ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of femoral oval tunnel technique versus round tunnel technique in single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.MethodsBetween March 2016 and February 2018, 125 patients who underwent anatomical single-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon and met the inclusive criteria were included in the retrospective study. Of the included patients, 43 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using oval tunnel technique (group A) and 82 patients with round tunnel technique (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, the interval between injury and operation, the injured side, the cause of injury, and preoperative Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner score, and the outcome of KT-1000 measurement (P>0.05). At 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after operation, the knee function scores (Lysholm score, IKDC score, Tegner score) were recorded; and KT-1000 was used to evaluate the knee stability. The position and shape of the tunnels were evaluated by the three-dimensional CT (3D-CT) at 1 day after operation; and MRI was performed at 6, 12, and 24 months to calculate the signal/noise quotient (SNQ) of ACL grafts. Secondary arthroscopy was conducted to estimate the graft status, synovial coverage, and tension.ResultsAll patients were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 23 months). Two patients in group A and 5 patients in group B presented with redness and swelling of the surgical site, 1 patient in group B sustained a tibial tunnel fracture, and 1 patient in group A had postoperative stiffness. The Lysholm score, IKDC score, and Tegner score were significantly higher in group A than in group B at the different time points (P<0.05) except for the Tegner score at 3 months. The outcomes of KT-1000 measurement were significantly lower in group A than in group B (P<0.05). The entrances of the femoral tunnel and tibial tunnel in both groups were within the ACL anatomical footprint confirmed by 3D-CT. No re-rupture of ACL occurred confirmed by the MRI. There was no significant difference in SNQs of the middle and distal grafts between the two groups at 6 months (P>0.05), whereas the SNQ of the proximal grafts in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P<0.05). The SNQs of the proximal, middle, and distal grafts in group A were significantly lower than those in group B at 12 and 24 months after operation (P<0.05). Twenty-one patients in group A and 38 patients in group B underwent secondary arthroscopy and the results showed no significant difference in graft status, synovial coverage, and tension between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionThe effectiveness and graft maturity of the femoral oval tunnel technique were superior to the round tunnel technique. The single-bundle ACL reconstruction with femoral oval tunnel technique can obtain a better knee function.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of transtibial pull-out technique combined with side-to-side suture technique in treatment of complete radial tear of lateral meniscus body. Methods Between May 2020 and August 2023, 15 patients with complete radial tear of lateral meniscus body were repaired by arthroscopic transtibial pull-out technique combined with side-to-side suture technique. There were 11 males and 4 females, with an average age of 25.2 years (range, 15-43 years). Twelve cases were acute injuries and 3 were chronic injuries. All patients had tenderness in the lateral compartment of the knee. No abnormal alignment was observed on the X-ray films of the knee. MRI showed the complete radial tear of lateral meniscus body without associated injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament or cartilage. Preoperative Lysholm score was 44.5±6.4, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score was 40.2±8.4, Tegner score was 1.3±1.1, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain was 5.1±1.1. The operation time, incision healing, and complications such as vascular/nerve injury were recorded. During follow-up, the range of motion of the knee and tenderness in the lateral compartment of the knee were observed. The knee function and pain were evaluated using Lysholm score, Tegner score, IKDC subjective score, and VAS score. X-ray films and MRI of the knee were reexamined to assess knee degeneration. Results The operation time was 60-145 minutes (mean, 89.6 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as vascular/nerve injury occurred. All patients were followed up 17-56 months (mean, 38.4 months). All patients had no knee extension limitation and 3 cases had tenderness in the lateral compartment of the knee. