The effect of anterior cruciate ligament resection on knee biomechanics

2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (4) ◽  
pp. 442-448
Author(s):  
Babar Kayani ◽  
Sujith Konan ◽  
Syed S Ahmed ◽  
Justin S Chang ◽  
Atif Ayuob ◽  
...  

Aims The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft tissue laxity, maximum knee extension, and limb alignment during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods This prospective study included 140 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary robotic-arm assisted TKA. All operative procedures were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess study outcomes pre- and post-ACL resection with knee extension and 90° knee flexion. This study included 76 males (54.3%) and 64 females (45.7%) with a mean age of 64.1 years (SD 6.8) at time of surgery. Mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 6.1° varus (SD 4.6° varus). Results ACL resection increased the mean extension gap significantly more than the flexion gap in the medial (mean 1.2 mm (SD 1.0) versus mean 0.2 mm (SD 0.7) respectively; p < 0.001) and lateral (mean 1.1 mm (SD 0.9) versus mean 0.2 mm (SD 0.6) respectively; p < 0.001) compartments. The mean gap differences following ACL resection did not create any significant mediolateral soft tissue laxity in extension (gap difference: mean 0.1 mm (SD 2.4); p = 0.89) or flexion (gap difference: mean 0.2 mm (SD 3.1); p = 0.40). ACL resection did not significantly affect maximum knee extension (change in maximum knee extension = mean 0.2° (SD 0.7°); p = 0.23) or fixed flexion deformity (mean 4.2° (SD 3.2°) pre-ACL release versus mean 3.9° (SD 3.7°) post-ACL release; p = 0.61). ACL resection did not significantly affect overall limb alignment (change in alignment = mean 0.2° valgus (SD 1.0° valgus; p = 0.11). Conclusion ACL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the extension gap more than the flexion gap. However, gap differences following ACL resection do not create any mediolateral soft tissue laxity in extension or flexion. ACL resection does not affect maximum knee extension or overall limb alignment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):442–448.

2019 ◽  
Vol 101-B (10) ◽  
pp. 1230-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babar Kayani ◽  
Sujith Konan ◽  
Saman Horriat ◽  
Mazin S. Ibrahim ◽  
Fares S. Haddad

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft-tissue laxity, fixed flexion deformity (FFD), and limb alignment during posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients and Methods This prospective study included 110 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee undergoing primary robot-assisted PS TKA. All operations were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess gaps before and after PCL resection in extension and 90° knee flexion. Measurements were made after excision of the anterior cruciate ligament and prior to bone resection. There were 54 men (49.1%) and 56 women (50.9%) with a mean age of 68 years (sd 6.2) at the time of surgery. The mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 4.1° varus (sd 3.4). Results PCL resection increased the mean flexion gap significantly more than the extension gap in the medial (2.4 mm (sd 1.5) vs 1.3 mm (sd 1.0); p < 0.001) and lateral (3.3 mm (sd 1.6) vs 1.2 mm (sd 0.9); p < 0.01) compartments. The mean gap differences after PCL resection created significant mediolateral laxity in flexion (gap difference: 1.1 mm (sd 2.5); p < 0.001) but not in extension (gap difference: 0.1 mm (sd 2.1); p = 0.51). PCL resection significantly improved the mean FFD (6.3° (sd 4.4) preoperatively vs 3.1° (sd 1.5) postoperatively; p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the preoperative FFD and change in FFD following PCL resection (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.81; p < 0.001). PCL resection did not significantly affect limb alignment (mean change in alignment: 0.2° valgus (sd 1.2); p = 0.60). Conclusion PCL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the flexion gap more than the extension gap. The increase in the lateral flexion gap is greater than the increase in the medial flexion gap, which creates mediolateral laxity in flexion. Improvements in FFD following PCL resection are dependent on the degree of deformity before PCL resection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1230–1237


2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon L. Hame ◽  
Daniel A. Oakes ◽  
Keith L. Markolf

