A prospective randomized study of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with adjustable- versus fixed-loop device for femoral side fixation

Purpose Suspensory devices are extensively used in the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. They include fixed- and adjustable-loop devices. There are only a few studies comparing the efficacy of these two devices in the available literature. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between the adjustable-loop device (group I) and fixed-loop device (group II). Materials and methods This was a prospective randomized study. Both groups were equivalent in demographic, preoperative, and intraoperative variables. Twenty-three patients underwent femoral side graft fixation with adjustable-loop and 20 with fixed-loop devices. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Assessment of clinical outcome was done with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and knee stability tests (Lachman test and pivot shift test). Patient evaluation was performed preoperatively and finally postoperatively 2 years after surgery. Results Postoperative IKDC scores of group I and II were 91.9 ± 3.6 and 91.5 ± 3.6, respectively, and Lysholm scores were 91.0 ± 3.6 and 91.4 ± 3.5, respectively, after 2 years; however, the difference in the outcomes was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Twenty patients (87%) in group I and 17 patients (85%) in group II had a negative Lachman test (p = 0.8). Twenty-two patients (95.7%) in group I and 19 patients (95%) in group II had a negative pivot shift test (p = 0.9). Conclusion ACL reconstruction with fixed- and adjustable-loop suspensory devices for graft fixation gives equivalent and satisfactory clinical results. Level of evidence 1.

Clinical Effect of Day-case Arthroscopic Surgery of Tibial Eminence Fracture using the Button Plates for Treatment in Adults

Background: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the early clinical efficacy and complications of arthroscopic treatment of tibial eminence fracture (TEF) with button plates.Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with TEF fracture treated by arthroscopic surgery was performed. Clinical subjective evaluation included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Lysholm knee score, and visual analog scale (VAS). The knee joint scores were evaluated according to the Lysholm score. Clinical objective assessment included the Lachman test, anterior drawer test (ADT), IKDC, and the range of motion. The patient's quality of life was measured using a life summary table. Assessment of fracture healing and internal fixation was performed on lateral X-rays of the knee joint. The patients’ satisfaction was measured and evaluated at the last follow-up in accordance with Marsh criteria. RESULTS: There were 22 patients (22 knees) with a mean age of 33.64 ± 8.60 years. The mean follow-up was 28.36 ± 2.79 months. The difference in Lachman test and ADT before and after the operation was statistically significant. According to the IKDC classification, there were 11 cases with type A, 9 cases with type B, and 2 cases with type C. According to the intra-articular button position classification, the rate of ideal position was 100%. The satisfaction rate was 81.8%.CONCLUSIONS: Day surgery using double-button plates to treat TEF can achieve anatomical reduction, power and stability, and good clinical efficacy.

Manual Lachman Test Underestimates Tibial Translation Compared to Standardized Generated Force: A Biomechanical Study of Cadaveric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Using Internal Brace (205)

