PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We worked with cadaver specimens to evaluate control of anterior knee laxity after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) comparing double two-strand anterolateral and posteromedial reconstruction with the classical four-strand technique. We hypothesized that the double reconstruction would provide better control of anterior laxity in both flexion and extension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen cadaver knees were randomly assigned to reconstruction technique. Anterior tibial translation was measured with an arthrometer (Rolimeter) at maximal manual tension at 20 degrees, 60 degrees and 90 degrees flexion on the intact knee, after section of the ACL and after arthroscopic reconstruction using either the classical four-strand hamstring technique or a double two-strand anteromedial and posterolateral technique. An EndoButtonCL was used for the femoral fixation and a interference screw with staples for the tibial fixation. Variation in the length of each construct was measured between 0 degrees and 90 degrees flexion. RESULTS: In the single reconstruction group, the length of the graft varied by 0.5 +/- 0.7 mm between 0 degrees and 90 degrees flexion. In the double reconstruction group, the length varied by 0.5 +/- 0.9 mm for the anteromedial construct and 3.4 +/- 0.5 mm for the posterolateral construct. When studied with an intact ACL, anterior laxity of the 16 knees was 3.2 +/- 1.1, 3.5 +/- 1.5 and 2.6 +/- 1.1 mm at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees respectively. After section of the ACL, laxity increased significantly at all angles: 9.4 +/- 3.3, 6.1 +/- 2.5 and 6.8 +/- 2.9 at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees respectively. After classical four-strand single graft reconstruction, the residual anterior laxity was 3.7 +/- 0.9, 3.1 +/- 1.1, and 2.3 +/- 1.6 mm at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees flexion. Statistical analysis using parametric or non-parametric tests as appropriate showed a significant difference in laxity at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees of flexion between knees with a cut ACL and knees with reconstructed ACL. At 20 degrees flexion, residual laxity was greater after single-construct reconstruction. At 60 degrees and 90 degrees there was no significant difference in anterior translation of the tibia in knees with intact or reconstructed ACL. After reconstruction with the dual-construct technique, laxity was 3.4 +/- 1.3, 2.6 +/- 1.5, and 2.4 +/- 1.2 mm at 20 degrees, 60 degrees and 90 degrees flexion respectively. Laxity was significantly greater with a cut ACL than after reconstruction at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees flexion, but there was no significant difference in anterior translation of the tibia at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees flexion between knees with an intact and a reconstructed ACL. DISCUSSION: These results based on a clinical evaluation measuring anterior translation of the tibia with an arthrometer are in agreement with results in the literature using robots. Compared with the classical technique, reconstruction of the ACL with a dual-construct technique provides a statistically significant improvement in control of anterior tibial translation at 20 degrees of flexion. The advantage of the dual anteromedial and posteriolateral construct technique is thus not found in the control of anterior laxity but rather in control of rotation laxity. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the ACL with a two-bundle graft technique provides control of anterior laxity at 20 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees flexion similar to that observed in knees with an intact ACL while the single construct technique re-establishes physiological laxity at 60 degrees and 90 degrees only. This improved control of anterior laxity with the two-bundle reconstruction is a small improvement regarding anterior laxity, the more potential advantage concerning rotational stability.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

