The Influence of Different Hamstrings Assemblies on the Final Graft Diameter in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / A influência de diferentes montagens dos tendões flexores no diâmetro final do enxerto na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare gracilis and semitendinosus tendon graft diameters in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using quadruple, quintuple, and sextuple assemblies. Another objective was to evaluate the percentage of patients in which each assembly type is possible, depending on the length of each free tendon. Methods Seventy-one patients underwent ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons. We measured the diameters of the quadruple, quintuple, and sextuple assemblies in all patients. We recorded tendon length and graft diameter from three assembly types. Results Assembly comparison showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). In each assembly, graft diameter increased by 1 mm, a statistically significant value (p < 0.001). In 2.8% of patients, the only potential assembly was the quadruple assembly because the free lengths of the 2 tendons removed were lower than 24 cm. The quintuple assembly was possible in 23.9% of subjects, as only the semitendinosus had a minimum length of 24 cm. The sextuple assembly was possible in 73.2% of patients because both tendons were at least 24 cm in length. Conclusion A quintuple or sextuple assembly is possible in 97.2% of cases since the final graft length of at least 8 cm is statistically significant between comparisons.

Resumo Objetivo Buscamos comparar o diâmetro dos enxertos com utilização dos tendões grácil e semitendíneo na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) utilizando as montagens quádrupla, quíntupla e sêxtupla. Outro objetivo é avaliar em qual porcentagem de pacientes é possível cada tipo de montagem, em função do comprimento de cada tendão livre. Métodos Setenta e um pacientes foram submetidos à reconstrução do LCA utilizando tendões isquitibiais. Foram medidos os diâmetros das montagens quádrupla, quíntupla e sêxtupla em todos pacientes. Registramos os comprimento dos tendões e o diâmetro do enxerto com os três tipos de montagens. Resultados As comparações entre as montagens mostraram diferença estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,001). A cada montagem, aumentou 1 mm o diâmetro do enxerto e isso foi estatisticamente significativo (p < 0,001). Em 2,8% dos pacientes, somente a montagem quádrupla foi possível, pois os comprimentos livres dos 2 tendões retirados foram menores que 24 cm. Em 23,9% desses, foi possível a montagem quíntupla; pois somente o semitendíneo tinha comprimento mínimo de 24 cm e, em 73,2%, foi possível a montagem sêxtupla com o comprimento dos 2 tendões igual ou superior a 24 cm. Conclusão Em 97,2% dos casos foi possível realizar a montagem quíntupla ou sêxtupla, já que o comprimento final do enxerto de no mínimo 8 cm apresenta diferença estatisticamente significante entre as comparações.

The interpretation of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons "management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries evidence-based clinical practice guideline (2022)" / 中华骨科杂志

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common sports injury, which can lead to the knee unstable, make it difficult for the patient to return to sports, and cause post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The difficulty of its clinical diagnosis and treatment has always been the focus of sports medicine research. In August 2022, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons updated and published "evidence-based clinical practice guideline on management of ACL injuries (2022 version)" based on the "evidence-based clinical practice guideline on management of ACL injuries (2014 version)". In the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ACL injuries, the new guideline offers 8 recommendations and 7 options according to different evidence strength. To assist clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of ACL injuries, this article provides an interpretation of the new guideline. In comparison to the 2014 version, the new guideline does not recommend allografts any more, shortens the time for reconstruction after ACL injury from 5 months to 3 months, adds advice that ACL reconstruction can be combined with anterolateral ligament reconstruction or lateral extra-articular tenodesis, and does not recommend ACL repair. The new guideline also shares many similarities with the domestic "clinical evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury (2022 version)", both of which advocate history and physical examination at diagnosis, early reconstruction, the use of autologous bone-patellar tendon-bone or hamstring tendon, and either single-bundle or double-bundle ACL reconstruction. The new ACL guidelines of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons lack specific recommendations on artificial ligaments, techniques for bone tunnel creation, and rehabilitation programs, all of which are of concern to domestic physicians because they are based on evidence-based research from abroad. Therefore, in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of ACL injuries in China, clinicians should not only follow the new ACL guidelines of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, but also combine the characteristics of Chinese patients, clinical practice, and pertinent domestic guidelines when diagnosing and treating ACL injuries.