Objectives: With an increasing incidence over time, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture can produce functionally limiting knee instability that requires operative treatment to address the instability as well as prevent the development of osteoarthritis. Anteroposterior instability forms the basis of the most sensitive physical exam maneuver to examine the ACL for rupture, the Lachman test. This investigation has two goals: to assess the precision and accuracy of the manual Lachman test by comparing anterior tibial translation generated to that of a standardized applied force Lachman test, and to compare the anteroposterior stability of cadaver specimens with simulated ACL ruptures which were repaired with and without internal suture tape augmentation. Methods: The tibial plateau in ten cadaveric knees was divided into medial, middle and lateral reference points, which were monitored digitally during testing using Optotrak. Intact knees were subjected to both manual Lachman tests at 30 degrees of flexion and standardized 150N force Lachman tests utilizing a hook and pulley system with force transducer. The ACL’s of all specimens were then transected, and the ACL deficient knees were subjected to both the manual and standardized Lachman tests. The specimens were then randomly divided into two groups to be repaired with or without internal suture tape augmentation, and subsequently underwent 100, 250, and 500 cycles from 90 degrees of flexion through full extension with a frequency of .1Hz, after which the same standardized Lachman test was performed on all repaired specimens. Comparison of variances were made using a two-sample F-Test for variances. Comparison of means were made using a two sample t-test assuming unequal variances and one-way ANOVA. Significance was set at p </= 0.05. Results: Comparing ACL intact to ACL deficient states, the standardized Lachman test detected a significant difference in tibial translation at the medial (14.1mm versus 20.3mm, p=.031), middle (17.5mm versus 24.6mm, p=.011), and lateral (14.8mm versus 21.5mm, p=.050) reference points while the manual Lachman test only detected a significant difference at the middle (12.6mm versus 19.8mm, p=.026) reference point. In ACL deficient knees, there was a statistically significant underestimation in tibial translation when using the manual method as compared to the standardized method (17.4mm versus 22.3mm, p=0.046). When comparing the precision of the testing methods, F-Tests for variance did not yield significant differences between variances in measured tibial translation for the manual and standardized Lachman tests in either intact or ACL deficient knees. There were no statistically significant differences in measured tibial translation between specimens with intact ACL, ACL repair, and ACL repair with internal brace at the medial (14.1mm versus 13.7mm versus 16.45mm, p=0.462), middle (17.5mm versus 16.6mm versus 18.3mm, p=0.767), lateral (14.8mm versus 15.9mm versus 15.9mm, p=0.934), or call (15.5mm versus 15.2mm versus 16.9mm, p=0.748) reference points. Conclusions: Tibial translation generated by Lachman tests performed manually may be underestimated when compared to Lachman tests performed with a standard force, lending to difficulty detecting the ACL deficient state. ACL repair both with and without internal brace augmentation allowed for a return to pre-rupture levels of anteroposterior stability.

Presentation of the bk21 (Kacprzak) test as a less traumatic alternative to the Lachman test and Drop Leg test in diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament tear

Objective: despite the fact that anterior cruciate ligament injuries are the most common ligament injuries, the problem of making a quick and accurate diagnosis still exists. in our paper, we hypothesized that a modification of the Lachman test — BK21 (Kacprzak test), in comparison to the Lachman test and Drop Leg test will allow for a significant reduction of pain during the test, and thus for less muscular defense, more relaxation, and more reliable test results, whose sensitivity and specificity will be confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging.Materials and methods: using the patient’s subjective pain rating scale, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), we were able to easily assess which way of performing the test was less traumatic for the patient. a physical examination in the form of a comparison of those two visits was performed at the private medical office Orto Med Sport in 203 patients with suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear.Results: the BK21 modification (Kacprzak) test was on average 3 points less painful on the NRS scale than the classic Lachman test and 1 point less painful than the Drop Leg test, while the same principle of operation and analogous endpoints in both tests allow for high sensitivity and specificity of the test.Conclusion: the BK21 test was a less traumatic and painful alternative to the Lachman test.

Association Between Psychological Readiness and Knee Laxity and Their Predictive Value for Return to Sport in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Deciding when patients are ready to return to sport (RTS) after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is challenging. The understanding of which factors affect readiness and how they may be related is limited. Therefore, despite widespread use of RTS testing, there is a lack of knowledge about which tests are informative on the ability to resume sports. Purpose: To examine whether there is an association between knee laxity and psychological readiness to RTS after ACLR and to evaluate the predictive value of these measures on sports resumption. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients aged ≥16 years engaged in physical activity/sports before injury were recruited at routine clinical assessment 9-12 months after ACLR. Exclusion criteria were concomitant ligament surgery at ACLR and/or previous ACL injury in the contralateral knee. At baseline, a project-specific activity questionnaire and the ACL–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scale were completed. Knee laxity was assessed by use of the Lachman test, KT-1000 arthrometer, and pivot-shift test. Two years after surgery, knee reinjuries and RTS status (the project-specific questionnaire) were registered. Associations between psychological readiness and knee laxity were evaluated with the Spearman rho test, and predictive ability of the ACL-RSI and knee laxity tests were examined using regression analyses. Results: Of 171 patients screened for eligibility, 132 were included in the study. There were small but significant associations between the ACL-RSI score and the Lachman test (rho = −0.18; P = .046) and KT-1000 arthrometer measurement (rho = −0.18; P = .040) but no association between the ACL-RSI and the pivot-shift test at the time of recruitment. Of the total patients, 36% returned to preinjury sport level by 2 years after surgery. Higher age, better psychological readiness, and less anterior tibial displacement (KT-1000 arthrometer measurement) were significant predictors of 2-year RTS (explained variance, 33%). Conclusion: Small but significant associations were found between measurements of psychological readiness and anterior tibial displacement, indicating that patients with less knee laxity after ACLR feel more ready to RTS. ACL-RSI and KT-1000 arthrometer measurements were independent predictors of 2-year RTS and should be considered in RTS assessments after ACLR.

