scholarly journals Quantitative assessment of neural elements in a rat model using nerve growth factor after remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction:a haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Hyun Lee ◽  
Hyung Gyu Cho ◽  
Jin Soo Song ◽  
Keun Churl Chun ◽  
Churl Hong Chun
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Nerve Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
The Other ◽  
Knee Joints ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Abstract Background: Immunofluorescence analyses of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allografts following remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction using Achilles tendon allografts have provided evidence for the presence of neural elements. In this study, we aimed to examine the expression of neural elements and quantify the presence of neural cells in ACL remnants and Achilles allografts using nerve growth factor (NGF) therapy after remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction.Methods: Experiments were conducted on 5 pairs of rats (approximately 8 weeks old and weighing 320 g at the time of surgery). Longitudinally split Achilles tendons from the paired rats were freshly frozen and later defrosted with warm saline and allografted onto the right ACL of the other rat that was partially detached at the femoral attachment site. A sham operation was conducted on the left knee to be used as a control. NGF was injected into both knee joints every week for 6 weeks after surgery. The presence of neural cells in the ACL of the sham-operated knee, allografted Achilles tendon, and ACL remnant was examined 6 weeks post-surgery using H and E and immunofluorescent staining.Results: H and E staining did not reveal neural cells in any of the three groups. However, immunofluorescence analysis showed the presence of nestin-positive neural elements in the normal ACL tissues as well as ACL remnants. Additionally, neural elements were examined in 7 of the 8 (87.5%) allograft tissues. Quantitative analysis showed no difference in the number or area of nuclei among the three groups. However, the number and area of neural cells in the Achilles allografts were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (p=0.000 and p=0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Our observations indicate that ACL remnants promote the new ingrowth and persistence of neural cells. We suggest that the ingrowth of neural elements can support the persistence and new ingrowth of mechanoreceptors, thereby enhancing the functional stability of knee joints. Moreover, the expression of neural cells in the Achilles allografts was lower than that in normal ACL tissues and ACL remnants in the quantitative evaluation, thereby confirming the essential role of ACL remnants in knee joint functionalization.

scholarly journals Quantitative assessment of neural elements in a rat model using nerve growth factor after remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a histological and immunofluorescence pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Hyun Lee ◽  
Hyung Gyu Cho ◽  
Jin Soo Song ◽  
Keun Churl Chun ◽  
Churl Hong Chun
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Nerve Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
The Other ◽  
Knee Joints ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Abstract Background: Immunofluorescence analyses of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allografts following remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction using Achilles tendon allografts have provided evidence for the presence of neural elements. In this study, we aimed to examine the expression of neural elements and quantify the presence of neural cells in ACL remnants and Achilles allografts using nerve growth factor (NGF) therapy after remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction.Methods: Experiments were conducted on 5 pairs of rats (approximately 8 weeks old and weighing 320 g at the time of surgery). Longitudinally split Achilles tendons from the paired rats were freshly frozen and later defrosted with warm saline and allografted onto the right ACL of the other rat that was partially detached at the femoral attachment site. A sham operation was conducted on the left knee to be used as a control. NGF was injected into both knee joints every week for 6 weeks after surgery. The presence of neural cells in the ACL of the sham-operated knee, allografted Achilles tendon, and ACL remnant was examined 6 weeks post-surgery using H and E and immunofluorescent staining.Results: H and E staining did not reveal neural cells in any of the three groups. However, immunofluorescence analysis showed the presence of nestin-positive neural elements in the normal ACL tissues as well as ACL remnants. Additionally, neural elements were examined in 7 of the 8 (87.5%) allograft tissues. Quantitative analysis showed no difference in the number or area of nuclei among the three groups. However, the number and area of neural cells in the Achilles allografts were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (p=0.000 and p=0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Our observations indicate that ACL remnants promote the new ingrowth and persistence of neural cells. We suggest that the ingrowth of neural elements can support the persistence and new ingrowth of mechanoreceptors, thereby enhancing the functional stability of knee joints. Moreover, the expression of neural cells in the Achilles allografts was lower than that in normal ACL tissues and ACL remnants in the quantitative evaluation, thereby confirming the essential role of ACL remnants in knee joint functionalization.

