Revision ACL Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients

Background: High failure rates have been documented after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients, and revision surgery is indicated due to high activity levels of children and adolescents. Purpose: To define trends in revision ACLR in patients who underwent initial ACLR at younger than 18 years. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: An electronic medical record was used to retrospectively identify revision ACLR procedures performed by 2 surgeons between the years 2010 and 2016 in patients younger than 18 years at initial reconstruction. Descriptive information, intraoperative findings, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation data were recorded from initial and revision surgeries. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: A total of 32 patients (17 girls, 15 boys) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 15.8 years at initial reconstruction. For initial reconstructions, 15 patients underwent transphyseal procedures, 3 patients underwent adult-type procedures using an anatomic reconstruction technique that did not take into account the physis, and 2 patients underwent partial intraepiphyseal procedures. Graft types included hamstring autograft (n = 17), allograft (n = 5), hybrid (n = 4), and bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft (BTB; n = 3). Average primary reconstruction graft diameter was 8.0 mm (girls, 7.72 mm; boys, 8.36 mm; P = .045). After initial reconstruction, 10 patients had postoperative protocol noncompliance, and 8 patients reported delayed recovery. Mean time to retear was 565 days (range, 25-1539 days). At revision, BTB autograft was used in 50% (n = 16), followed by hamstring autograph (31.3%; n = 10) and allograft (12.5%; n = 4); mean graft diameter was 9.05 mm. Chondral surgery was more common during revision (25% for revision vs 0% for index; P = .031). There were 4 patients who required staged reconstruction with bone grafting. At mean final follow-up of 29.5 months (SD, 22.2 months), there were 3 graft failures (9.4%) and 5 contralateral ACL ruptures (15.6%). Conclusion: Most patients with ACL graft failure were adequately treated with a single revision. Conversion from a soft tissue graft to a BTB autograft was the most common procedure. Infrequently, patients required staged reconstructions. Providers should have a high index of suspicion for associated intra-articular injuries resulting from graft failure in adolescent patients.

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TECHNICAL VARIATION IN AFFIXING HAMSTRING GRAFTS TO THE TIBIA IN ACL RECONSTRUCTION

Acta Ortopédica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1413-785220182602155160 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 94-97

Author(s):

MARCUS VINICIUS DANIELI ◽

JOÃO PAULO FERNANDES GUERREIRO ◽

ALEXANDRE OLIVEIRA QUEIROZ ◽

CARLOS ROBERTO PADOVANI

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Tibial Tunnel ◽

Case Series ◽

International Knee Documentation Committee ◽

Interference Screw ◽

Anatomic Reconstruction ◽

Anatomic Acl Reconstruction ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Hamstring Grafts

ABSTRACT Purpose: To present a technical variation in tibial fixation of quadruple hamstring grafts during anatomic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The secondary purpose was to decrease the costs associated with this procedure. Methods: Twenty patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were selected. A tibial tunnel was constructed using standard techniques, and a femoral tunnel was anatomically created using the outside-in technique. The hamstring autograft was passed (with its bend) into the tibial tunnel and affixed to the tibia using the suspensory technique and a simple staple. Femoral fixation was performed using a titanium interference screw. The patients underwent postoperative evaluations at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months using the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form and Lysholm knee scores. Results: The IKDC and Lysholm score results improved over time (p<0.001) without major complications. The cost of the procedure could be reduced by using lower-cost hardware (staples). Conclusion: The proposed technique for anatomic ACL reconstruction using inverted hamstring grafts with their bend in the tibial tunnel, suspension-type fixation using a staple demonstrated good to excellent results after 1 year of follow up, with lower aggregate costs. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.

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Use of Posterior Hamstring Harvest During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118775597 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 232596711877559

Author(s):

Krishn Khanna ◽

Abhinav Janghala ◽

Nirav K. Pandya

Keyword(s):

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Adult Population ◽

Case Series ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Reliable Technique ◽