CLINICAL OUTCOME OF ARTHROSCOPIC REDUCTION AND FIXATION BY PULL THROUGH SUTURE TECHNIQUE IN TIBIAL SPINE FRACTURES

Background -Tibial spine avulsion fracture is bony avulsions of anterior cruciate Ligament (ACL) from its attachment on the anteromedial portion of the intercondylartibial eminence. If not treated well, Tibial spine fractures can lead to non-union or malunion, which can lead to signicant disability in the form of exion deformity,loss of extension, or instability. Aims And Objectives: This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating clinical outcome of arthroscopic reduction and xation of fractures by pull through suture technique and complications associated with the procedure. Thi Material And Method: s prospective with retrospective study analyzed 20 patients (16 males and 4 females), with mean age of 28.6 ± 9.8 years (range, 15-55). Patients were classied by Meyers and Mckeever type III (n=16) and IV (n=4) and were operated arthroscopically by pull through suture technique. They were followed over a mean period of 10±2.8 months. Postoperative assessment was done by using Lachman test, Lysholm knee score and international knee documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Objective assessment of anterior translation of tibia was done by using indigenously developed device named Laxometer. At the end of follow up,17 of 20 patient had no or minimal anterior transl Results: ation of tibia by Lachman test. The mean preoperative Lysholm score in 20 knees was 38 (range 29 to 55) and mean post-operative Lysholm score was 96 (range 83-100). At the end of follow up 17 of 20 (85%) patients accessed by IKDC score were normal/ nearly normal grade A/B and 3 patients were abnormal (grade C). All patients achieved union within 3 months (range 8 to 17 weeks). 20% patients had restricted range of motion. Arthroscopic pull Conclusion: through suture technique has good clinical outcomes in both type III and type IV fractures, and in all age groups (open and closed physis) with minimal complications. This was evidenced by no instability and residual ACL deciency, postoperatively at 1 year. Most patients have excellent recovery with full return of knee range of motion.

Functional result of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by remnant preservation in a tertiary center in Eastern India

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most common procedures in orthopaedics. Orthopaedic surgery is vastly evolving to give better functional outcome. Apart from stability, proprioception, ligament healing are important factors for return to sports. The presence of remnant containing mechanoreceptors and free neural endings can help reinnervate the ACL auto graft. Aims and objectives were to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with remnant preservation.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: One hundred and six patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between April 2014 and March 2020. Among these 80 patients underwent remnant preservation. Analysis is done based on international knee documentation committee score (IKDC), modified Cincinnati knee rating system (MCKRS) and Tegner-Lysholm scoring system. Other factors are Lachman test, pivot shift test, return to sports and graft rupture rate.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Lachman test became negative in 98% at 12 weeks and in all the patients at 24 months post-operatively. 74 patients (92.5%) among 80 patients develop full range of knee movement after ACL surgery. Post-operative scores are 95, 93, and 92 respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Remnant preserving ACL reconstruction having excellent clinical outcome with good knee stability, early return to sports activities and no incidence of graft rupture in our series.</p>

Arthroscopically Assisted Cannulated Screw Fixation for Treating Type III Tibial Intercondylar Eminence Fractures: A Short-Term Retrospective Controlled Study