scholarly journals Quantitative assessment of neural elements in rat model using nerve growth factor after remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemical study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Hyun Lee ◽  
Hyung Gyu Cho ◽  
Jin Soo Song ◽  
Keun Churl Chun ◽  
Churl Hong Chun
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Nerve Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
The Other ◽  
Knee Joints ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Nerve Growth ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Abstract Background: Immunohistochemical analyses of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allografts following remnant-preserving ACL reconstructions using Achilles tendon allografts have provided evidence for the presence of neural elements. In this study, we aimed to examine the expression of neural elements and quantify the presence of neural cells in ACL remnants and Achilles allografts using nerve growth factor (NGF) therapy after remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction. Methods: Experiments were conducted on 5 pairs of rats (approximately 8 weeks old and weighting 320 g at the time of surgery). Longitudinally-split Achilles tendons from the paired rats were freshly frozen and later defrosted with warm saline and allografted onto the right ACL of the other, which was partially detached at the femoral attachment site. A sham operation was conducted on the left knee to be used as Control. NGF was injected in both the knee joints 1 week after surgery. The presence of neural cells in the ACL of the sham-operated knee, allografted Achilles tendon, and ACL remnant was examined 6 weeks post surgery using H and E and immunohistochemical staining. Results: H and E staining did not reveal neural cells in any of the three groups. However, immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of nestin-positive neural elements in normal ACL as well as ACL remnants. Additionally, neural elements were examined in 7 of the 8 (87.5%) allograft tissues. Quantitative analysis showed no difference in the number and area of nuclei among the three groups. However, the number and area of neural cells in Achilles allograft were significantly lower than in the other two groups (p=0.000 and p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our observations indicate that ACL remnants promote new ingrowth and persistence of neural cells. We suggest that the ingrowth of neural elements could support the persistence and new ingrowth of mechanoreceptors, thereby enhancing the functional stability of knee joints. Moreover, the expression of neural cells in Achilles allograft was lower than that of normal ACL or ACL remnants in the quantitative evaluation, thereby confirming the essential role of ACL remnants in knee joint functionalization. Key terms: anterior cruciate ligament, remnant preservation, immunohistochemistry, nerve growth factor