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score, IKDC subjective score, Tegner score, and VAS score for pain were 85.3±7.8, 82.1±15.7, 4.7±1.2, and 1.5±1.0, respectively, which were superior to those before operation (P<0.05). Imaging reexamination showed that the meniscus was reset at 1 day after operation, and there was no sign of knee degeneration at last follow-up. Conclusion Transtibial pull-out technique combined with side-to-side suture technique can effectively treat the complete radial tear of lateral meniscus body and obtain good short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different concentrations of osteoprotegerin (OPG) combined with deproteinized bone (DPB) on the bone tunnel after the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsThe femoral epiphyseal side was harvested from newborn calf, and allogenic DPB were prepared by hydrogen peroxide-chloroform/methanol method. Then, DPB were immersed in 3 concentrations levels of OPG (30, 60, 100 μg/mL) and 3 concentration ratios (30%, 60%, 100%) of the gel complex were prepared. Sixty healthy New Zealand white rabbits, male or female, weighing (2.7±0.4) kg, were divided randomly into 4 groups (n=15):control group (group A), 30% (group B), 60% (group C), and 100% (group D) OPG/DPB gel complex. The ACL reconstruction models were established by autologous Achilles tendon. Different ratios of OPG/DPB gel complex were implanted in the femoral and tibial bone tunnel of groups B, C, and D, but group A was not treated. The pathology observation (including the percentage of the femoral bone tunnel enlargement) and histological observation were performed and the biomechanical properties were measured at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation. ResultsOne rabbit died of infection in groups A and D, 2 rabbits in groups B and C respectively, and were added. General pathology observation showed that the internal orifices of the femoral and tibia tunnels were covered by a little of scar tissue at 4 weeks in all groups. At 8 weeks, white chondroid tissues were observed around the internal orifices of the femoral and tibia tunnels, especially in groups C and D. At 12 weeks, the internal orifices of the femoral and tibia tunnels enlarged in groups A, B, and C, but it was completely closed in group D. At each time point, the rates of the femoral bone tunnel enlargement in groups B, C, and D were significantly lower than that in group A, and group D was significantly lower than groups B and C (P<0.05); group C was significantly lower than group B at 8 weeks, but no significant difference was found at 4 and 12 weeks (P<0.05). Hisological observation showed that fresh fibrous connective tissue was observed in 4 groups at 4 weeks; there was various arrangements of Sharpey fiber in all groups at 8 weeks and the atypical 4-layer structure of bone was seen in group D; at 12 weeks, Sharpey fiber arranged regularly in all groups, with typical 4-layer structure of bone in groups B, C, and D, and an irregular "tidal line" formed, especially in group D. Biomechanics measurement showed that the maximum tensile load in group D was significantly higher than that in groups A and B at 4 weeks (P<0.05), but no significant difference was shown among groups A, B, and C, and between groups C and D (P>0.05); at 8 weeks, it was significantly higher in groups C and group D than group A, and in group D than group B (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A, C and group B (P>0.05); at 12 weeks, it was significantly higher in groups C and D than groups A and B, and in group D than group C (P<0.05), but difference was not significant between groups A and B (P>0.05). ConclusionDifferent concentrations ratios of OPG/DPB gel complexes have different effects on the bone tunnel after ACL reconstruction. 100% OPG/DPB gel complex has significant effects to prevent the enlargement of bone tunnel and to enhance tendon bone healing.