Monitoring changes of anterior patellar tendon in amateur marathon athletes using ultra-short echo time magnetization transfer technology / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the value of ultra-short echo time magnetization transfer (UTE-MT) techniques for quantitatively dynamic monitoring of anterior patellar tendon (patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon) changes in amateur marathon runners before and after competition.Methods:Between October 2020 and January 2021, 23 amateur marathoners in Zhuhai, aged 28-50 (40±6) years, were prospectively recruited. Three-dimensional UTE-MT and dual-echo UTE-T 2* sequence scans of bilateral knee joints were performed before, 48 hours and 4 weeks after the marathon running, respectively. Another 5 non-running volunteers were recruited for verification of sequence stability. UTE-magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and UTE-T 2* value of the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and 3 tendon-bone insertion points (patellar tendon-tibial insertion point, patellar tendon-patellar insertion point, and quadriceps tendon-patellar insertion point) were measured independently on sagittal images of the knee joint by 2 radiologists. The stability of the 2 serial measurements and consistency tests between the 2 radiologists were assessed with a two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in UTE-MTR and UTE-T 2* values of the prepatellar tendon before and after the marathon running. Results:Both UTE-MT and dual-echo UTE-T 2* sequence measurements had good stability, with ICC values of 0.98 and 0.92, respectively. Measurements of UTE-MTR and UTE-T 2* value of the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and the 3 tendon-bone insertion points by the 2 radiologists were in good agreement (ICC>0.80). Forty-eight hours after the marathon running, the UTE-MTR of the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and the 3 tendon-bone insertion points decreased, and UTE-MTR of the patellar tendon continued to decrease 4 weeks after the race, while UTE-MTR of other regions increased. Only the difference in UTE-MTR for the patellar tendon was statistically significant ( F=7.46, P=0.001) among pre-marathon (0.34±0.04), 48 h after the race (0.32±0.04), and 4 weeks after the race (0.31±0.04). UTE-T 2* value was mildly elevated in all regions at 48 h after the marathon running, but the differences among the three points were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The UTE-MT has better reproducibility and inter-rater reliability. The UTE-MT can be used to monitor the dynamic changes of the prepatellar tendon before and after marathon exercise, where the UTE-MTR of the patellar tendon consistently decreases after marathon exercise.

Fibroma of the Patellar Tendon Sheath: A New Paradigm / Fibroma da bainha do tendão patelar: Um novo paradigma

Abstract The authors present a case of fibroma of the tendon sheath with intra-articular location in the knee, more specifically in the infrapatellar fat; with this specific location, this is the fourth case described of an entity that rarely affects large joints. Clinical and epidemiologi-cal aspects, but especially the imaging findings on magnetic resonance imaging scans, are essential for the differential and definitive diagnosis, which was nevertheless established only after a histological study of the excised mass by miniarthrotomy.

Resumo Os autores apresentam um caso de um fibroma da bainha de tendão com localização intra-articular no joelho e origem na gordura infrapatelar. Esta localização específica é extremamente rara, sendo este o quarto caso descrito de uma entidade que raramente afeta grandes articulações. Para o seu diagnóstico aspetos clínicos, epidemiológicos e sobretudo achados imagiológicos da ressonância magnética são fundamentais. Neste caso o diagnóstico definitvo foi apenas estabelecido após estudo histológico da massa excisada por mini-artrotomia.

Patellar fracture in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: in vitro analysis / Fratura patelar na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior: análise in vitro

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine, by biomechanical analysis, safe patellar cut limits in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction that minimize fracture risks. Methods: From three-dimensional reconstruction, triangular cuts were made in the patella, with a depth of 6.5 mm and variable width and length (10 to 20 mm and 8 to 12 mm, respectively, both with an interval of 1 mm). The combinations of cuts constituted 55 models for tests, with five variations in width and 11 variations in length, tested with the finite element method (FEM). Results: The mean of the localized principal maximum (traction force) values was 4.36 Pa (SD 0.87 ± 0.76) and the localized principal minimum (compression force) was −4.33 Pa (SD 1.05 ± 1.11). Comparing width and length to the tension force of the values of the main maximum, we found statistical significance from 11 mm for width and 13 mm for length. Conclusion: In ACL reconstruction, the removal of the patellar bone fragment is safe for fragments smaller than 11 mm in width and 13 mm in length, which corresponds to 24% of the width and 28% of the length of the patella used. Level of Evidence II, Comparative Prospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar, por meio de análise biomecânica, os limites de corte patelar seguros para a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e que minimizem riscos de fratura. Métodos: A partir de reconstrução tridimensional, foram feitos cortes triangulares na patela, com profundidade de 6,5 mm e largura e comprimento variáveis (8 a 12 mm e 10 a 20 mm), respectivamente, com intervalo de 1 mm). As combinações dos cortes constituíram 55 modelos para ensaios, com 5 variações de largura e 11 variações de comprimento, ensaiados por meio do método dos elementos finitos (MEF). Resultados: A média dos valores da máxima principal localizada (força de tração) foi de 4,36 Pa (DP 0,87 ± 0,76), e a mínima principal localizada (força de compressão) foi de −4,33 Pa (DP 1,05 ± 1,11). Comparando largura e comprimento à força de tensões dos valores da máxima principal, houve significância estatística a partir de 11 mm para largura e 13 mm para comprimento. Conclusão: Na reconstrução do LCA, a retirada do fragmento ósseo patelar mostrou-se segura para fragmentos menores que 11 mm de largura e 13 mm de comprimento, o que corresponde a 24% da largura e 28% do comprimento da patela utilizada. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Prospectivo Comparativo.