scholarly journals Result of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients aged 50 years and older in Viet Duc University Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Đình Toàn Dương ◽  
Lê Vinh Đoàn
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Pivot Shift ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Knee Joints ◽  
Joint Effusion ◽  
Surgical Reconstruction ◽  
Joint Movement ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Abstract Introduction: A few years ago, arthroscopic became one of the most common treatments for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Patients who are older than 50 years of age have problems of degenerative knee, ACL reconstruction indication in this group has many different perspectives. Materials and Methods: Retrospective and prospective descriptive study was conduted in the patients group over 50 years of age having ACL reconstruction in Viet Duc University Hospital from April 2017 to November 2018. Follow-up examination was in one, three and six months. Results: After 1 month, 96,2% of the patients had movement amplitude over 90 degrees, there were no cases of swelling knee, knee joint effusion or infection of the incision. After 3 months of surgery, all patients could flex their knee joints over 120 degrees, 93,2% of patients had negative the Lachmann sign, 91% of them had negative anterior draw test and negative Pivot shift sign ratio was 97,7%. Re-examination after 6 months of surgery showed that 83,9% patients had good or very good the Lysholm score, amplitude of joint movement means was 147 ± 11,8 degree. Conclusion: Our results suggest that individuals 50 years and older who have symptomatic instability from an absent or insufficient ACL can have good outcomes with surgical reconstruction if there are no contraindications. Key word: Laparoscopy surgery, anterior cruciate, over 50 years old. Tóm tắt Đặt vấn đề: Trong những năm gần đây, phẫu thuật nội soi đã trở thành phương pháp thường quy để điều trị đứt dây chằng chéo trước (DCCT) khớp gối cho người bệnh dưới 50 tuổi, có nhu cầu hoạt động thể lực. Tuy nhiên tổn thương dây chằng chéo trước (DCCT) ở lứa tuổi trên 50 thường kèm theo bệnh lý thoái hóa khớp gối, vì vậy chỉ định phẫu thuật nội soi tái tạo DCCT ở lứa tuổi này còn nhiều quan điểm khác nhau. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: Nghiên cứu mô tả hồi cứu kết hợp tiến cứu được tiến hành trên 56 người bệnh trên 50 tuổi, được phẫu thuật nội soi tái tạo DCCT tại Bệnh viện Hữu nghị Việt Đức từ tháng 4/2017 đến tháng 11/2018. 100% người bệnh được tái khám, đánh giá kết quả sau phẫu thuật 1, 3, 6 tháng. Kết quả: Sau 1 tháng phẫu thuật, 96,2% người bệnh có biên độ vận động > 900, không có trường hợp nào nhiễm trùng vết mổ. Sau phẫu thuật 3 tháng, tất cả người bệnh có biên độ gấp gối đạt trên 1200, duỗi hết gối, 93,2% người bệnh có dấu hiệu Lachmann âm tính, 91% có dấu hiệu rút ngăn kéo trước âm tính, tỷ lệ âm tính với dấu hiệu Pivot shift là 97,7%. Đánh giá lại sau 6 tháng điều trị có 83,9% người bệnh có điểm Lysholm ở mức tốt hoặc rất tốt, biên độ vận động khớp gối trung bình là 147 ± 11,8 độ. Kết luận: Kết quả của chúng tôi cho thấy rằng những người bệnh từ 50 tuổi trở lên có triệu chứng lâm sàng do tổn thương ACL có thể cho kết quả tốt với phẫu thuật nội soi tái tạo nếu không có chông chỉ định. Từ khóa: Phẫu thuật nội soi, dây chằng chéo trước, trên 50 tuổi.

scholarly journals Allograft Donor Characteristics Significantly Influence Graft Rupture After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Young Active Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 2401-2407
Author(s):  
Sarah Shumborski ◽  
Lucy J. Salmon ◽  
Claire Monk ◽  
Emma Heath ◽  
Justin P. Roe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Graft ◽  
Active Population ◽  
Graft Rupture ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Age And Sex

Background: Graft selection in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery can be difficult in a young active population given their high rates of reinjury. Allografts allow for control over graft size and reduce morbidity of autograft harvest. There are mixed results about the use of allograft in the literature; however, the influence of the properties of the allograft on outcomes has not been considered. Hypothesis: ACL reconstruction with allografts from older donors will have a higher rate of graft rupture when compared with allograft from young donors. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients (N = 211) aged 13 to 25 years underwent primary ACL reconstruction with fresh-frozen nonirradiated allograft. Four graft types were used: patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, tibialis anterior, and tibialis posterior. Details were collected on allograft donor age and sex. At a minimum of 24 months, patients were evaluated for any further injuries and subjective analysis by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire. Results: ACL graft rupture occurred in 23.5%. When grafts were separated into single strand (patellar and Achilles tendon) and multistrand (tibialis anterior and posterior), there was a significantly higher rate of reinjury in the single-strand grafts (29.9% vs 11%; P = .014). Grafts from female donors aged ≥50 years had significantly higher rates of ACL graft rupture (52.6%; P = .003) with increased odds by 6.7 times when compared with grafts from male donors aged <50 years. There was no significant difference in mean IKDC scores among the groups based on the age and sex of the allograft donor. Conclusion: The age and sex of the allograft donor and the morphology of the graft significantly influenced the rate of ACL graft rupture in young active patients. Tendons from female donors aged ≥50 years should be avoided given the higher rerupture rates as compared with male donors of any age and younger females.