ObjectiveTo study the effect of the femoral tunnel position on the knee function recovery after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical date of 43 cases (43 knees) of recurrent patellar dislocation undergoing MPFL reconstruction and patellofemoral lateral retinaculum lysis between August 2013 and March 2014. There were 12 males and 31 females, aged 19.4 years on average (range, 9-35 years). All patients had trauma history and recurrent dislocations. The results of apprehesion test and J syndrom were positive. The patellar tilt test showed patellofemoral lateral retinaculum was tension. The effectiveness was evaluated using Lysholm knee functional score after operation. The distance from the center of the femoral tunnel to the femoral isometric point was measured on CT three dimensional reconstruction image. Whether the femoral tunnel position was isometric was evaluated. The correlation was analyzed between the distance from the center of the femoral tunnel to the femoral isometric point and Lysholm score. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in all patients. The patients were followed up 13-18 months (mean, 15 months). No patellar dislocation or subluxation occurred. The result of apprehensive test was negative. At last follow-up, the average Lysholm score was 93.8 (range, 83-100). The average distance from the center of the femoral tunnel to the femoral isometric point was 5.61 mm (range, 2-16 mm). The femoral tunnel position was isometric in 30 cases (69.8%) and non-isometric in 13 cases (30.2%). The distance from the center of the femoral tunnel to the femoral isometric point was negatively correlated with postoperative Lysholm score (r=-0.851, P=0.000). The postoperative Lysholm score was 95.7±2.3 in patients with isometric tunnel and was 89.4±3.5 in patients with non-isometric tunnel, showing significant difference (t=6.951, P=0.000). ConclusionFor patellofemoral joint instability, preparing the femoral isometric tunnel can establish a good foundation for the recovery of the knee function in MPFL reconstruction.
Objective To compare the effectiveness between lower tibial tunnel placement combined with internal tension relieving suture and simple lower tibial tunnel placement for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. MethodsThe clinical data of 83 patients with simple PCL injury who met the selection criteria between January 2014 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 44 patients underwent PCL reconstruction through lower tibial tunnel placement combined with internal tension relieving suture (tension relieving suture group), and 39 patients underwent PCL reconstruction through simple lower tibial tunnel placement (control group). Baseline characteristics, including gender, age, body mass index, side of injury, cause of injury, preoperative side-to-side difference (SSD) in posterior tibial translation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, knee range of motion (ROM), Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores (including symptom, daily activities, and knee function scores) were compared between the two groups, showing no significant difference (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded and compared between the two groups. The effectiveness was evaluated by Lysholm score, IKDC scores, Tegner score, VAS score, knee ROM, SSD in posterior tibial translation before operation and at last follow-up, the patient satisfaction at last follow-up, and the postoperative graft recovery was evaluated by MRI. ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-60 months, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Postoperative MRI showed that the graft was in good condition, and the reconstructed PCL graft had good signal, continuity, and tension. During the follow-up, there was no complication such as re-rupture or donor site discomfort in both groups. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score, IKDC scores, Tegner score, VAS score, knee ROM, and SSD in posterior tibial translation significantly improved in both groups when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The changes of Lysholm score, Tegner score, IKDC knee symptom score, and SSD in posterior tibial translation between pre- and post-operation were significantly superior in the tension relieving suture group compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in the changes of VAS score, knee ROM, IKDC daily activities score or knee function score between pre- and post-operation, and the satisfaction score (P>0.05). ConclusionLower tibial tunnel placement combined with internal tension relieving suture PCL reconstruction represents a more effective surgical approach for improving postoperative laxity of PCL and knee function recovery comparing to simple lower tibial tunnel placement PCL reconstruction.
To observe the histology change of the insertion using different diamertrical bone tunnel in anterior cruciate l igament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods Ninety Japanese rabbits were selected, wihout female and male l imit, weighing 2.5-3.0 kg, and were randomly divided into 3 groups, 30 in each group. The ratio of transplantation l igament diameter and bone tunnel diameter was 1/1 (group A), the ratio was 1/1.5 (group B), and the ratio was 1/2 (group C). Bone tunnel observation and histology observation were carried out in the 4th, 8th and 16th weeks postoperat ively. Results Wound healed well in 3 groups. The mean time of walking functional recovery was 1.5, 2.0 and 3.5 days in groups A, B and C respectively. After 4 weeks of operation, more soft tissues at tunnel entry were observed in group A and group B than in group C; after 8 weeks of operation, there was no crevice at bone-tunnel entry of the groups A and B, there was no improvement in group C; after 16 weeks of operation, groups A and B showed the normal insertion, group C had no normal insertion. Histology observation: in groups A, B and C, bone-tunnel was filled with loose connective tissue after 4 weeks of operation; group A and group B emerged the discontinuation ACL insertion tidal l ine after 8 weeks of operation, group C had no insertion; groups A and B emerged the similarity normal ACL insertion tidal l ine structure after 16 weeks of operation, but group C had no this structure. The results of ultimate tensile strength in groups A, B and C were (75.44 ± 7.06), (91.37 ± 6.14) and (126.91 ± 4.61) N respectively at 4 weeks; the results were (74.31 ± 4.81), (88.30 ± 7.46) and (124.34±8.44) N respectively at 8 weeks; and the results were (62.20 ± 5.32), (71.53 ± 5.99) and (83.62 ± 5.69) N respectively at 16 weeks. There was no significant difference between group A and group B (P gt; 0.05), and there were significant differences between groups A, B and group C (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion In the ACL reconstruction, the ratioof transplantation l igament diameter and bone tunnel diameter being 1/1.5 will not affect the insertion outcome, but if theratio less than the l imit it will affect the insertion outcome.
