scholarly journals Single-Leg Squat After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Analysis of the Knee Valgus Angle at 6 and 12 Months

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596712094632
Author(s):  
Lachlan M. Batty ◽  
Julian A. Feller ◽  
Iswadi Damasena ◽  
Gerrit Behrens ◽  
Brian M. Devitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Knee Valgus ◽  
Contralateral Limb ◽  
Valgus Angle ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Operative Limb

Background: Deficits in neuromuscular control are common after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and may be associated with further knee injury. The knee valgus angle during a single-leg squat (SLS) is one measure of neuromuscular performance. Purpose: To determine whether the knee valgus angle during SLS changes between 6 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction and to assess how the operative knee valgus angle compares with that of the contralateral side. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A cohort of 100 patients with uninjured contralateral knees were assessed at 6 and 12 months after primary hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction. Participants performed the SLS on each leg, and the knee valgus angle was measured via frame-by-frame video analysis at 30° of flexion and at each patient’s maximum knee flexion angle. Results: For the operative limb at 30° of flexion, a small but statistically significant reduction was noted in the valgus angle between 6 and 12 months (5.46° vs 4.44°; P = .002; effect size = 0.24). At 6 months, a slightly higher valgus angle was seen in the operative limb compared with the nonoperative limb (5.46° vs 4.29°; P = .008; effect size = 0.27). At maximum flexion, no difference was seen between limbs in the valgus angle at either 6 or 12 months, and no change was seen in the operative limb between 6 and 12 months. At 6 months and 30° of knee flexion, 13 patients had a valgus angle greater than 10°. This group also had a higher mean valgus angle in the contralateral limb compared with the contralateral limb in the other 87 patients (8.5° vs 3.65°; P < .001). Conclusion: During a controlled SLS, the knee valgus angle remained essentially constant, and minimal limb asymmetries were present over the 6- to 12-month postoperative period, a time when athletes typically increase their activity levels. Whether changes or asymmetries will be seen with more dynamically challenging tasks remains to be determined. When present, high valgus angles were commonly bilateral.

The Contribution of Partial Meniscectomy to Preoperative Laxity and Laxity After Anatomic Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: In Vivo Kinematics With Navigation

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (13) ◽  
pp. 3203-3211
Author(s):  
Alberto Grassi ◽  
Stefano Di Paolo ◽  
Gian Andrea Lucidi ◽  
Luca Macchiarola ◽  
Federico Raggi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Single Bundle ◽  
Anatomic Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Medial Meniscectomy ◽  
Lateral Meniscectomy ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Limited in vivo kinematic information exists on the effect of clinical-based partial medial and lateral meniscectomy in the context of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hypothesis: In patients with ACL deficiency, partial medial meniscus removal increases the anteroposterior (AP) laxity with compared with those with intact menisci, while partial lateral meniscus removal increases dynamic laxity. In addition, greater postoperative laxity would be identified in patients with partial medial meniscectomy. Study design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 164 patients with ACL tears were included in the present study and divided into 4 groups according to the meniscus treatment they underwent: patients with partial lateral meniscectomy (LM group), patients with partial medial meniscectomy (MM group), patients with partial medial and lateral meniscectomy (MLM group), and patients with intact menisci who did not undergo any meniscus treatment (IM group). A further division in 2 new homogeneous groups was made based on the surgical technique: 46 had an isolated single-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction (ACL group), while 13 underwent a combined single-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy (MM-ACL group). Standard clinical laxities (AP translation at 30° of knee flexion, AP translation at 90° of knee flexion) and pivot-shift (PS) tests were quantified before and after surgery by means of a surgical navigation system dedicated to kinematic assessment. The PS test was quantified through 3 different parameters: the anterior displacement of the lateral tibial compartment (lateral AP); the posterior acceleration of the lateral AP during tibial reduction (posterior acceleration); and finally, the area included by the lateral AP translation with respect to the flexion/extension angle (area). Results: In the ACL-deficient status, the MM group showed a significantly greater tibial translation compared with the IM group ( P < .0001 for AP displacement at 30° [AP30] and 90° [AP90] of flexion) and the LM group ( P = .002 for AP30 and P < .0001 for AP90). In the PS test, the area of LM group was significantly larger (57%; P = .0175) than the one of the IM group. After ACL reconstruction, AP translation at 30° was restored, while the AP90 remained significantly greater at 1.3 mm ( P = .0262) in the MM-ACL group compared with those with intact menisci. Conclusion: Before ACL reconstruction, partial medial meniscectomy increased AP laxity at 30° and 90° and lateral meniscectomy increased dynamic PS laxity with respect to intact menisci. Anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction decreased laxities, but a residual anterior translation of 1.3 mm at 90° remained in patients with partial medial meniscectomy, with respect to those with intact menisci.