[Reliability of the KT-1000 arthrometer (Medmetric) for measuring anterior knee laxity: comparison with Telos in 147 knees].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to compare the reliability and the reproducibility of both the KT-1000 arthrometer (Medmetric) and Telos for measuring anterior knee laxity. The Telos was used as the reference technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Criteria for inclusion were preoperative anterior knee laxity, normal contralateral knee, and intra-articular surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament. Between January 1st, 2000 and October 31st, 2001, 147 patients were operated on for knee instability using an autograft (BPTB or hamstring tendons). For each patient, comparative measurements were made for both knees preoperatively and postoperatively with an average follow-up of 16 months. Measurements with the KT-1000 apparatus were made with forces of 67 N, 89 N, 134 N and manual maximal force. For the Telos, a force of 250 N was used as recommended by the manufacturer. We also evaluated intraobserver variation between the two devices. RESULTS: The anterior translation preoperatively as measured by the KT-1000 at 89N was 4.2 +/- 2.4 mm and 6.3 +/- 2.5 mm at maximal manual force. The result for Telos was 3.0 +/- 3.6 mm. The data scatter obtained with Telos was wider than with KT-1000 (p<0.03). The sensitivity of Telos was 72% with 28% false negatives. With KT-1000, sensitivity increased as tensile force increased. Sensitivity was 65% at 89N, 73% at 134N and 92% at maximal manual force. The concordance between the KT1000 and Telos data was low for either preoperative (10%) or postoperative (30%) measurements. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this study, the results of sensitivity and reproducibility as well as the minimal scatter of the values demonstrated the reliability of KT-1000 for measuring anterior translation of the knee. We recommend routine use of the KT-1000 device for measuring knee laxity. The low sensitivity and the high rate of false negative observed with Telos raises the question of its use a reference technique.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

[Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: patellar tendon autograft versus four-strand hamstring tendon autografts. A comparative study at one year follow-up].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of our study was to compare outcome at one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for chronic laxity using the patellar tendon autograft or four-strand hamstring tendon autografts. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This non-randomized study included 129 consecutive patients operated on between October 1996 and September 1998. Ninety patients were available for assessment at one year: 50 in the patellar tendon group and 40 in the hamstring tendon group. The two groups were comparable for all criteria except sex. A single operator assessed all patients using the IKDC 93 chart. Laxity was measured by comparison with the healthy knee using the KT1000 at maximal manual tension. Preoperative laxity was 8.0 +/- 3.0 mm in the patellar tendon group and 7.6 +/- 3.0 in the hamstring tendon group. All ligamentoplasties were performed arthroscopically using a blind femoral tunnel. The patellar tendon was fixed with two metallic interference screws and the four-strand hamstring autografts with two different methods: an RCI(R) interference screw or a cortical system associating a femoral Endobutton(R) and tibial fixation with a bicortical tibial screw. Lateral tendonesis was performed with the fascia lata in 60% of the patients in the patellar tendon group and in 45% of those in the hamstring tendon group. Rehabilitation exercises were initiated early and were the same in the two groups. RESULTS: Overall results were satisfactory in more than 80% of the patients in both groups. The final IKDC score was significantly better in the patellar tendon group and subjective patient satisfaction was better in the hamstrings group. Residual pain was significantly less pronounced in the hamstrings tendon group (p=0.004). Laxity was improved significantly better in the patellar tendon group: average residual laxity=2.7 +/- 2.1 mm versus 4.5 +/- 2.8 mm (p=0.03) in the hamstrings tendon group; hard stop at the Lachman test in 96% of the patellar tendon group and 78% in the hamstrings tendon group (p=0.007). Residual laxity was significantly less pronounced in the women in the patellar tendon group. There was no significant difference in laxity by type of fixation in the hamstrings tendon group. Recovery in terms of level of activity and type of sport was the same in the two groups. DISCUSSION: These two surgical techniques provide good functional outcome at one year with better control of laxity with patellar tendon autografts and better relief of pain with four-strand hamstrings autografts. Longer follow-up would be useful to assess laxity long after hamstring reconstruction. We compared the type of transplant and the fixation method together as a single unity, but progress in four-strand hamstring autograft fixation will certainly allow even more optimal results and improved correction of laxity. In our opinion, the patellar tendon autograft remains the gold standard for high-performance athletes practicing a contact-pivot sport, but both types of ACL reconstruction are most useful. We select patients for four-strand hamstring tendon reconstruction as a function of age, sex, and type of sports activities.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

