The Reproducibility and Repeatability of Varus Stress Radiographs in the Assessment of Isolated Fibular Collateral Ligament and Grade-III Posterolateral Knee Injuries

2008 ◽  
Vol 90 (10) ◽  
pp. 2069-2076 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F LaPrade ◽  
Christie Heikes ◽  
Adam J Bakker ◽  
Rune B Jakobsen
Keyword(s):  
Knee Injuries ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Fibular Collateral Ligament ◽  
Stress Radiographs ◽  
Varus Stress ◽  
Posterolateral Knee Injuries ◽  
Grade Iii

scholarly journals Fibular Collateral Ligament: Varus Stress Radiographic Analysis Using 3 Different Clinical Techniques

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 232596711877017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick W. Kane ◽  
Mark E. Cinque ◽  
Gilbert Moatshe ◽  
Jorge Chahla ◽  
Nicholas N. DePhillipo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Lateral Compartment ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Fibular Collateral Ligament ◽  
Stress Radiographs ◽  
Varus Stress ◽  
Grade Iii

Background: Fibular collateral ligament (FCL) tears are challenging to diagnose. Left untreated, FCL tears lead to residual ligament instability and increased joint loading on the medial compartment of the knee. Additionally, when a concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is performed, increased forces on reconstruction grafts occur, which may lead to premature graft failure. Stress radiographs constitute a reliable and validated technique for the objective assessment of a complete grade III FCL tear. Purpose: To evaluate side-to-side difference (SSD) values of lateral compartment gapping on varus stress radiographs in patients with a grade III injury to the FCL. Additionally, to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of 3 different measurement techniques that used various radiographic reference points. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Inclusion criteria were patients who sustained an FCL with or without a concomitant ACL injury and underwent a combined FCL + ACL reconstruction between 2010 and 2016. Patients were excluded if they had a complete posterolateral corner injury, open physes, intra-articular fracture, meniscal root tear, other ligament injury, or prior surgery on either knee. All FCL tears were diagnosed with a clinical varus stress examination at 0° and 20° of knee flexion and varus stress radiographs at 20° of knee flexion measured in 3 different locations. The SSD for lateral compartment gapping was obtained from the varus stress radiographs and then statistically compared for interrater and intrarater reliability. Results: A total of 98 consecutive patients (50 males, 48 females; 13 isolated FCL injuries, 85 combined ACL + FCL injuries) with mean age 33.6 years (range, 18-69 years) were included. Measurement techniques 1, 2, and 3 had mean ± SD lateral compartment SSDs of 2.4 ± 0.20 mm, 2.2 ± 0.20 mm, and 2.0 ± 0.03 mm, respectively (no significant differences). Interrater reliabilities for the 3 measuring techniques were 0.83, 0.86, and 0.91, respectively, while intrarater reliabilities were 0.99, 0.77, and 0.99, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a lower SSD value of 2.2 mm to be consistent with a grade III FCL tear on clinician-applied varus stress radiographs in the clinical setting. Although all SSD measurement locations had excellent reliability, the method using the midpoint of the lateral tibial plateau was found to be the most reproducible.

scholarly journals Comparative Biomechanical Study Between Minimally Invasive Popliteus and LCL Reconstruction Versus LaPrade Technique

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0009
Author(s):  
Bancha Chernchujit ◽  
Arrisna Artha ◽  
Panin Anilabol
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Posterolateral Corner ◽  
Reconstruction Technique ◽  
Popliteus Tendon ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Popliteofibular Ligament ◽  
Less Invasive ◽  
Stress Radiographs ◽  
Varus Stress ◽  
Grade Iii

