ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors of contralateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury after primary ACL reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on the 716 patients with ACL injury who received primary ACL reconstruction surgery and met the selection criteria between January 2012 and September 2018. After a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years (range, 4-10 years), 65 patients (9.1%) experienced contralateral ACL injury (injured group) and 651 patients (90.9%) did not (uninjured group). There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, and preoperative Lachman test degree between groups (P>0.05). However, the proportion of female in the injured group was significantly higher than that of male (P<0.05), and the preoperative posterior tibial slope (PTS) was significantly higher than that of the uninjured group (P<0.05). Using the outcome of contralateral ACL injury as the dependent variable, the clinical data of the patient was first used as the independent variable, and univariate COX regression was used to analyze the prognostic influencing factors. Then, the indicators with differences in univariate COX regression were used as the independent variable, and multivariate COX regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting prognosis. Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) test was used to test and analyze the occurrence time of contralateral ACL injury in patients of different genders; X-tile software was used to analyze the occurrence time of contralateral ACL injury in patients with different PTS using Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) test and PTS cut-off values. ResultsUnivariate COX regression analysis showed that gender and PTS were influence factors for contralateral ACL injury (P<0.05); further multivariate COX regression analysis showed that female and increased PTS were independent risk factors for contralateral ACL injury (P<0.05). The Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) test results showed that the contralateral ACL injury occurred in female at 8.853 (8.600, 9.106) years, which was significantly shorter than that in male [9.661 (9.503, 9.819) years] (χ2=20.323, P<0.001). Using X-tile software to analyze the cut-off value of PTS, it was found that the cut-off value of PTS for contralateral ACL injury was 10.92°. According to the Log-Rank (Mantel-Cox) test, it was found that the contralateral ACL injury occurred in 5.762 (4.981, 6.543) years in patients with PTS≥10.92°, which was significantly shorter than patients with PTS<10.92° [9.751 (9.650, 9.853) years](χ2=302.479, P<0.001). ConclusionFemale and PTS≥10.92° after primary ACL reconstruction are independent risk factors for contralateral ACL injury.
ObjectiveTo review the bioactive strategies that enhance tendon graft healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and to provide insights for improving the therapeutic outcomes of ACLR. Methods The domestic and foreign literature related to the bioactive strategies for promoting the healing of tendon grafts after ACLR was extensively reviewed and summarized. ResultsAt present, there are several kinds of bioactive materials related to tendon graft healing after ACLR: growth factors, cells, biodegradable implants/tissue derivatives. By constructing a complex interface simulating the matrix, environment, and regulatory factors required for the growth of native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the growth of transplanted tendons is regulated at different levels, thus promoting the healing of tendon grafts. Although the effectiveness of ACLR has been significantly improved in most studies, most of them are still limited to the early stage of animal experiments, and there is still a long way to go from the real clinical promotion. In addition, limited by the current preparation technology, the bionics of the interface still stays at the micron and millimeter level, and tends to be morphological bionics, and the research on the signal mechanism pathway is still insufficient.ConclusionWith the further study of ACL anatomy, development, and the improvement of preparation technology, the research of bioactive strategies to promote the healing of tendon grafts after ACLR is expected to be further promoted.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of open reduction by mini incision and absorbable screw internal fixation for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fracture. MethodsBetween January 2006 and July 2012, 90 patients (90 knees) with ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture were treated. There were 58 males and 32 females, aged from 10 to 58 years with an average of 33.7 years. The causes of injury were traffic accident injury in 60 cases, sports injury in 22 cases, and falling injury in 8 cases. The disease duration was 1-365 days with a median of 106 days. Combined injuries included 14 cases of meniscus injury, 5 cases of medial collateral ligament injury, and 3 cases of avulsion fracture of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. All patients underwent open reduction by mini incision and internal fixation with absorbable screw. Postoperative rehabilitation exercise was performed. ResultsTwo patients had delayed healing of incision, and others obtained primary healing. All the patients were followed up 6-72 months (mean, 40.1 months). X-ray examination showed that bone union was achieved in all patients at 3-12 months after operation; nail tail came off in 7 cases at 4-13 months after operation, and the nail tail was taken out under arthroscopy. At 6-12 months after operation, the range of motion (ROM), Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were significantly increased when compared with preoperative ones (P < 0.05). ConclusionA combination of open reduction by mini incision and absorbable screw internal fixation for