scholarly journals VARIATION IN PREFERRED TECHNIQUE FOR ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION IN THE SKELETALLY IMMATURE: WHERE DO WE STAND?

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.

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.


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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711875533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G. Willson ◽  
Regina O. Kostyun ◽  
Matthew D. Milewski ◽  
Carl W. Nissen

Background: Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the skeletally immature patient is frequently performed in hopes of preventing new or additional chondral damage and meniscal injuries. Patients within a few years of skeletal maturity are more at risk for ACL injuries than prepubescent patients, about whom several physeal-sparing techniques have been described. Reconstruction techniques in the former higher risk group need to be better understood. Purpose: To review a series of adolescent patients with ACL injuries surgically treated with the hybrid physeal-sparing technique. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Surgical logs of ACL reconstructions (ACLRs) performed at a single pediatric/adolescent sports medicine center over a 6-year period were reviewed. Patients with open physes who had undergone ACLR with a femoral physeal-sparing tunnel and transphyseal tibial tunnel were identified. Their demographics, operative reports, rehabilitative course, time to return to play, outcome scores, and postoperative radiographs were collected and analyzed. Results: Twenty-three patients with a mean chronological age and bone age of 13.0 and 13.6 years, respectively, were identified. Examination and subjective outcome scores were obtained at a mean of 19 months and overall demonstrated positive results, with a mean Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) score of 96.0 and a mean Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) score of 89.1. Full-length mechanical axis films obtained at a mean 21 months postoperatively demonstrated no leg-length discrepancies or angular deformities in 21 of 23 patients. Two patients had an identified growth disturbance in the form of femoral and tibial growth acceleration on the ACL-reconstructed limb. Conclusion: The femoral physeal-sparing with transphyseal tibial drilling “hybrid” technique in skeletally maturing patients appears to have a high rate of success with low morbidity. However, the possibility of physeal abnormalities does exist, which demonstrates the importance of a close postoperative follow-up and evaluation until skeletal maturity is achieved. ACLR in skeletally immature patients is performed on an increasingly regular basis. Establishing the best and safest technique to do so is therefore important.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 2050010
Author(s):  
Sebastian Tomescu ◽  
Ryan Bakker ◽  
David Wasserstein ◽  
Mayank Kalra ◽  
Micah Nicholls ◽  
...  

Background: Meniscal strain patterns are not well understood during dynamic activities. Furthermore, the impact of ACL reconstruction on meniscal strain has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to characterize ACL and meniscal strain during dynamic activities and investigate the strain difference between ACL-intact and ACL-reconstructed ligament conditions. Methods: ACL and medial meniscal strain were measured in-vitro during gait, a double leg squat, and a single leg squat. For each activity kinematics and muscle forces were applied to seven cadaveric specimens using a dynamic knee simulator. Testing was performed in the ACL-intact and ACL-reconstructed ligament conditions. Results: Both the ACL and meniscus had distinct strain patterns that were found to have a significant interaction with knee angle during gait and double leg squat ([Formula: see text]). During gait, both tissues experienced lower strain during swing than stance (ACL: 3.0% swing, 9.1% stance; meniscus: 0.2% swing, 1.3% stance). Meniscal strain was not found to be different between ACL-intact and ACL-reconstructed conditions ([Formula: see text]). Conclusions: During dynamic activities, the strain in the meniscus was not altered between ACL ligament conditions. This indicates that meniscal mechanics after ACL reconstruction are similar to a healthy knee. These results help further the understanding of osteoarthritis risk after ACL reconstruction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596711984105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Martin Wise ◽  
Robert A. Gallo