A Preclinical Model to Study the Influence of Graft Force on the Healing of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (05) ◽  
pp. 441-447
Author(s):  
Richard Ma ◽  
Mark Stasiak ◽  
Xiang-Hua Deng ◽  
Scott Rodeo
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Tunnel Position ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft ◽  
Acl Graft ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Femoral Graft

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to establish a small animal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction research model where ACL graft force can be varied to create different graft force patterns with controlled knee motion. Cadaveric (n = 10) and in vivo (n = 10) rat knees underwent ACL resection followed by reconstruction using a soft tissue autograft. Five cadaveric and five in vivo knees received a nonisometric, high-force femoral graft tunnel position. Five cadaveric and five in vivo knees received a more isometric, low-force graft tunnel position. ACL graft force (N) was then recorded as the knee was ranged from extension to 90 degrees using a custom knee flexion device. Our results demonstrate that distinct ACL graft force patterns were generated for the high-force and low-force femoral graft tunnels. For high-force ACL grafts, ACL graft forces increased as the knee was flexed both in cadaveric and in vivo knees. At 90 degrees of knee flexion, high-force ACL grafts had significantly greater mean graft force when compared with baseline (cadaver: 7.76 ± 0.54 N at 90 degrees vs. 4.94 ± 0.14 N at 0 degree, p = 0.004; in vivo: 7.29 ± 0.42 N at 90 degrees vs. 4.74 ± 0.13 N at 0 degree, p = 0.007). In contrast, the graft forces for low-force ACL grafts did not change with knee flexion (cadaver: 4.94 ± 0.11 N at 90 degrees vs. 4.72 ± 0.14 N at 0 degree, p = 0.41; in vivo: 4.78 ± 0.26 N at 90 degrees vs. 4.77 ± 0.06 N at 0 degree, p = 1). Compared with nonisometric ACL grafts, the graft force for grafts placed in an isometric position had significantly lower ACL graft forces at 15, 30, 45, 60, 70, and 90 degrees in both cadaveric and in vivo knees. In conclusion, we have developed a novel ACL reconstruction model that can reproducibly produce two ACL graft force patterns. This model would permit further research on how ACL graft forces may affect subsequent graft healing, maturation, and function.

scholarly journals Biomechanical Difference between Conventional Transtibial Single-Bundle and Anatomical Transportal Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1625
Author(s):  
Jae Gyoon Kim ◽  
Kyoung Tak Kang ◽  
Joon Ho Wang
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Double Bundle ◽  
Contact Stresses ◽  
Single Bundle ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

The purpose of our study was to analyze the graft contact stress at the tunnel after transtibial single-bundle (SB) and transportal double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. After transtibial SB (20 cases) and transportal DB (29 cases) ACL reconstruction, the three-dimensional image of each patient made by postoperative computed tomography was adjusted to the validation model of a normal knee and simulated SB and DB ACL reconstructions were created based on the average tunnel position and direction of each group. We also measured graft and contact stresses at the tunnel after a 134 N anterior load from 0° to 90° flexion. The graft and contact stresses became the greatest at 30° and 0° flexion, respectively. The total graft and contact stresses after DB ACL reconstruction were greater than those after SB ACL reconstruction from 0° to 30° and 0° to 90° knee flexion, respectively. However, the graft and contact stresses of each graft after DB ACL reconstruction were less than those after SB ACL reconstruction. In conclusion, the total graft and total contact stresses after DB ACL reconstruction are higher than those after SB ACL reconstruction from 0° to 30° and 0° to 90° knee flexion, respectively. However, the stresses of each graft after DB ACL reconstruction are about half of those after SB ACL reconstruction.