the treatment of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture has the advantages of easy operation, firm fixation, and satisfactory functional rehabilitation, so it is a safe and effective method for the treatment of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of the arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the transtibial technique and through anteromedial approach. MethodsBetween April 2008 and May 2012, 86 patients (86 knees) with ACL rupture underwent single bundle reconstruction with autogeneic hamstring tendons with the transtibial technique in 44 cases (group A) and through anteromedial approach in 42 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, injury causes, injury to admission time, preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Lysholm score between 2 groups (P>0.05). The femoral and tibia tunnels were measured by X-ray films and CT. The knee stability and function were evaluated by Lachman test, pivot shift test, IKDC score, and Lysholm score. ResultsThe patients were followed up 1-2 years (mean, 1.5 years) in group A and 1 year-1 year and 6 months (mean, 1.2 years) in group B. No limitation of knee motion was observed. The Lysholm score and IKDC score were significantly increased at 1 year after operation when compared with preoperative scores in 2 groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between 2 groups (P>0.05). At 1 year after operation, the stability of the knee in group B was significantly better than that in group A, and the results of Lachman test and pivot shift test showed significant differences between 2 groups (P<0.05). The femoral tunnel in group A was significantly longer in length and bigger in coronal angles and sagittal location than that in group B (P<0.05). ConclusionACL reconstruction through anteromedial approach is a surgical technique to be closer to anatomy reconstruction, which can obtain better rotation function and stability of the knee than the transtibial technique.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of internal tension-relieving technique for arthroscopic assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsBetween March 2011 and September 2014, 51 cases of complete ACL rupture were randomly divided into 2 groups. Arthroscopic assisted single-bundle ACL reconstruction combined with internal tension-relieving technique was performed in 26 cases (group A), arthroscopic assisted single-bundle ACL reconstruction in 25 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, injured side, body mass index, Outerbridge classification of articular cartilage injury, disease duration, and the preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and KT-1000 test value between 2 groups (P>0.05). At 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, the KT-1000 was used to measure the anterior stability, and IKDC and Lysholm scores to evaluate the function of knee joint. ResultsHealing of incision by first intention was obtained in all patients of 2 groups, without complications of infection, deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity, and blood vessels and nerves injury. The patients were followed up 12 months after operation. All patients received second microscopic examination. The reconstructed ACL had good continuity and good coverage of synovial tissue. There was no re-rupture in any cases. The range of motion of the knee joint was close to normal. The MRI showed good healing of the ligament and the bone tunnel at 12 months after operation. KT-1000 test value, IKDC score, and Lysholm score at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found among different time points after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in IKDC score and Lysholm score between 2 groups at 3 and 12 months (P>0.05); but IKDC score and Lysholm score of group A were significantly higher than those of group B (P<0.05) at 6 months. At diffenent time points after operation, the KT-1000 test values of group A were significantly lower than those of group B (P<0.05) except the value at 3 months (P>0.05). ConclusionFor patients with ACL rupture, using internal tension-relieving technique can effectively alleviate tension force of reconstructed ligament, which is beneficial to the healing of reconstructed ligament and early rehabilitation of the knee joint.
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of ligament remnant preservation during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by observing the integrity, the tension, the synovial membrane covering, and the color of the reconstructed ligament under arthroscopy. MethodsBetween January 2011 and December 2013, 122 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction and arthroscopic internal fixation removal at 1 year after reconstruction were included in this study. Of these cases, 61 cases underwent ACL reconstruction using the remnant-preserved technique (preservation group);the other 61 cases underwent ACL reconstruction using non remnant-preserved technique (non preservation group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury side, body mass index, type of injury, the time from injury to reconstruction, and the result of KT-2000 examination between 2 groups (P<0.05). The reconstructed ACL were observed under arthroscopy when internal fixation was removed, and the effectiveness was evaluated according to the criteria of AO Yingfang. ResultsIn preservation group, the results were excellent in 34 cases, good in 22 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case;and in non preservation group, the results were excellent in 29 cases, good in 20 cases, fair in 10 cases, and poor in 2 cases;and there was no significant difference between 2 groups (Z=-1.320, P=0.187). ConclusionIn ACL reconstruction, the remnant-preserved technique is not obviously better than non remnant-preserved technique in the integrity, tension, membrane covering, and color.