Background: This study presents the clinical results from 22 children who underwent minimally invasive arthroscopically assisted screw fixation for the treatment of intercondylar eminence fractures.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 22 children (aged 7.5 to 13.5 years) with type III tibial intercondylar eminence fractures who were treated in our department from March 2007 to September 2019. According to the type of operation, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (n = 12) received arthroscopically assisted cannulated screw fixation, and group B (n = 10) received open reduction and cannulated screw internal fixation. Radiography scans, Lysholm scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2,000 subjective scores, Tegner scores, range of motion (ROM) of the knee, the anterior drawer test (ADT), the Lachman test, and the pivot-shift test were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results: All 22 children were evaluated over a 12 to 58 month follow-up period (mean: 27.5 months). At the final exam, group A was significantly superior to group B in Lysholm scores (93.33 ± 3.55 vs. 86.20 ± 4.52), IKDC scores (92.06 ± 3.55 vs. 86.07 ± 5.81), and Tegner scores (7.75 ± 0.87 vs. 6.40 ± 0.52) and presented shorter operative times (25.42 ± 3.97 vs. 35.00 ± 5.27). The differences were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). All the incisions healed primarily. No complications, such as fracture fragment displacement, delayed epiphyseal growth, or knee joint dysfunction, were observed. The drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test were negative for all patients.Conclusions: Arthroscopically assisted cannulated screw fixation is effective and safe for the treatment of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, providing excellent stability and quick recovery of joint function.

A modified anterior drawer test for anterior cruciate ligament ruptures

Objective This study was aimed to utilize a modified anterior drawer test (MADT) to detect the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and investigate its accuracy compares with three traditional tests. Methods Four hundred patients were prospectively enrolled between January 2015 and September 2017 preoperatively to undergo knee arthroscopic surgeries. The MADT, anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot shift test were used in the outpatient clinical setting and were compared statistically for their accuracy in terms of ACL ruptures, with arthroscopic findings as the gold standard. Results The prevalence of ACL ruptures in this study was 37.0%. The MADT demonstrated the highest sensitivity (0.89) and accuracy (0.92) among the four tests and had comparable specificity (0.94) and a positive predictive value (0.90) compared with the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot shift test. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of MADT was 122.92, with other test values of no more than 55.45. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the MADT was 0.92 ± 0.01, with a significant difference compared with that for the anterior drawer test (z = 17.00, p < 0.001), Lachman test (z = 9.66, p = 0.002), and pivot shift test (z = 16.39, p < 0.001). The interobserver reproducibility of the MADT was good, with a kappa coefficient of 0.86. When diagnosing partial tears of ACL, the MADT was significantly more sensitive than the anterior drawer test (p < 0.001), Lachman test (p = 0.026), and pivot shift test (p = 0.013). The MADT showed similar sensitivity in detecting anteromedial and posterolateral bundle tears (p = 0.113) and no difference in diagnosing acute and chronic ACL ruptures (χ2 = 1.682, p = 0.195). Conclusions The MADT is also an alternative diagnostic test to detect ACL tear, which is equally superior to the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot shifting test. It could improve the diagnosis of ACL ruptures combined with other clinical information including injury history, clinical examination, and radiological findings. Levels of evidence Level II/observational diagnostic studies Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. ChiCTR1900022945 /retrospectively registered

Is it worth to perform initial non-operative treatment for patients with acute ACL injury?: a prospective cohort prognostic study

Purpose To evaluate the result of implementing an initial non-operative treatment program for an acute ACL injury and to find if the timing of initiating the non-operative treatment is significant. Methods This study included a prospective cohort of 85 consecutive patients with acute ACL injury who were treated according to the above strategy for the initial 3 months with 1-year follow-up. Clinical evaluations were made by Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, Lachman test (LT), pivot-shit test (PST), and the side to side difference (SSD) by KT-2000 arthrometer. The results were analyzed according to the timing of initiating the non-operative treatment. Results Initially, 84% of the patients showed LT and PST ≤ grade 1, and 16% with ≥grade 2. At 1-year follow-up, 77 patients (91%) with LT and PST ≤ grade 1 did not receive reconstruction as copers and 8 patients with LT or PST ≥ grade 2 required reconstruction (six patients received the operation and two refused). The patients with LT and PST ≤ grade 1 showed average Lysholm score 91.2, average SSD 2.5 mm, and mean Tegner score decreased from 6.9 (pre-injury) to 6.2. Patients who started the non-operative treatment within 2 weeks after injury revealed superior rates of grade 0 or 1 instability than those who commenced the treatment later than 2 weeks after injury (P = 0.043). Conclusions Implementing a non-operative treatment with brace in acute phase of ACL injury appears to be an effective and viable option to achieve a reasonable clinical outcome. We recommend earlier initiation of the non-operative treatment to obtain a better result in patients with acute ACL injury.