scholarly journals Altered Knee and Ankle Kinematics During Squatting in Those With Limited Weight-Bearing–Lunge Ankle-Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 723-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karli E. Dill ◽  
Rebecca L. Begalle ◽  
Barnett S. Frank ◽  
Steven M. Zinder ◽  
Darin A. Padua
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Ligament Injury ◽  
Knee Valgus ◽  
Varus Displacement ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Context: Ankle-dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) may influence movement variables that are known to affect anterior cruciate ligament loading, such as knee valgus and knee flexion. To our knowledge, researchers have not studied individuals with limited or normal ankle DF-ROM to investigate the relationship between those factors and the lower extremity movement patterns associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury. Objective: To determine, using 2 different measurement techniques, whether knee- and ankle-joint kinematics differ between participants with limited and normal ankle DF-ROM. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Sports medicine research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Forty physically active adults (20 with limited ankle DF-ROM, 20 with normal ankle DF-ROM). Main Outcome Measure(s): Ankle DF-ROM was assessed using 2 techniques: (1) nonweight-bearing ankle DF-ROM with the knee straight, and (2) weight-bearing lunge (WBL). Knee flexion, knee valgus-varus, knee internal-external rotation, and ankle DF displacements were assessed during the overhead-squat, single-legged squat, and jump-landing tasks. Separate 1-way analyses of variance were performed to determine whether differences in knee- and ankle-joint kinematics existed between the normal and limited groups for each assessment. Results: We observed no differences between the normal and limited groups when classifying groups based on nonweight-bearing passive-ankle DF-ROM. However, individuals with greater ankle DF-ROM during the WBL displayed greater knee-flexion and ankle-DF displacement and peak knee flexion during the overhead-squat and single-legged squat tasks. In addition, those individuals also demonstrated greater knee-varus displacement during the single-legged squat. Conclusions: Greater ankle DF-ROM assessed during the WBL was associated with greater knee-flexion and ankle-DF displacement during both squatting tasks as well as greater knee-varus displacement during the single-legged squat. Assessment of ankle DF-ROM using the WBL provided important insight into compensatory movement patterns during squatting, whereas nonweight-bearing passive ankle DF-ROM did not. Improving ankle DF-ROM during the WBL may be an important intervention for altering high-risk movement patterns commonly associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury.

scholarly journals Effect of knee angle on quadriceps strength and activation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

2015 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandramouli Krishnan ◽  
Paul Theuerkauf
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Contractile Property ◽  
Knee Angle ◽  
Peripheral Muscle ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Quadriceps strength and activation deficits after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or surgery are typically evaluated at joint positions that are biomechanically advantageous to the quadriceps muscle. However, the effect of knee joint position and the associated changes in muscle length on strength and activation is currently unknown in this population. Here, we examined the effect of knee angle on quadriceps strength, activation, and electrically evoked torque in individuals with ACL reconstruction. Furthermore, we evaluated whether knee angle mediated the relationship between quadriceps weakness and functional performance after ACL reconstruction. Knee strength and activation were tested bilaterally at 90° and 45° of knee flexion in 11 subjects with ACL reconstruction using an interpolated triplet technique. The magnitude of electrically evoked torque at rest was used to quantify peripheral muscle contractile property changes, and the single-leg hop for distance test was used to evaluate functional performance. The results indicated that although quadriceps strength deficits were similar between knee angles, voluntary activation deficits were significantly higher in the reconstructed leg at 45° of knee flexion. On the contrary, the side-to-side evoked torque at rest ratio [i.e., (reconstructed/nonreconstructed) × 100] was significantly lower at 90° than at 45° of knee flexion. The association between quadriceps strength and functional performance was stronger at 45° of knee flexion. The results provide novel evidence that quadriceps activation is selectively affected at 45° of knee flexion and emphasize the importance of assessing quadriceps strength and activation at this position when feasible because it better captures activation deficits.

