ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction in the treatment of chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint. MethodsBetween January 2006 and June 2012, the intra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction was used to treat chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint in 12 patients. Of 12 cases, 8 were males and 4 were females with an average age of 37.3 years (range, 22-54 years). The causes of injury were tumble in 9 patients, traffic accident in 2 patients, and sprain in 1 patient. The average time from initial injury to operation was 6.2 months (range, 2-13 months). The pain and function of the wrists were assessed with Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) (27.5±4.7). Broadening of the distal radioulnar joint space was seen on the anteroposterior radiograph in all the patients. Lateral view showed dorsal instability in 10 patients and palmar instability in 2 patients. There was no radial fracture, ulnar fractures or degeneration of the distal radioulnar joint. ResultsAll patients achieved primary healing of incision. No complication of deep infection or nerve injury occurred. They were followed up from 12 to 30 months (mean, 20.6 months). Pain and the clicking sound of the wrists disappeared; grip strength increased; the range of motion values of the wrist and forearm were restored. PRWE score was 5.8±2.1 at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=14.215, P=0.000). Imaging examination showed good appositions of the distal radioulnar joint, with no dislocation or subluxation. ConclusionIntra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction can rebuild the anatomic stability of the distal radioulnar joint, which does not damage the adjacent structures of the joints and can obtain satisfactory function of the reconstructed joint. It is a good choice for chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint without articular degeneration.
BJECTIVE: To study the effect of transposition of great adductor muscular tendon pedicled vessels in repairing the medial collateral ligament defect of knee joint. METHODS: From September 1991 to September 1999, on the basis study of applied anatomy, 30 patients with the medial collateral ligament defect were repaired with great adductor muscular tendon transposition pedicled vessels. Among them, there were 28 males and 2 females, aged 26 years in average. RESULTS: Followed up for 17 to 60 months, 93.3% patients reached excellent or good grades. No case fell into the poor grade. CONCLUSION: Because the great adductor muscular tendon is adjacent to the knee joint and similar to the knee ligament, it is appropriate to repair knee ligament. Transposition of the great adductor muscular tendon pedicled vessels is effective in the reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament defect of knee joint.
Objective To investigate the relationship between the vertical distance from semitendinosus insertion to tibial plateau (S-T) and the physical characteristics of patients, in order to provide reference for incision design to expose the semitendinosus insertion. Methods The patients with ligament injury who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between January 2022 and December 2022 were selected as the research subjects. The patients’ baseline data were collected, including age, gender, height, and body mass. During reconstruction operation, the S-T was measured. Considering the S-T as the dependent variable and baseline data as the independent variable, multiple linear regression analysis was used to establish a regression equation to determine the possible influencing factors of semitendinosus insertion location. Results According to the selection standard, a total of 214 patients were enrolled, including 156 males and 58 females, aged (27±9) years (14-49 years), with a height of (174.7±6.8) cm (range, 160-196 cm) and a body mass of (73.43±12.35) kg (range, 53-105 kg). The S-T was (56.36±3.61) mm (range, 47-67 mm). The multiple linear regression analysis results showed that the height was positively correlated with S-T (β=0.407, SE=0.055, t=7.543, P<0.001); the regression equation was S-T=?14.701+0.407×height, R2=0.690. ConclusionThere was a linear relationship between the height and semitendinosus insertion. The location of semitendinosus insertion estimated by the formula (S-T=?14.701+0.407×height) is reasonable, which provides a theoretical basis for rapid, accurate, and safe location of semitendinosus insertion and design of surgical incision in clinic.
OBJECTIVE To measure the isometric point of the attachment site in femur during the reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). METHODS Seven fresh knee specimens from cadavers were adopted in this experiment. The anterior, posterior, proximal, distal and central points of the PCL’s femoral attachment site were respectively anchored to the middle of the PCL’s tibial attachment site by the trial isometer wires. The length changes of the intra-articular part of the wires were recorded while the knee was flexed from 0 degree to 120 degrees by a continuous passive motion(CPM) machine. RESULTS The maximal length changes in every points were compared. It showed that the length change in anterior point was the biggest, the distal point was less than that of anterior point, and the proximal point was the least. There was significant difference between proximal and posterior points, but no significant difference between proximal and central points, neither between central and posterior points. All of the maximal length changes of proximal, central and posterior points were not greater than 2 mm. CONCLUSION The femoral tunnel for the PCL reconstruction should be located at the proximal point, which is the middle point of upper edge of femoral attachment site. The selected point for femoral tunnel also may be moved slightly in the direction to central or posterior points according to the needs of operation.