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are devastating for college football players. Although the change in functional performance of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football players after reconstruction has been shown to be negligible, studies have failed to analyze the statistical performance of these players upon their return. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of ACL reconstruction on the statistical performance of collegiate football players. We hypothesized that statistical performance would vary by position and that running backs, wide receivers, and defensive backs, compared with preinjury and controls, would experience the largest decline in performance after returning from ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football players who experienced ACL tears between the years 2010 and 2015 were identified. The rates of return to play after surgery were determined for each position. Preinjury and postoperative performance statistics of each running back, receiver, defensive lineman, linebacker, and defensive back who met inclusion criteria were compared. A t-test analysis was used to compare the performance changes experienced by these players versus the performance changes of matched controls. Results: A total of 349 players were identified. Only 63.64% of eligible offensive linemen returned to play. Upon return, running backs experienced significant performance decreases compared with controls in carries (mean ± SD, –2.4 ± 2.7 vs 2.8 ± 1.6; P = .003), yards (–12.3 ± 15.5 vs 13.8 ± 7.8; P = .006), and receptions (–0.22 ± 0.32 vs 0.32 ± 0.23; P = .011) per game. Receivers displayed significant performance decreases compared with controls in number of touchdowns (–0.019 ± 0.110 vs 0.18 ± 0.06; P = .004), receptions (–0.11 ± 0.79 vs 1.2 ± 0.4; P = .004), and yards (–3.2 ± 10.6 vs 18.6 ± 5.4; P = .0009) per game. Linebackers demonstrated less improvement than controls in tackles for loss (0.007 ± 0.115 vs 0.31 ± 0.11; P = .0003) and sacks (0.001 ± 0.061 vs 0.10 ± 0.06; P = .026). Conclusion: Although offensive linemen were the least likely to return to play, running backs and receivers returned to play at a lower level of performance. The performance of defensive players was less affected by ACL reconstruction.


Author(s):  
Nuresh Kumar Valecha ◽  
Niaz Hussain Keerio ◽  
Masood Ahmed Qureshi ◽  
Syed Sajid Hussain ◽  
Hassan Amir us Saqlain ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the surgical management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries by arthroscopic reconstruction using semitendinosus grafts. Methodolgy: This study was conducted by Dibba Hospital Fujairah, United Arab Emirates from March 2017- to March 2020. A total of 40 patients were selected for this research.   In our study, we used arthroscopy assisted ACL reconstruction technique with single bundle quadrupled semitendinosus tendon autograft. This autograft was inserted from the ipsilateral limb with the help of endobutton femoral side of graft was fixed and with bioabsorbable screw tibial side of graft was stabilized. A single surgeon performed all the surgeries. Results: In our observations, we reported that the majority of the patients had exposure of ACL injury in their middle adult age (32-38 years old) due to high engagement in physical activities (67.8%) like biking, playing sports and many others. The ratio of right knee injury site was comparatively high (53.5%) than the left one (46.4%). Conclusion: From the results, we concluded that the younger age group is more prone to anterior Cruciate ligament injury. ACL reconstruction with Semitendinosus tendon autograft helps in maintaining knee movement and assist in early knee stability.


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. 2325967119S0006
Author(s):  
Stuart D. Kinsella ◽  
Sean M. Rider ◽  
Frances Tepolt ◽  
Kirsten Ecklund ◽  
Mininder S. Kocher

Background: Missed and/or untreated posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries are a known cause of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction failure in the adult population. Failed ACL reconstruction causes significant morbidity in the skeletally immature pediatric population. There is little literature on the character and potential significance of posterolateral corner injuries in skeletally immature patients. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the knee performed at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital between 01/01/2010 and 12/31/2015 for patients who underwent an ACL reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic variables were obtained via medical record review, and MRI studies were evaluated for PLC (popliteus, fibular collateral ligament (FCL), popliteofibular ligament (PFL), arcuate ligament) injury, as well as ACL, medial collateral ligament (MCL), bone bruise, fracture, and meniscal pathology by an experienced pediatric musculoskeletal radiologist. Results: Fifty-two patients, 65% of whom were male, with a mean age of 13.8 years at injury were analyzed. PLC injuries were found in 28 patients (54%), with 7 patients (14%) having a complete tear of a component of the PLC. MCL injuries were found in 13 patients (25%). Meniscus tears were found in 25 patients (48%); 17 were of the medial meniscus (33%), and 10 were of the lateral meniscus (19%). A Segond fracture was seen in four patients (8%). The most common injury pattern involved the PFL only (9, 32% of patients with PLC injuries). There was no association between sex (p=0.29), Segond fracture (p=0.09), meniscus injury (p=0.93), or MCL injury (p=0.32) with the risk of PLC injury. There was an association between patient age and PLC injury (p=0.02). For each additional year of age, the odds of PLC injury increased by 1.7 times (OR=1.7 (1.1, 2.8)). Patients were an average age of 14.0 years at ACL reconstruction, and 9 patients went on to re-tear. There was no association between PLC injury and ACL graft failure (p=0.72). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the prevalence of PLC injuries in the setting of concomitant ACL injuries in the skeletally immature patient population. Age was found to predict the odds of PLC injury, which was significantly higher in older skeletally immature patients. No other concomitant injury predicted likelihood of PLC injury.


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