Transportal versus all-inside techniques of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review

Background Transportal (TP) and all-inside techniques (AIT) are the most commonly used anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures in current clinical practice. However, there is an ongoing debate over which procedure is superior. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes and complications of these two techniques to propose recommendations for future application. Our primary hypothesis was that AIT is a superior ACLR technique compared to TP. Methods A systematic literature review, using PRISMA guidelines, was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and EMBASE, up to February 2021 to identify studies focusing on AIT and TP techniques of ACL reconstruction. We excluded animal experiments, cadaveric studies, retrospective studies, case reports, technical notes, and studies without quantitative data. Patients’ characteristics, surgical technical features, along with postoperative follow-up and complications were extracted and reported accordingly. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS). Results A total of 44 studies were selected for this review, of which four were comparative studies. A total of 923 patients underwent AIT and 1678 patients underwent the TP technique for ACLR. A single semitendinosus graft was commonly used in the AIT compard to combined semitendinosus and gracilis graft in the TP group. The postoperative increase in International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, KT-1000, and Short Form-12 (physical and mental) scores were similar in the AIT group and the TP group. Contrastingly, the VAS pain score was significantly lower in the AIT group compared to the TP group. Furthermore, the pooled complication rates from all studies were similar between the two groups (AIT: 54 patients, 8.26% vs. PT: 55 patients, 6.62%). However, the four studies that prospectively compared AIT and TP techniques showed lesser complications in the AIT group than the TP group. Conclusion Since the future trend in orthopedic surgery is toward less invasive and patients’ satisfaction with good outcomes, AIT is a good alternative method considering preserving bony tissue and gracilis tendon with less post-operative pain, along with more knee flexor strength and equal outcomes compared to conventional ACL reconstruction surgery. Level of Evidence II.

MRI analysis of ACL tendon graft Intracanal Incorporation with polypropylene mesh implantation

Hamstring tendon graft remains one of the most popular for ACL reconstruction (ACLR). However, its disadvantage is long term ligamentation process and intracanal incorporation and delayed rehabilitation. One of the methods for stimulation of connective tissue growth is the implantation of polypropylene mesh (PPM), which are widely used in hernioplasty. Objective. To compare the MRI data dynamics of intracanal incorporation of tendon graft with implantation of PPM in bone canals. Methods. For evaluation of graft reconstruction in the femoral and tibial canals we used criteria based on the analysis of MRI images in PD FS and STIR sequences: the nature of the signal from the graft in the center of bone canal; general view of the graft; the nature of the MRI signal from the tissues around the graft on the tendons-bone border; the pre­sence of synovial fluid in the canals and bone edema around them. Results of MRI of 75 patients who underwent «all-inside» ACLR with semitendinosus graft were analyzed. In the study group (40 patients) were compared to control group (35 patients) additionally implanted PPM around the ends of the tendon graft. Results. Intracanal graft incorporation in the group of patients with implantation of PPM occurred faster. The nature of the signal from the center of the bone canal and on the bone-tendon border progressed significantly faster in all observed terms. In the research group there was not presence of synovial fluid in the canals along the graft. Conclusions. Implantation of PPM around the ends of the ACL tendon autograft immersed in bone canals, leads, according to MRI data, to faster intra-canal incorporation. Key words. Knee joint, anterior cruciate ligament, arthroscopy.

Endoscopically Assisted Reconstruction of the Achilles Tendon Using Semitendinosus Graft

Background: Chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon may lead to symptomatic weakness, despite rehabilitation. Open reconstruction yields good outcome but has a high complication rate, notably wound problems. Endoscopically assisted free semitendinosus transfer restores ankle and preserves first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) function. Indications: The main indication for the procedure is symptomatic chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon with a palpable tendon gap. Technique Description: The procedure can be split into 4 stages: graft harvest, calcaneum and tunnel preparation, proximal graft attachment, and finally graft passage and screw insertion. Discussion/Conclusion: Following reconstruction, patients use a cast in full plantar flexion for 2 weeks, then a graduated walker for full weight-bearing.

