scholarly journals The Complimentary Contributions of the Anterolateral Ligament and the Lateral Meniscus to the Control of Rotational Knee Laxity

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (5_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967117S0020
Author(s):  
Tim Lording ◽  
Gillian Corbo ◽  
Tim Burkhart ◽  
Alan Getgood

Objectives: Anatomical studies consistently describe an anatomical connection between the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and the lateral meniscus. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the ALL and lateral meniscal posterior root (LMPR) in internal rotational (IR) control in the ACL deficient knee. Methods: Sixteen cadaveric knees were potted into a hip simulator proximally and a six degree of freedom load cell distally. Positional data for femur and tibia were collected using a navigation system. Testing was performed in 15° increments from extension to 90° of flexion under a 5 Nm internal rotational torque. Specimens were tested in the intact state and after division of the ACL (ACL-), before randomization to division of the ALL (ALL-/M+) or LMPR (ALL+/M-), and finally after division of the remaining structure (ALL-/LMPR-). A one-way ANOVA was performed for each sectioning condition at each knee flexion angle (α = 0.05). Results: In extension, there was no significant increase in IR after division of the ACL. After division of the LMPR, there was a significant increase in IR compared to the intact state of 2.93° (p<0.05). Division of the ALL caused only a small increase in IR compared to the intact state (0.87°, NS). Division of the ALL after the LMPR caused no additional increase in IR. At 30° flexion, division of the ALL caused a greater magnitude increase in IR when compared to the intact state than division of the LMPR (4.04° vs 1.32°), although neither reached statistical significance. At 45° flexion, division of the ALL increased IR compared to the intact state by 10.92° (p<0.05), whilst IR caused by division of the PRLM did not reach significance. This pattern of ALL dominance was maintained at 60° and 75° of knee flexion, where the increase in IR was significant compared to both the intact and ACL deficient states. Discussion: The ALL and LMPR demonstrate complimentary roles in the control of internal rotation, with the meniscal root more important near extension and the ALL beyond 30° of flexion. These results do not support anatomical ALL reconstruction for control of the pivot shift. LMPR repair may improve stability and have benefits for chondroprotection.

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Alberto Grassi ◽  
Tommaso Roberti di Sarsina ◽  
Stefano Di Paolo ◽  
Cecilia Signorelli ◽  
Tommaso Bonanzinga ◽  
...  

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) has been suggested as an important secondary knee restrain on the dynamic laxity in anterior cruciate ligament- (ACL-) deficient knees. Nevertheless, its kinematical contribution to the pivot-shift (PS) phenomenon has not been clearly and objectively defined, and noninvasive sensor technology could give a crucial contribution in this direction. The aim of the present study was to quantify in vitro the PS phenomenon in order to investigate the differences between an ACL-deficient knee and an ACL+ALL-deficient knee. Ten fresh-frozen paired human cadaveric knees ( n = 20 ) were included in this controlled laboratory study. Intact, ACL-deficient, and ACL+ALL-deficient knees were subjected to a manual PS test quantified by a noninvasive triaxial accelerometer (KiRA, OrthoKey). Kinematic data (i.e., posterior acceleration of the tibial lateral compartment) were recorded and compared among the three statuses. Pairwise Student’s t -test was used to compare the single groups ( p < 0.05 ). Intact knees, ACL-deficient knees, and ACL+ALL-deficient knees showed an acceleration of 5.3 ± 2.1  m/s2, 6.3 ± 2.3  m/s2, and 7.8 ± 2.1  m/s2, respectively. Combined sectioning of ACL and ALL resulted in a statistically significant acceleration increase compared to both the intact state ( p < 0.01 ) and the ACL-deficient state ( p < 0.01 ). The acceleration increase determined by isolated ACL resection compared to the intact state was not statistically significant ( p > 0.05 ). The ALL sectioning increased the rotatory laxity during the PS after ACL sectioning as measured through a user-friendly, noninvasive triaxial accelerometer.


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 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596711878969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emil Toft Nielsen ◽  
Kasper Stentz-Olesen ◽  
Sepp de Raedt ◽  
Peter Bo Jørgensen ◽  
Ole Gade Sørensen ◽  
...  

Background: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture often occurs during rotational trauma to the knee and may be associated with damage to extracapsular knee rotation–stabilizing structures such as the anterolateral ligament (ALL). Purpose: To investigate ex vivo knee laxity in 6 degrees of freedom with and without ALL reconstruction as a supplement to ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Cadaveric knees (N = 8) were analyzed using dynamic radiostereometry during a controlled pivotlike dynamic movement simulated by motorized knee flexion (0° to 60°) with 4-N·m internal rotation torque. We tested the cadaveric specimens in 5 successive ligament situations: intact, ACL lesion, ACL + ALL lesion, ACL reconstruction, and ACL + ALL reconstruction. Anatomic single-bundle reconstruction methods were used for both the ACL and the ALL, with a bone-tendon quadriceps autograft and gracilis tendon autograft, respectively. Three-dimensional kinematics and articular surface interactions were used to determine knee laxity. Results: For the entire knee flexion motion, an ACL + ALL lesion increased the mean knee laxity ( P < .005) for internal rotation (2.54°), anterior translation (1.68 mm), and varus rotation (0.53°). Augmented ALL reconstruction reduced knee laxity for anterior translation ( P = .003) and varus rotation ( P = .047) compared with ACL + ALL–deficient knees. Knees with ACL + ALL lesions had more internal rotation ( P < .001) and anterior translation ( P < .045) at knee flexion angles below 40° and 30°, respectively, compared with healthy knees. Combined ACL + ALL reconstruction did not completely restore native kinematics/laxity at flexion angles below 10° for anterior translation and below 20° for internal rotation ( P < .035). ACL + ALL reconstruction was not found to overconstrain the knee joint. Conclusion: Augmented ALL reconstruction with ACL reconstruction in a cadaveric setting reduces internal rotation, varus rotation, and anterior translation knee laxity similar to knee kinematics with intact ligaments, except at knee flexion angles between 0° and 20°. Clinical Relevance: Patients with ACL injuries can potentially achieve better results with augmented ALL reconstruction along with ACL reconstruction than with stand-alone ACL reconstruction. Furthermore, dynamic radiostereometry provides the opportunity to examine clinical patients and compare the recontructed knee with the contralateral knee in 6 degrees of freedom.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9_suppl7) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0052
Author(s):  
Ming Zhou