ObjectiveTo investigate the best knee flexion angle by analyzing the length and orientation of the femoral tunnel through anteromedial portal (AM) at different flexion angles during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsTwelve fresh cadaveric knees were selected to locate the center of ACL femoral footprint through AM using the improved hook slot vernier caliper, and to locate the posterior bone cortex using a diameter 3 mm ball at flexion of 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130°. The femoral tunnel length, standard coronal and sagittal plane angles, and the position relation between exit point and the lateral epicondyle were measured; the tunnel orientation on the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films was also measured. ResultsWith increasing flexion of the knee, the femoral tunnel length showed a first increasing and then stable tendency; significant difference was found between at flexion of 90°and at flexions of 100, 110, 120, and 130°, and between flexions of 100°and 120°(P<0.05). The femoral tunnel showed a trend of decreasing with coronal angle, whereas gradually increasing with sagittal angle. The knee flexion angle had significant difference either among flexions of 90, 110, and 130°or between flexions of 100°and 120°(P<0.05). The exit point of the femoral tunnel located at the lateral epicondyle of the femur proximal to posterior region at flexion of 90°in all knees, and at flexion of 100°in 7 knees, but it located at the lateral epicondyle of the femur proximal to anterior region at flexion of 110, 120, and 130°in all knees. As the knee flexion angle increasing, the angle between femoral tunnel with the tangent of internal-external femoral condyle on anteroposterior X-ray films showed a trend of decreasing gradually, but a trend of increasing gradually on lateral X-ray films. On the anteroposterior X-ray films, significant differences were found in the angle either among flexions of 90, 110, and 130°or between flexions of 100°and 120°(P<0.05). On the lateral X-ray films, there were significant differences in the angle among flexions of 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130°(P<0.05). ConclusionDuring ACL reconstruction by AM, 110°is the best flexion angle, which can get the ideal femoral tunnel.