Minimal graft site morbidity using autogenous semitendinosus graft from the uninjured leg: a randomised controlled trial

Purpose To quantify the effect on strength of semitendinosus (ST) graft harvest by comparing isokinetic and isometric muscle strength. Methods A cohort of 140 patients underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) and were randomized to ipsilateral or contralateral ST graft harvest. Isokinetic and isometric muscle strength testing using a dynamometer were collected for the operated and non-operated leg. Patients were assessed pre-surgery and at 6, 12 and 24 months after reconstruction. Results ST graft harvest reduced isokinetic flexion muscle strength for 6 months. At 12 months follow up there was no significant difference between the two groups and they were all stronger than pre-injury. No other significant differences were found in any primary or secondary outcome measurements. Conclusion Solitary ST graft harvest does not appear to result in a permanent reduced isometric or isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength on the side where the graft is harvested. A reduction in hamstring muscle strength of less than 10% can be seen at short-term follow-up with full recovery by 12 months. Most patients report little or no donor site pain. Given these findings, ST autograft is an alternative graft choice that could be used for various reconstructions in terms of donor site morbidity. Level of evidence Level II.

Graft Preparation for Combined ACL and ALL Reconstruction With a Single Femoral Tunnel

Background: Combined reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has shown excellent results. It could potentially reduce graft failure and improve outcomes in high-risk patients. There are several surgical techniques described. Hamstrings are the most frequently used graft for ALL reconstruction. The distal portion of the iliotibial band is used for the modified Lemaire procedure. Indications: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions associated with the following risk factors: pivoting sports, high-demand athletes, high-grade pivot-shift, chronic ACL injury, lateral femoral condyle notch, Segond fractures, young patients (<20 years), ACL revision, generalized hyperlaxity, and Lachman >7 mm. Technique Description: Semitendinosus and gracilis tendons are harvested and their extremities are prepared with continuous suture. The semitendinosus graft is folded in 3 parts leaving the ends of the graft internalized. The triple semitendinosus will be the main component of the ACL and the single gracilis will be used for both ACL and ALL. Anterolateral ligament anatomical landmarks are proximal and posterior to the lateral epicondyle in the femur, and in the mid distance from the fibular head and the Gerdy tubercle in the tibia. The ALL is fixed in knee extension with interference screws. This video also includes a brief demonstration of graft preparation for the modified Lemaire procedure. Results: Results from our group using this technique have shown excellent clinical outcomes, minimal complications, and low failure rates in high-risk populations. This graft preparation shows excellent diameter and length for combined ACL and ALL reconstruction. Conclusion: This technique is easy to perform, with minimal complications, and should be considered in high-risk patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

Anterolateral ligament reconstruction associated with hamstring ACL reconstruction reduces the rate of repeat graft ruptures in a population of young athletes at follow-up in 2 years

Objectives: The rate of repeat graft ruptures in young athletes is a major concern after ACL reconstruction. Our objective was to evaluate the association between two reconstruction techniques and repeat ruptures, repeat surgery, return to sports and complications in center playing sportspersons younger than 20 years of age. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in patients under 20 years of age who were center players and who had primary ACL reconstruction with a semitendinosus graft (ST4) by a suspension technique, or a semitendinosus graft with suspension technique combined with independent anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ST4+ALL). Patients were followed up in a minimum of 2 years. Survival data from the Kaplan-Meier analysis were used as well as multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for repeat rupture. 203 patients (mean age, 16.3±2 years) with a mean follow-up of 40.6±11 months (24-63 months) were included. There were 101 patients in the ST4 group, and 102 patients in the ST4+ALL group. Results: There was a 9.9% repeat in ruptures in the ST4 group versus 5.8% in the ST4+ALL group (p=0.288). The rate of repeat ruptures in the ST4+ALL group was 5 times lower than in the ST4 group in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.201; 95% CI, 0.044-0.922). There was a 6.9% rate of secondary meniscal procedures in the ST4 group versus 1.9% in the ST4+ALL group (p=0.101). Differential laxity was 1.3±1.3 (-2 - 5) in the ST4 group versus 0.9±1.3 (-6 - 4.8) in the ST4+ALL group (p=0.008). There was a 42.2% return to the same sports level in the ST4 group versus 52% in the ST4+ALL group (p=0.178). The mean postoperative scores at the last follow-up were: IKDC: 83.3±14.3 and 82±14.4; ACL-RSI: 69.8±23.5 and 67.4±22.4; Tegner: 6.6±1.8 and 6.9±1.8 and Lysholm: 86.4±15.2 and 86±16.8; for ST4 and ST4+ALL groups, respectively. Conclusion: Anterolateral ligament reconstruction reduces the rate of repeat ruptures in athletes younger than 20 years of age after a semitendinosus graft. It is also associated with fewer secondary meniscal procedures, better control of laxity and a better rate of return to the same level of sports without further complications.