ObjectiveTo observe the anatomical morphology of the tibial insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Chinese adults so as to offer theoretical guidance for ACL reconstruction and meniscus transplantation. MethodsFifteen adult cadaveric knees (8 left knees and 7 right knees) were dissected, including 10 males and 5 females, with an age ranged from 25 to 47 years (mean, 32.4 years). All knees were generally observed through standard medial parapatellar approaches, then the ACL midsubstance and the tibial insertion (direct and indirect insertions) were anatomically measured. ResultsIn all specimens, the ACL was flat with a lot of fine fibers. The anteromedial bundle and posterolateral bundle could be observed in 13 of 15 knees. However, no obvious bundles were found in 2 knees. The arc-shaped tibial direct insertion started at the medial tibial eminence and ended at the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. The width of the arc was (11.2±2.4) mm; the thickness was (3.0±0.3) mm; and the cross-sectional area was (28.8±7.8) mm2. And the left-right diameter of the whole insertion was (9.5±1.8) mm; anteroposterior diameter was (11.9±0.6) mm; and the cross-sectional area was (117.8±12.5) mm2. The width of the anterior horn of lateral meniscus was (12.3±2.0) mm. The anterior horn of lateral meniscus was surrounded by arc-shaped direct insertion in the middle, and its fibers were partly intertwined with indirect insertion of ACL. ConclusionAnatomical ACL reconstruction may therefore require a arc-shaped tibial footprint. There are overlap covering relationship between the attachment location of anterior horn of the lateral meniscus and tibial insertion of ACL. It should pay more attention to protecting tibial insertion of ACL in lateral meniscus transplantation.
Objective To explore the therapeutic efficacy of arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with autologous multistranded semitendinous tendon (ST). Methods From September 2000 to December 2004, 50 casesof ruptures of ACLs were diagnosed by clinical and arthroscopic examinations. There were 32 males and 18 females with an average age of 26.3 years (18-51 years). The locations were left knee in 31 cases and right knee in 19 cases. All patients had the history of knee joint injury. Arthroscopy showed 26 cases of rupture, 14cases of defect, 4 cases of avulsion and 6 cases of laceration. All patients were operated upon arthroscopically by using autologous multistranded ST. Plaster splints were used for 4 weeks after operation. The result was estimated by AO Yingfang’s standards and Lysholm knee scores. Results All patients achieved healing bythe first intention. The extension and flexion function was restored normal at 8-10 weeks. The patients were followed up averagely 1 year and 8 months (6.48 months). The results of drawer test and Lachman test were positive in 3 cases and suspiciously positive in 8 cases. The results were excellent in 23 patients, good in 18 and fair in 9. Lysholm knee scores were 4057±1068 preoperatively and 86.43±9.33 postoperatively, showing significant difference (P＜0.01). Conclusion Arthroscopy reconstruction of ACL with autologous multistranded ST may be one of the excellentmethods bringing less injury.