Graft Harvest ◽

Adolescent Patients ◽

Anterior Cruciate

Background: Posterior hamstring harvest has been described in the adult population in a limited fashion, but no study is available describing the use of posterior hamstring harvest in an active pediatric and adolescent cohort. At times, surgeons may be faced with a challenging anterior harvest due to patient anatomic characteristics, particularly the anatomic features and size of the pes tendons. Clinicians need to have multiple harvest approaches at their disposal. Complications with hamstring harvest such as premature graft transection are more problematic in this population due to higher failure rates with allograft tissue. The posterior harvest via its more proximal location may allow for easier tendon identification, visualization of the accessory attachments, and longer preserved tendon length if transection error occurs when the anterior approach is avoided based on surgical technique, patient anatomic characteristics, and surgeon and patient preference. Purpose: To describe the technique of a posterior hamstring harvest in pediatric and adolescent patients and to analyze complications. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study was a retrospective review of a consecutive series of pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent posterior hamstring harvest. During surgery, the patient’s leg was abducted and externally rotated to expose the posteromedial aspect of the knee. A 2-cm incision was made overlying the palpable medial hamstring at the popliteal crease. The posterior hamstring tendons were first harvested proximally with an open tendon stripper and distally with a closed stripper. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative findings and complications were analyzed. Results: A total of 214 patients (mean ± SD age, 15.7 ± 4.1 years; range, 8.0-19.8 years) underwent posterior harvest, with a mean ± SD follow-up of 1.83 ± 1.05 years. No complications occurred in our series related to graft harvest—no graft transections, neurovascular injuries, secondary procedures for wound healing or closure, cosmetic concerns, or limitations in return to activity due to the posterior incision. Conclusion: The posterior hamstring harvest is a safe and reliable technique to harvest autograft tendon in pediatric and adolescent anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. The posterior technique entailed no complications related to harvest. No patients expressed any cosmetic concerns about their incision or had limitations in return to sport due to the posterior harvest.

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Confirming Proper Button Deployment of Suspensory Fixation During ACL Reconstruction

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120974349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 232596712097434

Author(s):

Daniel F. O’Brien ◽

Lilah Fones ◽

Victoria Stoj ◽

Cory Edgar ◽

Katherine Coyner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Case Series ◽

Graft Fixation ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Lateral Cortex ◽

Suture Button ◽

Suspensory Fixation

Background: Suspensory fixation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) grafts has emerged as a popular device for femoral graft fixation. However, improper deployment of the suspensory fixation can compromise proper graft tensioning, leading to failure and revision. Also, soft tissue interposition between the button and bone has been associated with graft migration and pain, occasionally requiring revision surgery. Many surgeons rely on manual testing and application of distal tension to the graft to confirm proper button deployment on the lateral cortex of the femur for ACL graft fixation. Purpose: To determine the reliability of the manual resistance maneuver when applying distal tension to deploy the suspensory device along the lateral cortex of the femur. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients undergoing ACLR with a suture button suspensory device for femoral fixation were eligible for enrollment in the study. The surgeries were performed by 3 board-certified, sports medicine fellowship–trained orthopaedic surgeons at a single outpatient surgical center between May 2018 and June 2019. All grafts were passed in a retrograde manner into the femoral tunnel, and a vigorous manual tensioning maneuver in a distal direction was placed on the graft to deploy and secure along the lateral cortex of the femur. Intraoperative mini c-arm fluoroscopy was obtained to demonstrate proper suture button positioning. If interposing tissue or an improperly flipped button was identified, rectifying steps were undertaken and recorded. Results: A total of 51 patients with a mean age of 33.3 years were included in the study. Of these patients, 74.5% had normal suture button positioning identified via intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging, while 15.7% had interposed soft tissue and 9.8% had an improperly flipped button. In all cases, the surgeon was able to rectify the malpositioning intraoperatively. Conclusion: Despite the manual sensation of proper suspensory button positioning, intraoperative fluoroscopy identified suture button deployment errors in ACLR 25% of the time. Correcting the malpositioning is not technically demanding. These findings advocate for routine intraoperative surveillance to confirm appropriate suture button seating during ACLR.