Background The anterior cruciate ligament has been shown to be particularly susceptible to injury during alpine skiing. Tibial torque is an important injury mechanism, especially when applied to a fully extended or fully flexed knee. Purpose We wanted to record the forces generated in the anterior cruciate ligament with application of tibial torque to cadaveric knees in different positions. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Thirty-seven fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were instrumented with a tibial load cell that measured resultant force in the anterior cruciate ligament while internal and external tibial torques were applied to the tibia at full extension, 90° of flexion, full flexion, and forced hyperflexion. Results At each knee flexion position, mean force generated by 10 N·m of internal tibial torque was significantly higher than the mean generated by 10 N·m of external tibial torque. Mean forces generated by tibial torque at 90° of flexion were relatively low. During flexion-extension without tibial torque applied mean forces were highest (193 N) when the knee was hyperflexed. Conclusions Application of internal tibial torque to a fully extended or fully flexed knee represents the most dangerous loading condition for injury from twisting falls during skiing. Clinical Relevance Understanding of the mechanisms of falls can be used to design better equipment and to better prevent or treat injury.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arata Nakajima ◽  
Yasuchika Aoki ◽  
Masazumi Murakami ◽  
Koichi Nakagawa

Achieving correct soft tissue balance and preparing equal and rectangular extension and flexion joint gaps are crucial goals of TKA. Intraoperative gap balances would change postoperatively; however, changes in joint gap balances between pre- and postoperation remain unclear. To explore these changes associated with TKA, we prospectively investigated 21 posterior cruciate ligament retaining TKAs for varus knees. Intraoperative extension gap balance (iEGB) was 2.6 ± 2.0° varus versus postoperative extension gap balance (pEGB) of 0.77 ± 1.8° valgus (P<0.01), while no significant difference between intraoperative flexion gap balance (iFGB) and postoperative flexion gap balance (pFGB) was observed. We also explored correlations between intraoperative and postoperative gap balances but found no significant correlations. These observations indicate that (i) surgeons should avoid excessive release of the medial soft tissue during TKA for varus knees and (ii) intraoperative gap balance may not be necessarily reflected on postoperative gap balance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
pp. 2498-2500
Author(s):  
Bogdan Sendrea ◽  
Antoine Edu ◽  
George Viscopoleanu

Magnetic resonance imaging has become the gold standard for soft tissue lesions evaluation especially after a traumatic event where there is need for diagnostic confirmation. The objective of the current paper was to evaluate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing soft tissue lesions in patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compared with arthroscopic findings. Through the ability to diagnose soft tissue injuries, particularly meniscal lesions, magnetic resonance imaging should be considered as fundamental in guiding therapeutic management in patients with anterior cruciate ligament lesions.


Arthroplasty ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Goki Kamei ◽  
Shigeki Ishibashi ◽  
Koki Yoshioka ◽  
Satoru Sakurai ◽  
Hiroyuki Inoue ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the modified gap technique, the soft-tissue balance is measured after osteotomy of the distal femur and proximal tibia (conventional bone gap). However, after osteotomy, the flexion gap size during 90° knee flexion may be larger than that observed after implantation. The tension of the lateral compartment during 90° flexion may also be reduced after osteotomy of the distal femur. We manufactured a distal femoral trial component to reproduce the condition after implantation and prior to posterior condyle osteotomy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the trial component on the flexion gap. Methods This prospective study included 21 consecutive patients aged 78 years with medial osteoarthritis who underwent cruciate-retaining TKA between February 2017 and March 2018. The postoperative flexion gap size and inclination during 90° flexion were compared between cases with and without the trial component. Results The mean joint gap size with the trial component (13.4 ± 0.80 mm) was significantly smaller than that without the trial component (14.7 ± 0.84 mm). The mean gap inclination angle with the trial component (3.7° ± 0.62°) was significantly smaller than that without the trial component (5.5° ± 0.78°). Conclusions In the present study, the joint gap size and medial tension were significantly reduced after the trial component had been set. Accurate measurement of the soft-tissue balance is an important factor in the modified gap technique, and this method using a distal femoral trial component can offer better outcomes than those achieved with conventional methods.


2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-115
Author(s):  
O.M. Russu ◽  
I. Gergely ◽  
Ancuța Zazgyva ◽  
I. Moldovan ◽  
T.S. Pop

Abstract Evaluating the early clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstrings autograft, with interference screw on the tibial side (biocomposite interference screw, ConMed-Linvatec) and continuous closed loop fixation on the femoral side (XO-Button, ConMed-Linvatec), with and without intra-articular injection of autologous conditioned plasma (ACP). Our study included 21 patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures for whom we performed ACL reconstruction with a hamstrings autograft. The mean age was 34 years (range, 25 to 42), 16 patients were men and 5 were women. In 10 cases we performed an intraarticular infiltration of ACP at the end of the surgical intervention. Final evaluation was performed at the end of the 6th postoperative month using the Lysholm scoring system, Tegner activity scale and objective assessment with the RolimeterTM 50A. The Lysholm score was excellent in all cases at 6 months postoperatively, with a mean Lysholm score of 90 for patients without ACP and 91.09 for patients that received ACP; the mean Tegner activity score was also similar pre- and postoperatively for the two groups (from 3.5 and 3.63 for the group without ACP and the group with ACP to 5.6 and 5.72 respectively). Joint laxity measurement was similar for both groups. We found no graft ruptures. We found similar results after ACL reconstruction with and without intra-articular injection of PRP, but further studies are necessary to determine the exact role of these substances in speeding up the recovery process in these cases.