Biomechanical Comparison of Anterolateral Procedures Combined With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eivind Inderhaug ◽  
Joanna M. Stephen ◽  
Andy Williams ◽  
Andrew A. Amis
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Knee Kinematics ◽  
Optical Tracking ◽  
Iliotibial Band ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Anterolateral soft tissue structures of the knee have a role in controlling anterolateral rotational laxity, and they may be damaged at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Purpose: To compare the kinematic effects of anterolateral operative procedures in combination with intra-articular ACL reconstruction for combined ACL plus anterolateral–injured knees. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twelve cadaveric knees were tested in a 6 degrees of freedom rig using an optical tracking system to record the kinematics through 0° to 90° of knee flexion with no load, anterior drawer, internal rotation, and combined loading. Testing was first performed in ACL-intact, ACL-deficient, and combined ACL plus anterolateral–injured (distal deep insertions of the iliotibial band and the anterolateral ligament [ALL] and capsule cut) states. Thereafter, ACL reconstruction was performed alone and in combination with the following: modified MacIntosh tenodesis, modified Lemaire tenodesis passed both superficial and deep to the lateral collateral ligament, and ALL reconstruction. Anterolateral grafts were fixed at 30° of knee flexion with both 20 and 40 N of tension. Statistical analysis used repeated-measures analyses of variance and paired t tests with Bonferroni adjustments. Results: ACL reconstruction alone failed to restore native knee kinematics in combined ACL plus anterolateral–injured knees ( P < .05 for all). All combined reconstructions with 20 N of tension, except for ALL reconstruction ( P = .002-.01), restored anterior translation. With 40 N of tension, the superficial Lemaire and MacIntosh procedures overconstrained the anterior laxity in deep flexion. Only the deep Lemaire and MacIntosh procedures—with 20 N of tension—restored rotational kinematics to the intact state ( P > .05 for all), while the ALL underconstrained and the superficial Lemaire overconstrained internal rotation. The same procedures with 40 N of tension led to similar findings. Conclusion: In a combined ACL plus anterolateral–injured knee, ACL reconstruction alone failed to restore intact knee kinematics. The addition of either the deep Lemaire or MacIntosh tenodesis tensioned with 20 N, however, restored native knee kinematics. Clinical Relevance: The current study indicates that unaddressed anterolateral injuries, in the presence of an ACL deficiency, result in abnormal knee kinematics that is not restored if only treated with intra-articular ACL reconstruction. Both the modified MacIntosh and modified deep Lemaire tenodeses (with 20 N of tension) restored native knee kinematics at time zero.

Predictive Factors for Hamstring Autograft Diameter in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem M.P. Heijboer ◽  
Mathijs A.M. Suijkerbuijk ◽  
Belle L. van Meer ◽  
Eric W.P. Bakker ◽  
Duncan E. Meuffels
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Gracilis Tendon ◽  
Thigh Circumference ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

AbstractMultiple studies found hamstring tendon (HT) autograft diameter to be a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction failure. This study aimed to determine which preoperative measurements are associated with HT autograft diameter in ACL reconstruction by directly comparing patient characteristics and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurement of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fifty-three patients with a primary ACL reconstruction with a four-stranded HT autograft were included in this study. Preoperatively we recorded length, weight, thigh circumference, gender, age, preinjury Tegner activity score, and CSA of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon on MRI. Total CSA on MRI, weight, height, gender, and thigh circumference were all significantly correlated with HT autograft diameter (p < 0.05). A multiple linear regression model with CSA measurement of the HTs on MRI, weight, and height showed the most explained variance of HT autograft diameter (adjusted R 2 = 44%). A regression equation was derived for an estimation of the expected intraoperative HT autograft diameter: 1.2508 + 0.0400 × total CSA (mm2) + 0.0100 × weight (kg) + 0.0296 × length (cm). The Bland and Altman analysis indicated a 95% limit of agreement of ± 1.14 mm and an error correlation of r = 0.47. Smaller CSA of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendon on MRI, shorter stature, lower weight, smaller thigh circumference, and female gender are associated with a smaller four-stranded HT autograft diameter in ACL reconstruction. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the combination of MRI CSA measurement, weight, and height is the strongest predictor.

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