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Assessment and Trends in the Methodological Quality of the Top 50 Most Cited Articles in Shoulder Instability

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120967082 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 232596712096708

Author(s):

Avinesh Agarwalla ◽

Kaisen Yao ◽

Anirudh K. Gowd ◽

Nirav H. Amin ◽

J. Martin Leland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Loss ◽

Shoulder Instability ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Case Series ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Number Of Citations

Background: Citation counts have often been used as a surrogate for the scholarly impact of a particular study, but they do not necessarily correlate with higher-quality investigations. In recent decades, much of the literature regarding shoulder instability is focused on surgical techniques to correct bone loss and prevent recurrence. Purpose: To determine (1) the top 50 most cited articles in shoulder instability and (2) if there is a correlation between the number of citations and level of evidence or methodological quality. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A literature search was performed on both the Scopus and the Web of Science databases to determine the top 50 most cited articles in shoulder instability between 1985 and 2019. The search terms used included “shoulder instability,” “humeral defect,” and “glenoid bone loss.” Methodological scores were calculated using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS), Jadad scale, and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) score. Results: The mean number of citations and mean citation density were 222.7 ± 123.5 (range, 124-881.5) and 16.0 ± 7.9 (range, 6.9-49.0), respectively. The most common type of study represented was the retrospective case series (evidence level, 4; n = 16; 32%) The overall mean MCMS, Jadad score, and MINORS score were 61.1 ± 10.1, 1.4 ± 0.9, and 16.0 ± 3.0, respectively. There were also no correlations found between mean citations or citation density versus each of the methodological quality scores. Conclusion: The list of top 50 most cited articles in shoulder instability comprised studies with low-level evidence and low methodological quality. Higher-quality study methodology does not appear to be a significant factor in whether studies are frequently cited in the literature.

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Anatomic Reconstruction of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex for the Treatment of Chronic Instability of the Distal Radioulnar Joint. A Systematic Review

Revista Iberoamericana de Cirugía de la Mano ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1736570 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (02) ◽

pp. e97-e104

Author(s):

Ignacio Miranda ◽

Francisco J. Lucas ◽

Vicente Carratalá ◽

Joan Ferràs-Tarragó ◽

Francisco J. Miranda

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Case Series ◽

Distal Radioulnar Joint ◽

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽

Anatomic Reconstruction ◽

Wrist Arthroscopy ◽

Radioulnar Joint ◽

Druj Instability ◽

Triangular Fibrocartilage

Abstract Introduction Peripheral injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can produce pain and instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). There are several techniques for the reconstruction of the TFCC. The aim of the present paper was to summarize the tendon plasties of the DRUJ ligaments for the anatomic reconstruction of TFCC, to analyze the surgical techniques, and to evaluate their outcomes. Methods In order to perform a systematic review, we searched in the literature the terms DRUJ instability OR chronic distal radioulnar joint instability OR distal radioulnar tendon plasty. Results In total, 11 articles with level of evidence IV (case series) were retrieved. Most studies achieved good results, with recovery of wrist stability, improvement of the pain, and increase in grip strength in the functionality tests. In the historical evolution of the published series, wrist surgeons tried to perform a more anatomical plasty, with a more stable fixation and less invasive techniques. Conclusion The Adams procedure continues to be a valid and reproducible technique for the treatment of chronic DRUJ instability. If wrist arthroscopy and implants are available and surgeons have been technically trained, the authors recommend an arthroscopy-assisted technique, or, if possible, an all-arthroscopic TFCC reconstruction with implant fixation of the plasty in its anatomical points of insertion. Comparative studies between open and arthroscopic TFCC reconstruction techniques are needed.

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Feedback cues improve the alignment and technique of children performing ACL injury prevention exercises

Journal of ISAKOS Joint Disorders & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine ◽

10.1136/jisakos-2020-000475 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. jisakos-2020-000475

Author(s):

Daphne I Ling ◽

Caroline Boyle ◽

Joseph Janosky ◽

Brenda Chang ◽

Naomi Roselaar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Injury Prevention ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Age Groups ◽

Case Series ◽

Ligament Injury ◽

Neuromuscular Training ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Training Exercises ◽