Objective To review the research progress of Sch?ttle’s method in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR), and provide the latest knowledge and suggestions for surgical treatment. Methods The studies on Sch?ttle’s method at home and abroad in recent years were extensively collected, then summarized the problems affecting the accuracy of Sch?ttle’s method and the new ideas to improve the accuracy of localization. Results It’s vital to accurately locate the femoral tunnel during MPFLR. Malposition of the femoral tunnel is the main cause of postoperative complications and surgical failure. Sch?ttle’s method is the most well studied and most reproducible method for femoral tunnel localization, which is widely used as the “gold standard”. However, there are still problems that affect the accuracy of Sch?ttle’s method, including the impact of the internal/external rotation and varus/valgus of the knee on localization accuracy, unclear requirements for X-ray imaging and anatomical landmark reference line drawing standards, no suitable for patients with anatomical variations, and lack of further research on pediatric patients. In recent years, some new ideas are proposed to improve the Sch?ttle’s method to improve the localization accuracy. ConclusionFuture research should combine new technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) printing and intraoperative navigation to develop personalized and intelligent Sch?ttle’s method, further improving their localization accuracy.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress of location methods and the best femoral insertion position of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction of femoral tunnel, and provide reference for surgical treatment.MethodsThe literature about femoral insertion position of the MPFL reconstruction in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of MPFL, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of femoral tunnel positioning methods were summarized.ResultsThe accurate establishment of the femoral anatomical tunnel is crucial to the success of MPFL reconstruction. At present, there are mainly two kinds of methods for femoral insertion: radiographic landmark positioning method and anatomical landmark positioning method. Radiographic landmark positioning method has such advantages as small incision and simple operation, but it can not be accurately positioned for patients with severe femoral trochlear dysplasia. It is suggested to combine with the anatomical landmark positioning method. These methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no unified positioning standard. In recent years, the use of three-dimensional design software can accurately assist in the MPFL reconstruction, which has become a new trend.ConclusionFemoral tunnel positioning of the MPFL reconstruction is very important. The current positioning methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Personalized positioning is a new trend and has not been widely used in clinic, its effectiveness needs further research and clinical practice and verification.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of I.D.E.A.L technique and transtibial (TT) technique in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods A clinical data of 60 patients with ACL injury, who were admitted and met the selection criteria between January 2020 and September 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with autologous tendon. During operation, the femoral tunnel was prepared by using I.D.E.A.L technique in 30 cases (I.D.E.A.L group) and using TT technique in 30 cases (TT group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as age, gender, body mass index, cause of injury, injured side, interval from injury to operation, constituent ratio of combined cartilage and meniscus injury, and preoperative Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, anterior tibial translation difference, and Blumensaat angle between the two groups (P>0.05). The length of hospital stay and the occurrence of early and late complications were recorded. During follow-up, the Lysholm score, IKDC score, and VAS score were used to evaluate knee joint function and pain degree, and the anterior tibial translation difference was measured. MRI reexamination was performed to observe the healing of the graft, and the signal to noise quotient (SNQ) values of the femoral end, middle section, and tibial end of the graft, as well as the Blumensaat angle of the knee joint were measured. The differences in tibial anterior translation difference and Blumensaat angle before and after operation (change values) were calculated and compared between the two groups. Results The incisions in both groups healed by first intention after operation, and there was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-18 months, with an average of 14.9 months. The Lysholm score and IKDC score of the knee joint in both groups after operation increased when compared with those before operation, and the VAS score decreased. Compared to preoperative scores, except for the VAS score of the TT group at 1 week after operation (P>0.05), there were significant differences in all scores at different time points postoperatively in the two groups (P<0.05). The above scores in both groups showed a further improvement trend with the prolongation of time after operation. There were significant differences in Lysholm score and VAS score among 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after operation in the two groups (P<0.05). The IKDC score of both groups at 1 month after operation was significantly different from that at 1 week after operation (P<0.05). At 1 week after operation, the Lysholm score and IKDC score in the I.D.E.A.L group were significantly higher than those in the TT group (P<0.05), and the VAS score was significantly lower (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two groups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, the anterior tibial translation differences in both groups were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05); and the change value in the I.D.E.A.L group was significantly higher than that in the TT group (P<0.05). The incidences of early and late complications in the I.D.E.A.L group were significantly lower than those in the TT group (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, MRI examination showed that the grafts of the knee joint in both groups survived well, and the Blumensaat angles of both groups were significantly smaller than those before operation (P<0.05). The change value of the Blumensaat angle in the I.D.E.A.L group was significantly higher than that in the TT group (P<0.05). The SNQ values of the femoral end, middle section, and tibial end of the graft in the I.D.E.A.L group were significantly higher than those in the TT group (P<0.05). Conclusion The early effectiveness of ACL reconstruction by using the I.D.E.A.L technique is better, the knee joint is more stable, and the incidence of postoperative complication is lower. However, the maturity of the graft after reconstruction using the TT technique is higher.