Introduction: A review of the literature demonstrates that injury of the lateral meniscus, anterolateral capsule, and iliotibial(IT ) band or small lateral tibial plateau aggravate the instability of knee and contributes to a high-grade pivot shift in the ACL-deficient knee. Hypotheses: The hypothesis was that disruption of posterior root of the lateral meniscus will further destabilize the ACL-deficient knee and simulated a high-grade pivot shift but posterior root of medial meniscal not. Methods: 6 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees was performed the next test in a custom activity simulator.1.Determine the effect of PRLMT on the stability of ACL-deficient knee.In the pivot shift test, ITB force (50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 175 N), internal rotation moments (1, 2, and 3 N.m),and valgus moments (5 and 7 N.m). tibial translation of front drawer test were performed by applying a 90-N anterior


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652199967
Author(s):  
Kadir Büyükdoğan ◽  
Michael S. Laidlaw ◽  
Michael A. Fox ◽  
Michelle E. Kew ◽  
Mark D. Miller

Background: It remains unclear if use of the lateral meniscus anterior horn (LMAH) as a landmark will produce consistent tunnel positions in the anteroposterior (AP) distance across the tibial plateau. Purpose: To evaluate the AP location of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction tibial tunnels utilizing the LMAH as an intra-articular landmark and to examine how tunnel placement affects knee stability and clinical outcomes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 98 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with quadrupled hamstring tendon autografts between March 2013 and June 2017. Patients with unilateral ACL injuries and a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included in the study. All guide pins for the tibial tunnel were placed using the posterior border of the LMAH as an intra-articular landmark. Guide pins were evaluated with the Bernard-Hertel grid in the femur and the Stäubli-Rauschning method in the tibia. Patients were divided by the radiographic location of the articular entry point of the guide pin with relation to the anterior 40% of the tibial plateau. Outcomes were evaluated by the Marx Activity Scale and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form. Anterior knee laxity was evaluated using a KT-1000 arthrometer and graded with the objective portion of the IKDC form. Rotational stability was evaluated using the pivot-shift test. Results: A total of 60 patients were available for follow-up at a mean 28.6 months. The overall percentage of AP placement of the tibial tunnel was 39.3% ± 3.8% (mean ± SD; range, 31%-47%). Side-to-side difference of anterior knee laxity was significantly lower in the anterior group than the posterior group (1.2 ± 1.1 mm vs 2.5 ± 1.3 mm; P < .001; r = 0.51). The percentage of AP placement of the tibial tunnel demonstrated a positive medium correlation with side-to-side difference of anterior knee laxity as measured by a KT-1000 arthrometer ( r = 0.430; P < .001). The anterior group reported significantly better distribution of IKDC grading as compared with the posterior group (26 grade A and 6 grade B vs 15 grade A and 13 grade B; P = .043; V = 0.297). The pivot-shift test results and outcome scores showed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: Using the posterior border of the LMAH as an intraoperative landmark yields a wide range of tibial tunnel locations along the tibial plateau, with anterior placement of the tibial tunnel leading toward improved anterior knee stability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michèle N. J. Keizer ◽  
Juha M. Hijmans ◽  
Alli Gokeler ◽  
Anne Benjaminse ◽  
Egbert Otten

Abstract Purpose It has been reported that there is no correlation between anterior tibia translation (ATT) in passive and dynamic situations. Passive ATT (ATTp) may be different to dynamic ATT (ATTd) due to muscle activation patterns. This study aimed to investigate whether muscle activation during jumping can control ATT in healthy participants. Methods ATTp of twenty-one healthy participants was measured using a KT-1000 arthrometer. All participants performed single leg hops for distance during which ATTd, knee flexion angles and knee flexion moments were measured using a 3D motion capture system. During both tests, sEMG signals were recorded. Results A negative correlation was found between ATTp and the maximal ATTd (r = − 0.47, p = 0.028). An N-Way ANOVA showed that larger semitendinosus activity was seen when ATTd was larger, while less biceps femoris activity and rectus femoris activity were seen. Moreover, larger knee extension moment, knee flexion angle and ground reaction force in the anterior-posterior direction were seen when ATTd was larger. Conclusion Participants with more ATTp showed smaller ATTd during jump landing. Muscle activation did not contribute to reduce ATTd during impact of a jump-landing at the observed knee angles. However, subjects with large ATTp landed with less knee flexion and consequently showed less ATTd. The results of this study give information on how healthy people control knee laxity during jump-landing. Level of evidence III


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