The efficacy of absorbable interface screw combined with bone tunnel on knee ligament fractures / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of absorbable interface screw combined with bone tunnel on knee ligament fractures.Methods:One hundred and twenty patients with fractures of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) admitted to Shanxian Haijiya Hospital from January 2018 to April 2020 were selected and according to the random number table method, they were divided into the absorbable group and the metal group, with 60 cases in each group. They adopted absorbable interface screw combined with bone tunnel and metal screw combined with bone tunnel respectively. The clinical efficacy, Lysholm knee function score, bone broadening degree and the incidence of postoperative complications of the two groups were compared.Results:The excellent and good rate in the absorbable group was higher than that in the metal group: 93.33%(56/60) vs. 80.00%(48/60), χ2 = 4.62, P<0.05. After operation for 3 and 6 months, the Lysholm knee fuction scores in the absorbable group were higher than those in the metal group: (78.42 ± 5.26) scores vs. (70.41 ± 4.28) scores, (92.57 ± 6.34) scores vs. (88.26 ± 6.30) scores, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). After operation for 6 months, the broadening degree of the bone tunnels of femur anteroposterior projection, femur lateral position, leg anteroposterior projection, leg lateral position in the absorbable group were lower than those in the metal group: (2.34 ± 0.55) mm vs. (3.18 ± 0.71) mm, (2.31 ± 0.42) mm vs. (3.20 ± 0.61) mm, (2.80 ± 0.77) mm vs. (3.23 ± 0.72) mm, (2.82 ± 0.51) mm vs. (3.22 ± 0.62) mm, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the absorbable group was lower than that in the metal group: 5.00%(3/60) vs. 16.67%(10/60), χ2 = 4.23, P<0.05. Conclusions:Absorbable interface screw combined with bone tunnel for ACL fractures can effectively improve clinical efficacy, promote knee joint rehabilitation, reduce postoperative bone canal width, and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

Efectos del autoinjerto hueso-tendón patelar-hueso sobre la posición articular y la fuerza en pacientes con reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior / Effects of bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft on joint position and strength in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue comparar el déficit propioceptivo a través del Joint position sense (JPS) y Force steadiness en pacientes con reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) injerto hueso-tendón patelar-hueso (HTH) 6 a 12 meses postcirugía. Participaron 15 pacientes (13 hombres y 2 mujeres, 25,5 ± 1,3 años) con reconstrucción de LCA con autoinjerto HTH y 20 personas sin lesión del LCA (19 hombres y 1 mujer, 24,1 ± 0,8 años). Para evaluar la sensación de posición de la articulación de la rodilla se midió la Joint position sense (JPS) en tres rangos: 0°-30°, 31°-60° y 61°-90° y la sensación de fuerza del cuádriceps fue evaluada con la prueba Force steadiness (FS) al 15 % de la contracción voluntaria máxima (CVM), ambas pruebas realizadas 6 a 12 meses post cirugía. Los resultados mostraron que no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la sensación de la posición articular (JPS 0°-30°) (p=0.564) y 31°-60° (p=0.681), mientras que en el rango 61°-90° (p=0.003) existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En las mediciones de sensación de fuerza del cuádriceps (FS al 15 % CVM) entre los pacientes operados de LCA técnica HTH y el grupo control no hubo diferencias estadísticas (p= 0.987) La sensación de la fuerza del cuádriceps medida con la prueba FS al 15 % CVM no presentaría déficit entre los 6 a 12 meses en pacientes post operados de LCA al ser comparados con sujetos sin lesión ni cirugía de este ligamento. Se concluye que la sensación de la posición articular medida con la prueba JPS en en tres rangos articulares de pacientes con reconstrucción de LCA injerto HTH 6 a 12 meses post cirugía sólo mostró alteraciones en el rango de 61°- 90° al ser comparado con el grupo control, lo cual indica que la sensación de la posición articular presenta un déficit en este rango específico.