Background: Many aspects of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee have been extensively studied within the past 20 years. Quantitative anatomic and biomechanical studies have demonstrated the importance of the 3 static stabilizers of the lateral side of the knee: the fibular collateral ligament, the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. There are various methods of reconstruction. However, currently, there is no consensus on the preferred reconstruction technique for treating patients with chronic PLC injuries. We have developed a new reconstructive technique for PLC based on tibiofibular-based technique, similar to LaPrade, and this technique is less invasive than the previous techniques. Hypothesis: There is no difference between minimally invasive popliteus and LCL reconstruction and LaPrade’s method in restoring the posterolateral stability of knees Methods: Six paired fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were assessed in the intact state and then dissected to simulate a grade III posterolateral knee injury. By using a “Blocked randomization”, each paired knee was randomized into 2 groups (1) reconstruction via LaPrade’s method, (2) minimally invasive popliteus and LCL reconstruction. Biomechanical testing using varus stress radiographs was performed to compare knee stability between 2 groups. Results: This study included six paired knees, three males and three females. The mean age of the cadaver was 70.8 years (range 57-85 years). No difference was found in the demographic data (sex distribution, lateral opening gap of intact knee and side-to-side difference of lateral opening gap of sectioned knee) between the 2 groups. The side-to-side difference in lateral joint opening on the varus stress radiographs significantly improved after PLC reconstruction in both groups (p <0.001, p <0.001), However, there were no differences between the 2 groups in side-to-side difference of lateral opening gap after reconstruction (Mean difference=-0.05 (95%CI, -0.46 to 0.36); p- value=0.039). Conclusion: Biomechanically, minimally invasive popliteus and LCL reconstruction is equivalent to LaPrade’s technique in restoring the stability of knees in case of grade III PLC injury. Additionally, this technique is less invasive than all traditional open technique of PLC reconstruction. The minimally invasive popliteus and LCL reconstruction technique may be a treatment option for grade III PLC injury. Keywords: posterolateral corner; ligament reconstruction; popliteus tendon; lateral collateral ligament; popliteofibular ligament; knee biomechanics; minimally invasive surgery

Partial Controlled Early Postoperative Weightbearing Versus Nonweightbearing After Reconstruction of the Fibular (Lateral) Collateral Ligament: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Equivalence Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 2355-2365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. LaPrade ◽  
Nicholas N. DePhillipo ◽  
Tyler R. Cram ◽  
Mark E. Cinque ◽  
Mitchell I. Kennedy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Lateral Collateral Ligament ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Stress Radiographs ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Statistical Equivalence ◽  
Varus Stress ◽  
Subjective Outcomes

Background: While early weightbearing protocols have been advocated after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, early weightbearing after fibular (lateral) collateral ligament reconstruction has not been well defined. Purpose: (1) To determine if early partial controlled weightbearing after fibular collateral ligament (FCL) reconstruction resulted in an objective difference in laxity on varus stress radiographs at postoperative 6 months as compared with nonweightbearing, and (2) to determine if there was a difference in pain, edema, range of motion, and subjective patient-reported outcomes between these groups at 3 time points. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients were prospectively enrolled from January 2014 to April 2017. Patients who underwent isolated FCL reconstruction or combined ACL and FCL reconstructions were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to either a control group (nonweightbearing for 6 weeks) or a treatment group (partial controlled weightbearing at 40% body weight with crutches for 6 weeks). Patient-related data, including knee pain, edema, and range of motion, were collected for all patients at postoperative day 1, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Subjective outcomes were collected preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. The primary objective endpoint was varus stability, evaluated by bilateral varus stress radiographs obtained preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Results: Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in the study, with 6-month follow-up obtained for 36 (92%). There was a significant improvement between the preoperative side-to-side difference (SSD) (2.4 ± 1.0) and postoperative SSD (0.2 ± 1.0) for lateral compartment laxity on varus stress radiographs among all patients ( P < .001). Clinical and statistical equivalence was found between groups in terms of SSD on varus stress radiographs ( P < .001). The SSD in knee edema was significantly lower in the partial early weightbearing group (beta = −0.6 cm, P = .001), but there were no significant group differences in knee pain, flexion, or extension. All patients demonstrated significant improvements in subjective outcome scores between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative conditions ( P < .001 for every score measured). Conclusion: Clinical and statistical equivalence was found at postoperative 6 months between the early partial weightbearing and nonweightbearing groups among patients undergoing either an isolated FCL reconstruction or a combined ACL and FCL reconstruction. There were no significant differences observed between the groups regarding knee stability, pain, swelling, range of motion, or subjective outcomes. Given these findings, the authors recommend early partial weightbearing after isolated FCL reconstruction or combined ACL and FCL reconstruction.