[Arthroscopic release for knee joint stiffness after total knee arthroplasty].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Overall, the results of total knee replacement surgery are quite excellent, both with regard to pain and range of motion. Pain relief is obtained in more than 95% of the cases and more than 90% of the patients are able to bend their knee over 90 degrees. Nevertheless, in a small number of cases, stiffness can be an impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 1998, six arthroscopic releases were performed on six patients who had undergone total knee replacement. The six patients suffered from unacceptable stiffness. The average age of the patients was 68.5 years, and the time elapsed from implantation to arthroscopy averaged 24 months (6 months to 6 years). Average follow-up was 19 months (6 to 96 months). The six stiff knees were treated with arthroscopic debridement of fibrous tissue around the patella and quadriceps tendon (to improve extension) and by arthroscopic division of the medial and lateral retinacula (to address flexion). A gentle manipulation was carried out following lysis of adhesions, using a slight pressure on the tubercle to avoid fractures and disruptions of the extensor mechanisms. Postoperatively, immediate physical therapy was performed including continuous passive motion and active muscular contraction. Early weight bearing was allowed. RESULTS: The average flexion contracture decreased from 9 degrees prior to arthroscopy to 2.5 degrees at last follow-up. Average flexion increased from 70 to 100 degrees. Maximal improvement was obtained at three months. DISCUSSION: Results were found to be quite good, with a final knee score of 93 and a function score of 92 (following International Knee Society scoring). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic release following total knee replacement complicated by joint stiffness provides a satisfactory increase in range of motion.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

[Anterio-lateral extra-articular tenodesis of the knee using a short strip of fascia lata].

This study describes a lateral extra-articular tenodesis using a short strip of ilio-tibial band. The tenodesis consists of a 12 x 75 mm strip of iliotibial band remaining attached to the Gerdy's tubercle. An isometric point in the region of Krackow's point F-9 is determined with a callipers. The strip of iliotibial band is twisted by 180 degrees to enhance its isometry. Then it is either onlay with a screw and spiked washer on the F-9 point, or within a transverse tunnel drilled through the lateral femoral condyle, from the F-9 point, using and interference screw. Thus, the uses of a short ilio-tibial band tenodesis with a 180 degrees twist in combination with a BPTB reconstruction of the ACL, leads to similar results that the combined classic Lemaire tenodesis, with shorter skin incision, shorter graft harvesting, and at least on the biomechanical standpoint a better graft isometry.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries↗

PubMed1996

Tibial tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft.

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate changes in the diameter of the tibial tunnel over time following the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft in 44 patients. The changes in the geometry of the bone tunnels were measured radiographically during the immediate postoperative period and at time intervals between 3 and 36 months after surgery. The dimensions at 1 year were correlated with the 1-year clinical results. The distance between the sclerotic margins of the tibial tunnel was measured at the distal tunnel exit on the medial tibial cortex, in the middle of the tunnel, and proximally at the level of the joint line. The dimensions were calculated by using a magnification factor determined by reference to the interference screw of known diameter located within the tunnel. The position of the centre of the tibial tunnel with regard to Blumensaat's line was also measured. The average tunnel diameter at the proximal tibial exit increased from 12 +/- 1.9 mm (mean +/- standard deviation) postoperatively to 14 +/- 2.2 mm at 3 months. The average proximal tunnel diameter did not significantly change from 3 months to 2 years, and then decreased to 13 +/- 2.4 mm at 3 years. At 1 year, most of the patterns of osteolysis were of the cone type (57%), followed by the cavity type (40%) and line type (3%). The degree of osteolysis was not related to the tibial tunnel position with respect to Blumensaat's line. There was no correlation between the changes in tunnel diameter and either the IKDC score or the residual joint laxity measured by a KT-100 arthrometer. The aetiology of tunnel enlargement is currently unknown. Possible factors responsible for bone resorption include micromotion of the graft relative to the tunnel wall, leading to an inflammatory response in the tunnel, or stress shielding of the tunnel wall proximal to the interference screw.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Plasma protein adsorption to artificial ligament fibers.