SUMMARY: The aim of the study was to compare the proprioceptive deficit through the Joint position sense (JPS) and Force steadiness in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) bone-patellar tendon-bone graft (PTH) reconstruction 6 to 12 months post-surgery. Fifteen patients (13 men and 2 women, 25.5 ± 1.3 years) with ACL reconstruction with HTH autograft and 20 persons without ACL injury (19 men and 1 woman, 24.1 ± 0.8 years) participated. To assess knee joint position sensation, Joint position sense (JPS) was measured in three ranges: 0°-30°, 31°- 60° and 61°-90° and quadriceps strength sensation was assessed with the Force steadiness (FS) test at 15 % of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), both tests performed 6 to 12 months post surgery. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in joint position sensation (JPS 0°-30°) (p=0.564) and 31°-60° (p=0.681), while in the range 61°-90° (p=0.003) there were statistically significant differences. In the quadriceps strength sensation measurements (FS at 15 % CVM) between the patients operated on ACL HTH technique and the control group there were no statistical differences (p= 0.987). The quadriceps strength sensation measured with the FS test at 15 % CVM would not present a deficit between 6 to 12 months in post- operated ACL patients when compared to subjects without injury or surgery of this ligament. It is concluded that the joint position sensation measured with the JPS test in three joint ranges of patients with ACL reconstruction HTH graft 6 to 12 months post surgery only showed alterations in the range of 61°- 90° when compared to the control group, indicating that the joint position sensation presents a deficit in this specific range.

Algunas especificidades en torno a la rótula baja / Some specificities around the low patella

La rótula baja es una enfermedad infrecuente, de causa congénita o adquirida, caracterizada por dolor en la zona anterior de la rodilla y limitación del movimiento articular. La radiografía simple, en proyección lateral, ayuda al diagnóstico a través de determinadas mediciones; asimismo, el tratamiento conservador no resulta muy exitoso, de ahí que las modalidades quirúrgicas son más empleadas. Debido a la importancia de esta temática y a la escasa información disponible en la bibliografía nacional e internacional, en el presente artículo se comenta brevemente al respecto, con el objetivo de brindar información sobre esta enfermedad para que sirva como guía de trabajo.

The low patella is an uncommon disease, of congenital or acquired cause, characterized by pain in the anterior area of the knee and limitation of the articular movement. The simple x-ray, in lateral projection, helps to make a diagnosis through certain measurements; also, the conservative treatment is not very successful, so that surgical modalities are the most used. Due to the importance of this subject matter and the lack of information available in the national and international bibliography, it is shortly commented in this work, aimed at offering information on this disease so that it serves as working guide.

Oxidative Stress and Abnormal Tendon Sonographic Features in Elite Soccer Players (A Pilot Study) / Estresse oxidativo e características ultrassonográficas do tendão anormal em jogadores de futebol de elite (um estudo piloto)

Abstract Objective Sound experimental data suggest that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of tendinopathies. However, this hypothesis in humans remains speculative given that clinical data are lacking to confirm it. Recently, a new methodology has allowed to quantify the oxidative stress in vivo by measuring the concentration of hydroperoxides of organic compounds, which have been utilized as an oxidative stressrelated marker in several pathologic and physiologic conditions. Given the reliability of this test and the lack of information in subjects with tendinopathies, the aim of the present study was to assess the oxidative stress status in elite professional soccer players with and without ultrasonographic features of tendon damage. Methods In 73 elite players, blood metabolic parameters were evaluated and oxidative stress was measured by means of a specific test (expressed as U-Carr units). Therefore, an ultrasonographic evaluation of the Achilles and patellar tendons was performed. Results No significant relationships were observed between metabolic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. The Achilles and patellar tendons showed a normal echographic pattern in 58 athletes, and sonographic abnormalities in 15. The athletes with ultrasonographic alterations, compared to those with normal US picture, showed significantly higher U-Carr levels (p = 0.000), body mass index (BMI) values (p = 0.03) and were older (p = 0.005). The difference in U-Carr values among the subjects remained significant also after adjustment for age and BMI. Conclusion The results of the present study support the hypothesis that oxidative substances, also increasedat systemicand notonlyat local level, mayfavor tendon damage. Level of Evidence IV (pilot study).