scholarly journals Anatomic Lateral Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Graft Options: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Autograft versus Allograft

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0047
Author(s):  
William Schairer ◽  
William Grantham ◽  
Nicholas DePhillipo ◽  
Zachary Aman ◽  
Robert LaPrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Lateral Collateral Ligament ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Stress Radiographs ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Varus Stress

Objectives: As awareness of lateral knee pathology has increased, surgical outcomes for lateral collateral ligament (LCL) reconstruction and posterolateral corner reconstructions have improved. Despite reliable improvement in results, no study to date has compared the radiographic or clinical outcome of lateral knee reconstruction procedures when comparing autograft versus allograft reconstruction options. To evaluate patient reported outcomes and radiographic outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with isolated LCL anatomic reconstruction, comparing the use of autografts versus allografts for LCL reconstruction. The null hypothesis was that there would be no significant differences in clinical outcomes at 2-year follow up and no differences in LCL insufficiency as defined by a side-to-side difference of greater than 2.1mm in varus stress radiographs at minimum of 6-month follow up. Methods: All patients who underwent primary ACLR with concomitant isolated LCL reconstruction from 2010 to 2017 by a single surgeon were retrospectively identified; clinical characteristics and graft choice for LCL reconstruction was collected. Patients with minimum 2-year follow up clinical outcome scores and 6-month bilateral varus stress radiographs were included. Patients with any other ligamentous procedure or revision ACL reconstruction were excluded. An a priori power analysis demonstrated a minimum group size of 18 patients per group to detect a difference in LCL insufficiency. Results: There were 58 primary ACLR with concomitant LCL reconstruction patients identified that met inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine patients underwent LCL reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft compared to 19 patients with allograft (16 semitendinosus and 3 tibialis anterior). At a minimum 6-month radiographic varus stress x-ray follow-up, there was no significant difference in LCL graft reconstruction failure (>2.1 mm) between autograft and allograft (autograft 0/39 vs allograft 0/19). There was also no absolute side-to-side difference of stress x-ray gapping between the two cohorts (allograft= 0.49 mm and autograft= 0.15 mm, p= 0.22). Furthermore, there was no difference when comparing the autograft to allograft group at minimum 2-year clinical outcome follow-up for SF-12 Mental Component Score (MCS) and Physical Component Score (PCS), WOMAC (Total, pain, stiffness, activity), Tegner, and Lysholm scores. Lastly, patient satisfaction between allograft and autograft groups showed no significant difference at average follow-up of 3.6 years. There were no significant differences in clinical knee stability between groups at final follow-up (p >0.05). Conclusion: In the largest reported series comparing autograft and allograft lateral collateral ligament reconstructions, we found that both autograft and allograft LCL reconstructions offer reliable and similar radiographic and clinical results. As a result, surgeons may discuss the risks and benefits of both graft options with the patient and come to a decision through a shared decision-making process knowing that both grafts will provide reliable outcomes.

scholarly journals Accuracy of MRI and Varus Stress Radiographs in Diagnosing Fibular Collateral Ligament Injuries

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0014
Author(s):  
Matthew T. Provencher ◽  
Patrick W. Kane ◽  
Nicholas N. DePhillipo ◽  
Mark Cinque ◽  
Gilbert Moatshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Stress Radiographs ◽  
Acute Injuries ◽  
Varus Stress ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Chronic Injuries ◽  
Musculoskeletal Radiologist