Neutral Alignment ◽

Feedback Cues

ObjectivesThe appropriateness of neuromuscular training exercises across different age groups has not yet been investigated, particularly in younger children. The purpose of this study was to determine which neuromuscular training exercises can be performed with proper neutral alignment in various age groups.MethodsSeven exercises were selected for evaluation in children ranging from 8 to 17 years of age who were recruited from schools and youth sports organisations. Participants completed two trials of each exercise and were judged on maintaining neutral body alignment after receiving visual/verbal instruction on the first trial and feedback cues on the second trial. Three evaluators judged each exercise, which was deemed as correct when at least two evaluators agreed that neutral alignment was maintained. Comparisons were made across ages and between sex using the χ² test or Fisher’s exact test. The proportions of participants who performed the exercise correctly were also compared before and after feedback cues were provided.ResultsA total of 360 participants were evaluated (8–11 years: 165, 54% female; 12–15 years: 136, 40% female, 16–17 years: 59, 53% female). There were no significant differences in performance across ages and sex for nearly all exercises. The majority of children were not able to complete the exercises with proper alignment. The use of feedback cues significantly increased the proportion of participants who correctly completed the exercise (p<0.001).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the importance of training coaches and physical education teachers to provide cues that reinforce proper technique during anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention exercises. Children should perform common neuromuscular training exercises with feedback on proper technique.Level of evidenceIV (case series).

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Outcomes of Quadriceps Tendon With Patellar Bone Block Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546519885371 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 93-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Alexia G. Gagliardi ◽

Patrick M. Carry ◽

Harin B. Parikh ◽

Jay C. Albright

Keyword(s):

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Graft Failure ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Quadriceps Tendon ◽

Acl Injuries ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Adolescent Patients ◽

Anterior Cruciate

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the adolescent population is increasing. The quadriceps tendon–patellar bone autograft (QPA) has been established as a reliable graft choice for ACL reconstruction in the adult population. Purpose: To investigate graft failure, ability to return to sport, patient-reported functional outcomes, joint laxity, and subsequent injury among adolescent patients >2 years after primary ACL reconstruction with the QPA. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent QPA ACL reconstruction performed by a single surgeon were identified from an existing database. Information available in the database included demographics, concomitant/subsequent injuries, surgical procedures, graft failure, return to sport, and Lachman examination collected by medical record review. Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) and Lysholm scores were collected by telephone or during a clinic visit >2 years postoperatively. Results: The final cohort included 81 of 104 consecutive adolescent patients aged 10 to 18 years (mean ± SD, 15.9 ± 1.7 years at the time of surgery) for whom follow-up information was collected at >2 years after surgery. The cumulative incidence of graft failure within the 36-month follow-up period was 1.2% (95% CI, 0.1%-11.4%). The rate of ipsilateral non-ACL injuries was similar (1.2%; 95% CI, 0.2%-7.6%). Contralateral ACL and non-ACL injuries requiring surgical intervention were documented in 9.8% (95% CI, 4.9%-19.5%). The median Pedi-IKDC score was 94 (interquartile range, 89-98). The median Lysholm score was 99.5 (interquartile range, 89.0-100.0). At 36 months after surgery, 87.9% (95% CI, 81.4%-94.9%) of individuals had returned to play. Conclusion: The quadriceps tendon–patellar autograft is a novel graft that demonstrates excellent stability and favorable patient-reported outcomes. Based on these results, the QPA is a reliable choice for primary ACL reconstruction in adolescent patients.

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Combined Intra- and Extra-Articular Technique in Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Joints ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1605590 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 05 (03) ◽

pp. 156-163 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jessica Zanovello ◽

Federica Rosso ◽

Alessandro Bistolfi ◽

Roberto Rossi ◽

Filippo Castoldi

Keyword(s):

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Case Series ◽

Return To Sport ◽

Surgical Removal ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Anterior Cruciate ◽

Over The Top

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the “over the top” (OTT) nonanatomical technique for revision of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 31.9 ± 11.2 years underwent revision of ACL reconstruction using OTT technique. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm score, Tegner score, Subjective Patient Outcome for Return to Sport (SPORTS) score, Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scale, and KT-1000 evaluation were recorded at a mean follow-up of 30.7 ± 18.9 months. Results Postoperatively, the IKDC objective total score significantly improved (p = 0.0046). The KOOS, Lysholm, and Tegner scores also improved, but the results were not statistically significant (62.4 vs. 72.6, 6.5 vs. 75.8, and 4.1 vs. 6.0, respectively). The subjective IKDC evaluation score improved from an average of 51.1 points to 63.7 points at the last follow-up (p = 0.0027). The RTP prevalence was 81.8%, with 44.4% of the patients returning to the same preinjury level. According to the SPORTS score, 16.6% of patients played sport without limitations in activity and performance. The average ACL-RSI score was 52.1 ± 27.0. No major complications were reported. A total of 21.5% of patients underwent surgical removal of staples. The failure prevalence was 14.3% and the cumulative survivorship, calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, was equal to 70% at 60 months of follow-up. Conclusion The OTT technique in the revision ACL reconstruction provided improvement in objective and subjective scores, good RTP prevalence, and acceptable rate of complication and failure. One of the advantages was the possibility to avoid the femoral tunnel. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