Objective To study the feasibility of virtual intercondylar notchplasty by applying MRI two-dimensional (2D) images to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) images and measure the size of intercondylar notch. Methods Thirty healthy volunteers who had no knee joint disease and surgery history were selected. There were 15 females and 15 males with an age range of 20-30 years, weight range of 45-74 kg, and height range of 150-185 cm. They were divided into male group and female group, and the knees of each group were divided into 2 subgroups (the left group and right group). MRI scan of the left and right knees was performed, and the 2D images of MRI were imported into Mimics10.01 medical image control system for 3D reconstruction. The related anatomical data as follows were measured from the 3D digital model and analyzed by statistical software: notch width (NW), condylar width (CW), and notch width index (NWI). Then the 3D knee images of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury were collected between January and March 2010, and 4 patients with narrow intercondylar notch (NWI≤0.2) were selected for reconstructing the 3D model of the knee and simulating the intercondylar notch plasty. Then, the volume of osteotomy in 3D model was calculated and applied in the ACL reconstruction surgery, and whether the graft had impingement with intercondylar notch or not was evaluated. Results There were significant differences in NW and CW between male group and female group (P≤lt;≤0.05), but no significant difference was found in the NWI (P≤gt;≤0.05). And there was no significant difference in NW, CW, and NWI between the left and right knees both in male group and female group (P≤gt;≤0.05). After ACL reconstruction and intercondylar notchplasty, the shape of intercondylar notch became normal (NWI≤gt;≤0.22), no impingement occurred between the graft and intercondylar notch under arthroscopy within 3-month follow-up. Conclusion The shape of intercondylar notch of 3D model based on MRI 2D images is similar to the real intercondylar notch. NWI is one of important indexes which can reflect the narrow level of intercondylar notch. The virtual intercondylar notchplasty may provide preoperative plan and guidence for ACL reconstruction operation to avoid the impingement between graft and intercondylar notch after surgery.
Objective The tendon-bone heal ing is the key point to ensure the success of the anterior cruciate l igament (ACL) reconstruction. To observe the histological change in the tendon-bone heal ing after ACL reconstruction by different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with deproteinized bone (DPB) of calf as bone tunnel infill ing and to investigate the active effect of the complex on tendon-bone heal ing and to define the optimal concentration of PRP. Methods Eight mL blood was drawn from central artery of New Zealand rabbit ears; PRP was prepared by Landesbergmethod, and l iquid supernatant was used as thinner to prepare different concentrations of PRP (30%, 60%, and 100%). Fresh osteoepiphysis spongy bone was harvested from lower end of femur of newborn calf to prepare DPB by way of 30% H2O2 and ether alternating soaking for 24 hours continuous 6 times. DPB was soaked in different concentrations of PRP and mixed with activator to prepare the PRP/DPB complex. A total of 54 New Zealand white rabbits, aging 8-12 months, weighing (2.5 ± 0.4) kg, were divided randomly into 3 groups: group A (30%PRP/DPB complex, n=18), group B (60%PRP/DPB complex, n=18), and group C (100%PRP/DPB complex, n=18). The legs of the rabbits were randomly divided into experimental side and the control side; ACL was reconstructed by semitendinosus and PRP/DPB complex in bone tunnel in the experimental side, and only by semitendinosus in the control side. The general conditions of the rabbits were observed postoperatively and HE staining was used to observe the tendon-bone heal ing, then I-IV levels of semi-quantitative analysis of the tendon-bone heal ing were evaluated according to Demirag standard at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Results General observation: Synovial fluid sl ightly increased in the specimens and no bony tissue was found in inner of femoral tunnel at 3 weeks; there was no synovial fluid in all the specimens and scar tissue was discovered in inner of femoral tunnel at 6 weeks; and there was no synovial fluid and the tendons became tighter with fibrous tissue at 12 weeks. Histological observation: New granulation tissue formed in the tendon-bone interface of group A experimental sides at 3 weeks; there was various widths of Sharpey type textile fiber in the tendon-bone interface at 6 weeks; Sharpey type textile fiber arranged regularly, which formed an irregular and blur “tidal l ine” at 12 weeks. Group B experimental sides were better than any other group at 3, 6, and 12 weeks; chondrocyte-l ike arranged regularly in the tendonboneinterface at 3 weeks; the number of chondrocyte-l ike per unit area was more than that of the other groups at 6 weeks;and chondrocyte-l ike prol iferated and matured in the tendon-bone interface, Sharpey type textile fiber became tighter andordered. Group C experimental sides were similar to both sides of group A at 3 weeks, however, the prol iferation of relatively mature dense connective tissue was worse than that of other groups at 6 and 12 weeks. According to Demirag grading, there were significant differences in tendon-bone heal ing between the experimental sides and the control sides of group B at 3 and 6 weeks, and between group B experimental sides and group C experimental sides at 12 weeks (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The mixture of PRP/PRP has good biocompatibil ity and bone induction, so it can enhance tendon-bone heal ing after ACL reconstruction when the concentration of PRP is 60%.