Resumo Objetivo Dados experimentais ultrassonográficos sugerem que o estresse oxidativo desempenha um papel importante na patogênese das tendinopatias. No entanto, essa hipótese permanece especulativa em humanos, dado que faltam dados clínicos para comprová-la. Recentemente, uma nova metodologia permitiu quantificar o estresse oxidativo in vivo medindo a concentração de hidroperóxidos de compostos orgânicos, que tem sido utilizada como um marcador relacionado ao estresse oxidativo em várias condições patológicas e fisiológicas. Dada a confiabilidade desse teste e a falta de informação em sujeitos com tendinopatias, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o status de estresse oxidativo em jogadores profissionais de elite com e sem características ultrassonográficas de dano tendinoso. Métodos Em 73 jogadores de elite foram avaliados parâmetros metabólicos e o estresse oxidativo foi medido por meio de um teste específico (expresso como unidades U-Carr). Por isso, foi realizada uma avaliação ultrassonográfica dos tendões de Aquiles e patelar. Resultados Não foram observadas relações significativas entre parâmetros metabólicos e biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo. Os tendões de Aquiles e patelar mostraram um padrão ecográfico normal em 58 atletas, e anormalidades ultrassonográficas em 15. Os atletas com alterações, em comparação com aqueles com quadro normal, apresentaram níveis significativamente mais elevados de U-Carr (p = 0,000), índice de massa corporal (IMC) (p = 0,03) e eram mais velhos (p = 0,005). A diferença nos valores de U-Carr entre os sujeitos permaneceu significativa também após ajuste por idade e IMC. Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo corroboram a hipótese de que as substâncias oxidativas, também aumentadas a nível sistêmico e não apenas a nível local, podem favorecer danos no tendão. Nível de Evidência IV (estudo piloto).

Retorno deportivo luego de reconstrucción primaria de ligamento cruzado anterior con injerto hueso-tendón patelar-hueso autólogo: análisis de factores relacionados / Return to play after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft: analysis of related factors

OBJECTIVE: Analyze return to sports and related factors after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Observational descriptive study. 173 patients operated by the same surgeon and standardized technique (patellar autograft) who answered a questionnaire at least 12 months post procedure were included. Questionnaire included Subjective IKDC, Tegner activity level (Pre and Postoperative) and questions elaborated by the group. RESULTS: Mean age was 30.8 years, 85% were men, 73% practiced soccer and median postoperative IKDC was 71. Follow up until questionnaire response was 28 months. Males had a better return to sports than females (70% vs 48%, p » 0.037). Tegner preinjury level was 5 vs 4.3 postoperative, (p < 0.001). Return to sports was 67% according to Tegner scale and 66% by self-assessment. Return to similar previous activity level was 57% by Tegner scale but 24% by direct questions. Of those patients, 51% have fear of reinjury and 26% by reasons other than knee or surgery. We didn't find association between meniscal injuries and return to sports rate. Patients with chondral injuries had lower rates in return to sports (35% vs 60%, p » 0.002). Subjects that returned to sports had higher IKDC scores (73.5 vs 64.3, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found 67% return to sports and 57% to the preinjury level. Positive return to sports factors were male sex, absence of chondral injury and better functional outcome. Psychological factors such as fear of injury is frequent in patients who don't achieve previous levels of activity.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar el retorno deportivo y factores asociados tras la reconstrucción primaria de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se incluyeron 173 operados entre 2014 y 2017 por el mismo cirujano, los cuales contestaron un cuestionario al menos 12 meses después de la cirugía. El cuestionario incluye IKDC subjetivo, Tegner activity level (pre y post operatorio) y preguntas de elaboración propia. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio es 30,8 años, el 85% son hombres, el 73% practicaba fútbol y la mediana del IKDC fue 71. La media de meses hasta responder el cuestionario fue de 28 meses. Tegner pre-lesión promedio fue de 5 vs 4,3 postoperatorio, p < 0,001. Según la escala Tegner el 57% retorna al mismo nivel previo, sin embargo, de acuerdo con el cuestionario propio solo el 24% lo haría. De ese subgrupo, el 51% tiene temor a lesionarse de nuevo y el 26% reporta razones no relacionadas a la rodilla. No encontramos asociación entre lesiones meniscales y la tasa de retorno. Aquellos que retornan tienen menor prevalencia de lesiones condrales (35% vs 60%, p » 0,002). Los pacientes que retornaron tuvieron un IKDC superior (73,5 vs 64,3, p < 0,001). El sexo masculino tiene una tasa de retorno de 70% vs 48% de su contraparte femenina (p » 0,037). CONCLUSIONES: El 67% retorna al deporte y el 57% lo hace al mismo nivel. Factores positivos relacionados al retorno fueron sexo masculino, ausencia de lesión condral y mejor resultado funcional. Factores psicológicos con el miedo a lesionarse de nuevo son frecuentes en pacientes que no recuperan el nivel previo.