scholarly journals Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using an Achilles Tendon Allograft Graft

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967114S0013
Author(s):  
Musa Uğur Mermerkaya ◽  
Ahmet Özgür Atay ◽  
Şenol Bekmez ◽  
Fatih Karaaslan ◽  
Erkan Alkan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Tibial Tunnel ◽  
Tunnel Widening ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Femoral Side

Objectives: To compare femoral and tibial tunnel widening (TW) in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using an interference screw (IS), or an EndoButton-Continuous Loop (EndoButton-CL®) on the femoral side, and an IS/staple on the tibial side. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data on 46 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with Achilles tendon allografting. Fixation was performed with a bioabsorbable IS (the IS group) in 24 patients (mean age 26.5 years), and with the EndoButton-CL device (the EB group) in 22 patients (mean age 28.1 years) on the femoral side. Evaluation included standardized anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiography. The diameters of tunnels at the last follow-up visit (at a median time of 17 months postoperatively) were compared to those noted on radiographs taken 1 day postoperatively. Results: The two groups were similar in terms of age and gender distribution, the operated side, the size of the tunnel created, and the follow-up period (p>0.05). Femoral TW at the proximal and middle levels (on both anteroposterior and lateral views) in the IS group was significantly greater than in the EB group (p<0.050 for all comparisons). No significant difference in femoral TW at the distal level was evident between the groups, and tibial TW at all levels was similar in both groups (p>0.050). Conclusion: Femoral ACL graft fixation using an EndoButton-CL reduced femoral TW compared to use of an IS.

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.

scholarly journals Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Basketball Association Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098164
Author(s):  
Steven F. DeFroda ◽  
Devan D. Patel ◽  
John Milner ◽  
Daniel S. Yang ◽  
Brett D. Owens
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Case Series ◽  
National Basketball Association ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in National Basketball Association (NBA) players can have a significant impact on player longevity and performance. Current literature reports a high rate of return to play, but there are limited data on performance after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine return to play and player performance in the first and second seasons after ACLR in NBA players. We hypothesized that players would return at a high rate. However, we also hypothesized that performance in the first season after ACLR would be worse as compared with the preinjury performance, with a return to baseline by postoperative year 2. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: An online database of NBA athlete injuries between 2010 and 2019 was queried using the term ACL reconstruction. For the included players, the following data were recorded: name; age at injury; position; height, weight, and body mass index; handedness; NBA experience; dates of injury, surgery, and return; knee affected; and postoperative seasons played. Regular season statistics for 1 preinjury season and 2 postoperative seasons were compiled and included games started and played, minutes played, and player efficiency rating. Kaplan-Meier survivorship plots were computed for athlete return-to-play and retirement endpoints. Results: A total of 26 athletes underwent ACLR; of these, 84% (95% CI, 63.9%-95.5%) returned to play at a mean 372.5 days (95% CI, 323.5-421.5 days) after surgery. Career length after injury was a mean of 3.36 seasons (95% CI, 2.27-4.45 seasons). Factors that contributed to an increased probability of return to play included younger age at injury (odds ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.47-0.92]; P = .0337) and fewer years of experience in the NBA before injury (odds ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.45-0.93]; P = .0335). Postoperatively, athletes played a significantly lower percentage of total games in the first season (48.4%; P = .0004) and second season (62.1%; P = .0067) as compared with the preinjury season (78.5%). Player efficiency rating in the first season was 19.3% less than that in the preinjury season ( P = .0056). Performance in the second postoperative season was not significantly different versus preinjury. Conclusion: NBA players have a high rate of RTP after ACLR. However, it may take longer than a single season for elite NBA athletes to return to their full preinjury performance. Younger players and those with less NBA experience returned at higher rates.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF SKELETAL MATURITY ON INCIDENCE OF ASSOCIATED MENISCAL AND CHONDRAL INJURIES IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURED KNEES