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.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of modified single patellar tunnel medial patella femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation. MethodsBetween January 2023 and June 2023, a total of 61 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation who underwent MPFL reconstruction with autologous semitendinosus were enrolled and divided into 2 groups using random number table method. In the patellar anchor group, 31 patients were treated with MPFL reconstruction with double medial patellar anchors, and 30 patients in the patellar tunnel group were treated with MPFL reconstruction with single patellar tunnel. The femoral ends of both groups were fixed with absorbable compression screws. There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, side, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG), Q angle, Caton-Deschamps index, number of dislocation, and preoperative Kujala score, preoperative patellar inclination angle (P>0.05). Patellar tunnel, patellar anchor position, patellar reduction, and the patellar inclination angle were measured by CT scan after operation. Kujala score was used to evaluate the function of knee joint before operation, at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation. Incision aesthetic satisfaction score was performed at 3 months after operation. The signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) of the transplanted tendon was measured by knee MRI at 12 months after operation to compare the maturity of the graft between the two groups. Results There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05). Knee CT reexamination showed that the patellar tunnel and the patellar anchor position were consistent with the intraoperative fluoroscopy. There was no significant difference in the difference of the patellar inclination angle between the two groups before and after operation (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-14 months (mean, 12.8 months). There was 1 case of patellar anchor suture rejection in patellar anchor group, and the wound healed after debridement and dressing change. During the follow-up, there was no complication such as recurrence of patellar dislocation, infection and postoperative stiffness. The Kujala scores of the two groups significantly improved at each time point after 1 month of operation when compared with those before operation (P<0.05), and the Kujala scores of the two groups returned to normal levels at 3 months after operation. The Kujala score in the patellar tunnel group was significantly higher than that in the patellar anchor group in the very early stage (2 weeks) (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05). Patients in the patellar tunnel group were significantly better than those in the patellar anchor group in the score of incision aesthetic satisfaction at 3 months after operation and the SNQ at 12 months after operation (P<0.05). Conclusion Modified single patellar tunnel MPFL reconstruction was used to treat patients with recurrent patellar dislocation without pathological TT-TG. The slide-fixation structure formed by single patellar tunnel positioning provides a variable degree of freedom for the reconstructed MPFL, which shows good effectiveness in the very early stage of the rehabilitation process.
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.
Objective To make further exploration of the structure characteristics of anterolateral ligament (ALL) and provide clinical reference for diagnosis and treatment of ALL injury, especially for ALL reconstruction through anatomical study of ALL in a Chinese population. Methods Sixteen cadaveric knees, including 8 left knees and 8 right knees with sex ratio of 1∶1 and a mean age of 73.5 years (range, 57-84 years), were dissected to reveal the ALL through a standard approach. A qualitative and a quantitative characterizations of the ALL were performed. Results ALL was seen in 75.0% of the specimens, originating on the lateral femoral epicondyle, proximal and posterior to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). It coursed on LCL or was parallel to LCL, anterodistally to its anterolateral tibial attachment approximately midway between the center of the Gerdy’s tubercle and the lateral margin of the fibular head. A strong connection was observed between the middle part of the ALL and the periphery of the meniscal body of the lateral meniscus. The distance between the center of the insertion and Gerdy’s tubercle was (23.9±3.3) mm; and the distance between the center of the insertion and the lateral margin of the fibular head was (23.8±4.0) mm. The ALL length at 0° and 60° flexion and neutral knee rotation were (44.8±5.1) mm and (47.8±5.5) mm respectively (t=14.071, P=0.000), and the ligament had its great extend at 60° of knee flexion and internal rotation. Furthermore, the ALL length at 0° and 60° flexion of males were both significantly higher than those of females (t=2.920, P=0.015; t=2.806, P=0.019), while other measurements differences were significant between males and females (P>0.05). Conclusion ALL is an independent and a non-isometric ligament located in the anterolateral area to the knee, of which the length is different between males and females. ALL plays a role in rotational stability of the knee, and should be put much emphasis in clinical practice.