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Mini-Invasive Surgery for Distal Radius Fractures: A Double Incision under 12 mm

Journal of Wrist Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1721141 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elisabete Ribeiro ◽

Gustavo Campanholi ◽

Marcelo Acherboim ◽

Gustavo Mantovani Ruggiero

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Case Series ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Radiological Results ◽

Normal Ranges ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Clinical And Radiological Results

Abstract Background Distal radius fracture is one of the most common lesions in adults. Surgical techniques have evolved considerably with a clear tendency toward mini-invasive techniques. Objective Our aim is to push the limits to a 12 mm approach and evaluate its clinical and radiological results. Patients and Methods Ten fractures in nine patients were operated by a double incision with mean size 11.50 ± 3.41 mm (range 8.00–1.00) and using a specially designed volar distal locking plate. Results At the latest follow-up, visual analogue scale score for pain (0.20 ± 0.63 during rest and 0.60 ± 1.07 while making efforts) and quick DASH (quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score (6.14 ± 7.43) were extremely low. All the range of motion parameters and grip strength were above the 95% barrier of the contralateral side, with exception of ulnar deviation. Radiological parameters obtained were located within the normal ranges. Time to return to independent daily tasks and work was 6.67 ± 5.15 and 10.14 ± 14.24 days, respectively. One case of transient carpal tunnel syndrome was solved with watchful waiting and one case of extensor tendons impingement was improved after plate removal. All patients were completely satisfied at the end of the treatment. Conclusion In conclusion, mini-invasive volar technique for distal radius fractures with special designed plates in carefully selected patients allowed us to obtain good clinical and radiological results, minimal complications, fast recovery, and high-satisfactory rates. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.

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Use Caution When Assessing Preoperative Leg-Length Discrepancy in Pediatric Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546520952757 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (12) ◽

pp. 2948-2953

Author(s):

Madison R. Heath ◽

Alexandra H. Aitchison ◽

Lindsay M. Schlichte ◽

Christine Goodbody ◽

Frank A. Cordasco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Case Series ◽

Surgical Reconstruction ◽

Radiographic Examination ◽

Leg Length ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Anterior Cruciate

Background: Pre- and postoperative standing hip-to-ankle radiographs are critical for monitoring potential postoperative growth arrest and resultant deformities after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of apparent preoperative leg-length discrepancies (LLDs) that resolve at the first postoperative radiographic examination in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction in order to understand what proportion of the noted preoperative deformities may have been inaccurate. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected preoperative and first postoperative full-length hip-to-ankle radiographs was performed in a cohort of skeletally immature patients who had an acute ACL injury and underwent subsequent surgical reconstruction. Leg length measurements for both the injured and the uninjured legs were obtained for comparison. Results: A total of 112 patients (mean age, 12.7 ± 1.7 years) were included (79 boys and 33 girls). Leg-length measurement interrater reliability among 3 raters for 25 randomly chosen images was nearly perfect (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.994-0.998). At baseline, there was no apparent preoperative LLD (<5 mm) in 48% (n = 54) of participants, while 37% (n = 41) displayed a small apparent LLD (5 to <10 mm), 12% (n = 13) displayed a moderate apparent LLD (10 to <15 mm), and 4% (n = 4) displayed a large apparent LLD (≥15 mm). Of the patients with an apparent preoperative LLD, 66% (n = 38) of them tore their ACL on the leg measuring shorter. At first postoperative radiographs, 48% (n = 28) of patients with an apparent preoperative LLD showed resolution to no LLD: 46% (n = 19) of patients with a small apparent preoperative LLD, 54% (n = 7) of patients with a moderate apparent LLD, and 50% (n = 2) of patients with a large apparent LLD. Conclusion: A high percentage of patients (48%) with apparent preoperative LLDs showed resolution to no LLDs by their first postoperative imaging, indicating that preoperative hip-to-ankle radiographs display some false LLDs in patients with recent ACL tears who are unable to fully extend their injured leg and bear weight.

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