The adsorption of plasma proteins onto biomedical polymers is an important factor in the biocompatibility of biomaterials. We identified the plasma proteins adsorbed onto four polymeric fibers used for synthetic ligament replacement: polyarylamide, polylactic acid, polyester, and polypropylene. The adsorbed proteins were eluted and analyzed by one-dimensional and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Fibrinogen, albumin, IgG, high molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), and lipoproteins ApoA-1 and ApoE were the major proteins adsorbed onto polyarylamide. The three others biomaterials bound albumin, fibrinogen, ApoA-1, and ApoE; however, the proportions of proteins bound to each polymer differed. There was an inverse relationship between ApoA-1 and fibrinogen binding for all four biomaterials; polyarylamide bound a high percentage of fibrinogen, but little ApoA-1; polylactic acid, polyester, and polypropylene bound a high percentage of ApoA-1, but little fibrinogen. These results support suggestions that low fibrinogen adsorption might be due to the preferential adsorption of Apo-1. High fibrinogen binding to polyarylamide ligaments may favor fibroblast adherence, growth, and tissue repair.

Adsorption↗

PubMed1995

[Normal and pathological MRI aspects of the posterolateral corner of the knee].

The purpose of the study is to compare normal PLC anatomy and its MRI appearance, with the various lesions observed in MRI, from the simple popliteus tendinous contusion to the complete PLC rupture. For this specific work on PLC lesions, we selected 61 examinations among the traumatic knees explored during the last 3 years. Surgical correlation is obtained for the 61 patients. MRI examinations are performed on a 0.5 T. unit with gradient echo T1, T1 and T1 GD-DOTA IV. Normal PLC anatomy is compared to the dissection of 4 anatomic subjects. Normal MRI slices are evaluated with this reference analysis. The principle anatomical structures of the PLC include the lateral collateral ligament, the popliteus tendon, the arcuate ligament, the fabello fibular ligament, the posterolateral condylar capsule, and the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Surgical findings confirm PLC lesion for 58 patients with 3 false positive. Diagnosis of these lesions is important because chronical posterolateral laxity is secondary to the destabilisation of lateral condyle. Unrecognised and untreated posterolateral instability may result in failure of ACL reconstruction. When clinical tests are doubtful or complex, or the examination very painful, MRI evaluates completely the traumatic knee and particularly the PLC.

Humans↗

PubMed1995

[Experimental capsulo-ligamentar lesions of the knee during passive hyperextension. Biomechanical aspects. A lesional evaluation and consequences].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Passive hyperextension is a rare mechanism of injury of knee ligaments in clinical practice. The lesions are often complex and no consensus exists about their sequence. Our purpose was to study the mechanical behavior and the anatomical lesions of the knee following passive hyperextension until rupture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 12 pairs of fresh human cadaveric knees were tested after resection of soft tissue except for the ligaments and the Popliteus muscle. Some of them had specific ligaments sections (PCL or posterior capsule). We used a "four point bending" model at a constant rate (V = 3 10E-4 m/s) and measured failure torque and bending stiffness of the knee. Results were expressed as percent of the response of the normal contra lateral knee. RESULTS: A wide range of absolute data was noted and correlated to the age and bone quality. Bony avulsion was constant. The posterior capsule was the first structure injured at an average of 23 degrees of recurvatum, followed by the posterolateral ligament. The PCL was the ultimate structure to fail at its femoral attachment, preceding complete dislocation of the knee. No ruptures of the ACL and medial collateral ligament were noted. After section of the posterior capsule, the stiffness of the knee decreased 40 to 80 percent compared to the normal opposite knee, whereas the isolated section of the PCL had no significant effect. DISCUSSION: The method used in this study appears reliable. "The four point bending" is a reproducible model and the use of paired specimens allows a quantitative approach. The use of elderly specimens at a low strain rate in this experiment remains a questionable point. Passive hyperextension is characterized by automatic external rotation resulting in asymmetrical posterior lesions and tears of the PCL at its femoral attachment. On the contrary, active hyperextension of the knee can produce ACL injury by anterior translation of the tibia under the femur consecutive to Quadriceps femoris contraction. CONCLUSION: Our experimental model is an effective and reproducible method to create passive hyperextension of the knee. The first structure to fail is the posterior capsule followed by the posterolateral ligament. The PCL is the ultimate structure to fail and no ACL rupture has been noted before dislocation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: if passive hyperextension mechanism is suspected, isolated posterior capsule lesion may occur and should be repaired. On the contrary, PCL tear should never be isolated and always associated with peripheral ligament injuries.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗

PubMed1994

Analysis of the general features of the soft tissue response to some metals and ceramics using quantitative histomorphometry.