ObjectiveTo investigate the technique of optimizing the location of femoral attachment in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction assisted with arthroscopy and evaluate the effectiveness.MethodsBetween January 2014 and September 2018, 35 patients with patellar dislocation were admitted. There were 14 males and 21 females with an average age of 22.6 years (range, 16-38 years). All patients had a history of knee sprain. The disease duration ranged from 1 to 7 days (mean, 2.8 days). Patellar dislocation occurred 2-4 times (mean, 2.5 times). The preoperative Lysholm score and Kujala score were 47.60±11.24 and 48.37±9.79, respectively. The patellar congruence angle was (31.40±6.81)°, the patellar tilt angle was (29.95±5.44)°, the lateral patellofemoral angle was (?11.46±5.18)°, and the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance was (16.66±1.28) mm. All patients were treated by MPFL reconstruction with the semitendinosus tendon under arthroscopy. During operation, the suture anchors were inserted into the midpoint and the 1/3 point of superomedial edge of the patella. Then, the femoral tunnels were created in medial femoral condyle through limited excision. For tendon fixation, the Kirschner wires were inserted into adductor tubercle, medial epicondyle of femur, and the midpoint between the two points, as well as the anteriorly and posteriorly. Afterwards, the changes of ligament length and tension, patellar tracking, and the relationship of patella and femoral trochlea were evaluated, thereby determining the optimized femoral attachment for MPFL reconstruction. Finally, the patellar congruence angle, patellar tilt angle, and lateral patellofemoral angle were measured by imaging to assess the relationship of patella and femoral trochlea. Moreover, Lysholm score and Kujala score were used to evaluate the knee joint function.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention without infection. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 15.4 months). At 12 months, the Lysholm score was 94.40±3.99 and the Kujala score was 92.28±4.13, which were significant higher than those before operation (P<0.05). No patellar dislocation occurred during follow-up. At 12 months, the patellar congruence angle was (6.57±4.59)°, the patellar tilt angle was (9.73±2.82)°, the lateral patellofemoral angle was (7.14±4.63)°, which were superior to those before operation (P<0.05).ConclusionDuring the MPFL reconstruction under arthroscopy, a higher positioning accuracy for the femoral attachment and satisfactory effectiveness can be obtained by evaluating MPFL length and tension, patellofemoral joint kinematics, and patellar tracking.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of arthroscopic binding fixation using suture through single bone tunnel for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial insertion fractures in adults. Methods Between October 2019 and October 2021, 16 patients with PCL tibial insertion fractures were treated with arthroscopic binding fixation using suture through single bone tunnel. There were 11 males and 5 females with an average age of 41.1 years (range, 26-58 years). The fractures were caused by traffic accident in 12 cases and sports in 4 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 10 days with an average of 6.0 days. The fractures were classified as Meyers-McKeever type Ⅱ in 4 cases and type Ⅲ in 9 cases, and Zaricznyi type Ⅳ in 3 cases. There were 2 cases of grade Ⅰ, 7 cases of grade Ⅱ, and 7 cases of grade Ⅲ in the posterior drawer test. There were 3 cases combined with lateral collateral ligament injury and 2 cases with meniscus injury. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and knee range of motion were used to evaluate knee joint function. The posterior drawer test and knee stability tester (Kneelax 3) were used to evaluate knee joint stability. The X-ray films were used to evaluate fracture reduction and healing. Results All incisions healed by first intention after operation. There was no incision infection, popliteal neurovascular injury, or deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs. All patients were followed up 6-12 months, with an average of 10 months. X-ray films at 6 months after operation showed the fractures obtained bone union. There were 11 cases of grade 0, 4 cases of gradeⅠ, and 1 case of grade Ⅱin posterior drawer test, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative results (Z=23.167, P<0.001). The VAS score, Lysholm score, IKDC score, knee range of motion, and the results of Kneelax3 examination all significantly improved when compared with preoperative results (P<0.05). Conclusion For adult patients with PCL tibial insertion fractures, the arthroscopic binding fixation using suture through single bone tunnel has the advantages of minimal trauma, good fracture reduction, reliable fixation, and fewer complications. The patient’s knee joint function recovers well.