Postoperative Evaluation of Knees With Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Using Patient-Oriented Evaluation Method: Comparison of Single-Bundle and Anatomic Double-Bundle Techniques

Introduction Using the patient-based QOL evaluation scale SF-36 and conventional assessment methods, we evaluated the postoperative outcome of patients with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury who underwent single-bundle or double-bundle reconstruction, and compared the two reconstruction techniques. Methods 37 male patients with isolated PCL injury who underwent reconstruction were randomized to receive single-bundle reconstruction (group S: n=20) or double-bundle reconstruction (group D: n=17). Before surgery and 6 and 24 months after surgery, patients were evaluated by SF-36 scores, Lysholm score, visual analog scale (VAS), posterior tibial displacement rate, and knee range of motion (ROM). Results For SF-36 evaluation at 6 months post-surgery, the scores of all the subscales improved to above the national standard values in group D, whereas none of the subscale scores reached the national standard values in group S, and three subscale scores were inferior in group S compared to group D. At 24 months post-surgery, improvement of all subscale scores to above the national standard values was achieved in both groups. Lysholm score, VAS score, and posterior tibial displacement rate improved after surgery in both groups, but no significant intergroup differences were observed in all evaluation methods. For knee ROM, residual limitation of flexion was significantly more frequent in group S than in group D at 6 and 24 months post-surgery.Conclusion Arthroscopy-assisted single-bundle PCL reconstruction technique is considered to be a safe procedure with low invasiveness, but despite its widespread use, surgical result is not consistently good. This was attributed to the low reproducibility of the unique course and anatomy of PCL, and the anatomic double-bundle reconstruction technique was proposed aiming to improve treatment outcome. According to the present results, double-bundle reconstruction tended to achieve better restoration at an early stage compared to single-bundle reconstruction, with fewer patients having residual limitation of knee flexion after surgery. Trial registration number of our hospital’s IRB: 27-8.Registered 14 September 2015, retrospectively registered.

Long-Term Clinical Results of Double Bundle Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament for Patellar Instability

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is a satisfactory technique for patellar instability, and the anatomical double bundle variant is recommended for better clinical results. However, long-term outcomes are still uncharacterized. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of double bundle reconstruction of the MPFL for patellar instability by means of established scores. A total of 68 patients with chronic patellar instability who underwent surgery from May 2005 to February 2010 were included prospectively. Anatomical double reconstruction of the MPFL with the semitendinosus tendon was conducted. Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), Kujala score, Lysholm knee score, and objective physical examination were assessed during follow-up. Median follow-up time for the patients was 8 (range, 6–10) years. Eight patients were lost to follow-up after 2 years. Preoperative mean TAS was 2.85 ± 0.78, increased to 4.91 ± 0.84 at 6 months and 7.26 ± 0.78 at 2 years postoperatively, and was 7.82 ± 0.89 at last follow-up. At last follow-up, pain free at rest was achieved in all patients; and 8 patients had knee pain in activities of daily living. Mean Kujala score was 57.53 ± 8.59 preoperatively, and increased to 61.22 ± 6.46, 89.51 ± 3.90, and 88.92 ± 3.84 at 6 months, 2 years postoperatively, and at last follow-up, respectively. Lysholm scores were also increased from preoperative values of 43.53 ± 10.20 to 58.22 ± 6.80, 89.37 ± 4.38, and 89.67 ± 4.13 at 6 months, 2 years postoperatively, and at last follow-up, respectively. Range of motion was 121.44 ± 12.69, 129.71 ± 6.39, 130.93 ± 5.67, and 130.78 ± 5.80 at preoperative point, 6 months, 2 years postoperatively, and at last follow-up, respectively. Long-term clinical results of double bundle reconstruction of the MPFL for patellar instability were encouraging.

Single-Bundle vs Double-Bundle (Anatomical) Reconstruction of the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament: Biomechanical Study

Background: The goal of this study is to compare the biomechanical properties of anatomic (double-bundle) versus single-bundle reconstruction of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in a cadaveric model. Methods: Twelve fresh frozen cadaver hands were randomly assigned to single- or double-bundle reconstruction groups using a palmaris longus autograft and tenodesis screws. Two blinded examiners performed mechanical testing and measurements using fluoroscopic imaging. We evaluated MCP joint congruence and angle in the coronal plane at 0°, 30°, and 60° of flexion with valgus loads of 1.36 and 2.72 kg. Maximum MCP flexion and extension with a 0.45 kg load was also measured. Results: There was no significant difference between single- versus double-bundle reconstruction in ulnar congruence or MCP angle. With varying amounts of flexion, there was no significant difference in MCP valgus angle between the 2 techniques, suggesting comparable joint congruity and coronal MCP angle along the arc of thumb MCP motion. Conclusions: Single- and double-bundle UCL reconstructions of the thumb MCP joint have comparable biomechanical properties in regard to joint congruity under valgus load.