This article analyzes the general features of the tissue response to orthopedic biomaterials when implanted in the paraspinal muscles in rats for periods between 1 week and 1 year. Using a computer-assisted cell counting method, it was shown that the membrane thickness was a stable parameter that poorly correlated with the other histomorphometric parameters except fibrocyte distance parameters. Macrophages were significant in number only in the short term and were always located at the implant-tissue interface. At 4 weeks, the period corresponding to which macrophages disappeared, fibrocytes were found nearer the interface than at earlier periods and did not migrate for up to 52 weeks, although their densities decreased to 50% of their initial values. Therefore, it can be histomorphometrically confirmed that 1) the presence of an implant induced a delay in the healing process; 2) the immune system was not usually involved in the response to bulk metals; and 3) at early time periods, the presence of PMN cells was correlated to the long-term number of macrophages. On the contrary, the histomorphometric findings suggested that around the tested materials, a large number of macrophages did not induce an immediate or a delayed fibrocyte proliferation. If one considers that a low fibrocyte surface density is related to activated cells surrounded by a matrix high in collagen content, then the large number of macrophages induced the stimulation of collagen synthesis by the fibrocytes already included in the membrane. Accordingly, in the short-term, a high fibrocyte density and few macrophages may be a criterion for testing biocompatibility.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Formation of a calcium phosphate-rich layer on absorbable calcium carbonate bone graft substitutes.

The use of natural coral as a bone graft substitute is common in Europe. However, the bone-coral bonding mechanism remains elusive. A rat subcutaneous model was used to demonstrate changes at the surface of resorbable calcium carbonate in the form of natural coral. Histological results indicated in vivo formation of a calcium phosphate (CaP)-rich layer on the surface of the coral confirmed by backscattered electron imaging and X-ray microanalysis. There appears to be a combination solution-mediated dissolution/cell-mediated degradation of the natural coral with subsequent surface conversion or precipitation. The end result is a CaP-rich layer on the coral. Though this layer has been observed previously, it was originally thought to be a histological artifact. This result is similar, however, to what is seen with Bioglass and glass ceramics and may also explain the good bonding of bone to hydroxyapatite. The fact that this layer is also present on natural coral after implantation in soft tissue sites may explain the intimate bone apposition observed when natural coral is placed in bony sites.

Absorption↗

PubMed1994

Proceedings of the ESSKA Scientific Workshop on Reconstruction of the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗

PubMed1994

Roentgenographic and magnetic resonance imaging of anterior cruciate reconstruction using a patellar tendon graft--correlations with physical findings.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the graft positioning on the clinical outcome and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal of the graft following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the central one-third of the patellar tendon. Twenty-two patients with a chronic anterior instability underwent a modified Marshall-MacIntosh procedure, while 27 with a subacute torn ACL had an ACL reconstruction using a free bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. The patients were retrospectively reviewed with a 1.8-year average follow-up (1-3 years). The clinical result was evaluated through the comparative range of motion and the residual laxity as measured with the KT 1,000 arthrometer. The roentgenographic analysis was performed from anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) views, made first on one-leg standing with the knee at 30 degrees of flexion, and secondly at "zero" extension with active quadriceps contraction. Lines were drawn to visualise the location of the tibial and femoral tunnels in relation to the tibial plateaus and the intercondylar roof represented by Blumensaat's line. The analysis of the lateral MRI views of the graft allowed discrimination between homogenous and heterogenous graft signals. On lateral roentgenograms of normal knees, it was found that Blumensaat's line crossed the surface of the medial tibial plateau at 30% +/- 9% of its sagittal width (20%-40% range), demonstrating the variability of intercondylar roof inclination. The range of motion was normal in 34 patients (group I), 9 patients had a flexion deficit (group II), and 6 exhibited an extension deficit (group III). The residual laxity was similar in each group (P > 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