2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian J Bauze ◽  
Mark S Falworth ◽  
Roger D Oakeshott

Purpose. To present early results of 400 consecutive low contact stress (LCS) anteroposterior (AP) glide total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed by a single surgeon. Methods. 304 consecutive patients aged 30 to 96 (mean, 66) years underwent 400 TKAs using LCS AP glides performed by a single surgeon. Only patients with an intact posterior cruciate ligament, a fixed flexion deformity of <15°, and a valgus deformity of <15° were included. Patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively using the American Knee Society (AKS) and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores. Range of motion was measured using a goniometer. AP and lateral radiographs were assessed for radiolucencies and osteolysis. Results. The mean follow-up period was 4.2 (range, 1–8) years. The mean fixed flexion improved to 1° from 11° and the mean active flexion improved to 120° from 111°. Both AKS and HSS scores improved significantly. There were 28 anterior soft tissue impingements; 9 of them were in the first year of the study. Thereafter, the anterior lip of the bearing was modified and any offending osteophytes, soft tissue, or fat pads were excised. Of 39 (10%) knees that underwent re-operation (16 were due to anterior soft tissue impingement), 20 (5%) did not require change of the AP glide bearing and the remaining 19 were converted to a rotating platform bearing. No patellar baja was noted after fat pad excision. No patient had catastrophic wear or failure of the polyethylene bearing. The survival rate of the AP glide bearing was 95%. Conclusion. The early-to-mid-term outcomes of the LCS AP glide TKA are promising.


2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Kuenze ◽  
Jay Hertel ◽  
Susan Saliba ◽  
David R. Diduch ◽  
Arthur Weltman ◽  
...  

Context:Normal, symmetrical quadriceps strength is a common clinical goal after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Currently, the clinical thresholds for acceptable unilateral quadriceps function and symmetry associated with positive outcomes after return to activity are unclear.Objective:To establish quadriceps-activation and knee-extension-torque cutoffs for clinical assessment after return to activity after ACLR.Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Setting:Laboratory.Patients:22 (10 female, 12 male; age = 22.5 ± 5.0 y, height = 172.9 ± 7.1 cm, mass = 74.1 ± 15.5 kg, months since surgery = 31.5 ± 23.5) recreationally active persons with a history of unilateral, primary ACLR at least 6 months prior and 24 (12 female/12 male, age = 21.7 ± 3.6 y, height = 168.0 ± 8.8 cm, mass = 69.3 ± 13.6 kg) recreationally active healthy participants.Main Outcome Measures:Patient-reported measures of pain, knee-related function, and physical activity level were recorded for all participants. Normalized knee-extension maximum-voluntary-isometric-contraction (MVIC) torque (Nm/kg) and quadriceps central-activation ratio (CAR, %) were measured bilaterally in all participants. Receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC) curves were used to establish thresholds for unilateral measures of normalized knee-extension MVIC torque and quadriceps CAR, as well as limb-symmetry indices (LSI). ROC curves then established clinical thresholds for normalized knee-extension MVIC torque and quadriceps CAR LSIs associated with healthy knee-related function.Results:Involved-quadriceps CAR above 89.3% was the strongest unilateral indicator of healthy-group membership, while quadriceps CAR LSI above 0.996 and knee-extension MVIC torque above 0.940 were the strongest overall indicators. Unilateral normalized knee-extension MVIC torque above 3.00 Nm/kg and quadriceps CAR LSI above 0.992 were the best indicators of good patient-reported knee-related outcomes.Conclusions:Threshold values established in this study may provide a guide for clinicians when making return-to-activity decisions after ACLR. Normalized knee-extension MVIC torque (>3.00 Nm/kg) and quadriceps CAR symmetry (>99.6%) are both strong indicators of good patient-reported outcomes after ACLR.


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.


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