreating native ACL kinematics.


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