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and varus stress radiographs for FCL tears, and compare these modalities to intraoperative findings. Methods: All patients who underwent an isolated FCL or combined ACL/FCL reconstruction by a single surgeon between 2010 and 2017 with preoperative varus stress radiographs and MRI were included in this study. A control group was comprised of patients with an MRI and intact ACL and FCL. Sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing FCL injuries on MRI were determined based on review by a fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist. The sensitivity of diagnosing an FCL injury based on varus stress radiographs was also determined. Furthermore, the ability of both imaging modalities to identify an FCL injury was stratified based on acute versus chronic etiology. Results: A total of 232 patients were included: 98 patients in the FCL tear group and 134 patients in the control group. Varus stress radiographs were determined to be more sensitive in diagnosing FCL injuries compared to MRI, with an overall sensitivity of 70% compared to 66%. Based on chronicity of the injuries, MRI was more accurate for detecting acute FCL injuries than chronic injuries (p=0.002), and varus stress radiographs were more accurate for detecting chronic FCL injuries than acute injuries (p=0.041). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to directly compare the diagnostic accuracy of FCL tear detection utilizing MRI and varus stress radiographs in the same patient cohort. While varus stress radiographs appear to have a higher accuracy overall, the results from our study support the use of both varus stress radiographs and MRI in diagnosing FCL injuries, as MRI is more sensitive in diagnosing an acute FCL tear, and varus stress radiographs are more sensitive in diagnosing a chronic FCL tear.

Validation of varus stress radiographs for anterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner knee injuries: A biomechanical study

The Knee ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1064-1068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas S. McDonald ◽  
Robert A. Waltz ◽  
Joseph R. Carney ◽  
Christopher B. Dewing ◽  
Joseph R. Lynch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Knee Injuries ◽  
Biomechanical Study ◽  
Posterolateral Corner ◽  
Stress Radiographs ◽  
Varus Stress ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Biomechanical Analysis of an Isolated Fibular (Lateral) Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using an Autogenous Semitendinosus Graft

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1521-1527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Coobs ◽  
Robert F. LaPrade ◽  
Chad J. Griffith ◽  
Bradley J. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Ligament Reconstruction ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Anatomic Reconstruction ◽  
Ligament Injury ◽  
Collateral Ligament ◽  
Fibular Collateral Ligament ◽  
Normal Stability ◽  
Semitendinosus Graft

Background The fibular collateral ligament is the primary stabilizer to varus instability of the knee. Untreated fibular collateral ligament injuries can lead to residual knee instability and can increase the risk of concurrent cruciate ligament reconstruction graft failures. Anatomic reconstructions of the fibular collateral ligament have not been biomechanically validated. Purpose To describe an anatomic fibular collateral ligament reconstruction using an autogenous semitendinosus graft and to test the hypothesis that using this reconstruction technique to treat an isolated fibular collateral ligament injury will restore the knee to near normal stability. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Ten nonpaired, fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were biomechanically subjected to a 10 N·m varus moment and 5 N·m external and internal rotation torques at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. Testing was performed with an intact and sectioned fibular collateral ligament, and also after an anatomic reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament with an autogenous semitendinosus graft. Motion changes were assessed with a 6 degree of freedom electromagnetic motion analysis system. Results After sectioning, we found significant increases in varus rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, external rotation at 60° and 90°, and internal rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. After reconstruction, there were significant decreases in motion in varus rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, external rotation at 60° and 90°, and internal rotation at 0°, 15°, and 30° of knee flexion. In addition, we observed a full recovery of knee stability in varus rotation at 0°, 60°, and 90°, external rotation at 60° and 90°, and internal rotation at 0° and 30° of knee flexion. Conclusion An anatomic fibular collateral ligament reconstruction restores varus, external, and internal rotation to near normal stability in a knee with an isolated fibular collateral ligament injury. Clinical Significance An anatomic reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament with an autogenous semitendinosus graft is a viable option to treat nonrepairable acute or chronic fibular collateral ligament tears in patients with varus instability.

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