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0010
Author(s):  
Brett Heldt ◽  
Elsayed Attia ◽  
Raymond Guo ◽  
Indranil Kushare ◽  
Theodore Shybut
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Medial Meniscus ◽  
Skeletal Maturity ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Meniscal Tear ◽  
Lateral Meniscus ◽  
Meniscus Tears ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Acute anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) rupture is associated with a significant incidence of concomitant meniscal and chondral injuries. However, to our knowledge, the incidence of these concomitant injuries in skeletally immature(SI) versus skeletally mature(SM) patients has not been directly compared. SI patients are a unique subset of ACL patients because surgical considerations are different, and subsequent re-tear rates are high. However, it is unclear if the rates and types of meniscal and chondral injuries differ. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare associated meniscal and chondral injury patterns between SI and SM patients under age 21, treated with ACL reconstruction for an acute ACL tear. We hypothesized that no significant differences would be seen. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of primary ACL reconstructions performed from January 2012 to April 2020. Patients were stratified by skeletal maturity status based on a review of records and imaging. Demographic data was recorded, including age, sex, and BMI. Associated intra-articular meniscal injury, including laterality, location, configuration, and treatment were determined. Articular cartilage injury location, grade, and treatments were determined. Revision rates, non-ACL reoperation rates, and time to surgery were also compared between the two groups. Results: 785 SM and 208 SI patients met inclusion criteria. Mean BMI and mean age were significantly different between groups. Meniscal tear rates were significantly greater in SM versus SI patients in medial meniscus tears(P<.001), medial posterior horn tears(P=.001), medial longitudinal tears configuration(P=.007), lateral Radial configuration(P=.002), and lateral complex tears(P=.011). Medial repairs(P<.001) and lateral partial meniscectomies(P=.004) were more likely in the SM group. There was a significantly greater number of chondral injuries in the SM versus SI groups in the Lateral(p=.007) and medial compartments(P<.001). SM patients had a significantly increased number of outerbridge grade 1 and 2 in the Lateral(P<.001) and Medial Compartments(P=.013). ACL revisions(P=.019) and Non-ACL reoperations(P=.002) were significantly greater in the SI patients compared to SM. No other significant differences were noted. Conclusion: SM ACL injured patients have a significantly higher rate of medial meniscus tears and medial longitudinal configurations treated with repair, and a significantly higher rate of radial and/or complex lateral meniscus tears treated with partial meniscectomy compared to the SI group. We also found a significantly higher rate of both medial and lateral compartment chondral injuries, mainly grades 1 and 2, in SM compared to SI patients. Conversely, SI ACL reconstruction patients had higher revision and subsequent non-ACL surgery rates.

There is an Association of Synovial Interleukin-6 Levels With Chondral Damage in Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Knees

2021 ◽  
pp. 155633162199200
Author(s):  
Ravi Gupta ◽  
Anil Kapoor ◽  
Sourabh Khatri ◽  
Dinesh Sandal ◽  
Gladson David Masih
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Synovial Fluid ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Chondral Damage ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Acl Deficient

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee is seen in approximately 50% of affected patients. Possible causes include biochemical or biomechanical changes. Purpose: We sought to study the correlation between inflammatory cytokines and chondral damage in ACL-deficient knees. Methods: Seventy-six male patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Synovial fluid was aspirated before surgery and analyzed for levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). At the time of ACL reconstruction, the severity of chondral damage was documented as described by the Outerbridge classification. Results: Patients with grade 2 or higher chondral damage were observed to have elevated IL-6 levels when compared to patients who had no chondral damage. Interleukin-6 levels had no correlation with the duration of injury. Conclusion: Elevated levels of IL-6 in synovial fluid were associated with chondral damage in ACL-deficient knees. Further study is warranted to determine whether inflammatory cytokines contribute to the development of OA of the knee after ACL injury.

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